Abstract: A method is described for supplying a metered amount of a liquid medicament to an aerosolizing device. The method utilizes a dispenser comprising an elongate dispenser body having a proximal end and a tip at a distal end through which a liquid medicament is dispensed. The dispenser further comprises a dispensing mechanism that operates to dispense a metered quantity of the liquid medicament from the tip each time the dispenser body is compressed. The dispenser is grasped with one hand such that the fingers wrap around the dispenser body, with the thumb closest to the proximal end and the last finger closest to the tip. The tip is inserted into an opening of an inhaler and the elongate body is forced toward the tip to cause the dispenser body to compress, thereby operating the dispensing mechanism and causing a metered quantity of the liquid medicament to eject into the inhaler.

Abstract: A mobile inhaler is provided and a container for using therewith. The mobile inhaler comprises: a mouthpiece comprising at least one inhaling opening; a body element connected to the mouthpiece and comprising a housing for holding a DC power source; a power conversion unit comprising an inverter operative to convert a DC voltage provided by a DC power source, into a higher AC voltage; a nebulizer comprising an ultrasonic vibrator and a mesh, wherein the ultrasonic vibrator is activated by the AC voltage, and wherein the nebulizer is adapted to enable converting into aerosol droplets at least part of a liquid comprised in an enclosure, and the aerosol droplets to be directly inhaled from the mouthpiece; and an enclosure adapted to enable holding a liquid, and characterized in that it provides a connection to enable fluid transfer from the enclosure to the nebulizer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for delivering a predetermined volume of a substance, within at least one body cavity of a subject, comprising: a. a predefined volume for containing said predetermined volume of said at least one substance; b. a delivery end for placement in proximity to said body cavity; said delivery end comprises at least one orifice of diameter D [mm]; c. a valve mechanically connectable to said container, characterized by at least two configurations: (i) an active configuration in which said valve enables delivery of predetermined volume Vsub [ml] of said substance; and, (ii) an inactive configuration, in which said valve prevents delivery of said predetermined volume Vsub [ml] of said substance from said container to said body cavity; d. a fluid tight chamber configured to contain predetermined volume Vgas [ml] of pressurized gas at a predetermined pressure, Pgas [barg].

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring respiratory waveforms. The method includes acquiring a data set representative of a waveform, comparing one or more segments of the data set with stored abnormal shapes and/or values, determining, using the processing circuitry and based on the comparison, a match level, identifying an abnormality associated with an abnormal shape and/or a value in response to determining that the match level between the data set and the abnormal shape and/or the value is above greater or below a predetermined threshold, and outputting a notification indicating the abnormality to an external device.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling a level of ventilatory assist applied to a patient by a mechanical ventilator measures, during patient's assisted breath, an inspiratory volume Vassist produced by both the patient and the mechanical ventilator, an inspiratory volume Vvent contributed by the mechanical ventilator, and an inspiratory assist pressure Pvent produced by the mechanical ventilator. A first relation between pressure Pvent and volume Vassist and a second relation between pressure Pvent and volume Vvent are calculated. Using the first and second relations, a ratio is determined between pressure Pvent at volume Vvent and pressure Pvent at volume Vassist, with volume Vvent equal to volume Vassist, for a plurality of volumes Vvent and Vassist. Values of Pvent are multiplied by the corresponding calculated ratios to calculate a third relation between a predicted inspiratory pressure Ppred and volume Vassist.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an artificial airway sputum scab cleaner including a connection hub, a display window, a detection tube, a sputum suction tube, a sputum suction device, a probe head a hooking device, a light beam device and a camera device; the hooking device includes a hooking channel, a hooking spoon, a push rod and a permanent magnet, an iron sheet, a first coil. The invention has the beneficial effects of simple operation, real-time monitoring, and accurate and rapid cleaning of foreign matters, thus greatly saving the treatment time, reducing the intensity of nursing work, reducing the occurrence of complications and greatly reducing the pains of patients.

