Abstract: Apparatus are provided for infusion devices and related operating methods. An exemplary device includes a sensing arrangement to provide an output indicative of a characteristic that is influenced by operation of the device, and a control module that is coupled to the sensing arrangement to apply a matched filter corresponding to a condition associated with the operation of the device to the output of the sensing arrangement and detect that condition based on the filtered output. In one example, the device includes a motor coupled to a plunger of a reservoir and operable to displace the plunger, wherein the characteristic is a force opposing displacement of the plunger and the control module detects an occlusion condition in a fluid path from the reservoir based on filtered force measurements.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for infusion devices and related operating methods. An exemplary device includes a sensing arrangement to provide an output indicative of a characteristic that is influenced by operation of the device, and a control module that is coupled to the sensing arrangement to apply a matched filter corresponding to a condition associated with the operation of the device to the output of the sensing arrangement and detect that condition based on the filtered output. In one example, the device includes a motor coupled to a plunger of a reservoir and operable to displace the plunger, wherein the characteristic is a force opposing displacement of the plunger and the control module detects an occlusion condition in a fluid path from the reservoir based on filtered force measurements.

Abstract: A combination charging and telemetry circuit for use within an implantable device, such as a microstimulator, uses a single coil for both charging and telemetry. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, one or more capacitors are used to tune the single coil to different frequencies, wherein the coil is used for multiple purposes, e.g., for receiving power from an external source and also for the telemetry of information to and from an external source.

Abstract: Miniature implantable stimulators (i.e., microstimulators) with programmably configurable electrodes allow, among other things, steering of the electric fields created. In addition, the microstimulators are capable of producing unidirectionally propagating action potentials (UPAPs).

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for infusion devices and related operating methods. An exemplary device includes a sensing arrangement to provide an output indicative of a characteristic that is influenced by operation of the device, and a control module that is coupled to the sensing arrangement to apply a matched filter corresponding to a condition associated with the operation of the device to the output of the sensing arrangement and detect that condition based on the filtered output. In one example, the device includes a motor coupled to a plunger of a reservoir and operable to displace the plunger, wherein the characteristic is a force opposing displacement of the plunger and the control module detects an occlusion condition in a fluid path from the reservoir based on filtered force measurements.

Abstract: A stylet for inserting an electrode array into a cochlea includes a first sensor insertable within a lumen of the electrode array and sensitive to force applied by a lumen wall to the first sensor and a first actuator adapted to move the electrode array in response to the force sensed by the first sensor.

Abstract: Miniature implantable stimulators (i.e., microstimulators) are capable of producing unidirectionally propagating action potentials (UPAPs). The methods and configurations described may, for instance, arrest action potentials traveling in one direction, arrest action potentials of small diameters nerve fibers, arrest action potentials of large diameter nerve fibers. These methods and systems may limit side effects of bidirectional and/or less targeted stimulation.

Abstract: A combination charging and telemetry circuit for use within an implantable device, such as a microstimulator, uses a single coil for both charging and telemetry. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, one or more capacitors are used to tune the single coil to different frequencies, wherein the coil is used for multiple purposes, e.g., for receiving power from an external source and also for the telemetry of information to and from an external source.

Abstract: An implantable microstimulator configured to be implanted beneath a patient's skin for tissue stimulation employs a bi-directional RF telemetry link for allowing data-containing signals to be sent to and from the implantable microstimulator from at least two external devices. Further, a separate electromagnetic inductive telemetry link allows data containing signals to be sent to the implantable microstimulator from at least one of the two external devices. The RF bidirectional telemetry link allows the microstimulator to inform the patient or clinician regarding the status of the microstimulator device, including the charge level of a power source, and stimulation parameter states. The microstimulator has a cylindrical hermetically sealed case having a length no greater than about 27 mm and a diameter no greater than about 3.3 mm. A reference electrode is located on one end of the case and an active electrode is located on the other end of the case.

Abstract: A stylet for inserting an electrode array into a cochlea includes a first sensor insertable within a lumen of the electrode array and sensitive to force applied by a lumen wall to the first sensor and a first actuator adapted to move the electrode array in response to the force sensed by the first sensor.

Abstract: An exemplary cochlear implant system includes a sound processing assembly configured to be external to a patient and first and second extension members coupled to the sound processing assembly. The sound processing assembly includes a sound processing unit configured to process an audio signal and transmit one or more control parameters based on the audio signal to an implantable cochlear stimulator and a battery module configured to be electrically coupled to the sound processing unit and provide operating power to the sound processing unit. The first extension member has a distal portion configured to be coupled to a first ear of the patient and the second extension member has a distal portion configured to be coupled to a second ear of the patient. The first and second extension members typically extend back from the ears, thus positioning the sound processing assembly behind the patient's head.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for infusion devices and related operating methods. An exemplary device includes a sensing arrangement to provide an output indicative of a characteristic that is influenced by operation of the device, and a control module that is coupled to the sensing arrangement to apply a matched filter corresponding to a condition associated with the operation of the device to the output of the sensing arrangement and detect that condition based on the filtered output. In one example, the device includes a motor coupled to a plunger of a reservoir and operable to displace the plunger, wherein the characteristic is a force opposing displacement of the plunger and the control module detects an occlusion condition in a fluid path from the reservoir based on filtered force measurements.

