Abstract: Apparatus and methods for tethering an electrode lead to an anatomical structure within a patient using a coupling member are provided. An anchor configured to be secured to the anatomical structure and an electrode lead suitable for neuromuscular stimulation of spinal muscles and/or nerves innervating one or more muscles that contribute to spine stability may be used. The electrode lead is configured to be coupled to the anchor via the coupling member by securing a first end of the coupling member to the electrode lead and securing a second end of the coupling member to an eyelet of the anchor to place the electrode lead at a desired anatomical site within the patient.

Abstract: Electrode leads for providing neuromuscular stimulation of the spinal muscles, and methods of implantation of electrode leads, are provided that reduce injury to target muscles, and avoid extended recuperation period, by enabling a clinician to visualize and confirm the implantation site of the electrode leads during an implantation procedure

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating back pain are provided, in which an implantable stimulator is configured to communicate with an external control system, the implantable stimulator providing a neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy designed to cause muscle contraction to rehabilitate the muscle, restore neural drive and restore spinal stability; the implantable stimulator further including one or more of a number of additional therapeutic modalities, including a module that provides analgesic stimulation; a module that monitors muscle performance and adjusts the muscle stimulation regime; and/or a module that provides longer term pain relief by selectively and repeatedly ablating nerve fibers. In an alternative embodiment, a standalone implantable RF ablation system is described.

Abstract: A blood pump including a ultrasonic sensor mounted in or on a blood contacting surface of said blood pump. The ultrasonic sensor measures blood velocity and reports information to a blood pump controller and wherein the ultrasonic sensor is directed to measure blood velocity in an inflow cannula connected to the blood pump.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of conducting and assessing the outcomes of a randomized controlled clinical trial. The method comprises the steps of: trialing, with respect to a first group of patients as an experimental group, an experimental treatment; and trialing, with respect to a second group of patients as a control group, at least first and second control therapies. The control therapies will have been previously validated or are a known standard of care. This method is described in relation to trialing and assessing implantable medical devices such as left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) but may be used for trialing and assessing other medical devices.

Abstract: A control system for use with a medical device implanted within a patient. The system is included within a control circuit connected to a medical device and when said control circuit detects at least one error with the medical device or patient, the controller activates at least one audible alarm and wherein the audible alarm plays a voice message to the patient through an audio transducer, and the speaker of the audio transducer is disposed externally relative to the body of the patient.

Abstract: A blood pump including a ultrasonic sensor mounted in or on a blood contacting surface of said blood pump. The ultrasonic sensor measures blood velocity and reports information to a blood pump controller and wherein the ultrasonic sensor is directed to measure blood velocity in an inflow cannula connected to the blood pump.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for compressing biological tissue for use with a radiographic or sonographic imaging system that enhances imaging of the tissue near a patient's chest wall. The apparatus includes a compression assembly having first and second compression surfaces, and structure for positioning the first compression surface relative to the second compression surface so that the first and second compression surfaces experience a lateral translation as they move towards one another. In addition the first and second compression surfaces may be tilted slightly relative to a plane orthogonal to the patient's chest wall to enhance the traction effect and to provide partial imaging within the patient's chest wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for conducting an imaging examination and/or biopsy of biological tissue that enable a patient to remain in an inclined, seated orientation, so that the tissue is readily presented for examination and biopsy, while the examination and biopsy site is screened from the patient's view. Apparatus also provided for enhancing imaging of the patient's tissue near the chest wall, and for conducting image-guided biopsy.