Abstract: A cuff pressure stabilizer includes two or more columnar units, which include respective input columns and respective output columns disposed at least partially alongside the respective input columns. The input column of an upstream-most columnar unit is shaped so as to define an upstream-most input port, which is coupleable in fluid communication with an inflation lumen proximal port of a catheter. The output column of a downstream-most columnar unit is shaped so as to define an atmosphere port that is open to the atmosphere. The columnar units include a measurement columnar unit, which includes a plurality of pressure indicia markings distributed along the measurement columnar unit for measuring a height difference between a surface level of the liquid in the measurement output column of the measurement columnar unit and a surface level of the liquid in the measurement input column of the measurement columnar unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient for the treatment of Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) that is less obtrusive includes a nasal cannula, cannulae (2a, 2b), prongs, or pillows and may be sealed or unsealed with the nares of the patient in use. The cannula, pillows or prongs may be positioned on the face of the patient by a headgear (6). The cannula, pillows or prongs may be smaller, lighter, and/or less visible than other nasal cannula, cannulae, pillows or prongs and may therefore be less obtrusive to the patient.

Abstract: A breathing circuit includes a flexible hollow tube having a generally circular cross section and a flexible printed circuit board assembly disposed in the flexible hollow tube. The flexible printed circuit board assembly defines part of at least one inspiratory passage within the flexible hollow tube and part of at least one expiratory passage within the flexible hollow tube. The flexible printed circuit board assembly is configured to heat airflow within one or more of the at least one inspiratory passage and the at least one expiratory passage, and monitor a first property of the airflow within one or more of the at least one inspiratory passage and the at least one expiratory passage at multiple locations along the axial length of the flexible hollow tube.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering humidified breathing gas to a patient are provided. The apparatus includes a humidification system configured to deliver humidified breathing gas to a patient. The humidification system includes a vapor transfer unit and a base unit. The vapor transfer unit includes a liquid passage, a breathing gas passage, and a vapor transfer device positioned to transfer vapor to the breathing gas passage from the liquid passage. The base unit includes a base unit that releasably engages the vapor transfer unit to enable reuse of the base unit and selective disposal of the vapor transfer unit. The liquid passage is not coupled to the base unit for liquid flow therebetween when the vapor transfer unit is received by the base unit.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter, for insertion into and draining a body cavity, that mitigates the risk of obstruction of the drainage ports and drainage lumen of the catheter, reduces the detrimental effects caused by the suction forces of the drainage ports on the body cavity being drained, and reduces the risk of infection of the body cavity being drained by decreasing the residual volume of fluid retained in the body cavity being drained. These advantages are achieved by the novel approach of disposing a perforated filter membrane over a segmented retention element and also over the drainage ports of the drainage lumen of the catheter thereby creating internal interstitial drainage channels and internal interstitial drainage cavities.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter, for insertion into and draining a body cavity, that mitigates the risk of obstruction of the drainage ports and drainage lumen of the catheter, reduces the detrimental effects caused by the suction forces of the drainage ports on the body cavity being drained, and reduces the risk of infection of the body cavity being drained by decreasing the residual volume of fluid retained in the body cavity being drained. These advantages are achieved by the novel approach of disposing a perforated filter membrane or a membrane having a relatively large entry port(s) between membrane struts over a segmented retention element and also over the drainage port(s) of the drainage lumen of the catheter thereby creating internal interstitial drainage channels and internal interstitial drainage cavities.

Abstract: A system by which resource information relating to an insertable medical device, such as an intravascular catheter, can be identified by its source so as to be accessed by a practitioner, caregiver, or patient, is disclosed. In particular, a resource information key is included at a predetermined key location on or proximate to the medical device, wherein the key indicates the source of the resource information. In one example embodiment, therefore, an insertable medical device for establishing intravascular access to a patient, such as a peripherally inserted central catheter (“PICC”), is disclosed and comprises: an internal portion configured for intravascular insertion into the patient, and a portion external to the patient. The exterior portion of the PICC includes a resource information key that is positioned at a predetermined key location. The resource information key indicates a website where a user can acquire the resource information relating to the medical device.

Abstract: A catheter system for accessing the central venous system through an occlusion in the neck region.

