Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management (CRM) system delivers anti-tachyarrhythmia therapies and uses patient-specific and/or tachyarrhythmia event-specific information to automatically set and adjust one or more arrhythmia detection durations. In one embodiment, the CRM system initializes and updates the one or more arrhythmia detection durations using patient-specific information such as medical history and recent medical trends. In another embodiment, the CRM dynamically adjusts the one or more arrhythmia detection durations using the patient's hemodynamic performance. One example of such an arrhythmia detection duration is a sustained rate duration (SRD) that starts when a tachyarrhythmia such as a supraventricular tachyarrhythmia is detected. An anti-tachyarrhythmia therapy is delivered only if the tachyarrhythmia sustains throughout the SRD.

Abstract: A monitoring system and method for monitoring signals from an implantable medical device are disclosed. The monitoring system and method include a monitor configured to detect a radio frequency artifact from the signals of the implantable medical device and circuitry for processing the radio frequency artifact from the signals of the implantable medical device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for determining the impedance of an electrode at the electrode-body interface. The electrode-body impedance of one of the electrodes may be calculated using the voltage difference between that electrode and a plurality of other electrodes, and the voltage and impedance of an alternating current generator in communication with the electrodes.

Abstract: A monitoring system and method for monitoring signals from an implantable medical device are disclosed. The monitoring system and method include a monitor configured to detect a radio frequency artifact from the signals of the implantable medical device and circuitry for processing the radio frequency artifact from the signals of the implantable medical device.

Abstract: Controller, system and method for an implantable medical device having a plurality of electrodes, said implantable device being capable of delivering a therapeutic stimulation to a patient. An electrode interface is operatively coupled between a plurality of electrodes and a control module. The control module uses an electrode interface to obtain a plurality of measurements of impedance values for a plurality of selected pairs of individual ones of the plurality of electrodes. A user interface displays an indicia, indicative of operability of a group of at least one of said plurality of electrodes, based on a comparison of said plurality of measurements to a predetermined range, said indicia being a qualitative representation of operability of said group of at least one of said plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of bonding a hermetically sealed electronics package to an electrode or a flexible circuit and the resulting electronics package that is suitable for implantation in living tissue, such as for a retinal or cortical electrode array to enable restoration of sight to certain non-sighted individuals. The hermetically sealed electronics package is directly bonded to the flex circuit or electrode by electroplating a biocompatible material, such as platinum or gold, effectively forming a plated rivet-shaped connection, which bonds the flex circuit to the electronics package. The resulting electronic device is biocompatible and is suitable for long-term implantation in living tissue.

Abstract: A method of promoting the healing of a lesion in a smooth muscle (200), comprises selecting a smooth muscle portion having a lesion, and applying a non-excitory electric field (210) to the portion, which reduces the mechanical activity of the portion.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for electrical stimulation of a body organ, particularly within the gastrointestinal tract. In preferred embodiments, the stomach is the organ within the gastrointestinal tract which is targeted for such stimulation. A guide wire or other delivery device is positioned within the body so as to transect the stomach wall. Devices and systems are then advanced over the guide wire for attachment to the stomach wall. The guide wire may be placed by endoscopic, open, laparoscopic or a modified percutaneous approach. In a modified percutaneous approach, the stomach is accessed without the use of general anesthesia by advancing a needle through the abdomen, transecting the stomach wall with the needle and advancing the guide wire through the needle.

Abstract: A method of inducing forced expiration in a subject is disclosed. The method can include percutaneously placing an injectable microstimulator adjacent at least one thoracic spinal nerve that innervates an intercostal muscle. For example, the microstimulator is placed within 8 cm externally of a neuroforamen through which the spinal nerve emerges from a thoracic vertebra. The method can also entail applying a stimulating electrical current from the microstimulator to the thoracic spinal nerve at a sufficient intensity and duration to induce a forced contraction of the intercostal muscle innervated by that spinal nerve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transdermal stimulation of a nerve of the human body, which device comprises at least one stimulation electrode and at least one reference electrode for transdermal nerve stimulation, the at least one stimulation electrode and the at least one reference electrode being connected to a control unit and being able to be supplied with an electrical current from the latter, and the at least one stimulation electrode and the at least one reference electrode being arranged in or on a housing which is designed to be fitted on or in the human ear. The invention further relates to a method for the transdermal stimulation of a nerve of the human body in particular of a part of the vagus nerve by applying an electrical stimulus via at least one stimulation electrode and at least one reference electrode, at least one of which is placed in contact with the skin surface of the inner face of the Tragus of the human ear.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for neural stimulation with improved power consumption and/or effectiveness. The stimulus generator is arranged, for example via a look up table, to recognise proposed stimuli which will be masked by earlier or simultaneous stimuli. Such masked stimuli are either deleted, or replaced by another stimulus.

Abstract: An antenna module, that is compatible with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner for the purpose of diagnostic quality imaging, is adapted to be implanted inside an animal. The antenna module comprises an electrically non-conducting, biocompatible, and electromagnetically transparent enclosure with inductive antenna wires looping around an inside surface. An electronic module is enclosed in an electromagnetic shield inside the enclosure to minimize the electromagnetic interference from the magnetic resonance imaging scanner.

Abstract: A storable implantable medical device assembly. An implantable medical device has a secondary coil operatively coupled to therapeutic componentry. A container holds the implantable medical device, the container having a first face. The implantable medical device being arranged in the container such that the secondary coil is positioned within a distance of the first face. The distance allows charging of the implantable medical device without disturbing the container. The first face of the container having indicia representative of a lateral location on the first face aligned with the secondary coil of the implantable medical device. The may then be utilized to place an external antenna in order to charge the implantable medical device without disturbing the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-organism reducing device, comprising a radiation device which is provided with a light source, a photosensitive substance which treats the area to be treated and is irradiated by said light source. The aim of said invention is to configure said device in such a way that it is possible to carry out an efficient and controllable treatment by means of operationally low-cost and easily handling apparatus. For this purpose, the inventive device comprises at least one applicator provided with a fibre-optic waveguide. In addition, said applicator and radiation device respectively comprise corresponding liaison bodies contacting one of them in such a way that the light from the light source is emitted towards the treated area by means of the fibre-optic waveguide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low cost treatment device for coronary artery disease. The treatment device for coronary artery disease comprises a photonic glove, a heart-board, and a machine for controlling the photonic glove and the heart-board, which are electrically connected. The photonic glove includes 4 holes for the 4 fingers next to the thumb to wear, three fixed belts of the photon generating device, and at least one magic stick for fixing the belts of the photon generating device. One end of each fixed belt in the photon generating device is fixed to the front side of the photonic glove. Three photonic generators are assembled on the front side of the photonic glove, and the magic sticks are positioned on the back of the photonic glove. The present invention is low cost, friendly to use, and can work easily at home compared to the traditional invention.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for treating a variety of disorders using localized electromagnetic radiation directed at excitable tissues, including nerves, muscles and blood vessels. By controlling the wavelength, the wavelength bandpass, pulse duration, intensity, pulse frequency, and/or variations of those characteristics over time, and by selecting sites of exposure to electromagnetic radiation, improvements in the function of different tissues and organs can be provided. By monitoring physiological variables such as muscle tone and activity, temperature gradients, surface electromyography, blood flow and others, the practitioner can optimize a therapeutic regimen suited for the individual patient.

Abstract: A method of treating an intervertebral disc includes inserting an introducer into an intervertebral disc, inserting a catheter through the introducer and into the intervertebral disc, advancing a distal region of the catheter through a nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc to an annular wall of an annulus fibrosus, delivering energy to material of the intervertebral disc using an electrode disposed at the distal region of the catheter, and removing the material with the delivered energy, wherein removing material with the delivered energy reduces pressure in the intervertebral disc.

Abstract: A multi-layer cosmetic mask designed to enhance the absorption of skin care compositions is disclosed. The mask comprises a thermally reflective layer, composed of foil or similar material, and a thermally insulating layer, composed of fleece or similar material. A method of using the cosmetic mask is also disclosed, comprising the steps of applying a moisturizing composition to the skin, applying the thermally reflective foil layer over the moisturizer, and then applying the thermally insulating mask layer over the foil layer. The combination of layers increases the temperature under the mask, and thereby increases the absorption of the moisturizing composition into the skin of a user.

Abstract: Implantable medical lead assemblies of a plurality of leads that are flexible and extensible in a controllable manner to facilitate subject body movements and that are bundled to create a branched lead assembly to permit lead ends on one or both ends of the lead assembly to be movable relative to one another so as to be positionable in different locations. In particular, implantable medical lead assemblies advantageously include individual lead portions, lead sub-bundles, and lead bundles that are able to be selectively positioned and implanted within a subject body and that are useful, in particular, for use in the neck region of a subject body and other regions of any subject's body that may benefit from increased flexibility, extensibility and positionability.

