Abstract: A catheter and catheter system can use energy tailored for remodeling and/or removal of target material along a body lumen, often of atherosclerotic material of a blood vessel of a patient. An elongate flexible catheter body with a radially expandable structure may have a plurality of electrodes or other electrosurgical energy delivery surfaces to radially engage atherosclerotic material when the structure expands. An atherosclerotic material detector system may measure and/or characterize the atherosclerotic material and its location, optionally using impedance monitoring.

Abstract: A lead assembly includes a ring component having mechanical coupling features, and at least one polymer component mechanically coupled with the mechanical coupling features of the ring component. Elongate tubing is disposed over the polymer component and is secured with the polymer component.

Abstract: A method for evaluating dosing from an implanted infusion system that includes receiving input regarding the identity of a therapeutic agent into an external device. The method further includes displaying on the external device a predetermined set of symptoms associated with the therapeutic agent; receiving input into the external device regarding with which of the symptoms the patient presents; and determining whether the therapeutic agent is being delivered, or has been delivered, at an appropriate dose based on the input identity of the therapeutic agent and the input symptoms.

Abstract: A method of providing a metal coating on a substrate (10), and electrically insulating sections/parts of the metal coated substrate from each other. A substrate is provided with an insulating material in the substrate, the insulating first material extending through the thickness of the substrate and protruding above one surface of the substrate. It forms an enclosed section/portion (14) of the substrate. A protective structure (15) is provided on the insulating material such that it covers the entire circumference thereof. The insulating material is selectively etched to create an under-etch (18) under the protective structure. Finally conductive material (19) is deposited to provide a metal coating over the substrate, whereby the under-etch will provide a disruption in the deposited metal coating, thereby electrically insulating the enclosed section from the surrounding substrate.

Abstract: A catheter with a film composite structure. The catheter at least includes a polymer film that is shaped such that a first polymer film layer, which is arranged inwardly relative to the catheter, and a second polymer film layer, which is arranged outwardly relative to the catheter, are produced; one or more electrodes arranged at least partially on an outer surface of the film composite structure; and a conductor structure, which includes conductive tracks for the electrical connection of the electrodes and which is arranged at least in part between the first and second polymer film layers. An associated production method for the catheter is also contemplated herein.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The method may include: providing a lead body including a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode near the distal end; provide a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends; providing a crimp including a ribbon-like member and extending the ribbon-like member around the conductor; and mechanically and electrically connecting the ribbon-like member to the electrode.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The method may include: providing a lead body including a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode near the distal end; provide a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends; providing a crimp including a ribbon-like member and extending the ribbon-like member around the conductor; and mechanically and electrically connecting the ribbon-like member to the electrode.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The method may include: providing a lead body including a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode near the distal end; provide a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends; providing a crimp including a ribbon-like member and extending the ribbon-like member around the conductor; and mechanically and electrically connecting the ribbon-like member to the electrode.

Abstract: Exemplary loading tools configured to facilitate loading of a pre-curved electrode array onto a stylet include a docking assembly, a channel assembly, and a connecting member configured to connect the channel assembly to the docking assembly and maintain a distance therebetween. The docking assembly is configured to couple to the stylet. The channel assembly includes a channel configured to receive and allow passage therethrough of the pre-curved electrode array. The channel is aligned with the docking assembly such that when the stylet is coupled to the docking assembly, the stylet is located at least partially within the channel.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The method may include: providing a lead body including a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode near the distal end; provide a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends; providing a crimp including a ribbon-like member and extending the ribbon-like member around the conductor; and mechanically and electrically connecting the ribbon-like member to the electrode.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The method may include: providing a lead body including a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode near the distal end; provide a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends; providing a crimp including a ribbon-like member and extending the ribbon-like member around the conductor; and mechanically and electrically connecting the ribbon-like member to the electrode.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The method may include: providing a lead body including a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode near the distal end; provide a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends; providing a crimp including a ribbon-like member and extending the ribbon-like member around the conductor; and mechanically and electrically connecting the ribbon-like member to the electrode.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The method may include: providing a lead body including a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode near the distal end; provide a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends; providing a crimp including a ribbon-like member and extending the ribbon-like member around the conductor; and mechanically and electrically connecting the ribbon-like member to the electrode.

