Abstract: Treatment of hypertension includes implantation of the discharge portion(s) of a catheter and/or electrical stimulation electrode(s) adjacent the tissue(s) to be stimulated. Stimulation pulses, i.e., drug infusion pulses and/or electrical pulses, are supplied by one or more implanted stimulators, through the catheter and possibly also a lead, tunneled subcutaneously between the stimulator and stimulation site. A microstimulator(s) may also/instead deliver electrical stimulation pulses. Stimulation sites include the carotid sinus and carotid body, among other locations. Treatments include drugs used for acute and/or chronic treatment of hypertension. In a number of embodiments, a need for or response to treatment is sensed, and the electrical and/or infusion pulses adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: Introducing one or more stimulating drugs to the vagus nerve and/or one or more branches of the vagus nerve to treat movement disorders uses at least one implantable system control unit (SCU) with an implantable pump with at least one infusion outlet. Optional electrical stimulation may additionally be supplied by an implantable signal/pulse generator (IPG) with one or more electrodes. In certain embodiments, a single SCU provides one or more stimulating drugs and the optional electrical stimulation. In some embodiments, one or more sensed conditions are used to adjust stimulation parameters.

Abstract: Introducing one or more stimulating drugs to the brain and/or applying electrical stimulation to the brain is used to treat movement disorders. At least one implantable system control unit (SCU) produces electrical pulses delivered via electrodes implanted in the brain and/or drug infusion pulses delivered via a catheter implanted in the brain. The stimulation is delivered to targeted brain structures to adjust the activity of those structures. In some embodiments, one or more sensed conditions are used to adjust stimulation parameters.

Abstract: Communication between an implantable device(s), such as a neural stimulator, and an external remote device(s), e.g., a computer in a clinician's office, a computer in a patient's home, or a handheld patient remote control, is performed entirely via an RF link. In order to conserve power, the RF telemetry system of the implant is only activated periodically; with the period of activation being sufficiently short so as to allow a reasonably prompt response of the implant to a request for a communication session by the external device. In order to assure reliable communication, the RF information may be encoded, as appropriate, with error correction codes.

Abstract: An implantable stimulator(s), small enough to be located near or adjacent to an autonomic nerve(s) innervating urinary and/or gastrointestinal structures, uses a power source/storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. Periodic recharging of such a power source/storage device is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external appliance. The small stimulator provides a means of stimulating a nerve(s) or other tissue when desired, without the need for external appliances during the stimulation session. When necessary, external appliances are used for the transmission of data to and/or from the stimulator(s) and for the transmission of power, if necessary. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one implant includes at least one sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters.

Abstract: A fixation device fixes the position of an implantable microminiature device residing proximally to a target site such as a nerve or a muscle. In one embodiment, the device comprises a sheath and a means for attaching the device to adjacent tissue. The means for attaching may be any one of several embodiments including one or more grasping members, a combination of grasping members and one or more helices, or an extension adapted to accept a suture. In another embodiment, the fixation device comprises an assembly residing in the implantation pathway, behind the stimulation device, thus preventing retreat of the stimulation device in the pathway. In a preferred use, the fixation device fixes the position of a microstimulator component of a Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for introducing one or more stimulating drugs and/or applying electrical stimulation to the brain to alleviate pain use at least one implantable system control unit (SCU), producing electrical pulses delivered via electrodes implanted in the brain and/or producing drug infusion pulses, wherein the stimulation is delivered to targeted areas in the brain. In some embodiments, one or more sensed conditions are used to adjust stimulation parameters.

Abstract: An implantable stimulator(s) with at least one infusion outlet and/or at least one electrode, is implanted with the outlet(s) and/or electrode(s) located adjacent to a pudendal nerve(s) and potentially other nerve(s) innervating the reproductive organs, such as the cavernous nerve(s). Stimulation of such nerve(s) is provided via stimulating drugs and/or electrical stimulation as a therapy for erectile dysfunction. The stimulator uses a power source/storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. Periodic recharging of such a battery is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external appliance. The stimulator provides means of stimulating a nerve(s) when desired, without the need for external appliances during the stimulation session. When necessary, external appliances are used for the transmission of data to and/or from the stimulator(s) and for the transmission of power. The system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation.

Abstract: A curved paddle electrode allows the electrode to be placed over a relatively flat or oval shaped nerve bundle attached to fascia tissue without having to separate the nerve bundle from the fascia tissue. The electrode includes at least one suture hole that allows the electrode to be held in place over the nerve bundle through a clip-on stitch, or equivalent. In one embodiment, the curved paddle electrode provides a tripolar electrode configuration that allows three spaced-apart parallel electrode contacts to be positioned transverse to a target nerve bundle. Such electrode configuration allows bipolar or tripolar stimulation to occur. Other embodiments employ less or more than three electrode contacts. A preferred application of the curved paddle electrode is for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), where the electrode is placed over the neurovascular bundle attached to the rectal fascia tissue near the rectum.

