Abstract: A method is provided, the method comprising detecting a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) interference signal and enabling at least one preventive measure to protect an implantable medical device from interference by the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) interference signal. The method also comprises switching from a first sensing mode more affected by the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) interference signal to a second sensing mode less affected by the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) interference signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for reducing the potentially harmful effects of electromagnetic waves on an implantable medical device. In one embodiment of the present invention, an implantable medical system comprising a dual threshold magnetic sensor capable of detecting an elevated magnetic field is disclosed. The sensor can comprise a solid-state sensor capable of detecting a static magnetic field in excess of about 1500 Gauss. The magnetic sensor can be operatively coupled to electronics that are capable of altering the operation of the system upon detection of an elevated magnetic field by the magnetic sensor.

Abstract: An electrical lead end cap includes a body defining a bore therein capable of receiving and retaining an end of an electrical lead and a connector capable of electrically coupling conductors leading to at least two electrodes. A method includes routing an electrical current induced in an electrical lead conductor disposed within body tissue to a plurality of electrodes, electrically coupled with the body tissue, via a circuit within an end cap attached to the electrical lead.

Abstract: An electrical lead includes an elongate body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, a first electrode disposed adjacent and joined to the distal end portion of the elongate body. Current flow within the first electrode is limited when a predetermined condition occurs, such as the generation of an electromagnetic field having a predetermined frequency range. The medical electrical lead may further comprise one or more second electrodes disposed adjacent the first electrode and joined to the elongate body to shunt current to body tissue when the predetermined condition occurs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for detecting magnetic fields in implantable medical devices. The apparatus includes a sensor adapted to provide at least one signal proportional to at least one vector component of a magnetic field. The apparatus further includes a circuit adapted to receive the signal and perform a predetermined action when a predetermined quantity exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for detecting magnetic fields in implantable medical devices. The apparatus includes a sensor adapted to provide at least one signal proportional to at least one vector component of a magnetic field. The apparatus further includes a circuit adapted to receive the signal and perform a predetermined action when a predetermined quantity exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for reducing the potentially harmful effects of electromagnetic waves on an implantable medical device. In one embodiment of the present invention, an implantable medical system comprising a dual threshold magnetic sensor capable of detecting an elevated magnetic field is disclosed. The sensor can comprise a solid-state sensor capable of detecting a static magnetic field in excess of about 1500 Gauss. The magnetic sensor can be operatively coupled to electronics that are capable of altering the operation of the system upon detection of an elevated magnetic field by the magnetic sensor.

Abstract: An electrical lead end cap includes a body defining a bore therein capable of receiving and retaining an end of an electrical lead and a connector capable of electrically coupling conductors leading to at least two electrodes. A method includes routing an electrical current induced in an electrical lead conductor disposed within body tissue to a plurality of electrodes, electrically coupled with the body tissue, via a circuit within an end cap attached to the electrical lead.

Abstract: A method is provided, the method comprising detecting a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) interference signal and enabling at least one preventive measure to protect an implantable medical device from interference by the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) interference signal. The method also comprises switching from a first sensing mode more affected by the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) interference signal to a second sensing mode less affected by the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) interference signal.

Abstract: An electrical lead includes an elongate body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, a first electrode disposed adjacent and joined to the distal end portion of the elongate body. Current flow within the first electrode is limited when a predetermined condition occurs, such as the generation of an electromagnetic field having a predetermined frequency range. The medical electrical lead may further comprise one or more second electrodes disposed adjacent the first electrode and joined to the elongate body to shunt current to body tissue when the predetermined condition occurs.