Abstract: A medication delivery apparatus and system for the application of a medical agent to a treatment site, such as an airway, and method for use of same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the medication delivery apparatus and system, a reservoir supplies a medical agent to a lower chamber of a housing wherein an ultrasonic transducer applies ultrasonic energy thereto, thereby nebulizing the medical agent. A control valve is interposed between a source of positive pressure air and an upper chamber of the housing to selectively apply positive air pressure to the upper chamber. Upon the application of positive air pressure, the airflow delivers the nebulized medical agent to a target location, such as the airway.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler for pulmonary or nasal use, comprising at least an inhaler body 801 and a cartridge 803 with at least one powder compartment 805 including one dose of a drug. The body has an opening 804 shaped for receiving the cartridge 803 and the means to allow a controlled sliding movement of the cartridge 803 relative to the body 801 after mounting. The cartridge powder compartment 805 comprises at least two inlets or slits 806, 809, at least one of which is a side inlet 809, for the admission of air, and a compartment outlet 807 to allow filling and fluid communication with an inhalation channel 808 provided in the body 801.

Abstract: A counter for a handheld device for dispensing a pharmaceutical substance includes at least one counter wheel having legible characters. The counter wheel is rotatable about a rotational axis, and a drive part having a shaped engagement section rotates the counter wheel. An acting part, displaceable relative to the counter wheel in the direction of extension of the rotational axis against a spring force, is connected to and rotates together with the drive part. A base part which can form a part of the housing and can be inserted into the housing at least partly overlaps the substance container in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the substance container, and has a stationary rotational axis for the counter wheel, the drive part preferably being guided in the rotational axis. The drive part is located on the side of the substance container with respect to the counter wheel.

Abstract: A delivery device for and method of providing for delivery of substance to the central nervous system (CNS) of a subject, the delivery device comprising: a nosepiece unit (17) for insertion into a nasal airway (1) of a subject and comprising an outlet unit (21) which includes a nozzle (25) for delivering substance into the nasal airway of the subject; and a substance supply unit which is operable to deliver a dose of substance to the nozzle: wherein the delivery device is configured such that at least 30% of the dose as initially deposited in the nasal airway is deposited in an upper posterior region of the nasal airway, thereby providing a CNS concentration of the substance, and hence CNS effect, which is significantly greater than that which would be predicted from a counterpart blood plasma concentration of the substance.

Abstract: A method and a control program for operating an anesthesia apparatus, as well as an anesthesia apparatus (12), which operates according to the method are provided. The anesthesia apparatus includes a breathing gas feed unit (22) intended for displacing a breathing gas volume in a breathing circuit (10). A piston (23) brings about the displacement of the breathing gas. Switching over between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation during the return of the piston (23) allows for a presetting of a corresponding piston return velocity. The piston return velocity depends on a volume flow in an exhalation branch (34) of the breathing circuit (10) in the first mode of operation. The piston return velocity depends on a minimally necessary piston return velocity in the second mode of operation.

Abstract: A device for maintaining an airway in a patient includes a mask having a portion that forms a seal with the larynx when the mask is positioned in the laryngo pharynx to thereby prevent ingress of extraneous fluids into the larynx, includes an airway tube connected to or formed with the mask for passing gas to the larynx when the mask is properly inserted into the laryngo pharynx. The mask includes a proximal portion adapted to collapse or compress so that a proximal ventral part of the mask can move relatively towards a dorsal part of the mask during insertion of the mask. This facilitates insertion of the mask into the patient.

Abstract: The invention at hand relates to a tracheal applicator for enabling administering high flow therapy to tracheotomy patients, as is known from transnasal insufflation by means of TNI devices and has proven successful. This is attained by an optimized physical simulation of the conditions as available when performing transnasal high flow therapy at the nostril with an inserted prong. The flow of inspiration and expiration flowing through the tracheal applicator is conducted nearly free of turbulences and vortexes owing to further constructive measures while simultaneously preserving an open ventilation system.

Abstract: A bougie for insertion in a patient, the bougie including: (i) a main shaft having proximal and distal ends and a bore extending axially therein; (ii) a movable tip having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the movable tip being connected to the distal end of the main shaft; (iii) a control member having proximal and distal ends, the control member being mounted for sliding movement in the bore of the main shaft; and (iv) the distal end of the control member being coupled to the distal end of the movable tip, the arrangement being such that an operator can slide the control member relative to the main shaft so as to cause displacement of the tip relative to the axial direction of the main shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method to facilitate insertion of the endotracheal tube into the patient's trachea.

