Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an implantable cardioverter defibrillator for subcutaneous positioning between the third rib and the twelfth rib within a patient, the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator including a housing; an electrical circuit located within the housing; a first electrode coupled to the electrical circuit and located on the housing; and a second electrode coupled to the electrical circuit.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an implantable cardioverter defibrillator for subcutaneous positioning between the third rib and the twelfth rib within a patient, the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator including a housing; an electrical circuit located within the housing; a first electrode coupled to the electrical circuit and located on the housing; and a second electrode coupled to the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is disclosed which has an electrically active canister which houses a source of electrical energy, a capacitor, and operational circuitry that senses the presence of potentially fatal heart rhythms. At least one subcutaneous electrode that serves as the opposite electrode from the canister is attached to the canister via a lead system. Cardioversion-defibrillation energy is delivered when the operational circuitry senses a potentially fatal heart rhythm. There are no transvenous, intracardic, or epicardial electrodes. A method of subcutaneously implanting the cardioverter-defibrillator is also disclosed as well as a kit for conducting the method.

Abstract: Methods of medically treating a patient by the use of anti-bradycardia pacing using a totally subcutaneous, non-transvenous system. Some examples include the application of pacing pulses to a patient at a pacing rate that is above a predetermined level. One example of a totally subcutaneous, non-transvenous system includes a capacitor subsystem for storing the anti-bradycardia pacing energy for delivery to the patient's heart; and a battery subsystem electrically coupled to the capacitor subsystem for providing the anti-bradycardia pacing energy to the capacitor subsystem.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a lead electrode assembly for use with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator subcutaneously implanted outside the ribcage between the third and twelfth ribs comprising the electrode.

Abstract: A subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is disclosed which has an electrically active canister which houses a source of electrical energy, a capacitor, and operational circuitry that senses the presence of potentially fatal heart rhythms. At least one subcutaneous electrode that serves as the opposite electrode from the canister is attached to the canister via a lead system. Cardioversion-defibrillation energy is delivered when the operational circuitry senses a potentially fatal heart rhythm. There are no transvenous, intracardic, or epicardial electrodes. A method of subcutaneously implanting the cardioverter-defibrillator is also disclosed as well as a kit for conducting the method.

Abstract: A power supply for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for subcutaneous positioning between the third rib and the twelfth rib and for providing cardioversion/defibrillation energy to the heart, the power supply comprising a capacitor subsystem for storing the cardioversion/defibrillation energy for delivery to the patient's heart; and a battery subsystem electrically coupled to the capacitor subsystem for providing electrical energy to the capacitor subsystem.

Abstract: A subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is disclosed which has an electrically active canister which houses a source of electrical energy, a capacitor, and operational circuitry that senses the presence of potentially fatal heart rhythms. At least one subcutaneous electrode that serves as the opposite electrode from the canister is attached to the canister via a lead system. Cardioversion-defibrillation energy is delivered when the operational circuitry senses a potentially fatal heart rhythm. There are no transvenous, intracardic, or epicardial electrodes. A method of subcutaneously implanting the cardioverter-defibrillator is also disclosed as well as a kit for conducting the method.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a lead electrode assembly for use with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator subcutaneously implanted outside the ribcage between the third and twelfth ribs comprising the electrode.

Abstract: A power supply for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for subcutaneous positioning between the third rib and the twelfth rib and using a lead system that does not directly contact a patient's heart or reside in the intrathoracic blood vessels and for providing anti-bradycardia pacing energy to the heart, comprising a capacitor subsystem for storing the anti-bradycardia pacing energy for delivery to the patient's heart; and a battery subsystem electrically coupled to the capacitor subsystem for providing the anti-bradycardia pacing energy to the capacitor subsystem.

Abstract: A power supply for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for subcutaneous positioning between the third rib and the twelfth rib and using a lead system that does not directly contact a patient's heart or reside in the intrathoracic blood vessels and for providing anti-tachycardia pacing energy to the heart, comprising a capacitor subsystem for storing the anti-tachycardia pacing energy for delivery to the patient's heart; and a battery subsystem electrically coupled to the capacitor subsystem for providing the anti-tachycardia pacing energy to the capacitor subsystem.

Abstract: Methods and devices for cutaneous testing of a patient for the purpose of implanting and/or placing electrodes for electrical cardiac stimulation. In an example, a cutaneous electrode system is placed and used to observe cardiac signal sensing and/or simulate cardiac stimulation. The method may include identifying locations for improved sensing or simulation, and implanting a device or system such that implanted electrodes are placed to correspond to cutaneously identified locations.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an implantable cardioverter defibrillator for subcutaneous positioning between the third rib and the twelfth rib within a patient, the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator including a housing; having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface comprises an electrically insulated material and the second surface comprises an electrically conductive material; and an electrical circuit located within the housing, wherein the electrical circuit is electrically coupled to the second surface of the housing.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for subcutaneous positioning over a patient's ribcage, the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator including a housing, wherein the housing conforms to the patient's ribcage when subcutaneously positioned; an electrode disposed upon a portion of the housing; and an electrical circuit located within the housing, wherein the electrical circuit is electrically coupled to the electrode.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for subcutaneous positioning over a patient's ribcage, the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator includes a housing having a first end and a second end; a first electrode disposed upon the first end of the housing; a second electrode disposed upon the second end of the housing; an electrical circuit located within the housing, wherein the electrical circuit is electrically coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode; and a lead electrode electrically coupled to the electrical circuit located within the housing.

Abstract: Electrical cardiac therapy devices including electrode assemblies having openings for receiving an electrode insertion tool, and methods of inserting such electrode assemblies. The opening(s) are defined on the electrode assemblies to allow an insertion tool to be coupled to the electrode assembly and then used to push the electrode assembly into place.

Abstract: Electrical cardiac therapy devices including electrode lead assemblies having appendages coupled to an electrode. The appendage may take the form of a riser and a head having various characteristics. A further embodiment may include a cover and/or other features coupling the electrode to the riser. A lead may be provided for electrical coupling to the electrode. The lead may couple to the electrode exclusive of the riser and head. An implantable housing containing electrical circuitry for using the electrode to stimulate cardiac activity is also illustrated.

Abstract: Electrical cardiac therapy devices including electrode lead assemblies having first and second insertion tool receivers. The insertion tool receivers may be attached to an electrode and/or an electrode cover assembly. A lead assembly having first and second insertion tool receivers may be used in conjunction with an insertion tool having means, such as tines, for coupling with the insertion tool receivers. A lead assembly system may include both an insertion tool and a lead assembly. A treatment system further includes an implantable housing along with the lead assembly and insertion tool.

Abstract: A unitary subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator has a long thin housing in the shape of a patient's rib. The housing contains a source of electrical energy, a capacitor, and operational circuitry that senses the presence of potentially fatal heart rhythms. Provided on the housing are cardioversion/defibrillation electrodes located to deliver electrical cardioversion-defibrillation energy when the operational circuitry senses a potentially fatal heart rhythm. The unitary subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator does not have a transvenous, intracardiac, epicardial, or subcutaneous electrode.

Abstract: Electrical cardiac therapy devices including electrode assemblies having openings for receiving an electrode insertion tool, and methods of inserting such electrode assemblies. The opening(s) are defined on the electrode assemblies to allow an insertion tool to be coupled to the electrode assembly and then used to push the electrode assembly into place.