Abstract: A medical device assembly includes a tunneler having a proximal end and a distal end and a carrier element fixed to the distal end of the tunneler. In various embodiments the carrier element is configured to be slidably disposed within a lead connection lumen. In various embodiments the carrier element includes a plurality of recesses configured to engage a lead extension set screw. In various embodiments the carrier element can freely rotate relative to the rest of the tunneler.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that secures a straight or Foley catheter in the urinary tract of a male subject. The device includes a portion that can be coupled to the subject's penis and a portion that can be coupled to the straight or Foley catheter. The present invention also relates to methods of making and using this device and to assemblies including the device and a straight or Foley catheter.

Abstract: A device for securing a medical implement, such as a catheter to a body of a patient. The device having an adhesive pad for securing the pad to the body of a patient. An adjustable plate is rotatable with respect to the fixed plate to secure a catheter. In some aspects, a pair of adjustable plates can be rotated with respect to the fixed plate. Tabs affixed to the fixed plate and the adjustable plate cooperate with each other to secure a catheter there between. The adjustable plate can be rotated so as to retain a catheter between the tabs. Complementary pawl and ratchet members are used to enable limited rotation of the plates with respect to one another and to fix the plates in a selected adjustment position.

Abstract: A composite wire, such as a guide wire, may include a principal section with a relatively large outer diameter, as well as one or more reduced sections with smaller outer diameters. The relatively small outer diameter of each reduced section may be defined by an inner element of the composite wire, while the relatively large outer diameter of the principal section may be defined by one or more outer elements that reside on, and may surround, the inner element. The inner and outer elements may be formed from materials that impart the composite wire with one or more desired characteristics, such as a stiffness, hardness and flexibility. In specific embodiments, the inner element may comprise a standard, small diameter guide wire, while the outer element comprises a tube formed from polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Each outer element may be secured to the inner element at one or more locations.

Abstract: A deep vein intravenous introducer has a wheel located toward the front end of the device that can be rotated by the index finger of the user. After placement of the needle in the lumen of the vessel, the user rotates the wheel, which advances the wire guide through the center of the needle and into the patient. Once the guide wire is advanced into the vessel lumen the catheter can be advanced over the guide wire with a hub or finger tab on the catheter close to the index finger. The operation can be performed by one hand without moving the hand from its initial position. The user can then simultaneously use the other hand to operate an ultrasound detection device during insertion without the assistance of another person. A catheter is provided that can be visualized by ultrasound to enable confirmation of correct placement in a vessel.

Abstract: An example of recovery catheter assembly comprises an actuator element and a mechanically radially expandable and contractible recovery device operably connected to the actuator element. The recovery device has proximal and distal blocking portions and a central portion therebetween. The recovery device is at least partially placeable in a first, radially collapsed configuration and in a second, radially expanded configuration by manipulation of the actuator element. When in the second, radially expanded configuration, the proximal and distal blocking portions have radial dimensions greater than the radial dimension of the central portion thereby at least partially defining a collection chamber at the central portion.

Abstract: A balloon catheter has a balloon and an outer shaft fixed to a proximal end of the balloon. Each of the proximal end of the balloon and a distal end of the outer shaft has an inner projection extending in an axial direction of the balloon catheter, an outer projection extending in the axial direction, and a gap formed between the inner projection and the outer projection. At a fixing part, the inner projection of the balloon or the outer projection of the balloon is disposed in the gap of the outer shaft, and the inner projection of the outer shaft or the outer projection of the outer shaft is disposed in the gap of the balloon. The balloon catheter has improved fixing strength between the balloon and the outer shaft without increasing an outer diameter of the fixing part between the balloon and the outer shaft.

Abstract: A method and toolset capable of remotely moving a rotor of an implanted device in a first arcuate direction and detecting a first limit of travel, moving the rotor in a second, opposite direction and detecting a second limit of travel without altering the current performance setting of the implanted device, comparing the first and second limits of travel with known values for a plurality of selectable performance settings, and indicating the current performance setting of the implanted device.

Abstract: A therapeutic delivery device comprises a layer of biodegradable material wound into a plurality of windings, the plurality of windings comprising an outermost winding defining an internal volume and winding pairs including a first winding pair and a second winding pair. A first therapeutic mass is incorporated in or on the layer the first winding pair and a second therapeutic mass is incorporated in or on the layer along the second winding pair. In one implementation, at least one volume of gas is captured within the internal volume and occupies at least 50% of the internal volume. In one implementation, the windings include perforations.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a topically administered drug has a spreader which is used to actuate a pump to release the drug and then to spread the drug on the skin and. The spreader is coupled to a lock that prevents it from actuating the pump after a number of drug doses have been dispensed. The pump can be actuated to release no more than the selected quantity of drug per day or actuation.