Abstract: Nasal cannula assemblies for providing respiratory therapy to patients are provided. A nasal cannula assembly can include a cannula, an optional manifold, a gas supply tube, and a securement mechanism. Securement mechanisms can include headgear straps, cheek pads, or an adhesive nose strip. A nasal cannula assembly can also include a lanyard, lanyard clip, and/or lanyard connector to help support the weight of a main gas delivery conduit.

Abstract: Headgear for a respiratory mask includes a strap arrangement including front strap portions adapted to be disposed over a patient's cheeks and having front ends adapted for attachment to an airway interfacing portion, top strap portions connected to respective front strap portions and adapted to be disposed over the top of a patient's head and to connect to each other, and a back strap extending rearwardly from and connecting respective junctions of the front strap portions and top strap portions or regions adjacent these junctions and adapted to locate underneath a patient's occiput. In use with a patient having long hair, the back strap is adapted to extend under the patient's hair and urge upwardly on the patient's hair and against the patient's head beneath the occiput. In use with a patient having short hair, the back strap is adapted to urge against the patient's head beneath the occiput. In an embodiment, front strap portions of the headgear may be provided with a sleeve or cover (e.g.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a universal breathing tube adaptor that can accept or otherwise accommodate a metered dose canister (MDC) having a variety of shapes, structures, sizes, and/or configurations. The present breathing tube adaptor includes a sidewall which defines a chamber. A conduit extends from the chamber through a floor of the device for discharging aerosolized medicament from the MDC. The sidewall includes opposing exposed edges which define a channel. The sidewall supports the MDC when it is invertingly inserted into the chamber. The channel permits structure of an MDC to extend radially outward through the channel and outside the chamber thereby enabling the valve stem of the MDC to engage the conduit.

Abstract: A limb for a breathing circuit manufactured from very thin walled polymer materials has an elongate axial reinforcing spine lying freely inside the conduit and fixed to each end connector. The spine is laterally compliant but axially stiff. The spine provides resistance to tensile and compressive loads on the conduit, including that induced by prevailing internal pressures.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for delivery of therapeutic gas to patients, using techniques to compensate for disruptions in breathing gas flow measurement, such as when breathing gas flow measurement is unavailable or unreliable. Such techniques include using historical breathing gas flow rate data, such as moving average flow rates, moving median flow rates and/or flow waveforms. At least some of these techniques can be used to ensure that interruption in therapeutic gas delivery is minimized or eliminated.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a tub configured to hold a supply of water. The tub includes a tub lid and a tub base adapted to be coupled to the tub lid. The tub further includes a base plate formed of a heat conducting material and adapted to be coupled to the tub base and a seal positioned between the base plate and the tub base. The tub also includes a retaining mechanism with at least one projection that projects from the tub base and is configured to force the base plate against the seal so that the seal is secured against the tub base.

Abstract: Provided is a method that includes automatically providing air/oxygen at a pre-selected maximum pressure limit, breath volume and respiratory-rate. The pre-selected maximum pressure limit, breath volume, and respiratory-rate are automatically set as a function of a size of a mask coupled to an air/oxygen supply system. Further provided is a ventilator system that includes a ventilator mask, a ventilator supply system, and a mask conduit. The ventilator mask is configured in a size that will fit upon a selected range of sizes of human faces. The ventilator supply system includes an air/oxygen source and an air/oxygen regulator system configured to regulate air/oxygen flow parameters as a function of the size of the mask. The mask conduit is configured to couple the ventilator supply to the ventilator mask.

Abstract: A device and a method for preparing adipose tissue for transplantation from lobular fat extracted, for instance by liposuction, the fat including a fluid component that have an oily component, a blood component and/or sterile solutions, and a solid component including cell fragments, cells and one or more cell macroagglomerates of heterogeneous size, wherein the device includes at least one washing and separating container having a washing chamber, the container has an inlet and an outlet for the liposuctioned material to enter the washing chamber through the inlet and for at least part of the material to exit the washing chamber through the outlet, the washing chamber including stirring means for forming an emulsion of fluid components.

