Abstract: The present technology generally includes devices, systems, and methods for providing electrical stimulation to the left ventricle of a human heart in a patient suffering from Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB). In particular, the present technology includes an implantable receiver-stimulator and an implantable controller-transmitter for leadless electrical stimulation of the heart. The receiver-stimulator can include one or more sensors capable of detecting the electrical conduction of the heart and the receiver-stimulator can be configured to pace the stimulation of the left ventricle based off the sensed electrical conduction to achieve synchronization of the left and right ventricles.

Abstract: The present technology is generally directed to delivery systems for medical implants, such as stimulation assemblies for stimulating tissue of a human patent, and associated methods. In some embodiments, a delivery system includes (i) an elongate sheath having a distal portion with a distal opening, (ii) an attachment mechanism positioned within the elongate sheath and configured to be releasably coupled to an electrical stimulation implant, and (iii) an elongate optical component movably positioned within the elongate sheath. The optical component is configured to capture image data, and is movable from a first configuration to a second configuration. In the first configuration, the optical component is positioned proximally of the implant. In the second configuration, the optical component is positioned at least partially adjacent to the implant to capture image data proximate the distal opening, thereby facilitating direct visualization of a target location for implantation of the implant.

Abstract: A controller-transmitter transmits acoustic energy through the body to an implanted acoustic receiver-stimulator. The receiver-stimulator converts the acoustic energy into electrical energy and delivers the electrical energy to tissue using an electrode assembly. The receiver-stimulator limits the output voltage delivered to the tissue to a predetermined maximum output voltage. In the presence of interfering acoustic energy sources output voltages are thereby limited prior to being delivered to the tissue.

Abstract: The present technology is generally directed to implantable medical device systems configured to provide cardiac resynchronization therapy. In some embodiments, the implantable medical device system comprises a housing, electrodes carried by the housing, a transducer configured to produce input voltage signals in response to ultrasound energy, and a circuit configured to provide, via an electrical pathway, output voltage signals based on the input voltage signals. The circuit comprises a movable switch, and a slew rate detector configured to detect whether a voltage rate of an individual pulse of the input voltage signals exceeds a predetermined threshold voltage rate. The circuit is configured to move the switch to an open position in response to the detected voltage rate exceeding the predetermined threshold voltage rate.

Abstract: Delivery of an implantable wireless receiver-stimulator (R-S) into the heart using delivery catheter is described. R-S comprises a cathode and an anode and wirelessly receives and converts energy, such as acoustic ultrasound energy, to electrical energy to stimulate the heart. Conductive wires routed through the delivery system temporarily connect R-S electrodes to external monitor and pacing controller. R-S comprises a first temporary electrical connection from the catheter to the cathode, and a second temporary electrical connection from the catheter to the anode. Temporary electrical connections allow external monitoring of heart's electrical activity as sensed by R-S electrodes to determine tissue viability for excitation as well as to assess energy conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A system for aiding in the positioning of a catheter. The system includes a basket shaped catheter having a plurality of bipoles arranged thereon for sensing voltage potentials generated by tissue. An analog to digital converter is coupled to the catheter and configured to convert the sensed voltage potentials to digital signals. A computer is coupled to the analog to digital converter and to a video display and is programmed to calculate an absolute value of a slope of each of the digital signals. The computer is also programmed to generate and display on the video display a graphical representation of the absolute values of the slopes on a first image corresponding to the catheter. A method of aiding in the positioning of a catheter against a tissue surface is also disclosed.