Abstract: A catheter body includes an exit port over which a pressure responsive sleeve is formed that allows material to exit a lumen of the catheter body at a given pressure. In one embodiment, a surface of the sleeve is approximately flush with a surface of the catheter body.

Abstract: A method for delivering physiological pacing includes selecting an electrode implant site within an interventricular septal zone, which is in proximity to the bundle of His where pacing stimulation results in a rhythm breaking out at an intrinsic location, and wherein a ratio of sensed P-wave amplitude to sensed R-wave amplitude is less than approximately 0.5 and a pacing threshold is less than or equal to approximately 1.5 volts.

Abstract: A surface area of an IMD electrode is increased by forming a conductive layer over an external portion of a sidewall of an IMD connector header and electrically coupling the conductive layer of the connector header to a conductive mounting surface of a hermetically sealed IMD housing; wherein the conductive mounting surface is an extension of an external conductive surface of the IMD, which external conductive surface forms the IMD electrode that is increased in surface area by the conductive layer formed over the connector header.

Abstract: A method for treating cardiac arrhythmia includes infusing an agent, adapted to facilitate treating the arrhythmia, directly into a cardiac vein and delivering a defibrillating shock between two electrodes.

Abstract: A medical lead is adhered to a tissue site using a tissue adhesive.

Abstract: A method for localizing an internal body structure during an image-guided procedure that includes obtaining a three dimensional image of a body portion containing a targeted structure and selected reference structures; determining a set of landmark point coordinates for defining the location of each of the targeted and reference structures; computing triangulation parameters relating the location of the landmark points for the targeted structure and the reference structures; and, during an image-guided procedure, using the computed triangulation parameters to plot an estimated location of the targeted structure on an intra-operative image in which the reference structures have been identified.

Abstract: A distal tip coupled to a body of an implantable medical device includes a canted passageway extending distally from a lumen of the body and an opening terminating the passageway and positioned in proximity to a distal end of the distal tip; a helical fixation element coupled to an elongated member extending within the lumen of the body is adapted to deflect along the canted passageway of the distal tip. The elongated member is adapted to move the helical member through the passageway of the distal tip and out from the opening and to rotate the helical element thereby affixing the helical element into an implant site.

Abstract: Delivery of genetic material to a stimulation site causes transgene expression by tissue at the stimulation site. In some embodiments, the delivered genetic material causes increased expression of proteins, such as connexins, gap junctions, and ion channels, to increase the conductivity of the tissue at the stimulation site. In some embodiments, the delivered genetic material causes expression of a metalloproteinase, an anti-inflammatory agent, or an immunosuppressant agent. Genetic material is delivered to the stimulation site via a stimulation lead. A stimulation lead for delivering genetic material to a stimulation site includes a chamber that contains a polymeric matrix. The matrix absorbs the genetic material and elutes the genetic material to the stimulation site.

Abstract: A non-rigid tether extends distally from an electrode of a medical electrical lead body coupling a tissue anchor to the lead body. The tissue anchor includes a surface to receive a push force from an insertion tool adapted to insert the anchor within a segment of tissue so that the electrode is held in close proximity to the tissue.

Abstract: A lead body of a medical electrical lead includes a distal end, a first elongated insulated conductor extending toward the distal end and a first electrode coupled to the conductor. A second elongated insulated conductor includes a first portion extending within the lead body to the distal end and a second portion extending distally from the distal end of the lead body where it is terminated by a tissue anchor on which a second electrode is mounted; the tissue anchor includes a surface for receiving a push force from an insertion tool, which is adapted to insert the anchor within a segment of tissue such that the first electrode of the lead body is in close proximity to the segment of tissue.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD), such as a cardiac monitor and/or pulse generator is implanted during a procedure where a biologic is introduced into a targeted area of the heart. The IMD monitors cardiac performance to determine the efficacy of the biologic. Based on the achieved efficacy, the IMD will either take no action, provide device based therapy, and/or ablate the tissue to destroy the biologic and its effects if the biologic proves unsuccessful.

Abstract: An IMD includes a variable sense amplifier that can be adjusted to counteract the variability created in EGM's due to lead maturation. The effects of lead maturation are either predictively assumed or individually assessed on a given patient. The sense amplifier is then adjusted to assure positive identification of desired events and eliminate unwanted events.