Abstract: In general, techniques are described for wirelessly transferring information using an implantable antenna. In one example, an apparatus includes an implantable medical device that includes a housing including an implantable telemetry circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing contact between a medical device and tissue may comprise an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to be coupled to a medical device, the medical device comprising a first electrode and a second electrode. The ECU may be further configured to select the first electrode as an electrical source and the second electrode as an electrical sink, to cause an electrical signal to be driven between the source and sink, to detect respective electric potentials on the first electrode and the second electrode while the electrical signal is driven, and to determine an impedance respective of one of the first electrode and the second electrode according to both of the respective electric potentials.

Abstract: Systems and methods permit remotely-monitored rehabilitation of a patient. A system can comprise a patient monitor configured to monitor a patient's physiological data. The patient monitor can monitor using a first monitoring mode. A patient communication device can be configured to present, to the patient, an option to perform an exercise regimen, and to receive a response indicating whether the patient will perform the exercise regimen. A configuration module coupled to the patient communication device can be configured to activate a second monitoring mode when the response indicates that the patient will perform the exercise regimen. When the exercise regimen is complete, the first monitoring mode can be re-established. When the response indicates that the patient will not perform the exercise regimen, the response can be recorded as a negative response, and the option to perform the exercise regimen can be presented again.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include analyte-responsive compositions and electrochemical analyte sensors having a sensing layer that includes an analyte-responsive enzyme and a cationic polymer. Also provided are systems and methods of making the sensors and using the electrochemical analyte sensors in analyte monitoring.

Abstract: A three dimensional physiological mapping system utilizing an intracardiac echo catheter capable of being located in six degrees of freedom by a visualization, navigation, or mapping system. An echocardiography image of the intracardiac echo catheter may be projected within a geometric model of the visualization, navigation, or mapping system where the location of the projected image is adjusted in response to user input identifying a structure present in the echocardiography image and the geometric model.

Abstract: A method and system for mapping an anatomical structure includes sensing activation signals of intrinsic physiological activity with a plurality of mapping electrodes disposed in or near the anatomical structure, each of the plurality of mapping electrodes having an electrode location. A vector field map which represents a direction of propagation of the activation signals at each electrode location is generated to identify a signature pattern and a location in the vector field map according to at least one vector field template. A target location of the identified signature pattern is identified according to a corresponding electrode location.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a micro-electrode array package including a micro-electrode array comprising: a substrate section including a liquid crystal polymer; an electrode section collecting and transferring bio-signals; and a cover section insulating and protecting the electrode section and including a liquid crystal polymer, wherein the electrode section is disposed in contact with one surface of the substrate section, the cover section is adhered in contact with the surface of the substrate section on which the electrode section is disposed, and a space independent from the external environment is formed between the substrate section and the cover section adhered thereto.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating diseases associated with loss of neuronal function are described. The methods are designed to promote proliferation, differentiation, migration, or integration of endogenous progenitor stem cells of the central nervous system (CNS). A therapy, such as an electrical signal or a stem cell enhancing agent, or a combination of therapies, is applied to a CNS region containing endogenous stem cells or a CNS region where the endogenous stem cells are predicted to migrate and eventually reside, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method for making a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes the steps of: forming an insulative carrier from an insulative material; coupling at least one conductive component to the carrier by inserting a pre-formed tab of the conductive component through the carrier, from a first side thereof to a second side thereof, so that the conductive component is secured to the carrier with the tab extending along a surface of the second side of the carrier and an inward facing surface of an electrode portion of the conductive component being disposed against a surface of the first side of the carrier; coupling an elongate flexible conductor to the tab of the component; and forming an insulative layer over the second side of the carrier, the tab and the conductor electrically coupled to the tab.

Abstract: An optical stimulation probe has a probe body inserted into a subject, an electrode formed on the probe body and collecting a response signal from the subject, a light irradiator attached to the probe body and irradiating an optical signal and a reflecting surface formed on the probe body on the path of the optical signal. The reflecting surface changes the course of the optical signal irradiated from the light irradiator to the direction where the electrode faces by reflecting the optical signal. The electrode may be formed on a side portion of the probe body such that it faces a direction perpendicular to a length direction of the probe body, and the optical signal reflected by the reflecting surface may travel along a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the probe body, such that the direction where the electrode faces and the direction along which the reflected optical signal travels are parallel to each other.