Abstract: A portable therapeutic field generator device (10) generates a reduced magnetic field component for a relatively large electric field by virtue that adjacent conductive tracks in a radiating element (40, 50) conduct electrical current in opposing directions. The device (10) includes a processor (12) that, in response to a control algorithm stored in memory (14), supplies a pulse wave (22) to a circuit containing the radiating element (40, 50). The pulse establishes generation of a base heartbeat reference having a frequency around a nominal heart rate. At periodic times, the base heart beat reference is supplemented by mutually exclusive periods of alpha wave, theta wave and delta wave generation (or other selected frequencies below about 200 Hz) based on selected brainwave frequencies for these waves, with the pulses having a duration generally corresponding to that ascribed to neuron depolarisation pulses.

Abstract: A wearable device (105) for sleep assistance includes at least one sensor (115) to detect one or several vital signs of a user of the wearable device, a memory (155) to store a set of sleep aid techniques, and an interface to receive a selection of a sleep aid technique from the set of sleep aid techniques. Each aid sleep technique includes instructions facilitating the user to fall asleep and is associated with a doze-off time estimated for the sleep aid technique to affect the user following the instructions. The wearable device also includes a processor to update the doze-off time based on the vital signs of the user, to determine, based on the updated doze-off time, a schedule for executing at least one predetermined action, and to execute the predetermined action according to the schedule.

Abstract: A sleep assistance device is provided-for, including a contactless biometric sensor, a processor, memory, and a speaker. The processor detects a user's sleep state by reading signals from the contactless biometric sensor. The processor may then initiate a wind-down routine upon detecting a sleep-readiness state, including playing relaxing sounds or playing a respiration entrainment sound. The processor may also play noise-masking sounds upon detecting that a user has fallen asleep and seamlessly transition between the sounds played during the wind-down routine and the noise-masking sounds.

Abstract: A stent graft delivery device that is pre-loaded with a single guide wire for both tracking the device within a main vessel as well as for cannulating one or more branch vessels is described. The delivery device comprises a delivery catheter having a prosthesis releasably secured thereto and a nose cone extending from the proximal end of the catheter. In a delivery configuration, a secondary catheter is coaxial with the guide wire and extends through at least a portion of the prosthesis lumen and is held within a channel formed in the nose cone. In a released configuration, secondary catheter and guide wire are retracted distally out of the channel formed in the sidewall of the nose cone dilator and can be manipulated for cannulating a branch vessel.

Abstract: A venous catheter having a catheter tip comprising recessed diffusion holes for increasing the snag-resistance of the venous catheter. The invention further provides systems and methods for providing axial ridges interposed between diffusion holes for increasing the rigidity of the vented catheter tip.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a multi-lumen catheter with self-sealing hub and an attachable extension assembly. In a preferred aspect, the present invention can allows removal of the external fluid connections of an elongated percutaneous medical article, such as a catheter or cannula. The percutaneous medical article suitably contains a distal septum that prevents fluid movement within the intraluminal space of the percutaneous medical article, when the fluid connections are removed. A single-use, disposable extension set of one or more single lumen lines with associated clamp and cap is attached for intraluminal access and removed following clinical use. Retaining the catheter transition allows the catheter to be secured using methods common to the art.

Abstract: A device for regulating blood pressure between a patient's left atrium and right atrium, and apparatus for delivery the device, are provided. The delivery apparatus may include one or more latching legs, a release ring, a pull chord, and a catheter wherein the latching legs are configured to engage the device for delivery. The inventive devices may reduce left atrial pressure and left ventricular end diastolic pressure, and may increase cardiac output, increase ejection fraction, relieve pulmonary congestion, and lower pulmonary artery pressure, among other benefits. The inventive devices may be used, for example, to treat subjects having heart failure, pulmonary congestion, or myocardial infarction, among other pathologies.

Abstract: A catheter rotation drive apparatus includes first and second drives that are engageable to an output shaft. When the first drive is engaged to the output shaft and rotated, the output shaft rotates in an output rotation direction, and when the second drive is engaged to the output shaft and rotated, the output shaft rotates in the output rotation direction.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a medical device to selective lock a first elongate member from longitudinal movement relative to a second elongate member of the medical device. The locking mechanism includes a flexible tubular member disposed in a bore of a handle assembly of the medical device, and an actuator, such as a cam member having a cam or eccentric surface. Pivotable movement of the actuator from a first position to a second position compresses or deforms the flexible tubular member against the first elongate member to lock the first elongate member from longitudinal movement relative to the handle assembly.

