Abstract: A control system for an implantable cardiac therapy device, the device defining a plurality of sensing vectors including at least one impedance sensing vector and operating under a set of a plurality of variable operating parameters that define conditions for delivery of therapy and wherein the control system evaluates signal quality from the at least one impedance sensing vector and, if the quality is sufficient to discern valvular events, the control system adjusts the set of operating parameters to dynamically improve cardiac performance, including synchrony with valvular events, and if the quality is insufficient to discern valvular events, but sufficient to discern peaks, the control system adjusts the set of operating parameters to dynamically improve cardiac performance independent of valvular events, and if the quality is insufficient to discern peaks, the control system adjusts the set of operating parameters to induce cardiac performance towards a defined performance goal.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac therapy device and methods of using a device including an implantable stimulation pulse generator, one or more implantable leads defining sensing and stimulation circuits adapted to sense and deliver therapy in at least one right side heart chamber, and an implantable controller in communication with the stimulation pulse generator and the one or more patient leads so as to receive sensed signals indicative of a patient's physiologic activity and deliver indicated therapy. The controller is adapted to monitor at least one indicator of cardiac dysynchrony and to compare the at least one indicator to a determined dysynchrony threshold. The threshold is determined for indications that the patient be further evaluated for cardiac resynchronization therapy. The controller is further adapted to set an alert when the at least one indicator exceeds the threshold to indicate to a clinician that evaluation for bi-ventricular pacing might be indicated.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes delivering stimulation energy via a right ventricular site; sensing an evoked response caused by the delivered stimulation energy at the right ventricular site; calculating a paced propagation delay for the right ventricular site (PPDRV); delivering stimulation energy via a left ventricular site; sensing an evoked response caused by the delivered stimulation energy at the left ventricular site; calculating a paced propagation delay for the left ventricular site (PPDLV); and determining an interventricular delay time (VV) for delivery of a bi-ventricular pacing therapy based in part on the paced propagation delay for the right ventricular site (PPDRV) and the paced propagation delay for the left ventricular site (PPDLV). Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for adjusting atrioventricular timing of a cardiac resynchronization therapy device, based upon multi-modal sensory data. In one particular embodiment, one or more acoustic signals are processed and categorized into certain cardiac-related mechanical events. Impedance waveforms are obtained from implanted electrodes and analyzed to identify certain valvular events. The acoustic and impedance data is analyzed to optimize AV timing and improve cardiac performance.

Abstract: A system is provided for maintaining a balanced interior air pressure in a building (10) having a plurality of different localized areas (20). The system includes: a main fan or set of main fans (12) that is selectively controlled to support a desired overall interior air pressure inside the building (10); a plurality of interior sensors (22), each interior sensor (22) arranged to detect a localized air pressure at one of the areas (20) in the building; a plurality of auxiliary fans (26), each auxiliary fan (26) being provisioned to selectively modify the localized air pressure at one of the areas (20) in the building (10); and, a control unit (11) that is in operative communication with the plurality of sensors (22) to obtain air pressure readings therefrom, in operative communication with the plurality of auxiliary fans (26) to control operation thereof, and in operative communication with the main fan or set of main fans (12) to control operation thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are implantable systems that include an implantable photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, which can be used to obtain an arterial PPG waveform. In an embodiment, a metric of a terminal portion of an arterial PPG waveform is determined, and a metric of an initial portion of the arterial PPG waveform is determined, and a surrogate of mean arterial pressure is determined based on the metric of the terminal portion and the metric of the initial portion. In another embodiment, a surrogate of diastolic pressure is determined based on a metric of a terminal portion of an arterial PPG waveform. In a further embodiment, a surrogate of cardiac afterload is determined based on a metric of a terminal portion of an arterial PPG waveform.

Abstract: The present invention is related to implantable cardiac devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators that deliver cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), and to a method of optimizing acquisition of impedance signals between electrodes present on implanted lead systems. This system then automatically determines which electrodes or electrode combinations acquire impedance waveforms that have the best signal to noise ratio (highest fidelity) and characterize data most representative of dysynchronous electro-mechanical events. Using closed loop algorithms which provide electrograms and a variety of impedance data reflective of the patient's clinical status, the system autonomously modifies interval timing within the CRT device.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for securing data wirelessly transmitted between a wireless peripheral (20) and a computer (10) to which the wireless peripheral (20) is wirelessly connected. The apparatus includes: a first device (30) that is operatively connected to a first component, the first component being the wireless peripheral (20); and, a second device (32) that is operatively connected to a second component, the second component being the computer (10). Suitably, at least one of the devices is operative to encrypt data from one of the components to which it is operatively connected prior to the data being wirelessly transmitted to the other one of the components, and at least the other one of the devices is operative to decrypt the data wirelessly received at the other one of the components.

Abstract: A method is provided in a wireless telecommunications network (10) for capturing data regarding mobile stations (40) served by the network (10). The method includes: monitoring a designated geographic area provided wireless service by the telecommunications network (10) to detect call failures occurring in the monitored area; counting a number of failures detected via the monitoring that occur within a designated timeframe; comparing the counted number of failures to a threshold value; and, in response to the counted number of failures exceeding the threshold value, recording data regarding mobile stations (40) served by the network (10) that are recognized by the network (10) as at least one of in or near the monitored area.