Abstract: An endotracheal intubation assistance apparatus is for assisting in insertion of an endotracheal tube into the trachea of a patient, and includes a flexible movable tubular stylet, a graspable controller, and a viewing device. The stylet has a leading section, a body section, a tail section, and two slits extending through the body section and the tail section for dividing the tail section into first and second driven sheets. The viewing device includes an elongate body and a viewing head. The elongate body and the viewing head are movable through the controller, and is extendable outwardly from the leading section. When the first and second driven sheets move relative to each other, the leading section swings synchronously a distal end of the endotracheal tube and the viewing head.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a negative-pressure oral apparatus capable of relieving discomfort of soft tissues in the oral cavity and improving fixation of the oral apparatus to prevent the oral apparatus from falling off due to mouth opening. The oral apparatus is compact and elastic so that it fits various shapes and sizes of the oral cavity and is easy to be put on and taken off to provide convenience and safety to the user. In another embodiment, a method for maintaining a negative oral pressure and collecting liquid by coupling the oral apparatus to a liquid collecting apparatus capable of effectively providing the oral cavity with a negative pressure to expel liquid in the oral apparatus and deliver the liquid to an absorbing element in the liquid collecting apparatus so as to prevent liquid leakage or contamination.

Abstract: By manipulating the partial pressures of oxygen and nitrogen in the trapped air in the bowel with 100% non-rebreather mask oxygen, along with supportive therapy, a method will successfully decompress the colon. This is a low morbidity and low cost treatment which can be a useful adjunct in treating ileus and other gastrointestinal diseases in which luminal distension plays a role.

Abstract: A hose is described that includes a braided matrix with an interior lumen. The matrix also includes filaments that intersect each other creating a braid, a longitudinal axis that runs along the lumen and the filaments intersect the longitudinal axis at a braid angle. The braid angle can be varied by compressing or expanding the matrix along the direction of the longitudinal axis. A polymer coating is applied to the matrix such that the matrix is substantially impermeable to air. The hose has two states: (1) a relaxed state where the hose does not experience a force in the direction of the longitudinal axis; and (2) a stressed state where the hose experiences a force in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The braid angle is larger in the relaxed state as compared to the stressed state. A method of manufacture for the hose is also disclosed.

Abstract: A delivery device for and a method of delivering gases to the nasal airway, in particular therapeutic gases and gases in combination with active substances, either as powders or liquids, for enhanced uptake of the active substances.

Abstract: A valve structure for treating a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea is provided. The valve structure is connected to an air flow generator and connected to a mask that covers at least the nostrils of a patient. The valve structure includes a housing with an inlet pressure port connected to the air flow generator, and an ambient pressure port. Within the housing is an expiratory membrane, an expiratory valve seat, an inspiratory membrane, an inlet pressure valve seat, an inspiratory valve seat, and an inspiratory membrane segmentation structure configured to segment the movement of the inspiratory membrane into at least a first portion and a second portion. An expiratory valve in fluid connection with the inlet pressure port is formed by the expiratory membrane and the expiratory valve seat. An inlet pressure valve is formed by the inlet pressure valve seat and the first portion of the inspiratory membrane.

Abstract: An anesthetic administration device comprising an infusion device, which is in fluid connection with a regional anesthetic needle by means of a feed tube. The infusion device comprises one or more anesthetic flow devices capable of triggering forward flow, and optionally backward flow, of the local anesthetic through the regional anesthetic needle. Forward, and optionally backward flow, of the local anesthetic through the regional anesthetic needle is controlled by a controller that comprises one or more actuator switches. The one or more actuator switches are positioned on the device 1 such that they may be operated by hand.

Abstract: An inflatable float tank for providing a therapeutic sensory deprivation session. The inflatable float tank includes opaque inflatable sidewalls including a drop-stitch material. The drop stitch material includes opposing walls with stitched threads extending at acute angles from one another. When uninflated these internal stitch structures are allowed to collapse and provide substantially foldable and pliable deflated sidewalls as opposed to substantially rigid sidewalls upon inflation. The inflatable float tank is filled with float solution including water and Epsom salt heated to skin temperature so as to provide a highly buoyant float environment with a lack of sensory stimulation. The inflatable float tank exhibiting improved insulation within the tank and ease of assembly. The inflatable float tank and assembly thereof doesn't require rigid support structures such as poles and joints.

Abstract: A sterilized packaging system for a deployable medical device comprises a sealed container with a tray disposed within the sealed container. The tray comprises a first chamber at a proximal end of the tray and at least a deployable medical device is disposed within the first chamber in a storage configuration, wherein the deployable medical device is engaged with the catheter and positioned in a partially deployed state distally from the distal end of a catheter. A sterilizing fluid is disposed within at least the first chamber.

