Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving a frequency response of a piezoelectric input or output transducer in an implantable hearing system. Multiple input or multiple output transducers obtain optimized mechanical-to-electrical or electrical-to-mechanical frequency response. Output mechanical coupling is directly to the inner ear, or through an ossicular element such as the malleus, stapes, or incus. Input mechanical vibrations are obtained from an auditory element such as the tympanic membrane, malleus, or incus. Substantially nonidentical frequency responses are obtained such as using transducers of different dimensions, different number of transducer elements, different material properties, different mounting techniques, or different auditory elements for coupling.

Abstract: An ICD detection method for sensing the occurrence of an R-wave improves the ability to distinguish R-waves from noise through the use of variable declining sensitivity thresholds. The method includes the consideration of the amplitude of at least the previous most recent R-wave to determine a declining threshold of sensitivity used to recognize a subsequent electrical signal as an R-wave. In the method, the amplitude of the previous R-wave may be classified, based upon amplitude, and based upon the classification, a desirable time constant for the declining threshold of sensitivity is provided as an exponential or reverse exponential decay. Alternatively, a piece wise use of various decay formulas may be combined and used to avoid false recognition of noise as an R-wave.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vibrating an auditory element, such as a stapes, within an ear to improve hearing. A piezoelectric transducer is interposed within an inner circumference of the stapes, such as between the neck and footplate. An electrical input signal is applied to the transducer to vibrate an oval window or perilymph of the cochlea, either directly or through the stapes. The vibrator has small size and low power consumption, which are particularly advantageous for partial middle ear implantable (P-MEI) or total middle ear implantable (T-MEI) hearing aid systems.

Abstract: A capacitor-discharge implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has a relatively longer device life of greater that 5 years. The longer life of the ICD is achieved by selecting and arranging the internal components of the ICD to deliver a maximum defibrillation countershock optimized in terms of a minimum physiologically effective current (I.sub.pe), rather than a minimum defibrillation threshold energy (DFT). As a result of the optimization in terms of a minimum effective current I.sub.pe, there is a significant decrease in the maximum electrical charge energy (E.sub.c) that must be stored by the capacitor of the ICD to less than about 30 Joules, even though a higher safety margin is provided for by the device. Due to this decrease in the maximum E.sub.

Abstract: The invention discloses a catheter for use with an implantable cardioverter in which the catheter has at least two discharge electrodes positioned along the length of the catheter in such a fashion as to place each electrode in the optimal position to effect atrial and ventricular cardioversion and defibrillation.

Abstract: A defibrillator for pectoral implant in a patient wherein the metal housing or case of the defibrillator is utilized as an electrode and is operative to supply electrical pulses. The housing is coated with an oxidation resistant material to optimize electrode function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biophysical-electronic system and method embodied in a defibrillation system with a range of pulse durations under 6 milliseconds, which is precisely the optimal range. The present invention provides an implantable defibrillator that delivers such waveforms. The present invention specifies optimal pulse duration for a given capacitor size, a determination that takes into account both the time constant of the system and the characteristic time (chronaxie) of the cardiac tissue. In addition to enhancing defibrillation effectiveness, the present invention provides size reduction in the implantable system, or the increased battery (and hence system) life, or some of both. The lower-energy shocks also reduce tissue damage from defibrillation procedures.

Abstract: A paint formulation is disclosed which will paint snow without harming either animal or plant life. The paint may be pre-formulated in a powdered form as is prepared for use by merely adding water. A process of allowing one to paint or draw on snow whereby a coloring agent, such as food coloring, is mixed with a gelling agent, such as household gelatin, and applied with a spray or squirt gun. When the gel solution contacts the cold snow, the gel solution quickly sets up and is prevented from dissipating as snow undergoes partial melting. When snow melts, the gel liquefies and disappears with runoff water.

Abstract: An implantable defibrillator having programmable shock waveforms and paths where each successive waveform may be of a different shape and form, and delivered to and through an area of the human heart in a desired sequence. The shock waveforms can be delivered independently through certain areas of the heart or through different areas of the heart to the can electrode or to a patch electrode at a computed common time. Alternatively, a first shock waveform or set of shock waveforms can be delivered through one or more areas of the heart followed by a delivery of time sequenced delayed shock waveform or forms through specific areas of the heart to the can electrode or patch electrode.

Abstract: A defibrillation electrode apparatus which provides defibrillating, pacing, and sensing functions with the use of fewer conductors. Conductor requirements are minimized by solid-state multiplexing that is accomplished at the distal end of the apparatus. The apparatus comprises:a. a body structure;b. a number "X", wherein X is at least 3, of electrode members disposed on the body structure for electrical communication with the exterior environment;c. a number "X-Y", wherein Y is a number between 1 and X-2, of conductive lead members, each lead member being communicatively connected to at least one electrode member and extending therefrom to a predetermined point on the body structure, and wherein each electrode member is connected to one lead member and at least one lead member is connected to more than one electrode member; andd. a rectifier connected between at least one lead member and at least one electrode member.