Abstract: A medical catheter includes a deflectable and compressible catheter shaft; a pull ring near a distal end of the catheter shaft; a distal tip that includes a tip element and a mounting shaft; and an attachment apparatus for securely attaching the distal tip to the catheter shaft, the attachment apparatus including a compression ring which compresses the catheter shaft and the mounting shaft together. The compression ring can be located around the catheter shaft to compress the catheter shaft against an outer surface of the mounting shaft, or within the catheter shaft to compress the catheter shaft outwardly against an inner surface of the mounting shaft. The catheter can be a non-irrigated ablation catheter, with the tip element being a tip electrode, and it can be an irrigated ablation catheter, with the distal tip including a fluid manifold.

Abstract: A catheter system includes an elongate catheter having a lumen extending at least partially therethrough, and a leading catheter end segment, a guidewire positionable within the lumen of the catheter, and fastening structure supported adjacent the leading catheter end segment. The guidewire and the catheter are adapted for relative movement. The fastening structure is dimensioned to selectively engage the guidewire to secure the guidewire with respect to the leading catheter end segment such that movement of the guidewire causes deflection of the leading end segment with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A compression torque device comprises a housing, an actuator, a flexible clamping member and a linear lumen. The housing comprises a body, a handle, a leading portion and an actuator opening. The actuator is operably coupled to the housing at the actuator opening. The linear lumen passes through the housing and is contiguous with the actuator opening. The actuator pivots between a first position and a second position, such that the flexible clamping member extends into the lumen when the actuator is in the first position and does not extend into the lumen when the actuator is in the second position. The actuator and the flexible clamping member may be monolithic. A kit for catheter-based intervention comprises a compression torque device and an adaptor.

Abstract: A segmental crimper comprises at least three crimper segments and an actuator. The crimper segments are arranged circumferentially about a crimper axis that defines axial and radial directions. The crimper segments are movable relative to each other in a manner such that the crimper segments collectively define a variable size aperture that is aligned with the crimper axis. Each of the crimper segments comprises a radio frequency heating element. The actuator is operatively connected to the crimper segments in a manner such that movement of the actuator causes all of the crimper segments to simultaneously move relative to each other and alters the size of the aperture.

Abstract: To provide a solution applicator with which irritation on an affected part of a patient may be reduced even when a solution is used. According to the present invention, an applicator comprises a solution container which comprises an opening, and a columnar brush member formed by bundling synthetic fibers in a columnar shape. The columnar brush member is disposed at the opening of the solution container, a tip portion of the columnar brush member at an outside of the solution container has a fan shape expanding in a perpendicular lateral direction against a pillar axial lengthwise direction, and a thickness of the fan-shaped tip portion of the columnar brush member decreases in a perpendicular lengthwise direction against the pillar axial lengthwise direction toward the tip portion of the columnar brush member.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device includes a handle having a hollow interior defining a fluid reservoir. A base member is affixed to the lower end of the handle and has a bottom surface, and a frangible cover is secured over the bottom surface and forms a seal across the opening of the fluid reservoir. A swab head comprising an absorbent sponge-like member and a button element is supported on the base member. The sponge-like member has opposing outer and inner sides wherein the inner side is affixed to the base member. The button element includes a foot portion at a first longitudinal end adjacent to the outer side of the sponge-like member and includes a penetration end at an opposing second longitudinal end of the button element.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a device, a kit and method for delivering a drug depot are disclosed. The device comprises a housing including a lower body, an upper body, a ring member; and a drug cartridge. The lower body defines a lower body channel. The upper body defines an upper body channel. The drug cartridge defines a depot channel. The ring member is disposed extending upward from an annular step surface of the lower body toward a housing upper end. The ring member includes indicia indicating a characteristic of one or more drug depots in the drug cartridge. A plunger has a push rod for expelling the drug depot through the cannula to a site in the patient. A kit comprises the above components. A method includes assembling the components including selecting a ring member having indicia corresponding to one or more drug depots in the drug cartridge.

Abstract: A hemostatic connector includes an insertion hole, a hemostatic member, a connector main body part, and a coupling pipe part. The insertion hole is configured such that an introduction member is inserted through the insertion hole. The hemostatic member is configured to block a gap between a peripheral surface of the insertion hole and the introduction member. The hemostatic member is provided in the connector main body part. The coupling pipe part is configured to be coupled to a hub of a sheath introducer. The coupling pipe part is configured to be coupled to the hub in a state in which the coupling pipe part penetrates a hemostatic valve provided in an internal hole of the hub when the coupling pipe part is inserted into the internal hole. The connector main body part and the coupling pipe part are configured to be inseparable.

