Abstract: Systems and methods are described and illustrated for percutaneously implanting a stimulation lead for treating sleep-related disordered breathing.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically implementing a therapy for treating sleep disordered breathing.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described and illustrated for percutaneously implanting a stimulation lead for treating sleep-related disordered breathing.

Abstract: An electrode lead assembly is described. The lead assembly includes an expandable cuff electrode that includes a series of spaced apart electrode elements and a substantially re-closable opening.

Abstract: An electrode lead assembly is described. The lead assembly includes an expandable cuff electrode that includes a series of spaced apart electrode elements and a substantially re-closable opening.

Abstract: An electrode cuff includes a first elongate portion and a second elongate portion. The first elongate portion is configured to removably contact a length of a nerve while the second elongate portion extends outwardly at an angle relative to a first side edge of the first elongate portion to at least partially wrap about the nerve. The electrode cuff includes a first series of electrodes that is spaced apart longitudinally along the first elongate portion. A width of the second elongate portion is sized to fit between adjacent branches extending from a nerve.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically implementing a therapy for treating sleep disordered breathing.

Abstract: A stimulation protocol determination system includes an input module and a selector module. The input module is provided to receive an indication of an upper airway flow limitation via sensed respiratory effort information. The selection module is provided to automatically select, based on the indicated upper airway flow limitation, a stimulation protocol.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for applying a treatment therapy for sleep disordered breathing. The system includes a sensing module configured to sense physiologic conditions and an implantable pulse generator in communication with the sensing module and including an automatic therapy manager. The automatic therapy manager operates in a first state to detect sleep indicative behavior, a second state to detect sleep disordered breathing behavior, and a third state to apply a nerve stimulation signal.

Abstract: An electrode cuff includes a first elongate portion and a second elongate portion. The first elongate portion is configured to removably contact a length of a nerve while the second elongate portion extends outwardly at an angle relative to a first side edge of the first elongate portion to at least partially wrap about the nerve. The electrode cuff includes a first series of electrodes that is spaced apart longitudinally along the first elongate portion. A width of the second elongate portion is sized to fit between adjacent branches extending from a nerve.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ablating a target tissue are discussed. Such methods and apparatus include those that simplify tissue ablation. For example, a tissue ablation device having an actuator, such as a trigger mechanism, coupled to a power source and an electrode is discussed. A single step of engaging the actuator causes the electrode to be introduced into the target tissue and causes energy to be delivered from the power supply to the tissue via the electrode. Devices that include an electrode actuator for causing the electrode to be introduced into the target tissue and a fluid actuator for causing the fluid to flow to the target tissue are also discussed. Methods of causing the electrode to be introduced into the target tissue and fluid to flow to the target tissue with a single step and more than one step are also discussed.

Abstract: An intra-luminal medical device includes a fixation mechanism to attach the medical device to tissue within a body lumen, and a detachment mechanism to permit selective detachment of the medical device from the tissue attachment site without the need for endoscopic or surgical intervention. An electromagnetic device may be provided to mechanically actuate the detachment mechanism. Alternatively, a fuse link may be electrically blown to detach the medical device. As a further alternative, a rapidly degradable bonding agent may be exposed to a degradation agent to detach the medical device from a bonding surface within the body lumen. The medical device may eliminate problems associated with uncertain and inconsistent detachment of intra-luminal medical devices.

Abstract: An electrode cuff includes a first elongate portion and a second elongate portion. The first elongate portion is configured to removably contact a length of a nerve while the second elongate portion extends outwardly at an angle relative to a first side edge of the first elongate portion to at least partially wrap about the nerve. The electrode cuff includes a first series of electrodes that is spaced apart longitudinally along the first elongate portion. A width of the second elongate portion is sized to fit between adjacent branches extending from a nerve.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying a stimulation location on a nerve is disclosed. The system includes an image-based navigation interface used to facilitate advancing a stimulation element within a patient body toward a target nerve stimulation site. Using the system one determines, separately for each potential target nerve stimulation site, a neuromuscular response of muscles produced upon applying a stimulation signal at the respective separate potential target stimulation sites. The image-based navigation interface is configured to display a graphic identification of which muscles were activated for each respective potential target nerve stimulation site upon applying the stimulation signal.

Abstract: An expandable electrode cuff of an implantable stimulation system that includes a base member, a first flange member extending from a proximal end along a first side wall of the base member to a first distal end, and a second flange member extending from a proximal end along a second side wall of the base member to a second distal end. The first flange member extends over both a top wall of the base member and the second flange member, and the second flange member extends over the top wall to form a lumen. The electrode cuff is capable of being advanced between a first position corresponding to both flange members extending over the top wall, a second position corresponding to the first flange member not extending over the top wall and the second flange member extending over the top wall, and a third position corresponding to both of the flange members not extending over the top wall.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ablating a target tissue are discussed. Such methods and apparatus include those that simplify tissue ablation. For example, a tissue ablation device having an actuator, such as a trigger mechanism, coupled to a power source and an electrode is discussed. A single step of engaging the actuator causes the electrode to be introduced into the target tissue and causes energy to be delivered from the power supply to the tissue via the electrode. By way of additional example, a tissue ablation device having an actuator coupled to a fluid source and an electrode is discussed. A single step of engaging the actuator causes conductive fluid to flow from the fluid source to the target tissue location and causes the electrode to be introduced to the target tissue location. The fluid source may be a conductive fluid, such as saline, which may increase the efficiency of ablation. Various other configurations and methods that simplify tissue ablation are also discussed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described and illustrated for percutaneously implanting a stimulation lead for treating sleep-related disordered breathing.

Abstract: A one-piece, single-use disposable device for transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) of prostate tissue to alleviate BPH is disclosed. The device may include a flexible catheter tip including a rigid core and a flexible tip. The device may also include a single use lockout to help ensure that the device is used to perform only one ablation procedure on a single patient. The device may further include a simplified needle deployment mechanism and/or an automatic needle retraction mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically implementing a therapy for treating sleep disordered breathing.

Abstract: A system and method for treating sleep apnea includes inserting an implantable pulse generator subcutaneously within a body of a patient and connecting a lead to the pulse generator. The lead is inserted within the vasculature and advanced transvenously through the vasculature until a stimulation portion of the lead becomes positioned in close proximity to the hypoglossal nerve. A nerve-stimulation signal is applied to the hypoglossal nerve via the stimulation portion of the lead.