Abstract: An implantable stimulator includes a device for delivering a stimulus and a casing having a first, metal portion and a second, portion which is formed from a plastic or polymer. A method of forming an implantable stimulator includes preparing a coil on a ferrite tube and molding a casing body on the coil, such that the coil is embedded in a wall of the casing which is formed of a plastic or polymer. Another method of forming an implantable stimulator includes forming an annular metal connector and molding a plastic or polymer casing body on the metal connector.

Abstract: An implantable microstimulator configured to be implanted beneath a patient's skin for tissue stimulation employs a bi-directional RF telemetry link for allowing data-containing signals to be sent to and from the implantable microstimulator from at least two external devices. Further, a separate electromagnetic inductive telemetry link allows data containing signals to be sent to the implantable microstimulator from at least one of the two external devices. The RF bidirectional telemetry link allows the microstimulator to inform the patient or clinician regarding the status of the microstimulator device, including the charge level of a power source, and stimulation parameter states. The microstimulator has a cylindrical hermetically sealed case having a length no greater than about 27 mm and a diameter no greater than about 3.3 mm. A reference electrode is located on one end of the case and an active electrode is located on the other end of the case.

Abstract: An implantable stimulation device includes a device body; at least one set of partitioned electrodes disposed on a portion of the device body and configured and arranged for application of electrical stimulation to adjacent tissue; and insulating material separating the partitioned electrodes from each other. Each set of partitioned electrodes includes a plurality of partitioned electrodes disposed around a circumference of the device body. The implantable stimulation device can be configured and arranged so that each of the partitioned electrodes is independently programmable.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes an electro-acoustic stimulation (EAS) system associated with a user 1) processing sounds sensed by a first microphone coupled to a cochlear implant portion of the EAS system, 2) applying electrical stimulation representative of the sounds sensed by the first microphone by way of a plurality of electrode contacts located in a basal region of a cochlea of the user, 3) processing sounds sensed by a second microphone coupled to a hearing aid portion of the EAS system, 4) broadcasting, way of a speaker, amplified sound signals representative of the sounds sensed by the second microphone into an ear canal of the user, and 5) acoustically separating the second microphone from the speaker to avoid feedback within the hearing aid portion of the EAS system. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Exemplary cochlear implant systems include an implantable head module configured to be implanted within a head of a patient. The implantable head module includes a cochlear stimulator configured to be coupled to an electrode lead, the electrode lead including one or more electrodes configured to be in communication with one or more stimulation sites within the patient. The implantable head module also includes a signal receiver configured to receive a telemetry signal representative of an audio signal from a signal transmitter located external to the patient, a sound processor configured to process the telemetry signal and direct the cochlear stimulator to generate and apply electrical stimulation representative of the audio signal to the one or more stimulation sites via the electrode lead, and a power receiver configured to receive power for operating the implantable head module from a power transmitter located external to the patient.

Abstract: An implantable microstimulator configured to be implanted beneath a patient's skin for tissue stimulation employs a bi-directional RF telemetry link for allowing data-containing signals to be sent to and from the implantable microstimulator from at least two external devices. Further, a separate electromagnetic inductive telemetry link allows data containing signals to be sent to the implantable microstimulator from at least one of the two external devices. The RF bidirectional telemetry link allows the microstimulator to inform the patient or clinician regarding the status of the microstimulator device, including the charge level of a power source, and stimulation parameter states. The microstimulator has a cylindrical hermetically sealed case having a length no greater than about 27 mm and a diameter no greater than about 3.3 mm. A reference electrode is located on one end of the case and an active electrode is located on the other end of the case.

Abstract: Miniature implantable stimulators (i.e., microstimulators) are capable of producing unidirectionally propagating action potentials (UPAPs). The methods and configurations described may, for instance, arrest action potentials traveling in one direction, arrest action potentials of small diameters nerve fibers, arrest action potentials of large diameter nerve fibers. These methods and systems may limit side effects of bidirectional and/or less targeted stimulation.

Abstract: A system for mechanically assisted insertion of an electrode includes: an insertion tool configured to insert the electrode into biological tissues; and a controller configured to control the insertion tool, in which the controller is further configured to select operating parameters comprising a maximum allowable force profile from a library of operating parameters, in which the maximum allowable force profile is generated from data recorded during a number of previous successful operations. Also, a method for insertion of a cochlear lead, includes: selecting operating parameters comprising a maximum allowable force profile from a library of operating parameters; inserting the cochlear lead while sensing real time force and position; and continuing the insertion while the real time force is below the maximum allowable force profile, in which the maximum allowable force profile is generated from data recorded during a number of previous successful operations.