Abstract: An implantable micro-miniature device is disclosed. The device comprises a thin hermetic insulating coating and at least one thin polymer or metal secondary coating over the hermetic insulating layer in order to protect the insulating layer from the erosive action of body fluids or the like. In one embodiment the insulating layer is ion beam assisted deposited (IBAD) alumina and the secondary coating is a parylene polymer. The device may be a small electronic device such as a silicon integrated circuit chip. The thickness of the insulating layer may be ten microns or less and the thickness of the secondary layer may be between about 0.1 and about 15 microns.

Abstract: An anchor and procedure for placing a medical implant, such as for monitoring physiological parameters. The anchor includes a central body in which a medical implant can be received. Arms and members extend radially from first and second ends, respectively, of the central body. Each member defines a leg extending toward distal portions of the arms to provide a clamping action. The anchor and its implant are placed by coupling first and second guidewires to first and second portions of the anchor, placing an end of a delivery catheter in a wall where implantation is desired, inserting the anchor in the catheter with the guidewires to locate the anchor within the wall, deploying the arms of the anchor at one side of the wall followed by deployment of the members at the opposite side of the wall, and thereafter decoupling the guidewires from the anchor.

Abstract: A lead for implanting into the epicardium includes a pair of tissue anchors coupled to a tissue engaging member, forming an anchor mechanism. The tissue anchors include electrodes coupled to conductors extending from the tissue engaging member. The tissue anchors are movable from a low profile configuration to an implanting configuration in which the tissue anchors are angled away from the tissue engaging member. A device for implanting the lead includes one or more lumens, including a lead lumen and a vacuum lumen terminating at a distal opening in the device. Suction is applied at the distal opening through the vacuum lumen to draw an epicardial bleb. The anchor mechanism of the lead is withdrawn proximally past the bleb, causing the tissue anchors to pierce the epicardium. The device is then withdrawn proximally over the conductors.

Abstract: Medical devices, and in particular implantable medical devices, may be coated to minimize or substantially eliminate a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. The medical devices may be coated with any number of biocompatible materials. Therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may be mixed with the biocompatible materials and affixed to at least a portion of the medical device. These therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may also further reduce a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. Various materials and coating methodologies may be utilized to maintain the drugs, agents or compounds on the medical device until delivered and positioned.

Abstract: A biocompatible material may be configured into any number of implantable medical devices including intraluminal stents. Polymeric materials may be utilized to fabricate any of these devices, including stents. The stents may be balloon expandable or self-expanding. The polymeric materials may include additives such as drugs or other bioactive agents as well as radiopaque agents. By preferential mechanical deformation of the polymer, the polymer chains may be oriented to achieve certain desirable performance characteristics.

Abstract: A delivery catheter for providing the percutaneous delivery of a plurality of vascular stents. One or more stops are provided in the delivery catheter between each of the plurality of stents. The stops be radiopaque to assist in deploying the stents at desired locations within the vasculature of a patient.

Abstract: In embodiments there is described a cardiovascular tube-shaped lockable and expandable bioabsorbable scaffold having a low immunogenicity manufactured from a crystallizable bioabsorbable polymer composition or blend.

Abstract: A system for delivering a medical device, such as an angioplasty balloon, includes two catheter shafts. The distal portion of a first shaft includes a first balloon and is narrower than the proximal portion. A second catheter shaft includes a second balloon and is connected to a medial portion of the first shaft. The second shaft includes a guidewire passageway which is in communication with the passwageway of a third shaft that is removablly connected to the first shaft. The distal tips of the first and second balloons are connected together to allow the system to be advanced to an anatommical site using a single guidewire. A second guidewire may be used to separate the distal ends of the balloons and to position the balloons at vascular bifurcation. A stent can be crimped onto the balloons such that inflation of the balloons implants the stent within the bifurcation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a marker element (1) for marking one or more boundaries of a section of a stent (2) with a mesh (20), the marker element (1) including a radiopaque material and being fitted on a device (5) for the delivery of the self-expanding stent (2) into a body vessel, the device (5) including a tubular element (6) which is inserted through the stent (2). The marker element (1) between the stent (2) and the tubular element (6) can slide on the tubular element (6) and engages detachably into the mesh (20) of the stent (2). The invention further concerns a device (5) for the delivery of a self-expanding stent (2) into a body vessel which is fitted with a marker element (1) of this type.

