Abstract: An implantable medical leads has a conductor that includes one or more metal wires and one or more carbon nanotube wires extending in substantially the same direction as the one or more metal wires. Such conductors may result in less MRI-induced heating at electrodes of leads than conductors that do not contain carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A method includes monitoring an indicator of fluid volume of a patient via a sensor device, and setting an initial fluid volume removal prescription for a blood fluid removal session based on the monitored indicator of fluid volume. The method may further include transmitting data regarding the indicator of fluid volume from the implantable sensor device to fluid removal device. The system includes a blood fluid removal device configured to set the initial fluid removal volume and rate prescription. In some embodiments, the fluid removal device sets or calculated the initial fluid volume removal prescription based on the data received from the implantable sensor. The indicator of fluid volume may be an indicator of tissue fluid volume or an indicator of blood fluid volume.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring patient parameters and blood fluid removal system parameters include identifying those system parameters that result in improved patient parameters or in worsened patent parameters. By comparing the patient's current parameters to past parameters in response to system parameters or changes in system parameters, a blood fluid removal system may be able to avoid future use of parameters that may harm the patient and may be able to learn which parameters are likely to be most effective in treating the patient in a blood fluid removal session.

Abstract: A method includes initiating a blood fluid removal session of a patient; monitoring an indicator of tissue fluid volume of the patient, or a portion thereof, during the blood fluid removal session; monitoring an indicator of blood fluid volume of the patient during the blood fluid removal session; determining whether a ratio of the indicator of tissue fluid volume to indicator of blood fluid volume is outside of a predetermined range; and altering the rate of fluid removal during the blood fluid removal session if the ratio is determined to be outside of the predetermined range. A blood fluid removal system may be configured to carry out the method.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring patient parameters and blood fluid removal system parameters include identifying those system parameters that result in improved patient parameters or in worsened patent parameters. By comparing the patient's current parameters to past parameters in response to system parameters or changes in system parameters, a blood fluid removal system may be able to avoid future use of parameters that may harm the patient and may be able to learn which parameters are likely to be most effective in treating the patient in a blood fluid removal session.

Abstract: Monitoring of the performance of a blood fluid removal medium of a blood fluid removal device includes monitoring of condition, such as fluid flow rate or concentration of blood waste product, downstream of the medium. Upstream monitoring of the condition may also be performed to enhance the ability to determine whether the blood fluid removal medium is performing within predetermined ranges.

Abstract: Monitoring of the performance of a blood fluid removal medium of a blood fluid removal device includes monitoring of condition, such as fluid flow rate or concentration of blood waste product, downstream of the medium. Upstream monitoring of the condition may also be performed to enhance the ability to determine whether the blood fluid removal medium is performing within predetermined ranges.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the performance of kidney replacement therapy having or using a dialyzer, control components, sorbent cartridge and fluid reservoirs configured to be of a weight and size suitable to be worn or carried by an individual requiring treatment are disclosed. The system for performing kidney replacement therapy has a controlled compliance dialysis circuit, where a control pump controls the bi-directional movement of fluid across a dialysis membrane. The dialysis circuit and an extracorporeal circuit for circulating blood are in fluid communication through the dialysis membrane. The flux of fluid moving between the extracorporeal circuit and the dialysis circuit is modified by the rate at which the control pump is operating such that a rate of ultrafiltration and convective clearance can be controlled. The system provides for the monitoring of an inlet and outlet conductivity of the sorbent cartridge to provide a facility to quantify or monitor the removal of urea by the sorbent cartridge.

Abstract: Methods and related apparatuses for sorbent recharging are provided. The methods and related apparatuses for recharging can recharge a specific rechargeable layer of a sorbent material such as zirconium phosphate in a sorbent cartridge. The methods and apparatuses include passing solutions containing combinations of acids, bases and salts through a module containing a rechargeable sorbent material such as zirconium phosphate in order to replace ions bound to the zirconium phosphate with hydrogen and sodium ions. The method allows for a customizable zirconium phosphate, with control over the ratios of sodium to hydrogen on the recharged zirconium phosphate.

Abstract: Methods include monitoring indicators of blood pH or blood electrolyte levels during a blood fluid removal session and adjusting concentrations of pH buffers or electrolytes in dialysate or replacement fluid used during the session based on the monitored indicators. Blood fluid removal systems may employ sensors that monitor blood pH or electrolyte levels to adjust the fluid parameters during a blood fluid removal session.

