Abstract: A method for delivering dexamethasone base (DXMb) via an implantable electrode includes coupling DXMb to the implantable electrode and inserting the implantable electrode into animal tissue, the DXMb eluting into the animal tissue. An implantable nerve stimulating device includes an elongated member having a distal end bearing at least one electrode; and DXMb coupled to the elongated member, the DXMb being eluted into tissue surrounding the elongated member.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modifying the parameters of at least one hearing device for a patient with residual hearing provide needed orchestration of acoustic and electric stimulation of patients wearing such devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modifying the parameters of at least one hearing device for a patient with residual hearing provide needed orchestration of acoustic and electric stimulation of patients wearing such devices.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a beamforming signal is disclosed. A beam forming signal is generated by disposing a first microphone and a second microphone in horizontal coplanar alignment. The first and second microphones are used to detect a known signal to generate a first response and a second response. The first response is processed along a first signal path communicatively linked to the first microphone, and the second response is processed along a second signal path communicatively linked to the second microphone. The first and second responses are matched, and the matched responses are combined to generate the beamforming signal on a combined signal path.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for selecting one or more channels of a neural implant to stimulate. A channel selection unit is configured to asynchronously and stochastically select the winning channel or channels based, in part, on the richness of the input sensory environment. Thereafter, the channel selection unit reduces the likelihood that the selected channel or channels will be selected again for a period of time.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a beamforming signal is disclosed. A beam forming signal is generated by disposing a first microphone and a second microphone in horizontal coplanar alignment. The first and second microphones are used to detect a known signal to generate a first response and a second response. The first response is processed along a first signal path communicatively linked to the first microphone, and the second response is processed along a second signal path communicatively linked to the second microphone. The first and second responses are matched, and the matched responses are combined to generate the beamforming signal on a combined signal path.

Abstract: A system for treating chronic inflammation may include an implantable microstimulator, a wearable charger, and optionally an external controller. The implantable microstimulator may be implemented as a leadless neurostimulator implantable in communication with a cervical region of a vagus nerve. The microstimulator can address several types of stimulation including regular dose delivery. The wearable charger may be worn around the subject's neck to rapidly (<10 minutes per week) charge an implanted microstimulator. The external controller may be configured as a prescription pad that controls the dosing and activity of the microstimulator.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the treatment of chronic pain by modulation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. In particular, the methods and systems described herein may be used to enhance chronic pain therapies such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS). Thus, the present invention describes devices and methods for modulation of the cytokine pathway by stimulation of the neuronal cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (NCAP) to enhance the treatment of chronic pain by SCS. The use of NCAP in conjunction with SCS may potentiate the effects of SCS and/or prevent the desensitization of the patient to SCS.

Abstract: A flap thickness measurement system includes a reference cochlear stimulation system. The reference cochlear stimulation system includes a sound processor, a transmitter that transmits a telemetric signal, and a cochlear stimulator having a receiver that receives the telemetric signal and transmits a signal back to the transmitter. The system further includes one or more flap simulators having one or more known thicknesses that is positioned between the transmitter and receiver. Also included is a microprocessor that receives and processes data representative of tank voltage from the reference cochlear stimulation system.

Abstract: A method and system for implementing an acoustical front end customization are disclosed. The customization is implemented to optimize the sound level for each individual cochlear implant user. A known audio signal is generated using a sound source and captured by a microphone system. The captured sound signal is sampled at one or more locations along the signal processing pathway, and a spectrum is determined for the sampled signal and the known signal. A ratio of the two spectrums is related to the undesired transformation of the sampled signal, and a digital filter is designed based on the ratio to filter out the undesired transformation.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, including interface modules or prescription pads, and systems including these devices and methods of using them, for treating inflammation or inflammatory disorders, and particularly for interfacing with a user desiring to prescribe treatment of an inflammatory disorder using an implanted stimulator.

Abstract: A network interface module that forms part of a bilateral cochlear implant system which allows two standalone BTE units to be synchronized both temporally and tonotopically in order to maximize a patients listening experience. The bilateral cochlear network includes a communications interposer adapted to be inserted between the BTE battery and the BTE housing or modified BTE devices.

