Abstract: Disclosed is a cardiac pacing lead comprising an electrical stimulating member (electrode) with a plurality of biodegradable fins adjacent to its tip and with or without a porous metal coating. After surgical introduction, temporary fixation of the device to the surface of the cardiac wall is supplied by the fins. The device achieves permanent fixation by ingrowth of viable tissue into the interstices of the porous electrode and/or by tissue ensheathment of the distal portion of the lead. The process of permanent fixation occurs over a period of weeks during which time the fins are gradually absorbed into the blood and/or adjacent tissue. The lead can also be used to stimulate tissue other than cardiac tissue, such as nervous system tissue.

Abstract: The pacing lead comprises an elongate lead body which is made of pliable insulation material, which has a generally circular cross-section, which has a proximal end and a distal end and which has at least one lumen therein extending substantially the length thereof. At least one distal electrode or sensor is mounted to the lead body at or adjacent the distal end of the lead body. At least one proximal connector is mounted to the lead body at or adjacent the proximal end of the lead body. At least one uninsulated, relaxed, uncoiled wire conductor is loosely and slidably received in the lumen and is made of a material having a high flexibility and bendability such as of a nickel and titanium alloy. The wire conductor has a diameter less than the diameter of the at least one lumen and is connected at each end, respectively, to the distal electrode and the proximal connector.

Abstract: A fully implantable programmable cardiac pacer includes two main pacing channels driven by a crystal oscillator circuit. For each channel, amplitude and pulse width are programmed in paired combinations corresponding to monotonically increasing charge density. Selectively combinable constant current sources are shared by each channel. A low battery indicator system samples battery voltage relative to two threshold levels. In magnet rate, if the main battery voltage is above the first threshold, the fixed pacer output will be 70 beats per minute. If the battery voltage is between the first and second threshold levels, the fixed pacer output will be 62.5 beats per minute. An emergency RC oscillator continuously produces an output at 52.5 beats per minute and one millisecond pulse width.

Abstract: A self calibrating differential pressure sensor having a pair of pressure transducers connected in fluid series with two on/off valves. The system can be calibrated to eliminate base line or zero shift and can also be used to measure other variable conditions, such as differential voltage between two voltage points or differential chemical concentrations between two concentration points.

Abstract: The bipolar temporary pacing lead comprises a lead body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion and including first and second spaced apart wire conductors each encased in an insulating material to form insulated wire conductors. A curved needle is connected to at least one of the first and second wire conductors in the lead body distal end portion. A straight needle is connected to a first elongate non-conductive member and a second elongate non-conductive member which are connected by means of first and second terminal sleeves to proximal ends of the first and second wire conductors. The distal end portion of the lead body has insulation removed from portions of the respective first and second insulated conductors thereby to form in the lead body distal end portion a first electrode-forming, bare wire conductor portion and a second electrode-forming, bare wire conductor portion.

Abstract: In the reference electrode construction disclosed herein, silver and silver chloride particles are incorporated in a mixture including a fusible glass frit. After being printed on a suitable substrate, the mixture is fired to bond the silver/silver chloride composite into a conductive film on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A fully implantable programmable cardiac pacer includes two main pacing channels driven by a crystal oscillator circuit. For each channel, amplitude and pulse width are programmed in paired combinations corresponding to monotonically increasing charge density. Selectively combinable constant current sources are shared by each channel. A low battery indicator system samples battery voltage relative to two threshold levels. In magnet rate, if the main battery voltage is above the first threshold, the fixed pacer output will be 70 beats per minute. If the battery voltage is between the first and second threshold levels, the first pacer output will be 62.5 beats per minute. An emergency RC oscillator continuously produces an output at 52.5 beats per minute and one millisecond pulse width.

Abstract: A fully implantable programmable cardiac pacer includes two main pacing channels driven by a crystal oscillator circuit. For each channel, amplitude and pulse width are programmed in paired combinations corresponding to monotonically increasing charge density. Selectively combinable constant current sources are shared by each channel. A low battery indicator system samples battery voltage relative to two threshold levels. In magnet rate, if the main battery voltage is above the first threshold, the fixed pacer output will be 70 beats per minute. If the battery voltage is between the first and second threshold levels, the fixed pacer output will be 62.5 beats per minute. An emergency RC oscillator continuously produces an output at 52.5 beats per minute and one millisecond pulse width.