Abstract: A first lead provides therapeutic stimulation to the heart and includes a first mechanical sensor that measures physical contraction and relaxation of the heart. A controller induces delivery of therapeutic stimulation via the first lead. The controller receives signals from the first mechanical sensor indicative of the contraction and relaxation; develops a template signal that corresponds to the contraction and relaxation; and uses the template signal to modify the delivery of therapeutic stimulations. In another arrangement, a second lead, with a second mechanical sensor also provides signals to the controller indicative of contraction and relaxation. The first mechanical sensor is adapted to be positioned at the interventricular septal region of the heart, and the second mechanical sensor is adapted to be positioned in the lateral region of the left ventricle. The controller processes the signals from the first mechanical sensor and the second mechanical sensor to develop a dysynchrony index.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing high voltage confirmation are disclosed. In various embodiments, impedance data can be used as a basis for determining the operation of a high voltage confirmation system. In some embodiments, measurements of impedance associated with the high voltage lead(s) can provide indication as to the condition of the lead(s). In some embodiments, faulty leads can yield impedance values that exceed a known threshold value. In some embodiments, such threshold value can be determined from a laboratory study of the leads under conditions that are similar to the operating conditions of implantable cardiac devices.

Abstract: A system that implements the display of the well-recognized MLPP keypad generated by a computer-based application adaptable for any authorized user. In one embodiment in accordance with the present invention, a system is provided for emulating an MLPP telephone. The exemplary system comprises a data entry portion that accepts telephone call initiation information, including MLPP priority information, from a user, and an information display portion that displays information relating to the data entry portion. In one form of the invention, the data entry portion comprises a visual representation, on a display device, of an MLPP telephone keypad, and a data input device. The visual representation, on a display device, may be a visual representation on a video display terminal associated with a personal computer.

Abstract: An electrically powered device (10) is provided that is equipped to receive television transmissions. Suitably, the device (10) is operative in one of two states, including a first state in which the device (10) is powered up for normal operation and a second state in which the device (10) is powered down for operation in a standby mode.

Abstract: A method is provided in a telecommunications network for clandestinely providing a transmission relay service (TRS) to a called party (30). The method includes: receiving a first call from a calling party (10), the first call being received at a network node (40) serving a called party (30) for which the first call is intended; detecting the called party (30) answering the first call; and, determining whether or not to invoke a feature (44) supported by the network node (40).

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises an application server component that associates a data stream with a call through employment of an identifier within a message associated with the call.

Abstract: A method of throttling priority service traffic in a telecommunications network is disclosed. The method includes: monitoring a rate at which priority service requests are received at a node of the network; comparing the rate to a threshold; disabling a gapping function for priority service traffic when the rate is less than the threshold; enabling the gapping function for priority service traffic when the rate is not less than the threshold, and, dynamically regulating a parameter of the gapping function when the gapping function is enabled.

Abstract: A method is provided for regulating transmission power levels for wireless calls. The method includes: determining whether or not a mobile station (MS) (90) is outside a service area of a wireless telecommunications network (70); detecting whether or not a call placed by the MS (90) is a priority call; setting a transmission power level of the MS (90) in response to the MS (90) being outside the service area of the wireless network (70) and detecting that the call placed by the MS (90) is a priority call; transmitting call set-up signaling from the MS (90) at the transmission power level set for the MS (90); determining whether or not a base station (BS) (82) of the wireless network (70) receives the call set-up signaling from the MS (90); setting a transmission power level of the BS (82) in response to the BS (82) receiving the call set-up signaling from the MS (90); and, transmitting a reply to the call set-up signaling from the BS (82) at the transmission power level set for the BS (82).

Abstract: Apparatus for use with a slatted floor comprises a floor covering apparatus for placement on the individual slats of a slatted floor. Each floor covering apparatus includes an elongated elastomeric mat (410) adapted to be fitted to a floor slat. The mat has a rigid fixing base (411), a flexible core (11) and an outer skin (415). The rigid fixing base (411), the flexible core (11) and the outer skin (415) are integrally formed together. The mat has a longitudinal leg (413) at each side to locate the mat. Also a flap valve (412) is mounted on each leg and protrudes into the gap between adjacent slats.

Abstract: A plurality of sensor data acquired from the heart using novel microfabricated sensors is compared to analogous data derived by conventional imaging modalities extrinsic to the heart. The cross-correlation of corresponding signals facilitates the development of sensor nanotechnologies including a catheter for performing ablation of cardiac arrhythmias and a biocompatible electrical interface with monitoring capabilities. Cross-correlation of data acquired with differing techniques enables system calibration and design, as well as, validation of the data acquired with next generation sensors. In a preferred mode of the invention, novel cardiac nanosensors enable an operator to differentiate one individual patient's cardiac tissue mechanical properties from others by using a sense of touch much as clinicians today use auditory cues with a stethoscope.

Abstract: A method for eliminating expired personal messages routed over a telecommunications network includes: receiving a message from a message originator for an intended recipient; at least temporarily storing the message; determining when the message expires based upon an expiration parameter included with the message; and, deleting the stored message automatically after the message expires.