Abstract: Introducing one or more stimulating drugs to the brain and/or applying electrical stimulation to the brain is used to treat epilepsy. At least one implantable system control unit (SCU) produces electrical pulses delivered via electrodes implanted in the brain and/or drug infusion pulses delivered via a catheter implanted in the brain. The stimulation is delivered to targeted brain structures to adjust the activity of those structures. The small size of the SCUs of the invention allow SCU implantation directly and entirely within the skull and/or brain. Simplicity of the preferred systems and methods and compactness of the preferred system are enabled by the modest control parameter set of these SCU, which do not require or include a sensing feature.

Abstract: An implantable system control unit (SCU) includes means for measuring tissue impedance or other condition to determine allograft health, in order to predict or detect allograft rejection. The SCU also includes at least two electrodes coupled to means for delivering electrical stimulation to a patient within whom the device is implanted, and may also include a reservoir for holding one or more drugs and a driver means for delivering the drug(s) to the patient. In certain embodiments, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one SCU includes a sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters. Alternatively, this sensory “SCU” sounds an alarm, communicates an alarm to an external device, and/or is responsive to queries regarding sensed information, such as tissue impedance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for introducing one or more stimulating drugs and/or applying electrical stimulation to the brain to at least treat or prevent obesity and/or other eating disorders uses at least one system control unit (SCU) producing electrical pulses delivered via electrodes implanted in the brain and/or producing drug infusion pulses, wherein the stimulating drug(s) are delivered to targeted areas in the brain.

Abstract: A method and system for treatment of incontinence, urgency, frequency, and/or pelvic pain includes implantation of electrodes on a lead or the discharge portion of a catheter adjacent the perineal nerve(s) or tissue(s) to be stimulated. Stimulation pulses, either electrical or drug infusion pulses, are supplied by a stimulator implanted remotely, and through the lead or catheter, which is tunneled subcutaneously between the stimulator and stimulation site. For instance, the system and method reduce or eliminate the incidence of unintentional episodes of bladder emptying by stimulating nerve pathways that diminish involuntary bladder contractions, improve closure of the bladder outlet, and/or improve the long-term health of the urinary system by increasing bladder capacity and period between emptying.

Abstract: Systems and methods for introducing one or more stimulating drugs and/or applying electrical stimulation to the brain to at least treat or prevent diabetes uses at least one system control unit (SCU) producing electrical pulses delivered via electrodes implanted in the brain and/or producing drug infusion pulses, wherein the stimulating drug(s) are delivered to targeted areas in the brain.

Abstract: A small implantable stimulator(s) includes at least two electrodes for delivering electrical stimulation to surrounding tissue. The small stimulator provides means of stimulating the prostate with direct electrical current, such as relatively low-level direct current, without the need for external appliances during the stimulation session. The stimulator may be configured to be small enough to be implanted entirely within the prostate. Open- and closed-loop systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A small implantable stimulator(s) includes at least two electrodes for delivering electrical stimulation to surrounding tissue. The small stimulator provides means of stimulating a neoplasm with direct electrical current, such as relatively low-level direct current, without the need for external appliances during the stimulation session. The stimulator may be configured to be small enough to be implanted entirely within a neoplasm. Open- and closed-loop systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for introducing one or more stimulating drugs and/or applying electrical stimulation to tissue affecting the penis to treat erectile dysfunction (for instance, following prostate surgery) uses at least one implantable system control unit (SCU) producing electrical pulses delivered via electrodes and/or producing drug infusion pulses, wherein the stimulating drug(s) are delivered via one or more pumps and infusion outlets.

Abstract: An implantable stimulator(s), small enough to be located near or within an area of the spine responsible for sensations in a region experiencing chronic pain uses a power source/storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. Periodic recharging of such a power source/storage device is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external appliance. The small stimulator provides a means of stimulating a nerve(s) or other tissue when desired, without the need for external appliances during the stimulation session. When necessary, external appliances are used for the transmission of data to and/or from the stimulator(s) and for the transmission of power, it necessary. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one implant includes at least one sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters.

Abstract: One or more implantable system control units (SCU) apply one or more stimulating drugs and/or electrical pulses to a spinal section responsible for innervating the male reproductive organs. The SCU uses a power source/storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. If necessary, periodic recharging of such a battery is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external appliance. The SCU provides means of stimulating a tissue(s) with electrical and/or infusion pulses when desired, without the need for external appliances during the stimulation session. When necessary, external appliances are used for the transmission of data to and/or from the SCU(s) and/or for the transmission of power. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one implant includes a sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters.

Abstract: One or more implantable system control units (SCU) apply one or more stimulating drugs and/or electrical pulses to one or more predetermined areas affecting circulatory perfusion. The SCU preferably includes a programmable memory for storing data and/or control parameters, and preferably uses a power source/storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. If necessary, periodic recharging of such a power source/storage device is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external appliance. The SCU provides a means of stimulating a nerve(s) or other tissue with electrical and/or infusion pulses when desired, without the need for external appliances during the stimulation session. When necessary, external appliances are used for the transmission of data to and/or from the SCU(s) and/or for the transmission of power. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation.