Abstract: An operational amplifier with totem pole connected output transistors having inputs coupled to multiplexers for selectable coupling of signals and voltage levels thereto. The high and low output transistors may be forced hard on or hard off in addition to normal coupling of signals thereto. The operation of the output transistors may be dynamically changed to pass only positive going signals, negative going signals, placed in a tristate high impedance state, hard connected to a supply voltage and/or hard connected to supply common return. A core independent peripheral (CIP) may also be coupled to the operational amplifier for dynamically changing the multiplexer inputs in real time, as can external control signals to a control circuit coupled to the multiplexers.

Abstract: An operational amplifier with totem pole connected output transistors having inputs coupled to multiplexers for selectable coupling of signals and voltage levels thereto. The high and low output transistors may be forced hard on or hard off in addition to normal coupling of signals thereto. The operation of the output transistors may be dynamically changed to pass only positive going signals, negative going signals, placed in a tristate high impedance state, hard connected to a supply voltage and/or hard connected to supply common return. A core independent peripheral (CIP) may also be coupled to the operational amplifier for dynamically changing the multiplexer inputs in real time, as can external control signals to a control circuit coupled to the multiplexers.

Abstract: A universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) interface is disclosed. The UART interface may include a configurable asynchronous receiver and transmitter unit; and a configurable state machine, wherein the state machine allows configuration of the receiver and transmitter unit to support various baud rates and provide for start bit and stop bit configuration, wherein the state machine is further configurable to automatically support a plurality of communication protocols.

Abstract: A universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) interface is disclosed. The UART interface may include a configurable asynchronous receiver and transmitter unit; and a configurable state machine, wherein the state machine allows configuration of the receiver and transmitter unit to support various baud rates and provide for start bit and stop bit configuration, wherein the state machine is further configurable to automatically support a plurality of communication protocols.

Abstract: An enhanced complementary waveform generator (ECWG) generates two complementary pulse width modulation (PWM) outputs determined by rising and falling event sources. In a simple configuration of the ECWG, the rising and falling event sources are the same signal which is a PWM signal having the desired period and duty cycle. The ECWG converts this single PWM input into dual complementary PWM outputs. The frequency and duty cycle of the dual PWM outputs substantially match those of the single input PWM signal. Blanking and deadband times may be introduced between the dual complementary PWM outputs, and the dual complementary PWM outputs may also be phase delayed.

Abstract: An enhanced complementary waveform generator (ECWG) generates two complementary pulse width modulation (PWM) outputs determined by rising and falling event sources. In a simple configuration of the ECWG, the rising and falling event sources are the same signal which is a PWM signal having the desired period and duty cycle. The ECWG converts this single PWM input into dual complementary PWM outputs. The frequency and duty cycle of the dual PWM outputs substantially match those of the single input PWM signal. Blanking and deadband times may be introduced between the dual complementary PWM outputs, and the dual complementary PWM outputs may also be phase delayed.

Abstract: A system and method for long-term monitoring of cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias is disclosed. The invention includes a pulse generator including means for sensing an arrhythmia. The pulse generator is coupled to at least one subcutaneous electrode or electrode array for providing electrical stimulation such as cardioversion/defibrillation shocks and/or pacing pulses. The electrical stimulation may be provided between multiple subcutaneous electrodes, or between one or more such electrodes and the housing of the pulse generator. In one embodiment, the pulse generator includes one or more electrodes that are isolated from the can. These electrodes may be used to sense cardiac signals.

Abstract: A coating containing pigment particles and a polymer matrix is provided. The coating contains pigment particles that have a scattering coefficient with a linear or quasi-linear relationship to the pigment volume concentration of those pigment particles. The coating has improved hiding and is useful as a protective coating or an aesthetic coating on an underlying substrate. Also provided are compositions useful for preparing the coating, including covalently bonded composite particles and aqueous dispersions containing composite particles. The composite particles each contain a pigment particle with a plurality of polymer particles attached by adsorption on the outer surface of the pigment particle or by covalent bonding to the pigment particle through a coupling agent. Methods to prepare the composite particles and coating compositions containing the composite particles are also provided.

