Abstract: Provided herein is biodegradable supercapacitor system comprising a protein based flexible thin film substrate, patterned electrodes formed from a biocompatible conductive ink, and biocompatible gel electrolyte. Methods of making the supercapacitor system are also provided.

Abstract: An implantable neurostimulator system is disclosed, the neurostimulator system comprising a hollow cylindrical electronics enclosure having a top, a bottom, and a side; a coil extending from a first part of the electronics enclosure; and at least one electrode operatively connected to the electronics enclosure.

Abstract: Electrode cabling, including a core and n wires coiled on the core in an arrangement topologically equivalent to an n-start thread configuration, wherein n is an integer greater than one. The cabling also includes a sheath covering the n wires and an electrode attached through the sheath to a given wire selected from the n wires.

Abstract: A medical apparatus, including a reference probe having a flexible insertion tube with a distal end for insertion into a body cavity, a pair of isolated electrodes fixedly attached to the distal end, and a position sensor fixedly located in the distal end. The apparatus also includes a supplementary probe having an electrode fixed thereto. The apparatus further includes a processor, configured to inject respective alternating currents into the pair of isolated electrodes so as to generate an electrical field therefrom, to measure a potential generated at the electrode of the supplementary probe in response to the electrical field, and to evaluate a location of the supplementary probe with respect to the reference probe in response to the measured potential and in response to a position of the distal end indicated by the position sensor.

Abstract: A catheter system includes a catheter comprising a tip assembly, the tip assembly having a plurality of electrodes and the plurality of electrodes are configured to measure electrical signals. The system also includes a processing unit configured to: receive a first electrical signal sensed by a first electrode of the plurality of electrodes and a second electrical signal sensed by a second electrode of the plurality of electrodes. A first vector is determined based on the first electrical signal that corresponds to the first electrode. A second vector is determined based on the second electrical signal that corresponds to the second electrode. A resultant vector is determined by summing at least the first vector and the second vector, wherein the resultant vector is indicative of the orientation of the tip assembly.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a catheter having a basket-shaped electrode assembly with a high electrode density. The basket-shaped electrode assembly may have a plurality of spines, such as up to twelve, each with a plurality of electrodes, such as up to sixteen. Each spine may have cabling with embedded coiled wires such that each electrode is attached through the sheath to one of the wires.

Abstract: A neurotrophic electrode system includes a non-conductive cone, a multi-channel electrode assembly, a dielectric ribbon and a neurite-attracting substance disposed within the cone. The non-conductive cone consists essentially of a material that is stable in a neural environment and defines a cavity. The cavity opens to a small opening at a first end of the cone and opens to a large opening at a second end of the cone that is opposite the first end. The multi-channel electrode assembly includes at least two recording sites that are disposed within the cavity defined by the cone. Each recording site is coupled to a wire that extends out of the large end of the cone. Each wire ends in a connection pad. The dielectric ribbon encases all of the wires but exposes each recording site and exposes each connection pad.

Abstract: An electrode structure inserting apparatus includes an electrode structure fixing unit to which the electrode structure is detachably fixed, and a vibration generator connected to the electrode structure fixing unit to vibrate the electrode structure fixing unit in an insertion direction of the electrode structure, and the electrode structure inserting apparatus inserts the invasive electrode structure into a nerve in a biological tissue.

Abstract: Flexible high-density mapping catheter tips (10A) and flexible ablation catheter tips with onboard high-density mapping electrodes (18) are disclosed. These tips can be used for diagnosing and treating cardiac arrhythmias. The flexible, distal tips are adapted to conform to tissue and comprise a plurality of microelectrodes mounted to permit relative movement among at least some of the microelectrodes. The flexible tip portions may comprise a flexible framework forming a flexible array of microelectrodes (for example, a planar or cylindrical array) adapted to conform to tissue and constructed at least in part from nonconductive material in some embodiments. The flexible array of microelectrodes may be formed from a plurality of rows of longitudinally-aligned microelectrodes (18). The flexible array may further comprise, for example, a plurality of electrode-carrying arms or electrode-carrier bands. Multiple flexible frameworks may be present on a single device.

Abstract: An assembly for an implantable device can be made from polyurethane and can incorporate one or more radiopaque agents and one or more elutable drug components into a polymeric lead tip. The assembly can be machined or injection molded and can be configured, for example, as a housing for an active fixation lead or as an electrode base supporting a foil electrode.