Abstract: A device (1) for the application of liquid medical substances (100) comprises a main body (2) extending around a longitudinal axis (X) and comprising a housing portion (3) at a first open end (4) and a delivery portion (5) at a second open end (6) which is opposite the first (4); a hermetically sealed cartridge reservoir (7) containing a liquid medical substance (100); a perforating element (8) disposed inside the main body (2) in a position falling between the housing portion (3) and the delivery portion (5) and such as to achieve the perforation of one end of the cartridge reservoir (7). The perforating element (8) has a tubular shape and comprises, in a central portion thereof, a cylindrical conduit (12) having a cutting edge (14) faced towards the housing portion (3).

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for inhibiting nerves when activating brown adipose tissue (BAT). In general, a first nerve type (e.g., sympathetic nerves) innervating BAT can be activated while at least one other nerve type (e.g., parasympathetic nerves and/or sensory nerves) innervating BAT is being suppressed. A first neuromodulator (e.g., an electrical signal, a chemical, a light, cooling, etc.) can be applied to activate the first nerve type, and a second neuromodulator can be applied to inhibit the at least one other nerve type. In this way, parasympathetic nerves and/or sensory nerves innervating BAT can be inhibited when activating sympathetic nerves innervating BAT.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a kit for assembling a disposable applicator for inserting an implant, in particular a rod-like implant containing an active substance, under the skin of a human or animal, the kit comprising a first component, in turn comprising a main housing part providing a handle for grasping and maneuvering the applicator, a cannula, and a cannula holder mounted in the main housing part, the main housing part having an opening which allows introduction of an implant into the proximal end of the cannula or the cannula holder, and, a second component for closing said opening, in turn comprising a second housing part and a rod attached to or forming an integral whole with the second housing part and mountable inside the cannula or the cannula holder.

Abstract: A safety needle assembly for skin puncturing. A plurality of needles driven by a reciprocating drive shaft extend and retract through an opening in one end of the assembly. Eleven or twelve needles are configured so as to minimize potential surface tension and reduce stress applied to the skin. The opening may be rounded or scalloped to reduce friction on the skin. An elastomeric or mechanical spring is used to assist in retracting the needles. Various alignment tabs and features are used to ensure proper alignment of the drive shaft within the assembly, and alignment of the needle assembly when attached to a handpiece during use. Safety tabs on the needle assembly prevent reuse. A protective sleeve may be used to cover the exterior of the needle assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly has (i) a surgical instrument including a handpiece and a probe or horn attached to the handpiece, (ii) a source of ultrasonic vibratory energy operatively connected to the probe or horn, (iii) a source of electrical current operatively connected to deliver electrical current to organic tissues of a patient at a surgical site contacted by a distal end of the probe or horn, and (iv) a sensor of electrical potential disposable in contact with the patient at a desired distance from the surgical site. The sensor is operatively connected to the source of ultrasonic vibratory energy to automatically attenuate an output thereof in response to a detected potential of a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: A catheter control system the system can include a control unit having a first connection port. The control unit can have a first visual indicator associated with the first connection port. The system can also include a first catheter interface connector connected to the first connection port of the control unit. The first catheter interface connector can have a first visual indicator corresponding to the first visual indicator on the control unit. The first visual indicator on the first catheter interface connector can be to be active to indicate that the first catheter interface connector is connected to the first connection port on the control unit.

Abstract: Anchors for use with implantable medical leads include an elastic body containing one or more rigid bodies that have longitudinal free edges. The longitudinal free edges run from end to end to define full length slots. Partial length slots may also be included within the one or more rigid bodies. The full length and partial length slots allow for deflection of the rigid bodies against the body of an implantable medical lead to hold the anchor in place on the lead. The full length slots allow a blade to pass through and cut a slit in the elastic body which allows the anchor to be removed from the lead.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead and a method of its use. The lead has an elongated lead body having an outer circumference and provided with an electrode. A push tube is mounted circumferentially around the lead body and the lead body is longitudinally movable with respect thereto. A fixation helix is mounted to the push tube, extending along a generally helical axis around the outer circumference of the lead body. The lead may be employed by advancing the lead to a desired location for the fixation helix and then rotating the push tube to secure the helix to tissue. The lead body may then be moved longitudinally with respect to the push tube to place the electrode in a desirable location.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device may include an implantable pacing member having a housing and a lead input. A lead may be coupled to the lead input. The lead may be designed to extend along a pericardial space, epicardium, or both and engage a heart chamber. A passageway may be defined along a portion of the length of the lead.