Abstract: Sensor arrangement for sensing activity in a nerve or muscle, the sensor arrangement being arranged to be secured to an insertion member for insertion into a body cavity, the sensor arrangement (2) comprising a support for supporting one or more sensing elements, the support comprising a first zone (10a) and a second zone (10b) spaced apart longitudinally from the first zone, where each of the first and second zones are arranged to be secured to the insertion member to define a fixed spacing therebetween, wherein a plurality of strips (16) comprising one or more sensing elements bridge at least part of the spacing between the first and second zones, the strips being moveable laterally relative to the longitudinal length of the support.

Abstract: An improved electrical neurological stimulation paddle lead is described. The paddle lead comprises two flexible concave paddle bodies that are joined together at their opposing convex surfaces. The first paddle body contains a series of electrodes that are embedded on the concave surface that expand to fit the contours of the dura mater. The second paddle body consists of a concave surface that is pressed against the bone of the spinal column to act as a fixation mechanism to keep the paddle assembly in place.

Abstract: MR conditional needle and surface electrode assemblies. The surface electrode utilizes a disc or cone-shaped structure with a bore with a concave bottom surface for receiving a conductive gel and an insulated wire with a connector for an EEG. The needle electrode assembly utilizes a cylindrical-shaped structure and is constructed of an MR conditional material having a needle and an insulated lead wire structure with a connector for an EEG.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing a swallowable sensor device are disclosed. Such a method includes mechanically coupling a plurality of internal components, wherein the plurality of internal components includes a printed circuit board having a plurality of projections extending radially outward. A cavity is filled with a potting material, and the mechanically coupled components are inserted into the cavity. The cavity may be pre-filled with the potting material, or may be filled after the mechanically coupled components have been inserted therein. A distal end of each projection abuts against a wall of the cavity thereby preventing the potting material from covering each distal end. The cavity is sealed with a cap causing the potting material to harden within the sealed cavity to form a housing of the swallowable sensor device, wherein the distal end of each projection is exposed to an external environment of the swallowable sensor device.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for monitoring uterine and/or cervical activity indicative of labor in a patient. The system includes a medical device and a data processor in communication with the medical device. The medical device includes a structural component, a first electrode attached to the structural component, and a second electrode attached to the structural component. The structural component is structured to be in contact with a cervical surface and a vaginal surface of the patient, such that said first electrode is in electrical contact with said cervical surface and said second electrode is in electrical contact with said vaginal surface. The first electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the cervical surface and the second electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the uterus through the vaginal surface. The data processor is adapted to process the electrical activity of the electrodes to detect contractions on a surface of the patient indicative of labor.

Abstract: A catheter includes a braid assembly having a dual-laminate coating. The braid assembly includes a plurality of braid members interwoven to provide for interstices between the braid members, each braid member having an electrically conductive element, a flexible non-electrically-conductive polymer coating that insulates the electrically conductive element and a thermoplastic bonding adhesive coating. The braid assembly is formed between an inner polymer layer and an outer polymer layer. One or more of the braid members may be coupled to an energy delivery element.

Abstract: A medical device has a distal member with a configuration that can be changed by means of a control handle with a control assembly employing a rotational cam, a shaft, and a pulley, where the rotational cam is rotationally mounted on a portion of the control handle for rotation by a user. The rotational cam operates on the shaft to move it proximally or distally depending on the direction of rotation which in turn rotates the pulley to draw or release a puller wire to change the configuration of the distal member of the medical device. The shaft is oriented along a diameter of the control handle. The shaft has two ends which extends through two axial guide slots in the portion of the control handle to sit two opposing helical tracks formed on inner surface of the rotational cam. The guide slots are parallel with the longitudinal axis of the control handle and therefore maintain the shaft's diametrical orientation as the rotational cam is rotated to move the shaft proximally or distally.

Abstract: A delivery system for implanting a biostimulation device comprising a stylet extending along an axis from knob end to a threaded end configured to engage an internally threaded nut of the biostimulation device and a catheter tube configured to axially contain the stylet. The catheter tube comprises a feature that engages a corresponding feature on the biostimulation device whereby the stylet can be rotated relative to the catheter tube for disengagement of the stylet threaded end from the biostimulation device threaded end.

Abstract: A system and method for electrically shielding a physiological pathway from electrical noise is disclosed. The method includes the operation of implanting at least one signal microelectrode into a patient such that the signal microelectrode is proximate to the physiological pathway. An additional operation includes substantially enclosing the microelectrode and a section of the physiological pathway with an electrical shielding wrap. The electrical shielding wrap includes a plurality of holes that enable fluid communication of physiological fluids between an inside and outside of the wrap.

Abstract: Detects external noise using a motion sensor signal for example to increase the specificity of arrhythmia detections based on active muscle noise detection. Whenever a motion signal is present that is below or above a certain frequency, for example 5 Hz, or within a certain frequency range, for example 1 to 10 Hz, and/or above a certain amplitude, for example greater than 1 mg, or close to a known motion pattern, then the detection of fast ventricular arrhythmia is suspended. For the detection of slow arrhythmia, for example asystole or syncope, an episode is confirmed when a short lasting motion sensor signal occurs. Uses a motion sensor based signal, for example as obtained from an accelerometer on an implantable electrode lead and/or implantable device.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying energy to an object and/or sensing the object. The apparatus includes an optical device for applying and/or sensing light energy and an electrical device for applying and/or sensing electrical energy. At least one optical fiber is provided for applying light energy to the object and/or sensing the object. The at least one optical fiber is connected to the optical device and includes a conductive coating forming an electrical conductor for applying electrical energy to the object and/or sensing the object. The electrical conductor is connected to the electrical device.

Abstract: An introducer may comprise a shaft and a proximal electrode. The shaft may have a proximal end portion and an interior lumen, the interior lumen configured to receive a catheter therethrough. The proximal electrode may be coupled with the proximal end portion and may be configured to act as an electrical source or sink so as to create an electrical field within the interior lumen. A position of an electrode coupled with the catheter may be determined according to the electrical field.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having a first cuff and a second cuff. Conductive ink electrodes are formed on an exterior surface of the first cuff. The conductive ink electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. At least one conductor is coupled to the conductive ink electrodes and is configured to carry the EMG signals received by the conductive ink electrodes to a processing apparatus.

Abstract: A sub-skin-depth (nanoscale metallization) thin film antenna is shown that is monolithically integrated with an array of neural recording electrodes on a flexible polymer substrate. The structure is intended for long-term biometric data and power transfer such as electrocorticographic neural recording in a wireless brain-machine interface system. The system includes a microfabricated thin-film electrode array and a loop antenna patterned in the same microfabrication process, on the same or on separate conductor layers designed to be bonded to an ultra-low power ASIC.

Abstract: An electrophysiology catheter is provided. In one embodiment, the catheter includes an elongate, deformable shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a basket electrode assembly coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The basket electrode assembly has a proximal end and a distal end and is configured to assume a compressed state and an expanded state. The electrode assembly further includes one or more tubular splines having a plurality of electrodes disposed thereon and a plurality of conductors. Each of the plurality of conductors extends through the tubular spline from a corresponding one of the plurality of electrodes to the proximal end of the basket electrode assembly. The tubular splines are configured to assume a non-planar (e.g., a twisted or helical) shape in the expanded state.

Abstract: Analyte sensors and methods of manufacturing same are provided, including analyte sensors comprising multi-axis flexibility. For example, a multi-electrode sensor system 800 comprising two working electrodes and at least one reference/counter electrode is provided. The sensor system 800 comprises first and second elongated bodies E1, E2, each formed of a conductive core or of a core with a conductive layer deposited thereon, insulating layer 810 that separates the conductive layer 820 from the elongated body, a membrane layer deposited on top of the elongated bodies E1, E2, and working electrodes 802?, 802? formed by removing portions of the conductive layer 820 and the insulating layer 810, thereby exposing electroactive surface of the elongated bodies E1, E2.

Abstract: Progress has been made in the development of implantable electrochemical biosensors. However, to date a commercially-available long-term implantable biosensor is still out of reach. The foreign body response poses great challenges for long-term implantable devices. Retinal prostheses provide a platform for incorporation of biosensors for neural stimulation and biosensing in the human eye.

