Abstract: A medicament delivery device has proximal and distal housing parts connected along a longitudinal axis, the proximal part for accommodating a medicament container. A drive member inside the distal part has a first circumferential set of interacting devices. A longitudinal plunger rod is rotationally locked through a central passage of the distal part, acts on a stopper inside the container, and is connected to the plunger rod. A turnable dose setting member coaxially arranged around the drive member is rotatably connected to the distal part. A torsion spring is connected to the dose setting member and to a hub of the drive member. The hub, spring, dose setting member, and drive member are coaxial transversally. The drive nut has second interacting devices on its outer surface. When the drive member is rotated by the spring, the drive nut rotates, whereby the plunger rod moves proximally for expelling a dose of medicament.

Abstract: A plunger (4) having engaging means and a lever (5) are arranged in a body (1). The lever has a first pivot that is stationary with respect to the body in the direction of an axis, a second pivot, and a third pivot formed by an engaging element of the lever. The pivots are arranged in such a manner that a rotation of the lever with respect to the first pivot moves the second pivot and the third pivot in the same direction with respect to the axis. The engaging element and the engaging means are shaped such that the lever is disengaged from the plunger when the second pivot is moved relatively to the plunger in the proximal direction (30), and the plunger is engaged with the lever when the second pivot is moved in the distal direction (20).

Abstract: Described is a needle hub comprising a proximal end adapted to engage a medicament delivery device, a distal end having an opening, a shoulder disposed between the proximal end and the distal end, and a needle assembly engagement mechanism (F1) coupled to the shoulder and adapted to releasably engage a needle assembly. The needle assembly engagement mechanism (F1) includes two or more resilient arms adapted to releasably engage a retainer element on the needle assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device for an injection syringe, the injection syringe including a body having an injection needle fitted thereon, the device including a plunger rod including a distal plunger part slidably movable in the body of the syringe, and a proximal triggering part, configured to trigger the displacement of a protection sheath, from an injection position, wherein the needle is uncovered, towards a safety position, wherein the needle is covered by the sheath. The proximal triggering part is able to move relative to the distal plunger part once the distal plunger part is at the distal end of its stroke, to trigger the displacement of the protection sheath.

Abstract: An enteral feeding warming system for warming enteral feeding fluid and delivering the feeding fluid to an infant or other patient comprises a pump, a warming device, and an enteral feeding tube. The pump may be connected to an enteral feeding fluid source. The warming device includes a housing, a heating element, a heat spreader, a temperature sensor, a controller, a display, a number of user inputs, and a power source. The housing includes outer walls defining an interior chamber and a feeding tube channel separate from the interior chamber. The interior chamber retains the heating element, heat spreader, temperature sensor, and controller therein. The feeding tube channel includes a number of turns and straight sections for increasing an effective length of the feeding tube channel and receives an intermediate portion of the enteral feeding tube therein.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical injection device (100) comprises a main body (1), a movable member (11), a pharmaceutical holding member (10), and a first detector (28). The movable member (11) is mounted movably in the lengthwise direction of the main body (1). The pharmaceutical holding member (10) is mounted to the movable member (11), has a needle mount (17) for an injection needle (16) on one end, and houses a pharmaceutical syringe (50) containing the drug to be injected into a body. The first detector (28) is provided to the movable member (11) and detects the mounting of the needle (16) on the needle mount (17). The pharmaceutical injection device (100) improves the accuracy of detecting the mounting of a needle and/or a pharmaceutical syringe.

Abstract: A nozzle unit for discharge of a pharmaceutical medium and a dispenser equipped therewith. The nozzle unit includes a common supply channel for supply of the medium and first and second discharge nozzles each having a discharge orifice for discharge of the medium supplied through the common supply channel. The nozzle unit is configured for atomized delivery of the medium and includes a first vortex chamber assigned to the first discharge nozzle and a second vortex chamber assigned to the second discharge nozzle for the purpose of atomizing.

Abstract: A gas conditioning trocar having a chamber for heating and hydrating an unconditioned insufflation gas prior to injecting a conditioned insufflation gas into a body cavity during a medical procedure and a port through which surgical instruments can pass into a body cavity without inhibiting the flow of insufflation gas during the medical procedure.