Abstract: A test apparatus for an implantable electrode line and also for an electrode line and an implantable device, including a directional coupler or a circulator for coupling an electrical test symbol into at least one electrical conductor of the electrode line and for decoupling the reflected test signal from the electrical conductor of the electrode line. Such a directional coupler makes it possible to couple a test signal, e.g., a steep voltage pulse, into an electrical conductor of the electrode line and to decouple again the returning reflected voltage pulse (namely, the reflected test signal) from the electrical conductor by means of the directional coupler or circulator. A method for testing an electrical conductor of an implantable electrode line including: 1) coupling a test signal into the electrical conductor; 2) decoupling the test signal reflected in the electrical conductor from the electrical conductor; and 3) evaluating the reflected test signal.

Abstract: A medical device for conducting electrical signal comprises an elongate member and a plurality of cables. Each cable may have three concentric layers: a first layer with an inner conductor, a second layer with an inner insulator, and a third layer with an outer conductor. The inner insulator electrically isolates the outer conductor from the inner conductor.

Abstract: Strain relief loop holders maintain the strain relief loop formed in a lead while also addressing the excessive heating at the point in the loop where the medical lead intersects with itself. The strain relief loop includes a body section that the medical lead passes through where the intersection occurs. The body section may be a thermal non-conductor and isolate from excessive heating at the intersection point or may be a thermal conductor and distribute the excessive heating. The strain relief loop may include features such as arms or a coil extending from the body segment with arm segments at the ends of the arms defining lead passageways that assist in maintaining the strain relief loop. The body segment may have a single lead passageway where the intersection point occurs or may have multiple lead passageways. The body itself may house the loop by forming a loop or a capsule.

Abstract: An AIMD includes a conductive housing, an electrically conductive ferrule with an insulator hermetically sealing the ferrule opening. A conductive pathway is hermetically sealed and disposed through the insulator. A filter capacitor is disposed on a circuit board within the housing and has a dielectric body supporting at least two active and two ground electrode plates interleaved, wherein the at least two active electrode plates are electrically connected to the conductive pathway on the device side, and the at least two ground electrode plates are electrically coupled to either the ferrule and/or the conductive housing. The dielectric body has a dielectric constant less than 1000 and a capacitance of between 10 and 20,000 picofarads. The filter capacitor is configured for EMI filtering of MRI high RF pulsed power by a low ESR, wherein the ESR of the filter capacitor at an MRI RF pulsed frequency or range of frequencies is less than 2.0 ohms.

Abstract: Neuromodulation systems are described comprising a signal generator and at least one electrode. The at least one electrode can be configured to deliver a stimulation to a mammal, wherein the stimulation includes a biphasic signal and an overlapping high frequency pulse thereby inducing voluntary movement in the individual. Methods of administering the stimulation are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable body-contact therapeutic device comprising a main body having a first main body member and a second main body member combined in a clip form such that pants, panties or a belt are worn by being inserted between the opposing surfaces from one side, characterized in that in a state that the pants, the panties or the belt are worn by being inserted in the main body, the outer surface of the first main body member is formed toward the body outside and the outer surface of the second main body member is formed so as to contact the body skin, wherein a current output circuit for outputting a current is included on the inside of the main body, and a main body electrode pad to which the current outputted from the current output circuit is applied is formed in the outer surface of the second main body member.

Abstract: An electrical venous stimulation apparatus comprising an electrical signal generator, the signal generator configured to generate a specified electrical output signal. The apparatus also includes a plurality of electrodes in electrical communication with the signal generator and configured to be placed in electrical communication with a subject. The electrical output signal sent to the subject includes an output voltage, electrical current, and waveform that changes with time in a preprogrammed repeating cycle. The output voltage, electrical current, and waveform are configured to elicit a physiological response that stimulates a plurality of peripheral nerves in the subject, activates a venous muscle pump mechanism in one or more limbs of the subject, and non-invasively alter the physiology of target vein(s), wherein the target vein(s) is caused to distend from under the surface of the subject's skin.

