Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for enhancing cardiac pacing generally provide for measuring at least one cardiac characteristic, calculating at least one cardiac performance parameter based on the measured characteristic(s), and adjusting at least one functional parameter of a cardiac pacing device. Devices may include at least one catheter (such as a multiplexed catheter with one or more sensors and/or actuators), at least one implant (such as a sensor implantable in a heart wall), or a combination of both. Various cardiac performance parameters and/or pacing device performance parameters may be weighted, and the parameters and their respective weights may be used to determine one or more adjustments to be made to the pacing device. In some instances, the adjustments are made automatically.

Abstract: Implantable cardiac motion powered piezoelectric energy sources are provided. Aspects of the subject implantable energy sources they include a piezoelectric transducer that converts cardiac mechanical energy to electrical energy. The subject energy sources find use in a variety of applications, including providing power to a wide range of implantable devices.

Abstract: Low voltage oscillators that provide a stable output frequency with varying supply voltage are provided. The subject oscillators find use in a variety of different types of devices, e.g., medical devices, including both implantable and ex-vivo devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention enable robust, reliable control functionality for effectors present on intraluminal, e.g., vascular leads, as well as other types of implantable devices. Embodiments of the invention enable the required functionality for accurate long term control of effectors units, even ones present on multiplex carrier configurations, while provide for low power consumption. Aspects of the invention include implantable integrated circuits that have power extraction; energy storage; communication; and device configuration functional blocks, where these functional blocks are all present in a single integrated circuit on an intraluminal-sized support. Also provided by the invention are effector assemblies that include the integrated circuits, as well as implantable medical devices, e.g., pulse generators that include the same, as well as systems and kits thereof and methods of using the same, e.g., in pacing applications, including cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) applications.

Abstract: Implantable pressure sensors and methods for making and using the same are provided. A feature of embodiments of the subject pressure sensors is that they are low-drift sensors. The subject sensors find use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: Ingestible event marker systems that include an ingestible event marker (i.e., an IEM) and a personal signal receiver are provided. Embodiments of the IEM include an identifier, which may or may not be present in a physiologically acceptable carrier. The identifier is characterized by being activated upon contact with a target internal physiological site of a body, such as digestive tract internal target site. The personal signal receiver is configured to be associated with a physiological location, e.g., inside of or on the body, and to receive a signal the IEM. During use, the IEM broadcasts a signal which is received by the personal signal receiver.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for enhancing cardiac pacing generally provide for measuring at least one cardiac characteristic, calculating at least one cardiac performance parameter based on the measured characteristic(s), and adjusting at least one functional parameter of a cardiac pacing device. Devices may include at least one catheter (such as a multiplexed catheter with one or more sensors and/or actuators), at least one implant (such as a sensor implantable in a heart wall), or a combination of both. Various cardiac performance parameters and/or pacing device performance parameters may be weighted, and the parameters and their respective weights may be used to determine one or more adjustments to be made to the pacing device. In some instances, the adjustments are made automatically.

Abstract: Implantable cardiac motion powered piezoelectric energy sources are provided. An aspects of embodiments of the subject implantable energy sources is that they include a piezoelectric transducer that converts cardiac mechanical energy to electrical energy. The subject energy sources find use in a variety of applications, including providing power to a wide range of implantable devices.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices that include cathodic arc produced structures are provided. Cathodic arc produced structures of the invention may be thick, stress-free metallic structures that have configurations heretofore not available in implantable medical devices. In yet other embodiments, the structures may be crenulated or porous layers. Also provided are methods of producing implantable medical devices as well as systems for practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: The system of the present invention includes a conductive element, an electronic component, and a partial power source in the form of dissimilar materials. Upon contact with a conducting fluid, a voltage potential is created and the power source is completed, which activates the system. The electronic component controls the conductance between the dissimilar materials to produce a unique current signature. The system can be used in a variety of different applications, including as components of ingestible identifiers, such as may be found in ingestible event markers, e.g., pharma-informatics enabled pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Multi-directional transmitters for in-body devices, such as implantable and ingestible devices, are provided. Aspects of the in-body multi-direction transmitters of the invention include signal transmitters configured to transmit an identifying signal in at least two different directions in an x-y plane. Embodiments of the in-body devices are configured to emit a detectable signal upon contact with a target physiological site. Also provided are methods of making and using the devices of the invention.

Abstract: Minimally invasive deployable epicardial array devices are provided. The devices include deployable platform comprising two or more effectors, such as sensors and actuators, where the devices are configured to be deployed at an epicardial location via a minimally invasive, e.g., sub-xiphoid approach. In embodiments of the present invention, at least one area of the electrode patch is an electrical control area that comprises a series of effectors, e.g., sensors and/or electrodes. Other embodiments provide localized physical constraint and dynamic mechanical stimulation of the heart to effectuate physical and biological responses. Still other embodiments provide both of these functions. Also provided are methods of using the devices, as well as systems and kits that include the devices.

Abstract: High-voltage tolerant multiplex multi-electrode stimulations systems and methods of using the same are provided. Aspects of the systems include a multiplex multi-electrode stimulation device, such as lead, configured to deliver high-voltage stimulation pulses through low-voltage satellites. Also provided are low-power implantable defibrillation systems, where such systems may include a high-voltage tolerant multiplex multi-electrode stimulation system.

Abstract: Compositions, systems and methods that allow for the detection of the actual physical delivery of a pharmaceutical agent to a body are provided. Embodiments of the compositions include an identifier and an active agent. The invention finds use in a variety of different applications, including but not limited to, monitoring of therapeutic regimen compliance, tracking the history of pharmaceutical agents, etc.

Abstract: Implantable devices for evaluating body-associated fluid transport structures and methods for using the same are provided. In some instances, the implantable devices include an elongated structure with at least one hermetically sealed integrated circuit sensor stably associated therewith and a transmitter. The devices find use in a variety of different applications, including monitoring the function of various types of body-associated fluid transport structures, such as arteriovenous fistulae, vascular grafts, catheters, cerebrospinal fluid shunts, and implantable central venous access devices.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for evaluating a fluid transfer event between a parenteral fluid delivery and a patient. The evaluation of the fluid transfer event can be prospective real-time and/or historic, as desired, and take a variety of different formats.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention enable robust, reliable control functionality for effectors present on intraluminal, e.g., vascular leads, as well as other types of implantable devices. Aspects of the invention include implantable integrated circuits that have self-referencing and self-clocking signal encoding, and are capable of bidirectional communication. Also provided by the invention are effector assemblies that include the integrated circuits, as well as implantable medical devices, e.g., pulse generators that include the same, as well as systems and kits thereof and methods of using the same, e.g., in pacing applications, including cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) applications.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention enable robust, reliable control functionality for effectors present on intraluminal, e.g., vascular leads, as well as other types of implantable devices. Aspects of the invention include implantable integrated circuits that have self-referencing and self-clocking signal encoding, and are capable of bidirectional communication. Also provided by the invention are effector assemblies that include the integrated circuits, as well as implantable medical devices, e.g., pulse generators that include the same, as well as systems and kits thereof and methods of using the same, e.g., in pacing applications, including cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) applications.

Abstract: Implantable pressure sensors and methods for making and using the same are provided. A feature of embodiments of the subject pressure sensors is that they are low-drift sensors. The subject sensors find use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: Implantable hermetically sealed structures and methods for making the same are provided. Also provided are devices, systems and kits including the hermetically sealed structures, as well as methods of using such devices and systems.