Abstract: Taught herein is a disposable breath actuated dry powder drug inhalation device having a powderized drug storage chamber with integral toroidal geometry and air flow pathways for entraining and breaking up powder aggregates prior to delivery to the patient. The toroidal chamber is fluidly connected by one or more air inlets directed in a non-tangent manner toward the powder to loft and set up an irregular-rotational flow pattern. Also, in fluid connection with the toroidal chamber is a centrally or near centrally located air and powder outlet consisting of one or more holes forming a grid in fluid connection with a channel providing a passageway for powder flow to the patient.

Abstract: Sidestream sampling of gas to determine information related to the composition of gas at or near the airway of a subject is implemented. From such information one or more breathing parameters of subject 12 (e.g., respiratory rate, end-tidal CO2, etc.) are determined, respiratory events (e.g., obstructions, apneas, etc.) are identified, equipment malfunction and/or misuse is identified, and/or functions are performed. To improve the accuracy of one or more of these determinations, information related to pressure at or near the airway of subject is implemented. This information may include detection of pressure at or near a sidestream sampling cell.

Abstract: A resuscitator has a patient airway interface device, a bag, a flow passage coupled between the bag and patient airway interface device, and a sensor assembly. The patient airway interface device may be a mask or an endotracheal tube. The sensor assembly has a display, at least one sensor coupled to the flow passage and configured to provide a measurement of at least one parameter, and a processor coupled to the display and the at least one sensor. The processor is configured to receive the measurement from the sensor and provide information on the display based on the received measurement. The information may include a current breath rate, a pressure-vs-time curve, and guidance to the user to assist in achieving a target breath rate.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating delivery of a fluid, such as an anaesthetic fluid, to the respiratory tract of a subject. It includes a fluid line substrate, in the form of a block having conduits formed therein for delivery and removal of an anaesthetic. A subject port is formed to receive the anatomy of the patient. A mask apparatus is arranged for mating with the subject port, and having an opening to receive the nose and mouth of the subject.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a tracheal tube system has a first tube, which is flexible. The tube has an opening that is located on the sidewalls. A balloon is attached to the flexible tube. When inflated, the balloon forms a second tube surrounding the first tube with an air space between the first wall of the balloon and the sidewalls of the first tube. The balloon extends covering the opening on the sidewall. Air flowing into the first tube exits, via the third opening into the airspace between the first tube and the balloon, out of the airspace. In another embodiment, the balloon has a tube with multiplicity of holes in the walls is wrapped around the outer wall of the balloon. Negative pressure in the third tube creates suction holding the outer wall of the balloon to walls of the trachea.

Abstract: A patient interface device is provided that includes a patient sealing assembly, such as a mask having a rigid shell and a cushion coupled to the rigid shell, and a forehead support movably coupled to the patient sealing assembly. The forehead support is moved by an wedge-type adjustment mechanism such that linear translation of the wedge moves the forehead support among the plurality of positions and fixes the forehead support in a desired position among the plurality of positions.

Abstract: A device for humidifying breathing air for artificial respiration of mammals, in particular human beings, includes at least one essentially closed container for receiving water, a first opening for letting in the non-humidified air and a second opening for letting out humidified air, and an inlet for supplying the water to the container. The inlet is located in the upper part of the container, which is adjoined by a tube essentially crossing through the container interior, and on the free end of the tube, a valve is disposed, which limits the level of the water supplied via the tube in such a way that the container bottom in the container interior is essentially covered with water.

Abstract: A cannula comprising a polymeric material which is phthalate-free, yet retains flexibility, workability and elongation properties so as to avoid kinking when bent. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a cannular device comprising extruding a flexible, biocompatible, phthalate-free polymeric composition through a round die into a tube, pulling the tube through a water bath at a rate established according to a predetermined function, and cutting the tube to for a cannular device, wherein the predetermined function periodically modulates a pulling rate.

Abstract: A catheter that can efficiently transmit a pressing force applied to the distal end of the catheter without breaking at a midpoint of the catheter. The catheter includes a metal tube having a first wall and a second wall disposed in an outer tube, and a reinforcing member that is joined at its proximal end to an outer peripheral surface of the first wall. A distal end of the first wall extends distally beyond a distal end of the second wall and is bent toward the second wall. Thus, the second wall is not provided at a connected portion between the first wall and the proximal end of the reinforcing member, and the reinforcing member having a diameter increased at least by an amount corresponding to a thickness of the second wall can be disposed in the catheter without increasing the diameter of the outer tube.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dilator having a stiffened shaft for use as part of an introducer sheath assembly. The dilator includes a stiffener tube and a tip of the dilator which extends distally to the dilator stiffener tube. The transition between the stiffener tube and the tip of the dilator is positioned such that when the dilator is positioned within the catheter sheath, the transition is also positioned within the catheter sheath. By positioning the transition between the stiffener tube of the dilator and the tip of the dilator inside the catheter sheath, the catheter sheath can provide strain relief subsequent to lateral movement of the tip of the dilator in a manner that can prevent kinking of the dilator tip at the transition between the stiffener tip and the tip of the dilator.