Abstract: A method and system for implementing an acoustical front end customization are disclosed. The customization is implemented to optimize the sound level for each individual cochlear implant user. A known audio signal is generated using a sound source and captured by a microphone system. The captured sound signal is sampled at one or more locations along the signal processing pathway, and a spectrum is determined for the sampled signal and the known signal. A ratio of the two spectrums is related to the undesired transformation of the sampled signal, and a digital filter is designed based on the ratio to filter out the undesired transformation.

Abstract: An extravascular nerve cuff that is configured to hold a leadless, integral, implantable microstimulator. The nerve cuff may include a cuff body having a pocket or pouch for removably receiving the implantable device within. The nerve cuff can be secured around the nerve such that the electrodes of the device are stably positioned relative to the nerve. Furthermore, the nerve cuff drives the majority of the current from the stimulation device into the nerve, while shielding surrounding tissues from unwanted stimulation.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, devices and system for selecting an optimum position of a stimulation electrode, and particularly methods, devices and systems for optimizing the position of a stimulation electrode for stimulating the inflammatory reflex and thereby inhibiting inflammation. The methods, devices and systems described herein may generally include the analysis of one or more artifact modalities arising after the application of a stimulation pulse. One or more of these artifact modalities (e.g., EMG, ECG, etc.) may be detected and used to generate a comparable indicator of the fitness of the position of the electrode relative to a target, such as a portion of the inflammatory reflex like the vagus nerve.

Abstract: A system for treating patients affected both by hearing loss and by balance disorders related to vestibular hypofunction and/or malfunction, which includes sensors of sound and head movement, processing circuitry, a power source, and an implantable electrical stimulator capable of stimulating areas of the cochlea and areas of the vestibular system.

Abstract: A bionic ear cochlear stimulation system has the capability to stimulate fast enough to induce stochastic neural firing, thereby acting to restore “spontaneous” neural activity. Such neurostimulation involves the use of a high rate pulsitile stimulation signal that is amplitude modulated with sound information. Advantageously, by using such neurostimulation, a fitting system may be utilized that does not normally require T-level threshold measurements. T-level threshold measurements are not required in most instances because the high-rate pulsitile stimulation, even though at levels that would normally be a sub-threshold electrical stimulus, is able to modulate neural firing patterns in a perceptible way.

Abstract: A system for delivering therapeutic agents to biological tissue includes a surgically implantable lead configured to be inserted into the biological tissue, the surgically implantable lead including a preformed cavity; and a modular capsule containing a therapeutic agent which includes dexamethasone base; the modular capsule being secured within the preformed cavity; the modular capsule releasing the therapeutic agent into the biological tissue. A method of delivering therapeutic agents to biological tissue includes obtaining a surgically implantable lead with a preformed cavity; obtaining a modular capsule containing a therapeutic agent comprising dexamethasone base and securing it within the preformed cavity; and inserting the surgically implantable lead into the biological tissue.

Abstract: A multichannel cochlear implant system spatially spreads the excitation pattern in the target neural tissue by either: (1) rapid sequential stimulation of a small group of electrodes, or (2) simultaneously stimulating a small group of electrodes. Such multi-electrode stimulation stimulates a greater number of neurons in a synchronous manner, thereby increasing the amplitude of the extra-cellular voltage fluctuation and facilitating its recording. The electrical stimuli are applied simultaneously (or sequentially at a rapid rate) on selected small groups of electrodes while monitoring the evoked compound action potential (ECAP) on a nearby electrode. The presence of an observable ECAP not only validates operation of the implant device at a time when the patient may be unconscious or otherwise unable to provide subjective feedback, but also provides a way for the magnitude of the observed ECAP to be recorded as a function of the amplitude of the applied stimulus.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modifying the parameters of at least one hearing device for a patient with residual hearing provide needed orchestration of acoustic and electric stimulation of patients wearing such devices.