Abstract: An implanted stimulator can deliver a patient-detectable electrical stimulation to remind or prompt a patient to interact with an implanted therapeutic device (e.g., neurostimulator) when a prompting event occurs. For example, the apparatuses and methods described herein may be configured to apply a prompting patient-detectable electrical vagus nerve stimulation to remind a patient that it is time to administer a therapeutic dose. When the therapeutic device is operated in an automatic fashion, the apparatus can also deliver a patient-detectable warning stimulation prior to the therapeutic stimulation to let the patient know that a therapeutic stimulation will be delivered soon thereafter.

Abstract: An implanted stimulator can deliver a patient-detectable electrical stimulation to remind or prompt a patient to interact with an implanted therapeutic device (e.g., neurostimulator) when a prompting event occurs. For example, the apparatuses and methods described herein may be configured to apply a prompting patient-detectable electrical vagus nerve stimulation to remind a patient that it is time to administer a therapeutic dose. When the therapeutic device is operated in an automatic fashion, the apparatus can also deliver a patient-detectable warning stimulation prior to the therapeutic stimulation to let the patient know that a therapeutic stimulation will be delivered soon thereafter.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for use with an implantable cardiac stimulation device equipped with a multi-pole left ventricular (LV) lead and a right ventricular (RV) lead for identifying suitable pacing vectors. In one example, RV-LV delay times are measured while using different electrodes of the LV lead as cathodes for sensing. The LV electrode having the longest RV-LV delay time is identified and LV capture thresholds and diaphragmatic stimulation thresholds are measured for pacing vectors that employ that LV electrode as a cathode. Assuming at least one vector employing the selected LV electrode is found to have acceptable thresholds, the vector is selected for use in delivering pacing therapy with the selected LV electrode. If none of the pacing vectors employing the selected LV electrode has acceptable thresholds, another LV electrode is selected and the procedure is repeated. Examples with a multi-pole RV lead are also described.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for use with an implantable cardiac stimulation device equipped with a multi-pole left ventricular (LV) lead and a right ventricular (RV) lead for identifying suitable pacing vectors. In one example, RV-LV delay times are measured while using different electrodes of the LV lead as cathodes for sensing. The LV electrode having the longest RV-LV delay time is identified and LV capture thresholds and diaphragmatic stimulation thresholds are measured for pacing vectors that employ that LV electrode as a cathode. Assuming at least one vector employing the selected LV electrode is found to have acceptable thresholds, the vector is selected for use in delivering pacing therapy with the selected LV electrode. If none of the pacing vectors employing the selected LV electrode has acceptable thresholds, another LV electrode is selected and the procedure is repeated. Examples with a multi-pole RV lead are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods of measuring force on dies and substrates are provided. In one system, a force measurement die is substituted for a die to be tested on a substrate.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to measure a total force applied by a device to a device under test on a circuit board.