Abstract: A method for ranking objects and determining a top ranked object, the method comprising steps of comparing the objects with each other using a non-predictive process and marking objects successful in each round of texts. Periodically objects are removed from a table containing a rank between the objects; however, marked objects are protected from removal. When only one object remains, a top ranked object is determined.

Abstract: A method and a device for reducing or substantially prevent admission of moisture to a space (10) of a foundation construction of a building the space being sensitive to moisture. The device is characterized by at least one expandable device (20) intended to be introduced in the space (10) of the foundation construction. The expandable device (20) is in an expanded condition intended to fill at least a substantial part of the space (10).

Abstract: A system including an implantable defibrillation electrode includes a first layer of porous Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) adjacent to at least one surface of the defibrillation electrode, the first layer of porous PTFE having a fibril length adapted to bleed gas away from the at least one surface of the defibrillation electrode, and a second layer of porous PTFE formed over the first layer, the second layer of porous PTFE having a fibril length adapted to prevent substantially all tissue in-growth.

Abstract: A method includes placing a first electrode into electrical contact with a first portion of the heart, placing a second electrode into electrical contact with a second portion of the heart, and transmitting an electrical pulse between the first electrode and the second electrode in response to a determination that a cardiac event is detected.

Abstract: Described is an implantable pulse generator housing for enclosing and containing pulse generator circuitry. The housing is formed of electrically conductive metal defining an electrically conductive outer surface which may be connected to the pulse generator circuitry for delivering electrical energy to the heart. A programmable switch operable by the pulse generator circuitry is provided to discharge electrical pulses between selected electrodes and the conductive pulse generator housing in accordance with whether a first or second cardiac condition is detected.

Abstract: A method and device for transmitting a signal in an implantable medical device that includes a control unit and a first electrode and a second electrode positioned along a lead body. A connector block is positioned along an upper portion of a housing portion of the control unit, and a connector is positioned at a proximal portion of the lead body and is insertable within the connector block. A third electrode having a conductive element is positioned along the control unit in close proximity adjacent to the connector. The control unit transmits a signal between the first electrode and the second electrode and determines an alternate transmission path of the signal between the third electrode and one or both of the first electrode and the second electrode in response to the signal not being effectively transmitted between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: An electrical lead includes an elongate body having a proximal end, and a sensing unit capable of resolving a change in a spatial configuration of the electrical lead. A medical device includes a control unit, an elongate body having a proximal end coupled with the control unit, and a sensing unit capable of resolving a change in a spatial configuration of the electrical lead and relating it to the amount of blood ejected from the heart. A method includes receiving a signal transmitted from a lead disposed within a heart and determining a change in a dimension of the heart, due to the heart beating, based upon the signal.

Abstract: An improved system and method for deploying medical electrical leads is disclosed. The system includes a guiding device such as a guidewire used to navigate the vascular system of a body. The guiding device includes a fixation member that can be deployed to maintain the guiding device at a desired location within the vascular system. The fixation member may be an inflatable device such as a balloon, or alternatively, may be an expandable device constructed of flexible fibers that has both an expanded and a contracted state. The system may further include a coupling member located adjacent to the guiding device. The coupling member may be a rail extending distally from a proximal end of the guiding device to a point proximal the fixation member. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the coupling member is a channel included in the body of the guiding device adapted to slidably engage an electrode assembly.

Abstract: A method and system for determining three-axis attitude from line-of-sight (LOS) solutions for two or more GPS satellites uses intersections of null cone patterns and LOS vectors to the GPS satellites. In a preferred embodiment, a unified GPS-based sensor also provides navigation information.

Abstract: An implantable system includes a housing configured for subcutaneous, non-intrathoracic placement in a patient, and a plurality of electrodes coupled to the housing, each of the plurality of electrodes configured for subcutaneous, non-intrathoracic placement in the patient. Detection circuitry is provided in the housing and coupled to the plurality of electrodes. The detection circuitry is configured to detect cardiac activity necessitating a cardiac stimulation therapy. Energy delivery circuitry is provided in the housing and coupled to the plurality of electrodes. The energy delivery circuitry is configured to deliver the cardiac stimulation therapy.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead is disclosed that is adapted for placement in the coronary sinus, or a branch vein thereof. The lead includes a first and second pace/sense electrode. A selection mechanism is provided to select either the first or the second electrode for use as a cathode, with the other electrode being selected as the anode. According to another aspect of the invention, a high-voltage coil electrode may be provided between the first and second electrodes. The coil electrode may be electrically coupled to the anode to increase the shadow area of the coil electrode.

Abstract: A bi-furcated medical electrical lead that is adapted to be implanted in the cardiac venous system is disclosed. The lead includes a bifurcated distal portion having first and second elongated members, or fingers. In one embodiment, the first elongated member, or thumb portion, is adapted to be positioned within the coronary sinus or great cardiac vein. The second elongated member, or finger portion, of the bifurcated distal tip, may be positioned within a branch vessel of the coronary sinus such as the posterior vein or middle cardiac vein. The thumb portion may carry at least one electrode for pacing and/or sensing, and may carry additional electrodes for multi-polar pacing applications, whereas the finger portion may carry a defibrillation electrode. Portions of the pacing/sensing electrodes may be insulated so that electrical stimulation is only delivered to myocardial tissue.