Abstract: This invention is a multipolar or multi-conductor guidewire which can be navigated or steered through the vasculature from outside a patient's body to perform a medical procedure within the patient's vasculature. In one embodiment, a guidewire of this invention has at least 4, preferably at least 6, to as many as 10 or more distal-to-proximal conductive pathways, which are substantially longitudinally parallel to each other running linearly along substantially the majority if not the entire length of the guidewire body, preferably in a printed circuit format. In a further practice, the conductive pathways helically wound around the guidewire body.

Abstract: Guide wire devices fabricated from a linear pseudo-elastic Ni—Ti alloy and methods for their manufacture. The Ni—Ti alloy that includes nickel, titanium, and about 3 atomic % (at %) to about 30 at % niobium (Nb). Cold working the Ni—Ti alloy stabilizes the alloy's martensitic phase and yields a linear pseudo-elastic microstructure where reversion to the austenite phase is retarded or altogether blocked. The martensitic phase of cold worked, linear pseudo-elastic Ni—Ti—Nb alloy has an elastic modulus that is considerably higher than the comparable cold worked, linear pseudoelastic binary Ni—Ti alloy. This yields a guide wire device that has better torque response and steerability as compared to cold worked, linear pseudoelastic binary Ni—Ti alloy or superelastic binary Ni—Ti alloy.

Abstract: A non-compliant medical balloon may be changed from a deflated state to an inflated state by increasing pressure within the balloon. The non-compliant medical balloon is composed of a woven fabric layer composed of at least two woven fabric fibers forming an angle. The angle remains substantially unchanged when the balloon changes from a deflated state to an inflated state.

Abstract: Catheter assemblies include a stabilization mechanism disposed at a distal end of the catheter assembly for stabilizing the catheter assembly within a subintimal space. The stabilization mechanism includes a self-expanding support structure that is slidably positionable within an inflatable balloon. The catheter assemblies include an outer shaft which has the balloon at a distal end thereof and an inner shaft which has the support structure mounted on a distal end thereof. The inner shaft is slidably disposed within a lumen of the outer shaft and has a first configuration in which the support structure is held in a compressed state within the outer shaft and a second configuration in which the support structure is permitted to return to an expanded state within the inflatable balloon. In the expanded state, the stabilization mechanism has a flattened laterally-extending profile.

Abstract: A catheter includes a balloon and a shaft having a coaxial portion including an outer tubular member having a bore, a transition neck, an access fitting adjacent the proximate end of the catheter shaft for directing a guidewire into the catheter shaft, an inflation port, a guidewire tubular member disposed coaxially in the outer tubular member, the outer tubular member and guidewire tubular member defining a first, annular inflation/deflation lumen fluid communication with the inflation port, at least one second inflation/deflation lumen separate from and non-coaxial with the guidewire tubular member and having a cross-sectional area less than the cross-sectional area of the first inflation/deflation lumen and opening at a proximate end into the first inflation/deflation lumen and at the distal end of the transition neck.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided to conduct fluid away from or deliver fluid to an area of a treatment site of a patient's body. In one example, a catheter includes a fluid exchange portion and a member attached to the fluid exchange portion for biasing fluid flow at the treatment site.

Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for dilating tissues. In other variations, the dilatation device comprises a slotted or expandable tube that may expand to dilate tissue. In still other variations, the dilatation device comprises two or more hinged or movable plate members that separate to dilate tissue. In yet other variations, the dilation device may comprise one or more flexible members. One or more portions of the dilatation device may be detachable from the device in the body, and dilatation device may release one or more implants into the body. In some of these variations, the dilatation device may additionally be used to expand one or more implants or other devices within the body. In some variations the dilatation device may release one or more substances that may hold dilated tissue in a dilated configuration.

Abstract: Composite structures composed of a fibril core and a polymeric coat and designed capable of encapsulating both hydrophobic and hydrophilic bioactive agents while retaining the activity of these agents are disclosed. Further disclosed are processes of preparing such composite structures, and medical devices and disposable articles made therefrom.