Abstract: A conventional medical connector allows a gap therein to function as a passage for a flowing liquid at the cost of the flow rate of the flowing liquid. The present invention provides a medical connector which comprises a tubular resilient element. One end of the resilient element is a closed end. A through hole is disposed on the wall of the resilient element, allowing an infusion liquid to flow fluently through the cavity of the tubular resilient element. Therefore, the medical connector is effective in increasing the flow rate and thereby suitable for massive liquid infusion.

Abstract: A connector for transferring fluid and method therefor. The connector may have a first port and a second port which may be coupled together at a main channel with a valve element therein controlling fluid flow through the first port. The first port joins the main channel to provide a fluid path around the valve element and through the second port.

Abstract: A valve device (1) for a medical system comprises a valve housing (10), an inlet port (102) arranged on the valve housing (10), an outlet port (103) arranged on the valve housing (10), a flow duct (12) extending through the valve housing (10) connecting the inlet port (102) and the outlet port (103) to allow for a fluid flow (P) through the valve housing between the inlet port (102) and the outlet port (103), and a closure element (11) arranged on the valve housing (10) for selectively opening and closing the flow duct (12).

Abstract: The present invention extends to a blood control catheter valve for use in a catheter adapter. The blood control catheter value employs an actuator for bypassing a septum to open the blood control catheter valve. The actuator includes flexible retention arms positioned on one end which retract into the body of the actuator while the end of the actuator passes through the septum, and then expand outwardly to maintain the actuator positioned within the septum. This design facilitates the manufacturing of catheter adapters (as well as blood control catheter valves and other components that attach to the catheter adapter) because the design can reduce the tolerance requirements of such components. Further, the design provides a reliable blood control catheter valve that does not require the catheter adapter to be increased in size to accommodate the valve.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for an electrotherapeutic system including a first and second electrode. Each electrode includes a respective resistance wherein during operation of the electrotherapeutic system, an electrochemical reaction involving one or both of the electrodes varies the respective resistance of at least one of the electrodes.

Abstract: A neuromuscular stimulation device is described having a plastic casing housing a printed circuit board bearing control electronics, with the casing including an external integral flexible portion which is capable of being flexed into the interior of the casing so as to cause an electrically insulative substrate on which is carried an electrically conductive pathway to be pushed into contact with the PCB in order to complete an electrical circuit. Such a switch is relatively inexpensive to produce, as it has few moving parts, can be formed in a usual manufacturing process, and is robust.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for non-invasively monitoring and treating a medical condition of interest via transcutaneous stimulation of a target nerve are described. For instance, a subject can be monitored for improvement of a medical condition, where such improvement corresponds with a decrease in the threshold level at which a sensory or motor response is elicited in a subject upon stimulation as compared to a baseline level. Further, transcutaneous stimulation of the nerve can also treat the condition. Both monitoring and treatment can be carried out in a non-invasive manner substantially free of a painful response via electrical nerve stimulation of a target nerve, where the stimulation is delivered from an electrode placed on a non-glabrous skin surface. The electrode placement sufficiently immobilizes the target nerve such that the stimulation is effective and can be delivered in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A temporary implantable medical device lead includes a connector, a helically coiled conductor and a first mechanical element. The connector is configured to connect the lead to an external control module. The helically coiled conductor has a proximal end mechanically and electrically connected to the connector. The conductor includes a plurality of filars mechanically and electrically connected to the connector. The first mechanical element includes a metal tube having a plurality of longitudinally spaced grooves formed along an exterior of the tube. The plurality of longitudinally spaced grooves receives at least some of the plurality of filars. The at least some of the plurality of filars electrically connected to the first mechanical element such that the first mechanical element is configured as an electrode to deliver electrical stimulation to portions or systems of a body from the external control module.

Abstract: Tools and methods for removing anchors from medical leads involve a guide portion and a blade. The lead is inserted within a lead passageway of the guide portion of the tool and the tool is moved along so that the blade contacts the anchor and cuts a slit in the anchor as the tool. Once the blade has cut the slit through the entire anchor, the anchor comes free of the lead and the tool can be removed. The tool may include a manner of opening and closing the guide portion so as to provide access to the lead when open and to contain the lead when closed. Opening the guide portion allows the lead to be inserted or removed by laterally moving the lead into or out of the lead passageway such that the tool may be installed or removed at any available point along the lead.