Abstract: A connector system includes a catheter connector port to attach to a urinary catheter, a urine exit port to connect to a urine collection device, an irrigation port to receive an irrigation syringe, and an internal valve. The irrigation port includes a pliable membrane that has a self-sealing opening to allow a tip of the syringe to extend therethrough. The internal valve cooperates with the syringe to shut off flow of fluid to the urine exit port when the syringe is inserted and allow for flow of fluid to the urine exit port when the syringe is removed. A distance between a proximal surface of the membrane and a distal end of the internal valve is such that the tip of the syringe can extend from a proximal end of the self-sealing opening to the distal end of the internal valve.

Abstract: Systems and methods of implanting a vascular access technologies and declotting vascular access technologies, such as vascular access assemblies that facilitate hemodialysis, are provided. The methods can include disposing a first tubular conduit within a patient to access a vascular access assembly within the heart of the patient. The first tubular conduit can be coupled to the vascular access assembly such that the first tubular conduit can be decoupled from the vascular access assembly to evacuate a clot within the vascular access assembly, and then recouple the first tubular conduit to the vascular access assembly.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed, which includes a flexible catheter tube. The catheter tube has an elongated main body portion, and a helical portion which is formed on a distal side of the main body portion and which is wound in a helical shape in a natural state where no external force is applied thereto. In the natural state, in the helical portion, a central axis serving as a winding center of the helical portion intersects a central axis extending along a longitudinal direction of the main body portion. In addition, it is preferable that an angle formed between the central axis of the helical portion and the central axis of the main body portion is a right angle or an obtuse angle.

Abstract: Catheters adapted for use in small body vessels are described. A catheter includes an elongate shaft having a main body that defines first and second lumens. An inner tubular member is disposed in the second lumen and is formed of a material that has a stiffness that is greater than a stiffness of the material forming the main body.

Abstract: An occlusion catheter system includes a proximal hub having an inflation connection port and an inflation pathway. An inflation catheter member is connected to the proximal hub and has an inflation lumen. A stiffener member defines a longitudinal axis. The proximal end of the stiffener member is connected to the proximal hub. The stiffener member extends through a portion of the inflation lumen. An occlusion balloon has a proximal balloon end and a distal balloon end. A distal catheter member is positioned substantially on the longitudinal axis and is connected to the distal end of the stiffener member. An atraumatic tip is positioned on a distal end of the distal catheter member. The atraumatic tip has a substantially circular profile in a relaxed configuration. A pressure sensor is connected to the occlusion catheter system distally relative to the occlusion balloon and is connected to a processor by electrical wiring.

Abstract: An infusion catheter assembly has the ability to infinitely titrate the length of a porous fluid distribution section in situ. The infusion catheter assembly thereby provides a length of infusion that can be infinitely varied over a prescribed range, to control the effective infusion length and the rate of infusion. Using the infusion catheter assembly, a physician has the capability to treat only the length of the vessel desired, thereby preventing excessive drug/patient exposures. The porous fluid distribution section can include an array of spaced apart apertures that vary in size and/or density along the length of the porous fluid distribution section, such that the flow rate remains essentially constant for a given inlet pressure independent of the effective infusion length.

Abstract: A medicine injecting catheter includes a catheter body having a medicine supply lumen, a tubular body coupled to a distal end of the catheter body and having a lumen fluidly communicating with the medicine supply lumen, an injection needle connected to a distal end of the tubular body, a cover member having an interior housing the tubular body, with the cover member disposed on the distal end of the catheter body for reciprocating axial movement between a first position in which the distal end of the needle is in the inner space and a second position in which the distal end of the needle projects forwardly from the inner space, and an opening/closing mechanism for opening/closing the tubular body lumen depending on an angular position of an operating member, and a motion converting mechanism for converting reciprocating movement of the cover member into rotary movement of the operating member.

Abstract: An apparatus for imparting a tensile force to deflect a distal portion of a catheter while maintaining its exterior dimensions may include a handle grip including a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and a longitudinal axis. A flexible elongate member may include proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion being coupled to the handle grip. An adjustment knob may include a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and is rotatably coupled to the handle grip around the longitudinal axis. An elongate deflection member may be operably coupled to the adjustment knob and to the distal end portion of the elongate member. Rotation of the adjustment knob may impart a tensile force to the deflection member thereby causing the distal end portion of the elongate member to deflect from a prior configuration while maintaining the generally predetermined exterior dimensions of the handle grip and the adjustment knob.