Abstract: A bi-furcated medical electrical lead that is adapted to be implanted in the cardiac venous system is disclosed. The lead includes a bifurcated distal portion having first and second elongated members, or fingers. In one embodiment, the first elongated member, or thumb portion, is adapted to be positioned within the coronary sinus or great cardiac vein. The second elongated member, or finger portion, of the bifurcated distal tip, may be positioned within a branch vessel of the coronary sinus such as the posterior vein or middle cardiac vein. The thumb portion may carry at least one electrode for pacing and/or sensing, and may carry additional electrodes for multi-polar pacing applications, whereas the finger portion may carry a defibrillation electrode. Portions of the pacing/sensing electrodes may be insulated so that electrical stimulation is only delivered to myocardial tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved system and method to selectively promote tissue ingrowth on, or adjacent to, an implantable medical device. In one embodiment, at least one surface of the housing of a medical device is in contact with a first portion of a porous PTFE having a pore size adapted to prevent substantially all tissue in-growth. This first portion, or layer, of porous PTFE material is further in contact at predetermined locations with an additional porous PTFE layer having a pore size adapted to selectively promote tissue in-growth only at the predetermined locations. Each of the PTFE layers may be formed of porous PTFE tubing or tape. Alternatively, the two layers may comprise a single composite structure that has a more porous material exposed on a first surface, and a less porous, more dense, material on a second surface. Another embodiment of the invention involves forming the layers of PTFE into a removable member that is adjacent to at least one surface of the implantable medical device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved system and method to selectively promote tissue in-growth on, or adjacent to, an implantable medical device. In one embodiment, at least one surface of the housing of a medical device is in contact with a first portion of a porous PTFE having a pore size adapted to prevent substantially all tissue in-growth. This first portion, or layer, of porous PTFE material is further in contact at predetermined locations with an additional porous PTFE layer having a pore size adapted to selectively promote tissue in-growth only at the predetermined locations. Each of the PTFE layers may be formed of porous PTFE tubing or tape. Alternatively, the two layers may comprise a single composite structure that has a more porous material exposed on a first surface, and a less porous, more dense, material on a second surface. Another embodiment of the invention involves forming the layers of PTFE into a removable member that is adjacent to at least one surface of the implantable medical device.

Abstract: An improved system and method that is capable of delivering multiple electrode assemblies to predetermined implant sites within a body is disclosed. The system includes an elongated member such as an introducer sheath. The introducer includes an elongated channel along at least a distal end portion of the introducer. The elongated channel opens to the exterior surface of the introducer through an elongated slot. One or more electrode assemblies may be retained within the elongated channel such that the leads exit the introducer via the elongated slot. The elongated introducer further includes a lumen that is in fluid communication with channel through openings, or gaps. The electrode assemblies are loaded within the channel at predetermined positions with respect to the openings. A distal end of a stiffening member such as a stylet may then be advanced within the lumen and through a selected one of the openings to engage an electrode assembly.

Abstract: An implantable device including an elastically compressible member coupled to a distal end of a lead and further coupled to at least one electrode. The compressible member is in a contracted state when the electrode is being delivered to an implant site. At the implant site, the compressible member is expanded to urge the electrode into contact with tissue. Compressible member further includes a keyed structure to engage a stiffening member such as a stylet. The stiffening member is used both to deliver the electrode to the implant site, and to rotate the compressible member, if necessary, so that the electrode contacts predetermined body tissue. According to one aspect of the invention, an introducer having an inner lumen with a diameter that is smaller than that of the compressible member may be used to disengage the stiffening member from the compressible member.

Abstract: A method and device for transmitting a signal in an implantable medical device that includes a control unit and a first electrode and a second electrode positioned along a lead body. A connector block is positioned along an upper portion of a housing portion of the control unit, and a connector is positioned at a proximal portion of the lead body and is insertable within the connector block. A third electrode having a conductive element is positioned along the control unit in close proximity adjacent to the connector. The control unit transmits a signal between the first electrode and the second electrode and determines an alternate transmission path of the signal between the third electrode and one or both of the first electrode and the second electrode in response to the signal not being effectively transmitted between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: An electrical lead includes a coil disposed at a distal end of the electrical lead, the coil having an undulated shape in its free state and a fixation electrode disposed on and electrically coupled with the coil. The electrical lead further includes a pace/sense electrode disposed on the coil distally from the fixation electrode and electrically isolated from the coil and a conductor extending to the pace/sense electrode and disposed external to the coil. A method for implanting an electrical lead includes positioning the electrical lead within a vessel, positioning a fixation electrode of the electrical lead into contact with the vessel, and emitting an electrical energy from the fixation electrode to the vessel to anchor the electrical lead to the vessel.

Abstract: A method includes placing a first electrode into electrical contact with a first portion of the heart, placing a second electrode into electrical contact with a second portion of the heart, and transmitting an electrical pulse between the first electrode and the second electrode in response to a determination that a cardiac event is detected.