Abstract: A medical device lead includes a flexible body having a proximal region with a proximal end, and a distal region with a distal end. A connector is coupled to the proximal end of the flexible body of the lead to electrically and mechanically connect the lead to an implantable pulse generator. The medical device lead also includes an electrode in the distal region of the flexible body, and a cable conductor having a proximal end electrically coupled to the connector and a distal end electrically coupled to the electrode. The cable conductor consists of a single helically coiled filar including a plurality of co-radial turns and having an outer diameter of less than about 0.020 inch (0.508 mm).

Abstract: An electrode lead of a pacemaker includes a lead wire. The lead wire includes at least one sub-lead wire and an electrode head electrically connected with the lead wire. The sub-lead wire includes a core wire structure and a carbon nanotube composite structure wound around the core wire structure. The pacemaker includes a pulse generator and the electrode lead electrically connected to the pulse generator.

Abstract: A system and method for localizing a catheter is provided. Distance values are determined between a plurality of reference electrodes and a catheter electrode. At least two circles are identified based on the distance values. The catheter electrode is located at a position where the at least two circles substantially coincide or within a minimum distance between the at least two circles. A transformation is applied to the at least two circles to express the at least two circles in a global coordinate system. An image is displayed as a function of the catheter electrode position.

Abstract: A nerve block catheter system employs an indwelling, flexible catheter comprising a tissue lock to retain the catheter tip in pharmacologically proximity to a target nerve and optionally, a decoupler that insulates the tip of the catheter from proximal tissue movement.

Abstract: A balloon catheter (60) comprises an elongated catheter member (63) and an inflatable balloon (65) located adjacent a distal end (5) of the catheter member (63). Band type measuring electrodes (7) located on the catheter member (63) within the balloon (65) comprise a pair of outer stimulating electrodes (8) and sensing electrodes (9) for measuring the cross-sectional area and volume of the balloon (65) by impedance planimetry measuring. A light emitting diode (20) is located on each measuring electrode (7) for emitting light so that the location of the balloon catheter, and in particular, the measuring electrodes (7) can be detected in a vessel (91) with a translucent wall within the body of a human subject.

Abstract: A method of making an electrical stimulation lead includes coupling electrodes to a carrier. The carrier defines at least one set of perforations. The method further includes coupling the electrodes to conductors; forming a flexible paddle sheath over the carrier leaving a stimulation surface of each of the plurality of electrodes exposed; and, after forming the flexible paddle sheath, breaking the carrier along at least one of the at least one set of perforations.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the determination and representation of anatomy anatomical information are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A system and method for guiding a catheter or other medical device to a desired target destination within the vasculature of a patient via bioimpedance measurements is disclosed. The target destination in one embodiment includes placement of the catheter such that a distal tip thereof is disposed proximate the heart, e.g., the junction of the right atrium and superior vena cava. In one embodiment the method for guiding the catheter comprises introducing the catheter into a vessel of the patient, the catheter defining a lumen through which fluids can be infused into the vasculature of the patient. The catheter is advanced toward a target destination within the vasculature. A first impedance value based on intravascular detection of at least one electrical property related to a first tissue surface of the vessel is calculated to enable determination of the proximity of a distal end of the catheter to the target destination.

Abstract: A method includes positioning body-electrodes in galvanic contact with a body of a patient and positioning a mapping-tool, having a mapping-electrode, in a plurality of regions in the body. The method further includes tracking the mapping-tool at different positions in each of the regions using a location-measuring system, and for each region, generating a respective set of calibration-currents between the body-electrodes and the mapping-electrode at the different positions in the region. A respective relation is derived for each region between the respective set of the calibration-currents and the different positions, and is used in determining the location of an investigation-tool in response to the different respective relations and investigation-tool-currents.

Abstract: An implantable medical lead exhibits reduced heating under MRI conditions. The lead includes a multi-layer coil conductor including an inner coil layer, a middle coil layer disposed around the inner coil layer, and an outer coil layer disposed around the middle coil layer. Each of the coil layers is characterized by one or more of a filar thickness, a coil pitch, or a coil diameter configured such that the coil conductor exhibits a high inductance when exposed to MRI radiation. Each of the coil layers is electrically connected to the other coil layers to provide parallel conductive paths resulting in a coil conductor resistance suitable for defibrillation lead applications.