Abstract: This invention relates to an implantable medical system, where an implantable device including a power source operable connected to electrical components is adapted to generate electrical pulses, and a probe having a distal-end and a proximal-end. The distal-end has one or more electrodes adapted to be in electrical contact with a target tissue and wires for connecting the one or more electrodes to the implantable device. The wires conduct the electrical pulses from the implantable device to the one or more electrodes and into the target tissue. The probe has at least one capacitor and wires for connecting the at least one capacitor to the electrical components in the implantable device such that the at least one capacitor forms a part of the electrical components of the implantable device.

Abstract: Provided herein are a method and system are provided for the localization of clinically relevant electrophysiological signals necessary for the proper placement of the electrodes for nervous system stimulation. The system provides electrical and mechanical means to stimulate or excite neural structures in order to elicit specific neural responses. The method can include mechanical vibratory stimulation, cutaneous electrical stimulation, electrical stimulation of the peripheral nerves, or photic stimulation, and recording of local field potentials and extracting evoked potentials in response to stimulation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to implantable neuromodulation devices and methods of fabrication, and in particular to a thin-film electrode assemblies and methods of fabricating the thin-film electrode assembly to include a soft overmold. Particularly, aspects of the present invention are directed to a thin-film electrode assembly that includes an overmold and a supporting structure formed within a portion of the overmold. The overmold includes a first polymer and the supporting structure includes a second polymer, different from the first polymer. The thin-film electrode assembly also includes a wire formed within a portion of the supporting structure, and an electrode formed on a top surface of the supporting structure and in electrical contact with the wire. The electrode has a top surface that is raised above a top surface of the overmold by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation device comprises a stimulation lead with an adjustable length tension sleeve to prevent induction of an electrical current when the electrical stimulation device is in the presence of a magnetic field generated by a device such as an MRI machine. The tension sleeve is shaped to organize excess length of the stimulation lead while providing a variable length between a distal end of the stimulation lead and an electrical source. The shape of the tension sleeve avoids coils and may utilize combinations of straight and curved legs that lie substantially in a common plane to both organize excess length of the stimulation lead and prevent electrical induction.

Abstract: Anchoring devices and methods for affixing an implanted lead of a neurostimulation system at a target location in a patient are provided herein. Such anchoring devices includes a helical body having a plurality of tines extending laterally outward from the lead when deployed that engage tissue to inhibit axial movement of the implanted lead. The plurality of tines are biased towards the laterally extended deployed configuration and fold inward towards the lead to a delivery configuration to facilitate delivery of the lead through a sheath. The tines may be angled in a proximal direction or in both proximal and distal directions and may include various features to assist in visualization and delivery of the lead. The anchor may be formed according to various methods, including laser cutting of a tubular section along with heat or reflow to set the material with the anchor in the deployed configuration and injection molding.

Abstract: A relatively compact implantable medical device includes a fixation member formed by a plurality of fingers mounted around a perimeter of a distal end of a housing of the device; each finger is elastically deformable from a relaxed condition to an extended condition, to accommodate delivery of the device to a target implant site, and from the relaxed condition to a compressed condition, to accommodate wedging of the fingers between opposing tissue surfaces at the target implant site, wherein the compressed fingers hold a cardiac pacing electrode of the device in intimate tissue contact for the delivery of pacing stimulation to the site. Each fixation finger is preferably configured to prevent penetration thereof within the tissue when the fingers are compressed and wedged between the opposing tissue surfaces. The pacing electrode may be mounted on a pacing extension, which extends distally from the distal end of the device housing.

Abstract: A retractable lead system is provided that includes a cup, a spherical contact, and a plunger. The cup is disposed proximate a vacuum end of the retractable lead system, and defines a cavity and a contact reception seat. The contact reception seat defines a spherical portion having a contact reception spherical radius. The spherical contact is disposed within the contact reception seat, and defines a contact spherical radius that corresponds to the contact reception spherical radius. The spherical contact is configured to be electrically coupled to an interior lead disposed within a vacuum environment. The plunger includes an ambient contact and a retractable contact disposed on opposite ends of the plunger. The plunger is configured to be actuated between an open position at which the retractable contact is retracted from the spherical contact and a closed position at which the retractable contact is coupled with the spherical contact.