Abstract: A device useful for localized delivery of a therapeutic agent includes a structure including a porous polymeric material and an elutable therapeutic agent in the form of a solid, gel, or neat liquid, which is dispersed in at least a portion of the porous polymeric material. A method for making a medical device having a blood-contacting surface involves: providing a structure comprising a porous material; contacting the structure comprising a porous material with a concentrating agent to disperse the concentrating agent throughout at least a portion of the porous material; contacting the structure comprising a porous material and the concentrating agent with a solution of a therapeutic agent; and removing the therapeutic agent from solution within the porous material at the locations of the concentrating agent. Another method involves multiple immersion steps without the use of a concentrating agent.

Abstract: A stent made of a biocorrodible metallic material having a coating or cavity filling comprising a diblock or triblock copolymer made of (i) a poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) block and (ii) a polyethylene glycol block.

Abstract: In embodiments there is described a cardiovascular tube-shaped lockable and expandable bioabsorbable scaffold having a low immunogenicity manufactured from a crystallizable bioabsorbable polymer composition or blend.

Abstract: In embodiments there is described a cardiovascular tube-shaped lockable and expandable bioabsorbable scaffold having a low immunogenicity manufactured from a crystallizable bioabsorbable polymer composition or blend.

Abstract: In embodiments there is described a cardiovascular tube-shaped lockable and expandable bioabsorbable scaffold having a low immunogenicity manufactured from a crystallizable bioabsorbable polymer composition or blend.

Abstract: An expandable stent for implanting in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen. In one aspect, the stent includes a butterfly pattern to which connecting links are attached. In another aspect, the stent embodies a non-directional structure. One embodiment is a stent in which one or both ends are more flexible than the center portion. Also, the stent may have a non-uniform drug coating. Another embodiment relates to a stent having ends that are more radiopaque than the center portion.

Abstract: Stent designs for use in peripheral vessels, such as the carotid arteries, are disclosed. The stents consist of a plurality of radially expandable cylindrical elements generally aligned on a common longitudinal stent axis and interconnected by one or more interconnecting members placed so that the stent is flexible in a longitudinal direction. The cylindrical elements are generally serpentine wave pattern transverse to the longitudinal axis between alternating valley portion and peak portions, the valley portion including alternating double-curved portions and U-shaped portions. The interconnecting members are attached to the double-curved portions to connect a cylindrical element to an adjacent cylindrical element and interconnecting members are attached to the U-shaped portions to connect the cylindrical element to the other adjacent cylindrical element. The designs include an eight crown and six crown stent which exhibit flexibility and sufficient radial strength to support the vessel.

Abstract: An intravascular stent assembly for implantation in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, is designed to treat a lesion with vulnerable plaque by reducing the fibrous cap stresses. The stent includes distal, proximal, and center sections where the center section is configured to treat the vulnerable plaque. The stent consists of radially expandable cylindrical rings generally aligned on a common longitudinal stent axis and either directly connected or interconnected by one or more interconnecting links placed so that the stent is flexible in the longitudinal direction while providing high degrees of radial strength and vessel scaffolding.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices adapted to modify fluid flow within a body vessel are provided herein. The medical devices may include a fluid flow restricting channel configured to reduce longitudinal fluid flow in a retrograde direction or in an antegrade direction. Preferably, the medical devices are flow-modifying devices that reduce fluid flow through the medical device to a greater extent in a retrograde direction than in an antegrade direction. Methods of treatment comprising the step of implanting a flow-modifying medical device within a body vessel are also provided. Flow-modifying devices are useful, for example, in treating venous valve related conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stent comprising a bioabsorbable polymeric scaffolding; and a plurality of depots in at least a portion of the scaffolding, wherein the plurality of depots comprise a bioabsorbable material, wherein the degradation rate of all or substantially all of the bioabsorbable polymer of the scaffolding is faster than the degradation rate of all or substantially all of the bioabsorbable material of the depots.

Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the invention, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided in which a porous layer is disposed over a therapeutic-agent-containing region. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, medical devices are fabricated by a method in which a porous layer is deposited over a therapeutic-agent-containing region using a field-injection-based electrospray technique.