Abstract: An electrode system for an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. The electrode system includes a conductive structure which is physically and electrically connected to the housing or can of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator and is used as an electrode in combination with an existing implantable cardioverter defibrillator electrode or electrodes. The electrode system provides a therapeutically significant increase in the effective surface area of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator's electrodes without requiring an additional header connection, feedthru, or cable.

Abstract: An implantable defibrillator derives a rectangular current waveform from a capacitor discharge by using a current limiter. This pulse-shaping method is equally applicable to single-path and multiple-path situations. A rectangular pulse delivers a maximum of energy for a given peak-field value with a particular electrode combination and pulse duration. Peak field is a measure of the tissue-damage potentiality of a particular discharge.

Abstract: The present invention uses switches to set the topology and polarity of a circuit that includes capacitors to deliver an electric pulse to a heart during a defibrillation procedure. The waveform of the electric pulse is biphasic, in that it is a positive portion of the pulse followed by a negative portion of the pulse. The topology and polarity of the circuit are utilized to produce a waveform that approximates the ideal waveform for the specific situation. The circuit provides for combinations of capacitors variously in series and in parallel and changing the topology and polarity of the circuit during discharge of the capacitors.

Abstract: A defibrillator having a connector utilizing a plurality of ports aligned therein to accommodate sensing leads, and positive and negative defibrillator electrode leads. The positive defibrillator leads are internally connected in common and can facilitate the use of two positive defibrillator leads. Alternative embodiments illustrate methods of having different post polarities for use in situations where having different electrode polarities is beneficial. Other alternative embodiments illustrate methods for limiting current or EMF through one of the commonly wire defibrillator ports.

Abstract: A programmable implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) provides signals from a plurality of cardiac sensing modalities to a control circuit within the ICD that analyzes the signals and determines whether to deliver an electrical countershock therapy. An interdependent detection parameter threshold is programmably established for each of a programmably selectable combination of two or more cardiac sensing modalities by selecting at least two corner points that will define a boundary condition for a given cardiac dysrhythmia. Whenever the threshold is exceeded, the control circuit automatically diagnoses a cardiac dysrhythmia and delivers a preprogrammed electrical countershock therapy regimen for the diagnosed dysrhythmia. Multiple interdependent detection parameter thresholds may be combined in a variety of ways. More than one combination of two or more cardiac sensing modalities may be used to define a multivariant boundary condition for the given cardiac dysrhythmia.

Abstract: An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) device in operated in an overcharged final countershock condition so as to provide greater efficacy and broader treatment modality for the device. Instead of delivering a repeated series of up to five countershocks at the maximum rated charging voltage in response to a persistent ventricular arrhythmia as is done in existing ICD systems, an overcharged final countershock is delivered for which the electrolytic capacitor charge storage system of the ICD system is charged at a voltage that exceeds a maximum voltage specification. By delivering an overcharged final countershock, the present invention increases the chances of reversing a persistent ventricular arrhythmia which has become increasingly resistant to electrical therapy the longer the arrhythmia persists.

Abstract: A defibrillator pulse generator for pectoral implant utilizing the metal case as an electrode and operative to supply unique patterns of monophasic, biphasic, or pairs of electrical pulses to the connected electrodes.

Abstract: An implantable multichamber cardioversion and defibrillation system is provided with multiple independently controllable and programmable switched electrode discharge pathways. This independently controlled switching arrangement provides for control over the polarity, phase, direction and timing of all cardioversion and defibrillation countershocks, and allows for the varying of subsequent countershocks after an initial countershock. The switching arrangement is, preferably, both programmable prior to implantation of the system and re-programmable after implantation of the system.

Abstract: A practical and effective prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) that has the potential to benefit a large number of patients with less severe cardiac conditions who now lack the opportunity to be served in a practical way by existing ICD systems. Unlike existing ICD systems, the prophylactic ICD is designed to deliver between about 100 to 200 shocks, with each shock having a maximum delivered energy value of only about 25 joules. As a result, the initial stored energy requirements of the prophylactic ICD system are less than about 12,000 joules, and both the battery and the capacitor systems can be significantly smaller than existing ICD system. The smaller battery and capacitor systems produce in an implantable device having a physical size small enough to permit implantation of the device in the pectoral region.

Abstract: A semi-automatic atrial and ventricular defibrillator comprising an implantable subsystem and an external programming control subsystem allowing for automatic ventricular cardioversion defibrillation countershock therapy and semi-automatic atrial cardioversion defibrillation countershock therapy. The system allows for the diagnosis of atrial and ventricular dysrhythmias and automatically treating the ventricular dysrhythmias but allowing for discretionary treatment of atrial dysrhythmias. Such discretionary control provides utility in allowing an operator including the patient, physicians, nurses, paramedics, and medical assistants to forego painful atrial defibrillation countershocks based on a medical assessment that the patient's atrial dysrhythmia is not significantly dysfunctional and amenable to less immediate and less urgent medical treatment.