Abstract: Therapeutic agents, diagnostic agents and other compositions can be effectively delivered to target tissues using ultrasonic dispersion. For example, a therapeutic agent in solution may be injected subcutaneously in the vicinity of a target tissue in a patient. External ultrasound is used to disperse the therapeutic agent in the target tissue. The disclosed methods provide increased concentrations of therapeutic agents in tissue relative to traditional delivery methods, thereby improving therapeutic outcomes while reducing costs. In addition the methods can be used to deliver effective concentrations of therapeutic agents to tissues with limited blood supply.

Abstract: Various system embodiments comprise a medical device, comprising a flexible tether, a neural stimulation circuit, and a controller. The flexible tether is adapted to be fed into a patient's throat. The flexible tether includes a plurality of electrodes. The neural stimulation circuit is adapted to deliver neural stimulation. The controller is adapted to control the neural stimulation circuit to provide a neural stimulation therapy using at least one electrode from the plurality of electrodes, and to implement a neural stimulation test routine. The neural stimulation test routine is adapted to assess neural stimulation efficacy for electrode subsets of the plurality of electrodes to identify a desired electrode subset for use in delivering the neural stimulation therapy to elicit a desired response.

Abstract: A flexible catheter includes two electrical contacts in a distal region of the catheter and a distal aperture of a hose line. The electrical contacts are connected to a high frequency pulse generator for applying pulsed radio frequency energy for nerve stimulation. A temperature sensor is located in the distal region of the catheter. The flexible catheter is inserted into a region in the spinal canal and the pulsed radio frequency generator is operated, thereby applying pulsed radio frequency energy to a localized region to be treated. The temperature at the distal region of the catheter can also be monitored, and the pulsed radio frequency energy is applied in dependance on the monitored temperature. Further, a position of the catheter is probed by applying a test stimulation signal via the electrical contacts.

Abstract: An exemplary cochlear electrode array includes a flexible body having a pre-curved spiral shape so as to conform with the curvature of a human cochlea, a plurality of stimulation electrode contacts spaced apart along a first side of the flexible body, a bundle of wires embedded within the flexible body for electrically connecting the electrode contacts to at least one stimulation signal source, at least one inflatable portion extending along at least part of the length of the flexible body, the at least one inflatable portion being adapted to straighten the flexible body, starting from the pre-curved shape, prior to insertion into the cochlea upon being inflated by being filled with gas or liquid, and to allow the flexible body to gradually reassume its pre-curved shape during insertion of the flexible body into the cochlea upon gradual withdrawal of gas or liquid from the at least one inflatable portion.

Abstract: A neurostimulation system and method of providing therapy to a patient implanted with a plurality of electrodes using a plurality of electrical sources is provided. A source-electrode coupling configuration is determined from the electrical sources and electrodes. Electrical current is respectively conveyed between active ones of the plurality of electrical sources and active subsets of the plurality of electrodes in accordance with the determined source-electrode coupling configuration. The total number of the electrodes in the active electrode subsets is greater than the total number of the active electrical sources.

Abstract: A highly flexible implantable lead that offers improved flexibility, fatigue life and fatigue and abrasion resistance improved reliability, effective electrode tissue contact with a small diameter and low risk of tissue damage during extraction. In one embodiment the lead is provided with both defibrillation electrodes and pacing/sensing electrodes. For defibrillation/pacing leads, the lead diameter may be as small as six French or smaller. The construction utilizes helically wound conductors. For leads incorporating multiple separate conductors, many of the helically wound conductors are arranged in a multi-filar relationship. Preferably, each conductor is a length of wire that is uninsulated at about the middle of its length to create an electrode, wherein the conductor is folded in half at about the middle of the length to create first and second length segments that constitute parallel conductors.

Abstract: A BTE prosthetic device for use in a medical system or prosthesis comprises a connector configured to mechanically attach an auxiliary device of the system to the BTE prosthetic device. The connector is electrically connected to an transceiver of the BTE prosthetic device. The connector operates as an electromagnetic antenna for transmitting and/or receiving signals between the BTE prosthetic and other components of the medical system.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to gastric stimulation programmers, stimulators and methods for controlling delivery of gastric stimulation therapy to maintain the efficacy of the therapy over time. Maintaining the efficacy of gastric stimulation therapy may be possible by implementing one or more anti-desensitization features in a gastric stimulation controller or stimulator. As electrical stimulation therapy is continuously delivered to a patient, the stimulated tissue may become desensitized to the electrical stimulation therapy such that the beneficial effect of the electrical stimulation is diminished. Once desensitization occurs, the affected tissue may not respond favorably to electrical stimulation therapy. Application of one or more anti-desensitization features to control gastric stimulation therapy may reduce or prevent desensitization and effectively extend the efficacy of the therapy over time.