Abstract: The present invention relates to intra-lumenal drug delivery devices. The device, such as a stent, is coated or impregnated with a pharmaceutical agent suitable for use in treatment of restenosis, pulmonary hypertension, and cancer. Suitable pharmaceutical agents include vasodilators and chemotherapeutics.

Abstract: Medical devices, and in particular implantable medical devices, may be coated to minimize or substantially eliminate a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. The medical devices may be coated with any number of biocompatible materials. Therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may be mixed with the biocompatible materials and affixed to at least a portion of the medical device. These therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may also further reduce a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. Various materials and coating methodologies may be utilized to maintain the drugs, agents or compounds on the medical device until delivered and positioned.

Abstract: Medical devices, and in particular implantable medical devices, may be coated to minimize or substantially eliminate a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. The medical devices may be coated with any number of biocompatible materials. Therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may be mixed with the biocompatible materials and affixed to at least a portion of the medical device. These therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may also further reduce a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. Various materials and coating methodologies may be utilized to maintain the drugs, agents or compounds on the medical device until delivered and positioned.

Abstract: Medical devices, and in particular implantable medical devices, may be coated to minimize or substantially eliminate a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. The medical devices may be coated with any number of biocompatible materials. Therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may be mixed with the biocompatible materials and affixed to at least a portion of the medical device. These therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may also further reduce a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. Various materials and coating methodologies may be utilized to maintain the drugs, agents or compounds on the medical device until delivered and positioned.

Abstract: Method and design of a dual-optics accommodating intraocular lens (IOL) for vision correction of adult and pediatric eyes after cataract surgeries are disclosed. For adult eyes, a positive accommodation amplitude greater than 3.5 diopter and preferably 4.0 to 10.0 diopter may be achieved by optimal configurations having the positive-power front-optics moves toward the cornea, whereas the negative power back-optics moves in the opposite direction. In contrast, a negative accommodation is required for pediatric eyes and may be achieved by a reversed configurations. The enhanced efficiency, up to 500%, is proposed by preferred embodiments based on new lens design formulas and calculation steps for the IOL power pre-determined by the measured ocular parameters including the corneal power, IOL position and the vitreous cavity length of the eye.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved Bone Tendon Bone graft for use in orthopedic surgical procedures. Specifically exemplified herein is a Bone Tendon Bone graft comprising one or more bone blocks having a groove cut into the surface thereof, wherein said groove is sufficient to accommodate a fixation screw. Also disclosed is a porcine bone tendon bone graft for use in orthopedic procedures. Additionally, Also a method of harvesting grafts that has improved efficiency, increases the quantity of extracted tissue and minimizes time required by surgeon for implantation is disclosed.

Abstract: Synthetic structures for fibrous soft tissue repair include a polymeric fibrillar structure that exhibits mechanical properties of the human fibrous soft tissue.

Abstract: A cartilage implant for replacing a portion of the cartilage adjacent to a skeletal joint. In one exemplary embodiment, the cartilage implant includes a bearing portion and a drape. The bearing portion is configured to replace a portion of the cartilage adjacent to a skeletal joint. In one exemplary embodiment, the bearing portion is formed at least partially from a resilient polymer, such as a PVA hydrogel. The drape may be configured to secure the implant to an adjacent bone. Additionally, the drape may be extended over adjacent tissues and connected to the tissues to hold the implant in place while permitting some anatomic movement of the bearing portion.

Abstract: Vertebral implants for spacing apart vertebral members. The implants may include a spacer with a first side and a second side that contact the vertebral members. A sidewall may extend between the first and second sides. Two or more mounts are positioned along the sidewall. A flange may be connected to the spacer at the mounts. The flange extends beyond one or both of the first and second sides to position the spacer relative to the vertebral members. In some embodiments, the spacer further includes one or more insertion features that facilitate insertion of the spacer between the vertebral members.

Abstract: A method includes positioning a medical device within a body between adjacent spinous processes, moving the medical device from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration within the body using an actuator removably coupled to the medical device, and removing the actuator from the body while the medical device remains between the adjacent spinous processes.

Abstract: A method includes positioning a medical device within a body between adjacent spinous processes, moving the medical device from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration within the body using an actuator removably coupled to the medical device, and removing the actuator from the body while the medical device remains between the adjacent spinous processes.