Abstract: A method for lancing a dermal tissue target site includes providing a dermal tissue lancing device with a housing, a lancet that is moveable with respect to the housing, and a cap. The cap includes a cap body with an opening therethrough for the lancet to pass through, a proximal end, and a distal end. The cap also includes an attachment mechanism for tiltably attaching the cap body to the dermal tissue lancing device. The attachment mechanism enables the cap body to be free to tilt relative to the housing of the dermal tissue lancing device when the distal end of the cap body is urged against a dermal tissue target site. The method also includes contacting and engaging the distal end of the cap body with a dermal tissue target site such that the cap body tilts, urging the cap body towards the dermal tissue target site such that the cap body applies essentially uniform pressure against the dermal tissue target site to create a target site bulge, and lancing the target site bulge.

Abstract: A cap for a dermal tissue lancing device (that has, for example, a housing and a lancet that is movable with respect to the housing) includes a cap body with an opening therethrough for the lancet to pass through, a proximal end and a distal end. The cap also includes an attachment mechanism for tiltably attaching the cap body to the dermal tissue lancing device. The attachment mechanism enables the cap body to be free to tilt relative to the dermal tissue lancing device when the distal end of the cap body is urged against a dermal tissue target site.

Abstract: A high rate battery having a coiled electrode assembly housed in a case that efficiently utilizes the space available in many implantable medical devices is disclosed. The battery case provides a planar surface opposite an arcuate surface to allow for the close abutting of other components located within the implantable device while also providing for efficient location of the battery within an arcuate edge of the device. The battery cases include at least three planar sides extending between a top and a base of the battery case, wherein the arcuate side is located directly opposite one of the planar sides. The battery case may form a prismatic solid shape with one arcuate surface and five planar surfaces. The batteries may include a coiled electrode assembly including an anode and a cathode; electrolyte; and a case liner containing the electrode assembly.