Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for producing a virtual electrode within or upon a tissue to be treated with radio frequency alternating electric current, such tissues including but not limited to liver, lung, cardiac, prostate, breast, and vascular tissues and neoplasms. An apparatus in accord with the present invention includes a supply of a conductive or electrolytic fluid to be provided to the patient, an alternating current generator, and a processor for creating, maintaining, and controlling the ablation process by the interstitial or surficial delivery of the fluid to a tissue and the delivery of electric power to the tissue via the virtual electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for producing a virtual electrode within or upon a tissue to be treated with radio frequency alternating electric current, such tissues including but not limited to liver, lung, cardiac, prostate, breast, and vascular tissues and neoplasms. An apparatus in accord with the present invention includes a supply of a conductive or electrolytic fluid to be provided to the patient, an alternating current generator, and a processor for creating, maintaining, and controlling the ablation process by the interstitial or surficial delivery of the fluid to a tissue and the delivery of electric power to the tissue via the virtual electrode.

Abstract: The invention is directed to lead configurations for sensors that allow for less invasive sensor replacement procedures. In one configuration, a sensor lead assembly includes an outer lead body and an inner lead including a sensor such as an electrochemical glucose sensor. The inner lead can be positioned in an inner conduit of the outer lead body. The outer lead body may be substantially permanently implanted in the patient, and the inner lead can be implanted through the inner conduit of the outer lead body. Once the sensor of the inner lead has worn out or otherwise exhausted its useful life, the inner lead can be removed, and a new inner lead can be implanted in place of the old inner lead.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring and communicating parameters of a brain, tissue, or other organs is disclosed. The system includes a sensor to sense the parameter of interest, an external device where the parameter may be displayed, processed or cause action to be taken, and a communication system to communicate the sensed parameter from the sensor to the external device. In another embodiment, the system includes a processing system for processing the sensed parameters and controlling an associated medical device.

Abstract: A method and system for programming settings of a medical device surgically implanted within a body of a patient. The system comprises a physician programmer, a patient programmer, an external neural stimulator, and a telemetry component being in communication with the implanted medical device, the external neural stimulator, and the physician programmer. The implantable medical device may be programmed using a two-phase process, a screening phase and an implant phase. During the screening phase, the physician and patient programmers may be used to roughly test the parameters of the stimulation to determine that the treatment therapy is efficacious. During the implant phase, the same physician and patient programmers may be used to fine tune the parameters of the stimulation.