Abstract: The invention provides a deflectable catheter capable of forming many variable radius spiral forms from a single, flexible, distal end section. In one aspect, the catheter employs a variable radius control wire to extend or deform a pre-formed loop structure into a three dimensional spiral-like form or geometry. The ability of a single catheter to create a multitude of shapes and sizes allows users to access to a number of anatomical areas without changing the catheter during a procedure or treatment. In another aspect, the invention encompasses methods of producing deflectable variable radius catheters, where two or more regions of the catheter having common control wires are fused or formed onto one another.

Abstract: A catheter securement device includes a body having a generally curved channel configured to receive a central venous catheter and reposition it in a different direction than the direction of the catheter as it exits the skin of the patient. The securement device includes a cover that slidably connects to the securement device body to prevent the catheter from being pulled out of the curved channel.

Abstract: A medical component securement device includes a strap and a first medical component holder attached to the strap. The strap includes a number of openings spaced along the length of the strap that enables one or more auxiliary medical component holders to be removably attached to the strap. The first medical component holder may include two members that pivot about a pivot axis to open and close the first medical component holder.

Abstract: A method for replacing a first sheath, whose distal end is positioned inside a vessel and whose proximal end is positioned outside the skin of a patient, with a second sheath may involve inserting a dilator over a guidewire and into the first sheath until a distal end of the dilator and a distal end of the guidewire are positioned inside the vessel. The dilator may be hubless or include a removable hub, and may define an external channel configured to receive a second guidewire. The method may further involve removing the first sheath, thereby leaving the dilator and the guidewire in place. After removing the first sheath, a second sheath may be passed over the dilator and the guidewire until the distal end of the second sheath is positioned inside the vessel. The method may further involve removing the dilator and the guidewire, leaving the second sheath in place.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to medical devices that comprise (a) a balloon structure having a proximal end, a distal end, a porous region, a non-porous region and an interior chamber, and (b) one or more radiopaque markers disposed on the balloon structure, the radiopaque markers including a polymeric material and a radiopaque material. The present disclosure also relates to methods of forming such medical devices, systems that include such medical devices, and methods of using such medical devices and systems.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to drug-coated balloon catheters for treating strictures in body lumens and methods of using the same. A drug-coated balloon catheter for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site of a body lumen stricture includes an elongated balloon having a main diameter. The balloon catheter includes a coating layer overlying an exterior surface of the balloon. The coating layer includes one or more water-soluble additives and an initial drug load of a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to drug-coated balloon catheters for treating strictures in body lumens and methods of using the same. A drug-coated balloon catheter for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site of a body lumen stricture includes an elongated balloon having a main diameter. The balloon catheter includes a coating layer overlying an exterior surface of the balloon. The coating layer includes one or more water-soluble additives and an initial drug load of a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is disclosed that can effectively deliver a drug to living body tissue, a method of manufacturing a balloon catheter, and a treatment method. A balloon catheter is disclosed, the balloon catheter is provided on an outer surface of a balloon with a plurality of elongate bodies which are independent crystals of a water-insoluble drug extending in an elongate form. The elongate bodies include fixed-side elongate bodies which are fixed to the outer surface side of the balloon, and top-side elongate bodies which are bent or broken from the fixed-side elongate bodies and are continuous with or independent of the fixed-side elongate bodies.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are inflators and methods of using the inflators for inflating inflatable devices, such as balloons, used in medical procedures. Such procedures include angioplasty and the transcatheter delivery of prosthetic heart valves and stents. The inflators overcome the resistances typically generated during such procedures and reduces the force required to fully inflate the balloon.