Abstract: In some examples, relatively low frequency (e.g., less than about 50 Hertz) electrical stimulation therapy is delivered to a target tissue site proximate to one or more of the T9, T10, T11, T12, L1, L2, or L3 (“T9-L3”) spinal nerves of a patient to manage a pelvic floor disorder, such as urinary retention, fecal retention, or both. The relatively low frequency electrical stimulation therapy is configured to excite the one or more of the T9-L3 spinal nerves, which may generate an activating response from the patient related to voiding and help promote voiding by the patient. For example, the low frequency electrical stimulation may be configured to help improve the patient's pelvic sensations, which may help the patient better control urination.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes a sound processor that 1) determines a relative importance of performance versus power conservation for an auditory prosthesis, 2) determines, in accordance with the determined relative importance of performance versus power conservation, a current steering range for a stimulation channel defined by first and second physical electrodes communicatively coupled to the auditory prosthesis, the current steering range centered about a midpoint of the stimulation channel; and 3) directs the auditory prosthesis to apply electrical stimulation representative of audio content having a frequency included in a frequency band associated with the stimulation channel in accordance with the determined current steering range.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering neurostimulation therapies to patients for treating chronic heart failure. A neural fulcrum zone is identified and ongoing neurostimulation therapy is delivered within the neural fulcrum zone. The implanted stimulation device includes a physiological sensor for monitoring the patient's response to the neurostimulation therapy on an ambulatory basis over extended periods of time and a control system for adjusting stimulation parameters to maintain stimulation in the neural fulcrum zone based on detected changes in the physiological response to stimulation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of treating an eating disorder in a patient, comprises: diagnosing the eating disorder in the patient; and electrically stimulating a subgenual cingulate cortex site or a ventral medial prefrontal cortex site in the patient using electrodes of an implanted stimulation lead.

Abstract: A neurostimulation comprises a plurality of electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to an array of electrodes, at least three configurable sources respectively coupled to at least three of the electrical terminals, and control circuitry configured for programming each of the at least three configurable sources to be either a current source or a voltage source. A method of providing neurostimulation therapy to a patient using an array of electrodes implanted adjacent neural tissue of the patient, comprises conveying electrical stimulation energy between a first one the electrodes and a second one of the electrodes, thereby creating an electrical field potential within the neural tissue, regulating a first current flowing through the first electrode, and regulating a first voltage at a third different one of the electrodes, thereby modifying a shape of the electrical field potential within the neural tissue.

Abstract: A method of treating autonomic imbalance in a patient includes energizing a first therapeutic element disposed to deliver therapy to a parasympathetic nerve fiber (e.g. vagus nerve), and energizing a second therapeutic element to deliver therapy to a sympathetic cardiac nerve fiber. At least one of the therapeutic elements is disposed in the vasculature superior to the heart. The therapy decreases the patient's heart rate and elevates or maintains the blood pressure of the patient.

Abstract: A multiple output current stimulator circuit with fast turn on time is described. At least one pair of input side and output side transistors is arranged in a current mirror connected to a supply transistor by cascode coupling. The output side transistor supplies stimulation current to an electrode in contact with tissue. An operational amplifier connected to a reference voltage and to the output side transistor drives the supply transistor to maintain the voltage at the output side transistor equal to the reference voltage. The at least one pair of transistors includes multiple pairs of transistors whose output side transistors drive respective electrodes with stimulation currents. The stimulator determines the initiation and duration of stimulation current pulses supplied to each electrode. At circuit activation, large currents are generated which discharge capacitances in the output side transistors causing rapid output side transistor turn on.

Abstract: A multi-channel neurostimulation system comprises a plurality of electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to a plurality of electrodes, stimulation output circuitry including electrical source circuitry of the same polarity configured for generating a plurality of pulsed electrical waveforms in a plurality of timing channels, and control circuitry configured for instructing the stimulation output circuitry to serially couple the electrical source circuitry to different sets of the electrodes when pulses of the respective pulsed electrical waveforms do not temporally overlap each other, and for instructing the stimulation output circuitry to couple the electrical source circuitry to a union of the different electrode sets when pulses of the respective pulsed electrical waveforms temporally overlap each other.