Abstract: Described is a system for enhancing memories during sleep. The system detects, via at least one sensor, brain activity of a user as the user learns a new episode pattern or recalls an episode pattern. The episode pattern is temporally compressed. A specific sleep stage is detected in the user. Upon detection of the specific sleep stage, the system automatically recreates the temporally compressed episode pattern by applying neural stimulation to the user to ensure the consolidation of the episode pattern in the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for remotely and intelligently tuning movement disorder of therapy systems. The present invention still further provides methods of quantifying movement disorders for the treatment of patients who exhibit symptoms of such movement disorders including, but not limited to, Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonism, Dystonia, Chorea, and Huntington's disease, Ataxia, Tremor and Essential Tremor, Tourette syndrome, stroke, and the like. The present invention yet further relates to methods of remotely and intelligently or automatically tuning a therapy device using objective quantified movement disorder symptom data to determine the therapy setting or parameters to be transmitted and provided to the subject via his or her therapy device. The present invention also provides treatment and tuning intelligently, automatically and remotely, allowing for home monitoring of subjects.

Abstract: A method for implanting a wireless neural stimulator device, the method including: inserting a device through a patient's skin on a lateral side of a patient's neck, wherein the device includes with a proximal end, a distal end, a first opening at the proximal end, a second opening at the distal end, and a lumen extending between the first opening and the second opening; after inserting the device through the patient's skin, advancing the distal end towards a perivascular bundle of the patient until the distal end is proximate to the perivascular bundle; inserting the wireless neural stimulator device through the first opening; and advancing the wireless neural stimulator from the first opening through the lumen until the wireless neural stimulator exits the second opening and is proximate to the vagus nerve such that the neural stimulator is able to stimulate the vagus nerve.

Abstract: One system includes a stimulation device such as a vagus nerve stimulation lead, and a controller for controlling the stimulation device according to a set of stimulation parameters. A memory of the stimulation device contains a state transition model, and for each state defines a set of stimulation parameters and at least one expected response during the application of stimulation with the parameters. A matrix determines the transition rules between states based on physiological levels measured versus target levels. A state transition control unit determines, in an organized timely method, possible transitions between states according to rules on the physiological levels obtained in response to the implementation of the stimulation parameters of the current state, and a transition from a current state to a new state causes a corresponding change in the parameter set used for stimulation.

Abstract: A group select matrix is added to an implantable stimulator device to allow current sources to be dedicated to particular groups of electrodes at a given time. The group select matrix can time multiplex the current sources to the different groups of electrodes to allow therapy pulses to be delivered at the various groups of electrodes in an interleaved fashion. Each of the groups of electrodes may be confined to a particular electrode array implantable at a particular non-overlapping location in a patient's body. A switch matrix can be used in conjunction with the group select matrix to provide further flexibility to couple the current sources to any of the electrodes.

Abstract: A method is provided to deliver C tactile fiber stimulation to nervous tissue of a patient. The method comprises delivering a first tactile stimulation waveform to a first electrode combination within an array of electrodes located proximate to nervous tissue of interest. The method further provides sequentially delivering successive tactile stimulation waveforms to successive electrode combinations within the array of electrodes. The first and successive tactile stimulation waveforms include at least one series of pulses having a pulse amplitude and pulse frequency. Delaying delivery of the successive tactile stimulation waveforms by a firing delay, the pulse amplitude, pulse frequency and firing delay represent therapy parameters. The method manages at least one of the therapy parameters of the first and successive tactile stimulation waveforms to excite C tactile fibers of the nervous tissue of interest.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is provided that comprises a pulse generator circuit that times delivery of ventricular pacing pulses based on a base intracardiac interval (ICI). A processor is provided that has memory storing program instructions and storing atrial and ventricular events over multiple cardiac cycles and that is responsive to execution of the program instructions. The processor adjusts the base ICI by an ICI adjustment, during one or more of the multiple cardiac cycles, to promote intrinsic heart activity. The processor further counts a number of the cardiac cycles in which the ICI adjustments occurred in conjunction with arrhythmias to identify an excessive adjustment count and modifies the ICI adjustment to utilize a new ICI adjustment based on the excessive adjustment count.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for detecting or confirming fibrillation are discussed. In one example, a method for detecting a cardiac arrhythmia of a patients' heart comprises receiving, by a leadless cardiac pacemaker fixed in the patients' heart, an indication from a remote device that a cardiac arrhythmia is detected, monitoring by the leadless cardiac pacemaker a signal generated by a sensor that is located within the patients' heart, and based at least in part on the monitored signal, confirming whether a cardiac arrhythmia is occurring or not. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise, if a cardiac arrhythmia is confirmed, delivering a therapy to treat the cardiac arrhythmia.