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: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for producing a virtual electrode within or upon a tissue to be treated with radio frequency alternating electric current, such tissues including but not limited to liver, lung, cardiac, prostate, breast, and vascular tissues and neoplasms. An apparatus in accord with the present invention includes a supply of a conductive or electrolytic fluid to be provided to the patient, an alternating current generator, and a processor for creating, maintaining, and controlling the ablation process by the interstitial or surficial delivery of the fluid to a tissue and the delivery of electric power to the tissue via the virtual electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for producing a virtual electrode within or upon a tissue to be treated with radio frequency alternating electric current, such tissues including but not limited to brain, liver, cardiac, prostate, breast, and vascular tissues and neoplasms. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a source of super-cooled fluid for selectively providing super-cooled fluid to the target tissue to cause a temporary cessation of cellular or electrical activity, a supply of conductive or electrolytic fluid to be provided to the target tissue, and alternating current generator, and a processor for creating, maintaining, and controlling the ablation process by the interstitial or surficial delivery of the fluid to a tissue and the delivery of electric power to the tissue via the virtual electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for producing a virtual electrode within or upon a tissue to be treated with radio frequency alternating electric current, such tissues including but not limited to liver, lung, cardiac, prostate, breast, and vascular tissues and neoplasms. An apparatus in accord with the present invention includes a supply of a conductive or electrolytic fluid to be provided to the patient, an alternating current generator, and a processor for creating, maintaining, and controlling the ablation process by the interstitial or surficial delivery of the fluid to a tissue and the delivery of electric power to the tissue via the virtual electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for producing a virtual electrode within or upon a tissue to be treated with radio frequency alternating electric current. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a supply of a conductive or electrolytic fluid to be provided to the patient, an alternative current generator, and a processor for creating, maintaining and controlling the ablation process by the interstitial or surficial delivery of the fluid to a tissue and the delivery of electric power to the tissue via the virtual electrode. The method in accordance with the invention includes the steps of delivering a conductive fluid to a predetermined tissue ablation site for a predetermined time period, applying a predetermined power level of radio frequency current to the tissue, monitoring at least one of several parameters and adjusting either the applied power and/or the fluid flow in response to the measured parameters.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for producing a virtual electrode within or upon a tissue to be treated with radio frequency alternating electric current, such tissues including but not limited to brain, liver, cardiac, prostate, breast, and vascular tissues and neoplasms. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a source of super-cooled fluid for selectively providing super-cooled fluid to the target tissue to cause a temporary cessation of cellular or electrical activity, a supply of conductive or electrolytic fluid to be provided to the target tissue, and alternating current generator, and a processor for creating, maintaining, and controlling the ablation process by the interstitial or surficial delivery of the fluid to a tissue and the delivery of electric power to the tissue via the virtual electrode.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring and communicating parameters of a brain, tissue or other organs is disclosed. The invention includes a sensor to sense the parameter of interest. The sensor is preferably located at the distal end of a probe. In the preferred embodiment, the sensor is part of a passive system that allows pressure or temperature measurements to be made and communicated to an attending practitioner when the passive system receives power from an external source. In an alternate embodiment, the sensor is part of a system having a long-term energy source and storage system that allows pressure or temperature measurements to be taken periodically or upon demand, stored and then communicated to an attending practitioner as desired. The invention also includes, in one embodiment, a method for measuring and communicating parameters of a brain, tissue or other organs.

Abstract: An information remote monitor (IRM) is implemented to collect medical device data locally in a patient's home for transmission to a remote location. Specifically, the IRM integrates data from an external pressure reference (EPR) and an implanted medical device (IMD), preferably the Chronicle®, for remote transmission to a server or a clinical center for follow-up, monitoring and evaluation. The IRM utilizes wireless telemetry to downlink to the IMD and directly engages the EPR to download barometric pressure data to correct cardiac pressure readings from the Chronicle® or IMD. The IRM may be connected serially to a PC and the PC may control the functions of the IRM. In the alternate, the PC may be used to transfer data from the IRM, through a Web-enabled network system, to a server or a remote location. The IRM utilizes an integral modem to dial a server and transfer patient data via FTP, PPP and TC/PIP protocols.

Abstract: A flash EEPROM memory device including a plurality of blocks of flash EEPROM memory cells arranged to be accessed in rows and columns, a query memory storing data defining characteristics of the flash memory device that may be used to initialize software device drivers for accessing the device, and an interface for receiving data and commands addressed to the blocks of flash EEPROM memory cells and generating signals for affecting the purpose of the commands in the flash EEPROM memory device, the interface adapted to receive a command scaled to a range of characteristics of a particular flash EEPROM memory device and respond by returning the data stored in the query memory as output depending on characteristics of the particular flash EEPROM memory device.

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: A method of protecting the accuracy of sector of data while the writing the sector of data into a block of a solid state memory disk. First, a sector offset is written into the block to indicate where within the data space of the block the sector data will be located. Second, the sector of data is written into the block. Afterward, the logical sector number that identifies the sector of data is written into the block in two steps. The first step in writing the logical sector number is to write a selected invalid logical sector number into the block. Next, the selected invalid sector number is converted into the valid sector number by programming a power-off bit of the selected invalid logical sector number. Thus, whenever power to the solid state disk is next turned on, the loss of a sector of data and the validity of the sector of data can be determined. The loss of a sector of data is identified by locating a header in the block whose only valid data is the sector offset.