Abstract: An implant device is configured to be implanted in a fistula to fluidly connect the lacrimal apparatus and a paranasal sinus. A surgical tool has an implant the implant device mounted on a carrier. Various methods involve a fistula between the lacrimal apparatus and a paranasal sinus. A kit includes an entry device for use to form a fistula and an implant tool for use to implant an implant device following formation of a fistula.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for an optimized transseptal procedure for providing left heart access, that reduces the number of devices that are used in order to minimize procedural time, complexity and cost. The apparatus comprises a hybrid dilator that comprises the combined functionality of a transseptal sheath and dilator assembly. The hybrid dilator comprises: a dilator shaft defining a lumen for receiving a crossing device therethrough, the dilator shaft being structured to provide support for the crossing device when the crossing device is used to create a puncture in a tissue; and a distal tip having an outer diameter which tapers down to an outer diameter of the crossing device for providing a smooth transition between the crossing device and the distal tip when the crossing device is inserted through the lumen and protrudes beyond the distal tip.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, a deflection actuation assembly, and a dilation catheter. The shaft assembly includes a rigid proximal portion and a flexible distal portion. The deflection actuation assembly includes a rotary actuator and a first translatable actuation member at least partially disposed within the first rotary actuator. A second translatable actuation member extends through the shaft assembly and couples the first translatable actuation member with the flexible distal portion of the shaft assembly. The first rotary actuator is rotatable about a longitudinal axis to thereby drive the first and second translatable actuation members longitudinally. The flexible distal portion is configured to deflect away from the longitudinal axis in response to translation of the first and second translatable actuation members longitudinally. The dilation catheter is slidable relative to the shaft assembly and includes an expandable dilator.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an instrument body, a shaft assembly, a dilation catheter, a guidewire, and a proximal deflection actuation assembly. The dilation catheter includes an expandable dilator and is slidable relative to the shaft assembly to thereby position the dilator distally relative to the distal end of the shaft assembly. The proximal deflection actuation assembly is positioned at the proximal end of the shaft assembly and is operable to selectively deflect the length of the shaft assembly relative to the longitudinal axis of the instrument body to thereby deflect the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly away from the longitudinal axis of the instrument body.

Abstract: The invention pertains to implantable medical devices for controlled delivery of therapeutic agents. Some devices according to the invention have a titanium reservoir, and a porous titanium oxide based membrane to control the rate of release of the therapeutic agent. The reservoir contains a formulation of the active agent, and means to promote water uptake into the reservoir upon implantation. In some embodiments the means include a gas with a higher solubility in than air water.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing wounds in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are moved by a device (which ?may be a single pump or two pumps) for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for providing simultaneous aspiration and irrigation of the wound. The apparatus also comprises means to apply high frequency vibrational energy, e.g. ultrasound, to the wound bed. The former removes materials deleterious to wound healing, while distributing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing over the wound bed. The latter promotes healing. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a portion of a plant product to the epidermis of a human, the apparatus adapted to be removably fastened with a belt or strap to a human body, comprising: the belt or strap; at least one pocket or container adapted to removably receive the portion of the plant product, the at least one pocket or container comprising: a contact portion that contacts the human body, when the apparatus is removably fastened to the human body, an opposing portion, opposing the contact portion, the opposing portion adapted to allow the portion of the plant product to be removably inserted into the at least one pocket or container, the contact portion having a plurality of holes, the plurality of holes allowing the portion of the plant product to contact the epidermis, when the plant product is removably inserted into the at least one pocket or container.

Abstract: Microneedle patches have been developed that can be used to deliver therapeutic, prophylactic, diagnostic agents and/or dyes to the skin. The microneedles encapsulate the agent(s) to be delivered. These are formed of a biodegradable polymer that dissolves upon insertion into skin or tissue, so that the microneedles break off from the substrate forming the patch, remaining in the skin/tissue at the site of insertion. The patches are used to create a tattoo or to deliver therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agent in combination with a tattoo. In one embodiment, the microneedle patch contains both vaccine and dye pigments to administer vaccine and record such administration in one application of the microneedle patch.

Abstract: Provided herein are microneedle particles, compositions that include microneedle particles, methods of treating skin, and methods of delivering a substance of interest. The microneedle particles may include one or more microneedles, and the microneedle particles may be configured to prevent the entire microneedle particle from penetrating the biological tissue. The microneedle particles may be dispersed in a liquid medium to form a composition. A biological tissue may be contacted with the microneedle particles to pre-treat the biological tissue, and a substance of interest may be applied to the pre-treated biological tissue.

Abstract: A microneedle sheet according to an embodiment comprises a plurality of microneedles formed on a sheet substantially along a principal surface of the sheet. The sheet is bent to raise the microneedles from the principal surface, and the raised microneedles pierce a skin.