Abstract: Methods and circuitry for determining an implanted-neurostimulator patient's position, and adjusting a situation program delivered by the neurostimulator based on the determined position, is disclosed. Impedance measurements of the patient's tissue are taken at the neurostimulator's electrodes, which measurements can comprise complex impedance measurements (magnitude and phase) taken at different frequencies. Such impedance measurements, which can be taken interleaved with stimulation therapy, are used to determine an “impedance fingerprint.” This fingerprint can be compared to other known fingerprints stored in the IPG, which known fingerprints are associated with particular stimulation programs. When a measured fingerprint matches one stored in the IPG, the stimulation program associated with the stored fingerprint is automatically used for patient therapy.

Abstract: An algorithm programmed into the control circuitry of a rechargeable-battery Implantable Medical Device (IMD) is disclosed that can quantitatively forecast and determine the timing of an early replacement indicator (tEOLi) and an IMD End of Life (tEOL). These forecasts and determinations of tEOLi and tEOL occur in accordance with one or more parameters having an effect on rechargeable battery capacity, such as number of charging cycles, charging current, discharge depth, load current, and battery calendar age. The algorithm consults such parameters as stored over the history of the operation of the IMD in a parameter log, and in conjunction with a battery capacity database reflective of the effect of these parameters on battery capacity, determines and forecasts tEOLi and tEOL Such forecasted or determined values may also be used by a shutdown algorithm to suspend therapeutic operation of the IMD.

Abstract: Systems and methods selectively stimulate components of the pudendal nerve away from the sacral root to evoke desired physiologic responses in persons who lack the ability to otherwise produce these responses—e.g., maintain continence and/or produce micturition, and/or provide male/female sexuality responses, and/or provide bowel responses. The systems and methods use a multiple electrode array, or individual electrodes, placed on, in, or near the pudendal nerve. The electrode array, or individual electrodes, in association with a pulse generator, provide selective stimulation of individual fascicles within the pudendal nerve, to achieve different physiologic responses.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac therapy device and methods of using a device including an implantable stimulation pulse generator, one or more implantable leads defining sensing and stimulation circuits adapted to sense and deliver therapy in at least one right side heart chamber, and an implantable controller in communication with the stimulation pulse generator and the one or more patient leads so as to receive sensed signals indicative of a patient's physiologic activity and deliver indicated therapy. The controller is adapted to monitor at least one indicator of cardiac dysynchrony and to compare the at least one indicator to a determined dysynchrony threshold. The threshold is determined for indications that the patient be further evaluated for cardiac resynchronization therapy. The controller is further adapted to set an alert when the at least one indicator exceeds the threshold to indicate to a clinician that evaluation for bi-ventricular pacing might be indicated.

Abstract: A rules engine acquires sensor data from sensors applied to the heart and determines whether an electrical waveform should be applied to the heart and, if so, the type of electrical waveform. A multiphase cardiac stimulus generator generates waveforms in response to the rules engine. The electrical waveform is applied to one or more electrodes implanted in or on the heart.

Abstract: Delivery tools of interventional medical systems facilitate deployment of relatively compact implantable medical devices that include sensing extensions, for example, right ventricular cardiac pacing devices that include a sensing extension for atrial sensing. An entirety of such a device is contained within a delivery tool while a distal-most portion of the tool is navigated to a target implant site; the tool is configured to expose, out from a distal opening thereof, a distal portion of the device for initial deployment, after which sensing, via a sense electrode of the aforementioned sensing extension of the device, can be evaluated without withdrawing the tool from over the remainder of the device that includes the sensing extension.

Abstract: A system and method for locating an implantable tissue stimulation lead within a patient. A measurement indicative of a coupling efficiency between the tissue stimulation lead and tissue at a location is taken. The location of the tissue stimulation lead relative to the tissue is tracked. Coupling efficiency information based on the measurement from the monitoring device is generated, tracking information based on the tissue stimulation lead location is generated, and the coupling efficiency information and tracking information is concurrently conveyed to the user.

Abstract: A combination charging and telemetry circuit for use within an implantable device, such as a microstimulator, uses a single coil for both charging and telemetry. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, one or more capacitors are used to tune the single coil to different frequencies, wherein the coil is used for multiple purposes, e.g., for receiving power from an external source and also for the telemetry of information to and from an external source.