Abstract: An electrode assembly includes an electrode electrically connected to a capacitor with a wire. An assembly carrier may be used to hold and secure at least the wire and capacitor during assembly. A method of assembly for attaching a wire to a capacitor and an electrode may include an assembly carrier for housing and securing the wire, capacitor, and electrode during assembly.

Abstract: An implantable stimulator system includes a plastic housing, an electronic subassembly and at least one metal contact. The plastic housing defines an interior chamber and an exterior. The electronic subassembly is disposed in the interior chamber of the plastic housing. The at least one metal contact is integrally formed with the plastic housing, coupled to the electronic subassembly, and accessible from the exterior of the housing. The plastic housing and the at least one metal contact form a sealed structure around the electronic subassembly.

Abstract: Methods of using unidirectionally propagating action potentials (UPAPs) for vagus nerve stimulation and for certain disorders are provided. Stimulators capable of creating such UPAPs include, but are not limited to, miniature implantable stimulators (i.e., microstimulators), possibly with programmably configurable electrodes.

Abstract: An electrode assembly includes an electrode electrically connected to a capacitor with a wire. An assembly carrier may be used to hold and secure at least the wire and capacitor during assembly. A method of assembly for attaching a wire to a capacitor and an electrode may include an assembly carrier for housing and securing the wire, capacitor, and electrode during assembly.

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: Disclosed are implantable electronic devices and systems including a pair of microstimulators. The microstimulators include coils that are energized to generate magnetic fields aligned along a common axis.

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.

Abstract: Compact electronic modules, which may be used with implantable microstimulators and other medical and non-medical devices, and manufacture/assembly of such modules are described. Component and circuitry designs utilize unique redistribution techniques and attachment methods. A number of component designs and packaging configurations maximize the volume efficiency of electronic modules. Also included are improved processes and systems enabling the manufacture and assembly of such compact packages.

Abstract: Exemplary implantable stimulators for stimulating a stimulation site within a patient include an electronic module configured to generate stimulation and a housing configured to house the electronic module. The housing has a shape allowing the a stimulator and a surgical device to be accommodated together within an insertion tool used to insert the stimulator into the patient. Exemplary methods of stimulating a stimulation site within a patient include generating stimulation with an electronic module and housing the electronic module in a housing. The housing has a shape allowing the housing and a surgical device to be accommodated together within an insertion tool used to insert the housing into the patient.

Abstract: Systems for adjusting a position of an implanted medical device within a patient include an engagement tool configured to couple to the implanted medical device. The engagement tool adjusts the position of the medical device when coupled to the implanted medical device. Methods of adjusting a position of an implanted medical device within a patient include locating the implanted medical device, coupling an engagement tool to the medical device, and adjusting a position of the engagement tool to adjust the position of the medical device.

Abstract: An implantable stimulator that includes a housing, a first plastic component, and a second plastic component, where the first and second plastic components form a polymer-polymer interface. A light absorbing metal layer is disposed over at least a portion of the interface and an electronic subassembly is disposed within the housing. The first and second plastic components can be welded together by irradiating the light absorbing metal layer which converts the light to heat.

Abstract: An implantable microstimulator configured to be implanted beneath a patient's skin for tissue stimulation to prevent and/or treat various disorders, e.g., neurological disorders, uses a self-contained power source such as a primary battery, a rechargeable battery, or other energy sources. For the rechargeable battery, and other energy sources that may require a periodic or occasional replenishment, such recharging or replenishment is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external device. A suitable bidirectional telemetry link allows the microstimulator system to inform the patient or clinician regarding the status of the system, including the charge level of the power source, and stimulation parameter states. Processing circuitry within the microstimulator automatically controls the applied stimulation pulses to match a set of programmed stimulation parameters established for a particular patient.

Abstract: A combination, voltage converter circuit for use within an implantable device, such as a microstimulator, uses a coil, instead of capacitors, to provide a voltage step up and step down conversion functions. The output voltage is controlled, or adjusted, through duty-cycle modulation. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, applicable to implantable devices having an existing RF coil through which primary or charging power is provided, the existing RF coil is used in a time-multiplexing scheme to provide both the receipt of the RF signal and the voltage conversion function. This minimizes the number of components needed within the device, and thus allows the device to be packaged in a smaller housing or frees up additional space within an existing housing for other circuit components. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the voltage up/down converter circuit is controlled by a pulse width modulation (PWM) low power control circuit.

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 electrode assembly includes an electrode electrically connected to a capacitor with a wire. An assembly carrier may be used to hold and secure at least the wire and capacitor during assembly. A method of assembly for attaching a wire to a capacitor and an electrode may include an assembly carrier for housing and securing the wire, capacitor, and electrode during assembly.

Abstract: A combination, voltage converter circuit for use within an implantable device, such as a microstimulator, uses a coil, instead of capacitors, to provide a voltage step up and step down conversion functions. The output voltage is controlled, or adjusted, through duty-cycle modulation. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, applicable to implantable devices having an existing RF coil through which primary or charging power is provided, the existing RF coil is used in a time-multiplexing scheme to provide both the receipt of the RF signal and the voltage conversion function. This minimizes the number of components needed within the device, and thus allows the device to be packaged in a smaller housing or frees up additional space within an existing housing for other circuit components. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the voltage up/down converter circuit is controlled by a pulse width modulation (PWM) low power control circuit.

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 improved structure for an implantable medical device, such as an implantable pulse generator, is disclosed. The improved device includes a charging coil for wirelessly receiving energy via induction from an external charger. The charging coil in the device is located substantially equidistantly from the two planar sides of the device case. Because the coil is substantially equidistant within the thickness of the case of the device, the device's orientation within the patient is irrelevant, at least from the standpoint of the efficiency of charging the device using the external charger. Accordingly, charging is not adversely affected if the device is implanted in the patient with the wrong orientation, or if the device flips within the patient after implantation.

Abstract: An electrode assembly includes an electrode electrically connected to a capacitor with a wire. An assembly carrier may be used to hold and secure at least the wire and capacitor during assembly. A method of assembly for attaching a wire to a capacitor and an electrode may include an assembly carrier for housing and securing the wire, capacitor, and electrode during assembly.

Abstract: Methods of stimulating a vagus nerve include providing at least one implantable stimulator with at least two electrodes, configuring the electrodes to apply stimulation that unidirectionally propagates action potentials along a vagus nerve, and applying the stimulation to the vagus nerve to effectively select afferent fibers, thereby treating at least one of epilepsy and depression while limiting side effects of bidirectional stimulation. At least one of the electrodes comprises a leadsless electrode.