Abstract: Methods include monitoring indicators of blood pH or blood electrolyte levels during a blood fluid removal session and adjusting concentrations of pH buffers or electrolytes in dialysate or replacement fluid used during the session based on the monitored indicators. Blood fluid removal systems may employ sensors that monitor blood pH or electrolyte levels to adjust the fluid parameters during a blood fluid removal session.

Abstract: Methods include monitoring indicators of blood pH or blood electrolyte levels during a blood fluid removal session and adjusting concentrations of pH buffers or electrolytes in dialysate or replacement fluid used during the session based on the monitored indicators. Blood fluid removal systems may employ sensors that monitor blood pH or electrolyte levels to adjust the fluid parameters during a blood fluid removal session.

Abstract: Implantable medical leads include a conductive interconnect within a high frequency shunt that dissipates high frequency current. The conductive interconnect provides an elasticity that allows a drive shaft to rotate and translate during implantation of the lead while the conductive interconnect maintains physical contact with the drive shaft and with a shunt electrode before, during, and after the implantation. The conductive interconnect may provide a low friction that presents a smooth rotation and translation of the drive shaft to provide an acceptable tactile feedback during implantation. The conductive interconnect also provides a high electrical conductivity so that a substantial amount of high frequency current flows through the conductive interconnect to the shunt electrode. The conductive interconnect may include a polymer filler that partially penetrates into the interstitial spaces of the conductive interconnect to assist in maintaining the physical integrity of the conductive interconnect.

Abstract: Frame structures, assemblies and methods for use in implantable medical devices. The frames may include one or more first polymeric portions and one or more second polymeric portions coupled to the one or more first polymeric portions. The one or more first polymeric portions may have a higher durometer than the one or more second polymeric portions. The one or more second polymeric portions may provide an interference fit between the one or more second polymeric portions and the housing and/or between the one or more second polymeric portions and one or more components disposed in the housing.

Abstract: A method includes initiating a blood fluid removal session for a patient in need thereof; monitoring a cardiovascular parameter of the patient; determining whether the indicator of the cardiovascular state crosses a predetermined threshold; and altering a parameter of the blood fluid removal session if the indicator is determined have crossed the threshold.

Abstract: A method includes initiating a blood fluid removal session of a patient; monitoring an indicator of tissue fluid volume of the patient, or a portion thereof, during the blood fluid removal session; monitoring an indicator of blood fluid volume of the patient during the blood fluid removal session; determining whether a ratio of the indicator of tissue fluid volume to indicator of blood fluid volume is outside of a predetermined range; and altering the rate of fluid removal during the blood fluid removal session if the ratio is determined to be outside of the predetermined range. A blood fluid removal system may be configured to carry out the method.

Abstract: An implantable dialysis device with a related medical system for intracorporeal dialysis and ultrafiltration of blood, and methods of use are described. The medical system includes an extracorporeal module, a cutaneous module, and an implantable module. Features of the implantable module facilitate delivery and flow of blood and dialysate through the medical system. A filter pack within the implantable module performs dialysis and ultrafiltration of blood. System cleansing is also described.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical depot includes a biodegradable polymer having a glass transition temperature of 20 degrees centigrade or less and at least 25% wt solid particles suspended in the biodegradable polymer. The pharmaceutical depot also includes a post-operative pain relieving therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A method includes monitoring an indicator of fluid volume of a patient via a sensor device, and setting an initial fluid volume removal prescription for a blood fluid removal session based on the monitored indicator of fluid volume. The method may further include transmitting data regarding the indicator of fluid volume from the implantable sensor device to fluid removal device. The system includes a blood fluid removal device configured to set the initial fluid removal volume and rate prescription. In some embodiments, the fluid removal device sets or calculated the initial fluid volume removal prescription based on the data received from the implantable sensor. The indicator of fluid volume may be an indicator of tissue fluid volume or an indicator of blood fluid volume.

Abstract: A method includes monitoring an indicator of fluid volume of a patient via a sensor device, and setting an initial fluid volume removal prescription for a blood fluid removal session based on the monitored indicator of fluid volume. The method may further include transmitting data regarding the indicator of fluid volume from the implantable sensor device to fluid removal device. The system includes a blood fluid removal device and control electronics configured to set the initial fluid removal volume and rate prescription. In some embodiments, the fluid removal device sets or calculated the initial fluid volume removal prescription based on the data received from the implantable sensor. The indicator of fluid volume may be an indicator of tissue fluid volume or an indicator of blood fluid volume.