Abstract: Devices and implantation methods utilizing subcutaneous placement into a patient are disclosed for the insertion, advancement and positioning of a subcutaneous implantable medical device (SIMD) such as a medical electrical lead. The SIMD is releasably-engaged with a device in accordance with embodiments of this disclosure, and advanced from an incision of the patient to an implant location. The implantation device may be disengaged from the SIMD without moving the SIMD from the implant location.

Abstract: Devices and implantation methods utilizing subcutaneous placement into a patient are disclosed for the insertion, advancement and positioning of a subcutaneous implantable medical device (SIMD) such as a medical electrical lead. The SIMD is releasably-engaged with a device in accordance with embodiments of this disclosure, and advanced from an incision of the patient to an implant location. The implantation device may be disengaged from the SIMD without moving the SIMD from the implant location.

Abstract: A radiopaque marker that includes a body being adapted to be disposed around a portion of an implantable medical lead and formed from a polymer mixed with a radiopacifier. The polymer is designed to form a symbol that identifies the implantable medical lead as being designed for safe application of a medical procedure. In some instances, the body of the radiopaque marker includes portions of varying thicknesses, the thick portions of the body being designed to form the symbol that identifies the implantable medical lead as being designed for safe application of a medical procedure such that the thick portions of the body appear more radiologically dense during an imaging procedure. In other instances, the body of the radiopaque marker may have a relatively uniform thickness and is shaped into the symbol that identifies the implantable medical lead as being designed for safe application of a medical procedure.

Abstract: A radiopaque marker may include a body formed of a polymer and being adapted to be disposed around a portion of an implantable medical lead and a symbol formed of at least a radiologically dense powder or liquid added to the body and designed to identify the implantable medical lead as being safe application of a medical procedure. In some instances, the symbol may be formed of a polymer mixed with the radiologically dense powder or liquid. The body may also be formed of a polymer mixed with a radiologically dense powder or liquid wherein the mixed polymer forming the symbol is radiologically denser than the mixed polymer forming the body.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a medical electrical device is presented. An inner diameter and an outer diameter of a connector ring is machined to form a first and a second flange extending from the inner diameter. An electric discharge machining wire burner is used to form a conductor channel in the inner diameter of the connector ring. A conductor is positioned within the conductor channel. A first distal end of the first flange is coupled to a second distal end of the second flange.

Abstract: Electrode structures for implantation include an electrode, an elastic backing attached to the electrode, and a sequestered drug on the backing or the electrode which is released to control and/or limit the growth of scar tissue. The elastic backing includes a tissue contacting side which contacts a tissue structure, and an exposed side away from the tissue contacting side. The electrode structure can be used to activate baroreceptors, and the backing is elastic and can stretch and retract with the tissue structure, for example the carotid sinus. The electrode and the sequestered drug can be positioned on the tissue contacting side so the drug is released near the electrode. The backing can be made from an insulating material and limit diffusion of the drug toward the exposed side, permitting scar tissue to grow near the exposed side to maintain positioning of the electrode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating an electric field inside a patient include at least a first electrode and a second electrode on a common implantable substrate. Each of the electrodes has a respective proximal end and a respective distal end. Electrical energy can be applied that causes electrical current to flow simultaneously through the first and second electrodes preferentially from the proximal end of one electrode to the distal end of the other electrode.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a medical electrical device is presented. An inner diameter and an outer diameter of a connector ring is machined to form a first and a second flange extending from the inner diameter. An electric discharge machining wire burner is used to form a conductor channel in the inner diameter of the connector ring. A conductor is positioned within the conductor channel. A first distal end of the first flange is coupled to a second distal end of the second flange.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating an electric field inside a patient include at least a first electrode and a second electrode on a common implantable substrate. Each of the electrodes has a respective proximal end and a respective distal end. Electrical energy can be applied that causes electrical current to flow simultaneously through the first and second electrodes preferentially from the proximal end of one electrode to the distal end of the other electrode.

Abstract: An implantable electrical connector system, which may be used as part of an electrical lead, a connector block on an implantable pulse generator, or the connector of a lead extension. The distal most electrical contact on the proximal end of the lead (or lead extension) is adapted to provide registration or alignment of all of the electrical contacts of the proximal end of the lead (or lead extension) with electrical contacts of the distal connector of a lead extension or the electrical contacts of a connector block of an implantable pulse generator (IPG). In an exemplary embodiment, the distal most electrical contact on the proximal end portion of the lead may have a flange or shoulder that is adapted to engage the distal electrical contact of the female connection section of a lead extension or connector block. Most preferably, in this exemplary embodiment, the flange or shoulder is an integral part of the distal most electrical contact.

Abstract: A multiport header for a cardiac rhythm management device includes at least one standard port and a separate port for a left ventricular access lead. The left ventricular access lead can only be electrically and mechanically coupled to the proper port. Standard leads cannot be electrically or mechanically coupled to the port for the left ventricular access lead.