Abstract: A system and method are provided for the detection of a heart-related condition by obtaining information in real-time when a condition is initially identified as potentially occurring. A physical exercise and recovery episode is initially detected from physiological signals sensed in a patient. Once detected, a HR-ST segment deviation hysteresis analysis is performed in an implantable medical device (IMD) from certain physiological signals over portions of the exercise and recovery episode to identify the probability that a certain condition is occurring. Once a desired level of probability that the heart-related condition has been detected exists, data utilized in the analysis can be transmitted remotely for clinical review and confirmation of the device's detection of the condition. The patient may be prompted to answer questions related to symptoms that patient is experiencing through an input device in order further confirm the probability that the condition is occurring in the patient.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for the detection of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) using a staged approach for accurate and rapid detection. Physiological signals in a patient's body are sensed and corresponding physiological parameters are derived in a staged approach in order to determine the probability that AMI is occurring in a patient in a first detection stage. If the computed probability from physiological signals indicates the possibility of AMI, then the patient is prompted, such as through a patient-wearable device, to answer specific AMI-related questions to assist in diagnosis of AMI in a second stage. AMI is detected when the computed probability in the second stage exceeds a predefined detection threshold. A patient or physician alert may then be generated, which may further include the transfer of data via a communication link or network, in response to an AMI detection signal.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for diagnosing and generating an alert for a medical condition using procedures initiated by symptoms being experienced by a patient. Diagnostic procedures are initiated in response to the patient entering specific symptoms the patient is experiencing through a patient activator device. The patient activator device may then acquire more information related to the symptoms from the patient, instruct an implantable medical device to perform measurements of certain physiological parameters related to the symptoms, or instruct the patient to perform certain tests. The symptoms and data collected from the patient and medical device are transmitted to a remote diagnostic device for performing clinical decisions based on such information and determining whether the patient is experiencing a particular medical condition.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for the detection of a heart-related condition by obtaining information in realtime when a condition is initially identified as potentially occurring. A physical exercise and recovery episode is initially detected from physiological signals sensed in a patient. Once detected, a HR-ST segment deviation hysteresis analysis is performed in an implantable medical device (IMD) from certain physiological signals over portions of the exercise and recovery episode to identify the probability that a certain condition is occurring. Once a desired level of probability that the heart-related condition has been detected exists, data utilized in the analysis can be transmitted remotely for clinical review and confirmation of the device's detection of the condition. The patient may be prompted to answer questions related to symptoms that patient is experiencing through an input device in order further confirm the probability that the condition is occurring in the patient.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for the detection of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) using a staged approach for accurate and rapid detection. Physiological signals in a patient's body are sensed and corresponding physiological parameters are derived in a staged approach in order to determine the probability that AMI is occurring in a patient in a first detection stage. If the computed probability from physiological signals indicates the possibility of AMI, then the patient is prompted, such as through a patient-wearable device, to answer specific AMI-related questions to assist in diagnosis of AMI in a second stage. AMI is detected when the computed probability in the second stage exceeds a predefined detection threshold. A patient or physician alert may then be generated, which may further include the transfer of data via a communication link or network, in response to an AMI detection signal.

Abstract: Techniques for selecting electrode combinations for stimulation therapy are described. The techniques include selecting one or more electrode combinations based on information associating a plurality of electrode combinations with at least one value of a therapy metric. The therapy metric comprises a quantifiable result of delivery of stimulation, and may be generated computer modeling of delivery of stimulation via the electrode combinations. In one embodiment, a clinician may deliver stimulation via a baseline electrode combination, receive patient feedback to the baseline electrode combination, select a therapy metric based on the patient feedback, and select additional electrode combinations based on the selected therapy metric and the information associating the electrode combinations with therapy metric values.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a system that measures the distance between one or more electrodes and tissue of a patient, and controls one or more parameters of the stimulation delivered to the tissue by the electrodes based on the measured distance. The system controls the measurement of the distance between the electrodes and the tissue as a function of activity of the patient. The system uses, for example, a piezoelectric transducer to sense activity of the patient, and may determine whether or how frequently to measure the distance between electrodes and tissue based on the sensed physical activity. A piezoelectric transducer may be used both to sense activity and to measure the distance between the electrodes and the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention takes the form of a current limiting apparatus and method for limiting current flow, induced when the level of an external signal is greater than an external signal threshold signal level, in a conductive loop formed by a medical device implanted within a living organism having electrically excitable tissue. The system includes an implantable pulse generator (IPG) system having a housing, a signal generator disposed in the housing that generates an electrical signal, and at least one lead extending from the housing to convey electrical signal to the patient. To limit the induced current flow, the IPG includes current limiting componentry, an impedance increasing element, and/or alternating current blocking elements. These components provide an alternating current impedance path to the electrical ground from a lead coupled to the capacitive element. Also disclosed are techniques for reducing the effective surface area of the current inducing loop caused by the IPG system.

Abstract: The present invention takes the form of a current limiting apparatus and method for limiting current flow, induced when the level of an external signal is greater than an external signal threshold signal level, in a conductive loop formed by a medical device implanted within a living organism having electrically excitable tissue. The system includes an implantable pulse generator (IPG) system having a housing, a signal generator disposed in the housing that generates an electrical signal, and at least one lead extending from the housing to convey electrical signal to the patient. To limit the induced current flow, the IPG includes current limiting componentry, an impedance increasing element, and/or alternating current blocking elements. These components provide an alternating current impedance path to the electrical ground from a lead coupled to the capacitive element. Also disclosed are techniques for reducing the effective surface area of the current inducing loop caused by the IPG system.