Abstract: A neurostimulation kit and a method of treating a patient are provided. The kit comprises a stimulation backing that includes a flat, electrically insulative, body having a pair of opposing first and second planar surfaces, and an electrode affixed to the first surface of the insulative body. The stimulation backing is implanted within a patient and affixed therein to place the electrode into contact with a tissue surface. The kit comprises a neurostimulator including a housing and stimulation circuitry contained within the housing. The neurostimulator is implanted within the patient by affixing the housing to the second surface of the insulative body, such that the stimulation circuitry is electrically coupled to the electrode.

Abstract: A neurostimulation kit and a method of treating a patient are provided. The kit comprises a stimulation backing that includes a flat, electrically insulative, body having a pair of opposing first and second planar surfaces, and an electrode affixed to the first surface of the insulative body. The stimulation backing is implanted within a patient and affixed therein to place the electrode into contact with a tissue surface. The kit comprises a neurostimulator including a housing and stimulation circuitry contained within the housing. The neurostimulator is implanted within the patient by affixing the housing to the second surface of the insulative body, such that the stimulation circuitry is electrically coupled to the electrode.

Abstract: Systems for treating an obese patient include one or more sensors configured to sense one or more physical parameters of the patient and one or more implanted stimulators configured to apply a stimulus to the stomach in response to the sensed parameters. Methods of treating an obese patient include sensing one or more physical parameters of the patient and applying a stimulus to the stomach with one or more implanted stimulators in response to the sensed parameters.

Abstract: A linear motion, muscle-actuated cardiac assist device novelly uses a powering muscle whose contractions and relaxations are made in a substantially linear fashion, as opposed to the curvilinear muscle motions associated with prior art muscle-actuated cardiac assist devices. As a result, collateral circulation of the powering muscle need not be cut, theoretically leading to prevention of ischemia in the powering muscle. Other benefits include: greater energy efficiency of the powering muscle; greater available choice of powering muscles (i.e., not limited to the latissimus dorsi as the powering muscle); and reduced profile height of the cardiac assist device to reduce protrusion from the implanted area of the body.

Abstract: One aspect of this invention relates to a temporary heart wire, and external connector therefore, and the combination of the two, wherein the distal end of the heart wire includes a temporary affixation coil (8) and distal pacing (2) and sensing (1) electrodes connected by means of a coaxial helicoidally wound cable (3) to a proximal electrode (7) and a breakaway needle (6) which also serves as a proximal electrode. The lead is adapted to be inserted into a disposable connector having a snap aperture element (19) for receiving the breakaway needle, and about which the needle is broken, as well as electrical contacts (17, 18) for contacting the proximal electrodes and adapted to be connected to a temporary external pacemaker. According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a permanent bipolar nerve electrode which includes two electrodes (52), (54) adapted to be positioned along the nerve trunk (58).

Abstract: Regulators for improved cardiac assist systems of the type including skeletal muscle powered fluid pressure means, a cardiac cup and/or an aortic balloon pump. The regulators convert the positive pressures generated by contracting muscle into both positive and negative pressures useful in the systems.

Abstract: A temporary heart wire, and external connector therefore, and the combination of the two, wherein the distal end of the heart wire includes a temporary affixation coil (8) and distal pacing (2) and sensing (1) electrodes connected by means of a coaxial helicoidally wound cable (3) to a proximal electrode (7) and a breakaway needle (6) which also serves as a proximal electrode. The lead is adapted to be inserted into a disposable connector having a snap aperture element (19) for receiving the breakaway needle, and about which the needle is broken, as well as electrical contacts (17, 18) for contacting the proximal electrodes and adapted to be connected to a temporary external pacemaker. In an alternate embodiment, there is provided a permanent bipolar nerve electrode which includes two electrodes (52), (54) adapted to be positioned along the nerve trunk (58).

Abstract: An intramuscular lead for electrically stimulating muscle tissue particularly configured for a cardiac assist system powered by surgically modified skeletal muscle tissue. Electrical stimulation is supplied via the intramuscular lead to cause contraction of the skeletal muscle in synchrony with the natural or artificially paced heart rate and timed to obtain the desired hemodynamic effect. The improved lead has an electrode which is embedded in the skeletal muscle. The stimulation threshold of the skeletal muscle is held relatively low by the action of a glucocorticosteroid imbedded within the strand of suture material. A spacer coil of biocompatible material is coiled around the strand of suture material, such that the turns of both coils are substantially interleaved. The spacer coil is saturated with a specific agent such as steroid or antibiotic. The compression movement of the muscle tissue and the electrode coil against the spacer coil will cause the drug to be dispensed therefrom.

Abstract: An electrode and method of making same characterized by a biological material used as a substrate. The electrode is used primarily as a stimulation electrode, but could also be used to monitor electrical activity of neural tissues. The biological substrate is a chronically implantable material of treaterd human or animal tissue. The use of this material tends to prevent undue fibrosis and necrosis of the nerve tissue. An inner layer of a non-biologic dielectric may be used to increase to resistivity of the structure. Similarly an inner layer of shielding material may also be used.

Abstract: An improved lead for electrically stimulating muscle tissue particularly configured for a cardiac assist system powered by surgically modified skeletal muscle tissue. The skeletal muscle is either wrapped about the heart itself, or about an auxiliary pumping chamber attached to the aorta. Electrical stimulation is supplied via the improved lead to cause contraction of the skeletal muscle in synchronism with the natural or artificially paced heart rate and timed to obtain the desired hemodynamic effect. The improved lead has an electrode which is embedded in the skeletal muscle. The stimulation threshold of the skeletal muscle is held relatively low by the action of a glucocorticosteroid imbedded within the suture material. By placing the drug material in this position, it acts as an anti-inflammatory along the entire path of the suture material and treats the specific area of the electrode contact from within the muscle itself.