Abstract: Partially implantable medical devices and methods associated with partially implantable medical devices.

Abstract: Partially implantable medical devices and methods associated with partially implantable medical devices.

Abstract: Partially implantable medical devices and methods associated with partially implantable medical devices.

Abstract: Partially implantable medical devices and methods associated with partially implantable medical devices.

Abstract: Partially implantable medical devices and methods associated with partially implantable medical devices.

Abstract: Methods of using unidirectionally propagating action potentials (UPAPs) for vagus nerve stimulation and for certain disorders are provided. Stimulators capable of creating such UPAPs include, but are not limited to, miniature implantable stimulators (i.e., microstimulators), possibly with programmably configurable electrodes.

Abstract: A component assembly for use in living tissue comprises: a ceramic part; a metal part; and a titanium palladium (Ti—Pd) interface layer for bonding said ceramic part to the metal part. In one embodiment, the interface layer may be formed from a single titanium layer in contact with a single palladium layer, or in other embodiments, may be at least a three layer laminate (Pd—Ti—Pd). A microstimulator housing comprising a ceramic part, a titanium or titanium alloy part sandwiching the Ti—Pd interlayer may be employed to create a eutectic bond that is strong and hermetic.

Abstract: An implantable stimulator system includes a plastic housing, an electronic subassembly and at least one metal contact. The plastic housing defines an interior chamber and an exterior. The electronic subassembly is disposed in the interior chamber of the plastic housing. The at least one metal contact is integrally formed with the plastic housing, coupled to the electronic subassembly, and accessible from the exterior of the housing. The plastic housing and the at least one metal contact form a sealed structure around the electronic subassembly.

Abstract: An implantable microstimulator includes a plastic housing having a first end and a second end; an electronic subassembly disposed within the housing; a first electrode disposed at the first end of the plastic housing and in electrical communication with the electronic subassembly; and a second electrode disposed at the second end of the plastic housing and in electrical communication with the electronic subassembly. The plastic housing, first electrode, and second electrode form a hermetically sealed structure around the electronic subassembly.

Abstract: Systems for providing stimulation with an implantable system control unit and for optimally positioning that system control unit include a system control unit configured to provide a stimulus to a patient with a member attached to the system control unit for pulling the system control unit into position within the patient. Methods of optimally positioning the implantable system control unit within a patient such that the system control unit is proximal to target tissue that is to be stimulated by the system control unit include threading a member through a patient's body using a needle, the member passing proximal to the target tissue and being attached to the system control unit, and pulling the system control unit into place with the member.

Abstract: Systems for adjusting a position of an implanted medical device within a patient include an engagement tool configured to couple to the implanted medical device. The engagement tool adjusts the position of the medical device when coupled to the implanted medical device. Methods of adjusting a position of an implanted medical device within a patient include locating the implanted medical device, coupling an engagement tool to the medical device, and adjusting a position of the engagement tool to adjust the position of the medical device.

Abstract: A feedthru assembly configured to provide a conductive path extending between an interior of an enclosure and an exterior of the enclosure includes a flange, at least one conductive pin, and at least one insulative member. The flange is configured to couple to the enclosure and has one or more holes therein. The at least one conductive pin includes a hollow lumen extending therethrough and is configured to extend through the at least one or more holes of the flange such that a proximal end of the at least one pin is in communication with the interior of the enclosure and a distal end of the at least one pin is in communication with the exterior of the enclosure. The at least one insulative member is configured to prevent the at least one pin from making physical contact with the flange.

Abstract: A feedthru assembly configured to provide a conductive path extending between an interior of an enclosure and an exterior of the enclosure includes a flange, at least one conductive pin, and at least one insulative member. The flange is configured to couple to the enclosure and has one or more holes therein. The at least one conductive pin includes a hollow lumen extending therethrough and is configured to extend through the at least one or more holes of the flange such that a proximal end of the at least one pin is in communication with the interior of the enclosure and a distal end of the at least one pin is in communication with the exterior of the enclosure. The at least one insulative member is configured to prevent the at least one pin from making physical contact with the flange.

Abstract: An electrode system includes an implantable electrode having at least one electrode contact, an insertion tool, and a technique or method that allows the electrode contact to be positioned within soft tissue at a selected target stimulation site.

Abstract: An implantable stimulator that includes a housing, a first plastic component, and a second plastic component, where the first and second plastic components form a polymer-polymer interface. A light absorbing metal layer is disposed over at least a portion of the interface and an electronic subassembly is disposed within the housing. The first and second plastic components can be welded together by irradiating the light absorbing metal layer which converts the light to heat.

Abstract: An electrode system includes an implantable electrode having at least one electrode contact, an insertion tool, and a technique or method that allows the electrode contact to be positioned within soft tissue at a selected target stimulation site.

Abstract: An implantable microstimulator can include a housing having a first end; an electronic subassembly disposed within the housing; a plurality of electrodes disposed on the housing and coupled to the electronic subassembly; and a dissecting tip disposed at the first end of the housing. Another implantable microstimulator includes a housing having a first end; an electronic subassembly disposed within the housing; a plurality of electrodes disposed on the housing and coupled to the electronic subassembly; and a extraction aid disposed at the first end of the housing and configured and arranged for attachment of an extraction line.

Abstract: An implantable stimulator that includes a housing, a first plastic component, and a second plastic component, where the first and second plastic components form a polymer-polymer interface. A light absorbing metal layer is disposed over at least a portion of the interface and an electronic subassembly is disposed within the housing. The first and second plastic components can be welded together by irradiating the light absorbing metal layer which converts the light to heat.

Abstract: An electrode assembly includes an electrode electrically connected to a capacitor with a wire. An assembly carrier may be used to hold and secure at least the wire and capacitor during assembly. A method of assembly for attaching a wire to a capacitor and an electrode may include an assembly carrier for housing and securing the wire, capacitor, and electrode during assembly.

Abstract: An electrode assembly includes an electrode electrically connected to a capacitor with a wire. An assembly carrier may be used to hold and secure at least the wire and capacitor during assembly. A method of assembly for attaching a wire to a capacitor and an electrode may include an assembly carrier for housing and securing the wire, capacitor, and electrode during assembly.