Abstract: A device is provided that may be used to implant a subcutaneous device such as an ICD or a pacemaker. The device includes a body defining a compartment for holding the ICD during insertion and a blade assembly that cuts a path toward the targeted implantation site. A handle assembly including a plunger is used to expel the ICD from the compartment once the targeted implantation site has been reached.

Abstract: A device for extending the length of the existing leads of an implantable device. The lead extenders are constructed and arranged for placement on the existing leads without removal thereof, significantly simplifying installation and obviating the need for contact with the organ connected to the distal ends of the leads. The lead extenders are provided at varying length to provide a physician with the most appropriate device for the particular application.

Abstract: An opacifying particle including a pigment particle having an average particle diameter of from 0.005 to 5 microns and an index of refraction of at least 1.8; a first polymer attached to the surface of the pigment particle via a silane residue; and a second polymer which substantially encapsulates the pigment particle having the attached first polymer is provided. Also provided is a method for forming the opacifying particle as is a coating composition and a plastic composition including the opacifying particle.

Abstract: A system and method for long-term monitoring of cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias is disclosed. The invention includes a pulse generator including means for sensing an arrhythmia. The pulse generator is coupled to at least one subcutaneous electrode or electrode array for providing electrical stimulation such as cardioversion/defibrillation shocks and/or pacing pulses. The electrical stimulation may be provided between multiple subcutaneous electrodes, or between one or more such electrodes and the housing of the pulse generator. In one embodiment, the pulse generator includes one or more electrodes that are isolated from the can. These electrodes may be used to sense cardiac signals.

Abstract: A system and method for long-term monitoring of cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias is disclosed. The invention includes a pulse generator including means for sensing an arrhythmia. The pulse generator is coupled to at least one subcutaneous electrode or electrode array for providing electrical stimulation such as cardioversion/defibrillation shocks and/or pacing pulses. The electrical stimulation may be provided between multiple subcutaneous electrodes, or between one or more such electrodes and the housing of the pulse generator. In one embodiment, the pulse generator includes one or more electrodes that are isolated from the can. These electrodes may be used to sense cardiac signals.

Abstract: The efficiency and longevity of an implantable electrotherapy device is greatly improved by utilizing a biocompatible coating material to selectively cover desired portions of the electrotherapy device and/or the related leads. This coating thus allows only specific portions of the device to be in electrical contact with the patient's tissue, thus more closely controlling the electrical signal transfer characteristics of the device. Because a more concentrated or localized signal transmission characteristic is possible, the efficiency of the electrotherapy device is greatly improved. Further, because power is being more efficiently and effectively utilized, the overall longevity of the implantable device is also improved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating malignant ventricular arrhythmias is provided. The apparatus includes a lead system that is placed subcutaneously in a patient and a pulse generator connected to lead system by lead. The lead system includes a plurality of energy delivery electrodes for delivering energy stimulation to a patient's heart and a plurality of monitoring electrodes for monitoring the occurrence of or sensing an arrhythmia. The lead system is encapsulated in a sheath of biocompatible material to prevent electrodes from contacting each other and shorting out or shorting together.

Abstract: An aqueous polymer composition is provided containing select levels of hard polymer and soft polymer, wherein the hard polymer and the soft polymer are contained as dispersed particles. Portions of the hard polymer and optionally, the soft polymer, have select chemical groups. The aqueous polymer composition also contains composite particles formed from pigment particles and a plurality of polymer particles having the select chemical groups. The aqueous polymer composition is useful for preparing coatings having a combination of improved hiding, low temperature film formation, and hardness properties, such as dirt pickup resistance. Methods to prepare and to use the aqueous polymer composition are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for long-term monitoring of cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias is disclosed. The invention includes a pulse generator including means for sensing an arrhythmia. The pulse generator is coupled to at least one subcutaneous electrode or electrode array for providing electrical stimulation such as cardioversion/defibrillation shocks and/or pacing pulses. The electrical stimulation may be provided between multiple subcutaneous electrodes, or between one or more such electrodes and the housing of the pulse generator. In one embodiment, the pulse generator includes one or more electrodes that are isolated from the can. These electrodes may be used to sense cardiac signals.