Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a hermetically sealed housing that contains electronic circuitry. A feedthrough is disposed on an external surface of the housing. An antenna wire is disposed around the external surface of the housing. The antenna wire has one end connected to the feedthrough so that the antenna wire is in electric communication with at least a portion of the electronic circuitry. A heat shrink tube is sealingly disposed about substantially the entire external surface of the antenna wire to prevent fluids from contacting the antenna wire and thereby detuning the antenna wire. An antenna surround is disposed about the tube.

Abstract: Integrated tools for noninvasively reading and adjusting an implantable, magnetically adjustable valve, and methods of use are disclosed. The tools include magnetic or electronic reading of the valve, and magnetic or electromagnetic adjustment of the valve. In use, the tools are positioned above or in contact with the patient's skin, in proximity to the valve.

Abstract: Integrated tools for noninvasively reading and adjusting an implantable, magnetically adjustable valve, and methods of use are disclosed. The tools include magnetic or electronic reading of the valve, and magnetic or electromagnetic adjustment of the valve. In use, the tools are positioned above or in contact with the patient's skin, in proximity to the valve.

Abstract: A control unit for an implantable medical device includes a housing and electronics within the housing. The electronics control an RF emission from the control unit. An antenna is pivotably connected to the housing. The antenna is movable between a stowed position where RF emission from the antenna is prevented and a deployed position where RF emission from the antenna is permitted. To use the external control unit to effect communication between an external control unit and an implanted medical device, the user places the external control unit within electronic communication range of the implanted medical device. The control unit antenna is moved from the stowed position to a deployed position where RF emission from the antenna is permitted. RF waves are emitted from the antenna to establish communication between the external control unit and the implanted medical device.

Abstract: A control unit for an implantable medical device includes a housing and electronics within the housing. The electronics control an RF emission from the control unit. An antenna is pivotably connected to the housing. The antenna is movable between a stowed position where RF emission from the antenna is prevented and a deployed position where RF emission from the antenna is permitted. To use the external control unit to effect communication between an external control unit and an implanted medical device, the user places the external control unit within electronic communication range of the implanted medical device. The control unit antenna is moved from the stowed position to a deployed position where RF emission from the antenna is permitted. RF waves are emitted from the antenna to establish communication between the external control unit and the implanted medical device.

Abstract: A control unit for an implantable medical device includes a housing and electronics within the housing. The electronics control an RF emission from the control unit. An antenna is pivotably connected to the housing. The antenna is movable between a stowed position where RF emission from the antenna is prevented and a deployed position where RF emission from the antenna is permitted. To use the external control unit to effect communication between an external control unit and an implanted medical device, the user places the external control unit within electronic communication range of the implanted medical device. The control unit antenna is moved from the stowed position to a deployed position where RF emission from the antenna is permitted. RF waves are emitted from the antenna to establish communication between the external control unit and the implanted medical device.

Abstract: Integrated tools for noninvasively reading and adjusting an implantable, magnetically adjustable valve, and methods of use are disclosed. The tools include magnetic or electronic reading of the valve, and magnetic or electromagnetic adjustment of the valve. In use, the tools are positioned above or in contact with the patient's skin, in proximity to the valve.

Abstract: Integrated tools for noninvasively reading and adjusting an implantable, magnetically adjustable valve, and methods of use are disclosed. The tools include magnetic or electronic reading of the valve, and magnetic or electromagnetic adjustment of the valve. In use, the tools are positioned above or in contact with the patient's skin, in proximity to the valve.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a hermetically sealed housing that contains electronic circuitry. A feedthrough is disposed on an external surface of the housing. An antenna wire is disposed around the external surface of the housing. The antenna wire has one end connected to the feedthrough so that the antenna wire is in electric communication with at least a portion of the electronic circuitry. A heat shrink tube is sealingly disposed about substantially the entire external surface of the antenna wire to prevent fluids from contacting the antenna wire and thereby detuning the antenna wire. An antenna surround is disposed about the tube.

Abstract: A graphical user interface of an external control device for controlling operation of an implantable medical device while minimizing the occurrence of human error. The graphical user interface displays the operating parameter of the implantable medical device simultaneously as an Arabic numeral and a graphical representation. When a parameter value is adjusted, the current and adjusted values are simultaneously displayed as both an Arabic numeral and graphical representation. Other means are described for increasing the probability of detection of an error during entry of an operating parameter value prior to implementation. Execution of the graphical user interface is subject to interruption. When function of the graphical user interface programming is restored operation resumes from that which it left off prior to interruption.

Abstract: A control unit for an implantable medical device includes a housing and electronics within the housing. The electronics control an RF emission from the control unit. An antenna is pivotably connected to the housing. The antenna is movable between a stowed position where RF emission from the antenna is prevented and a deployed position where RF emission from the antenna is permitted. To use the external control unit to effect communication between an external control unit and an implanted medical device, the user places the external control unit within electronic communication range of the implanted medical device. The control unit antenna is moved from the stowed position to a deployed position where RF emission from the antenna is permitted. RF waves are emitted from the antenna to establish communication between the external control unit and the implanted medical device.