Abstract: A pellet delivery system is provided that comprises a needle having an inner surface defining a passageway. The needle has a first portion that extends along a longitudinal axis and a curved second portion comprising an opening that is in communication with the passageway. The second portion extends transverse to the longitudinal axis. A pellet is positioned in the passageway. A plunger is slidably positioned in the passageway. The plunger comprises a shaft having a rounded tip configured to push the pellet through the first and second portions and out of the opening without the pellet becoming stuck within the passageway or the opening. Implants, systems, constructs, instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable medical system that comprises a gas unit for supplying gas that is essentially oxygen and at least one functional cells unit configured to receive oxygen from the gas unit so as to maintain the cells in a viable condition. The cells unit is flexible. Several embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A medical connector includes: a body member that partitions a flow path between a proximal side opening and a distal side opening; and a male connector connection portion including: a valve body facing the flow path, and a male connector connection port openable and closable by the valve body. The body member comprises a male connector housing portion configured to house a distal end portion of a male connector connected to the male connector connection portion. The male connector housing portion is configured to cause the male connector to communicate with the distal side opening and to prevent inflow of a fluid from the proximal side opening to the male connector housing portion by connection of the male connector to the male connector connection portion.

Abstract: A clip device for occluding two fluid lines and forming a fluid connection includes one of the fluid lines, the clip device including: a first clip segment including a fastener for engaging to a first fluid line, a first pinch valve for occluding the first fluid line and a coupling for connecting to the first fluid line; a second clip segment including a second pinch valve for occluding the second fluid line; and a bypass fluid line connectable or connected to the coupling. The second clip segment may also include a fastener for securing to the second fluid line. The first clip segment and/or the second clip segment may include a proximal opening and a distal opening through which the tubing passes. The proximal opening and the distal opening may be disposed on opposing sides of the segment.

Abstract: An external defibrillator system may include processing circuitry; signal generation circuitry communicatively coupled to the processing circuitry; and a plurality of electrodes, each including an electrode body electrically coupled to the signal generation circuitry and configured to deliver an electrical pulse therapy to a patient; and an electrolyte dispersal pad that includes a substrate defining a plurality of wells, each defining an opening; an electrolyte material, e.g., fluid, disposed within at least a portion of the plurality of wells; and a conductive material disposed over at least a portion of the openings and configured to retain the electrolyte material within the plurality of wells, where the processing circuitry is configured control the signal generation circuitry to pass a current pulse through a portion of the conductive material to fuse the portion of the conductive material to release the electrolyte material from at least one of the wells.

Abstract: An implantable therapy lead is disclosed herein. The lead includes an elongated lead body having a suture sleeve. The suture sleeve is supported on the lead body and has each of an outer surface and an inner surface radially inward of the outer surface. The inner surface defines a lumen through which the elongated lead body extends. The suture sleeve further includes a structure projecting radially inward and/or outward from the inner surface. The suture sleeve is compressible from a first state into a second state by applying a constrictive force to the outer surface of the suture sleeve such that, when in the second state, the structure contacts the elongated lead body, at least in part, to resist movement of the elongated lead body relative to the suture sleeve.

Abstract: An implantable direct-current electrode assembly (20) has two implantable electrodes (30, 40) and a control unit (50), to which the first (30) and the second (40) electrodes are electrically connected, wherein the control unit is configured to establish a potential difference between the two electrodes, so that a direct current can flow (55) between the two electrodes. The first electrode (30) is a coil electrode configured to be provided in the right half (12) of the heart (10) having a maximum length that is predetermined by the distance between the entry of the right atrium (14) and the tricuspid valve. The counter-electrode is from the group encompassing a coil electrode (40) configured to be positioned in the coronary sinus at the height of the left atrium (24) or an heart-external coil electrode configured to be attached to the exterior wall (25) of the left atrium.

Abstract: A system for planning implantation of an electrical stimulation lead of an electrical stimulation system and programming the electrical stimulation system after implantation includes a display; and a processor that executes instructions to perform actions, including: receiving an anatomical target or etiology for stimulation; receiving at least one pre-implantation image; after implantation of the electrical stimulation lead, receiving an estimate of the implantation site; presenting a display of a model of the electrical stimulation lead and anatomical features based on the estimate of the implantation site; and providing an initial set of stimulation parameters for programming the electrical stimulation system based on the estimate of the implantation site.