Abstract: Systems and methods for evaluating multiple candidate electrostimulation vectors for use in therapeutic cardiac stimulation are disclosed. The system can include a programmable electrostimulator circuit for delivering electrostimulation to one or more sites of a heart according to multiple candidate electrostimulation vectors. One or more physiologic sensors can detect resulting physiologic responses to the electrostimulation. A processor circuit can generate categories of indicators including therapy efficacy indicators, battery longevity indicators, or complication indicators using the sensed physiologic responses. The candidate electrostimulation vectors can be ranked according to the categories of indicators in specified orders.

Abstract: An integrated electromyography (EMG) and signal/stimulation generation clinician programmer may be coupled with an implantable temporary or permanent lead in a patient and at least one EMG sensing electrode minimally invasively positioned on a skin surface or within the patient. Generally, the integrated clinician programmer may comprise a portable housing, a signal/stimulation generator, and EMG signal processor, and a graphical user interface. The signal/stimulation generator may be disposed within the housing and configured to deliver test stimulation to a nerve tissue of the patient via the implantable lead. The EMG signal processor may be disposed within the housing and configured to record a stimulation-induced EMG motor response for each test stimulation via the at least one EMG sensing electrode. The graphical user interface at least partially comprises the external surface of the housing and has a touch screen display for direct user interaction or a keyboard, mouse, or the like.

Abstract: Medical device systems and methods with multiple communication modes. An example medical device system may include a first medical device and a second medical device communicatively coupled to the first medical device. The first medical device may be configured to communicate information to the second medical device in a first communication mode. The first medical device may further be configured to communicate information to the second medical device in a second communication mode after determining that one or more of the communication pulses captured the heart of the patient.

Abstract: An implantable medical device has a housing with a fixation element disposed adjacent a first end of the housing and a retrieval element disposed adjacent a second end of the housing. An outer housing surface includes a first region having a first surface texture with a first average surface roughness and a second region having a second surface texture with a second average surface roughness that is different from the first average surface roughness. An insulative layer includes a first region overlying the first surface texture and a second region overlying the second surface texture, wherein an outer surface of the insulative layer emulates the first surface texture in the first region of the insulative layer and emulates the second surface texture in the second region of the insulative layer.

Abstract: In general, techniques are described for labeling an implantable medical device (IMD). In one example, an IMD can include a housing including electronic circuitry. The IMD can include a header coupled to the housing and includes a core. The core can define a bore and include a first metal label positioned adjacent to the at least one bore. The IMD includes a lead assembly including at least one lead having a distal end and a proximal end, the at least one lead including a second metal label, the distal end including at least one electrode and the proximal end received within the bore.

Abstract: One aspect is a capacitor, having a multitude of parallel insulator layers in one stack direction, made of an electrically non-conducting material, a multitude of conductor layers alternatingly stacked with the insulator layers in the direction of the stack made from a conductive material and at least one contact body. At least some of the conductor layers are connected to one another in a conductive manner via the contact body. The contact body extends through breaks form several insulator layers, where at least the insulator layers are made of a sintered material; the contact body is manufactured at least partially from a sintered material, which is introduced into the breaks in the insulator layers in an unsintered, malleable state.

Abstract: A system and method of network-enabled automatic electronic defibrillators (AEDs) may be used to assist with cardiac emergencies. The system includes at least two AEDs positioned in different geographic locations. At least one location-providing tag is positioned on each of the at least two AEDs. A controller is capable of communicating with the location-providing tag of each of the at least two AEDs through at least one network connection. When a cardiac emergency occurs, an AED located nearby may be identified or requested to assist with the emergency.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a first chip bonded on a second chip. The first chip comprises a first substrate and first interconnection components formed in first IMD layers. The second chip comprises a second substrate and second interconnection components formed in second IMD layers. The device further comprises a first conductive plug formed within the first substrate and the first IMD layers, wherein the first conductive plug is coupled to a first interconnection component and a second conductive plug formed through the first substrate and the first IMD layers and formed partially through the second IMD layers, wherein the second conductive plug is coupled to a second interconnection component.