Abstract: Delivery tools of interventional medical systems facilitate deployment of relatively compact implantable medical devices that include extensions, for example, cardiac pacing devices that include an extension for atrial sensing, wherein an entirety of the device is contained within the delivery tool while a distal-most portion of the tool is navigated to a target implant site. Once at the implant site, a device fixation member may be exposed out from a distal opening of the tool, for initial deployment, while the extension remains contained within the delivery tool. The tool includes a grasping mechanism, operable, within and without a lumen of the tool, to alternately grip and release the device extension, for example, to position a distal end of the extension after the tool has been withdrawn from over an entirety of the initially deployed device.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for surgeon-assisted rapid surgical implantation of devices into soft tissue. The apparatus comprises several subsystems that enable the referencing of the spatial position and orientation of the device being implanted with respect to the soft tissue into which it is being implanted and then the controlled implantation of the device at a predefined speed with higher positional accuracy and precision and a reduction in soft tissue damage, provided by ultrasonic assisted motion, compared to current state-of-the-art implantation methods and devices.

Abstract: A method for fully automated localization and channel identification of electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes. The electrode locations are automatically identified from three dimensional images stored in an electronic format, wherein the images may be derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that render the electrodes visible and object shapes and properties are used to locate the electrodes in the three dimensional images. The three dimensional images also show the brain in detail, such that the relationship of the electrodes to the brain is available, thereby making it possible to better identify electrical sources within the brain that create the EEG signals.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a microelectrode for measuring EMG signals of a laboratory microfauna. The present disclosure includes a metal plate with an insulating plate deposited on a surface, a plurality of silicon substrates disposed on the insulating plate, the silicon substrates being electrically connected to the metal plate, covered with an insulator, and adjacent to one another, and a plurality of needle electrodes, each formed on the respective silicon substrates as an integral part thereof, wherein the needle electrodes have the same predetermined length, have a tapered shape from the respective silicon substrates, are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and wherein a metallic layer is formed on each of the needle electrodes by depositing metal materials, the insulator is formed on the metallic layer, and a portion of the metallic layer at a tip is exposed.

Abstract: Woven structures and associated systems for weaving such structures are disclosed. Some disclosed innovations pertain to braided structures, such as braided wire structures, with axially asymmetric woven structures (or “directional meshes”) being examples. Other innovations disclosed herein pertain to methods of manufacturing woven structures, with automated methods of braiding directional meshes being examples. Some directional mesh embodiments can be configured and used as energizable electrodes for electrosurgical therapies, for example, bipolar vaporization therapies.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying and/or receiving electrical, magnetic, magnetoelectric, vibratory, or electromagnetic signals to biological tissues are described. In some embodiments, one or more of a body, a conductor, and an electrode may be provided. In some embodiments, a filament may be used as an electrode and may be placed in contact with a biological tissue portion. In some embodiments, a signal may be applied and/or received via the filament or other electrode.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a flexible circuit electrode array comprising: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces; and at least one support embedded in said array. The disclosure further relates to a flexible circuit electrode array comprising: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces; and a folded flexible circuit cable connecting the electrode array with an interconnection pad.

Abstract: Techniques using electrical stimulation for treating an Autoimmune Disease by means of an implantable pulse generator and at least one electrode. An electrode lead is surgically implanted in a region of the insular cortex to deliver electrical stimulation. The at least one electrode lead and implantable pulse generator contain features that allow the electrical stimulation to be directed to specific volumes of the insular cortex, and ensure that non-therapeutic volumes do not receive electrical stimulation.

Abstract: Electrode structures for transvascular nerve stimulation combine electrodes with an electrically-insulating backing layer. The backing layer increases the electrical impedance of electrical paths through blood in a lumen of a blood vessel and consequently increases the flow of electrical current through surrounding tissues. The electrode structures may be applied to stimulate nerves such as the phrenic, vagus, trigeminal, obturator or other nerves.

Abstract: An epidural needle assembly is provided, permitting the accurate introduction of a large bore introducer sleeve needle into the epidural space in the spinal column of a patient using the loss of resistance technique. The large bore introducer needle has a beveled side opening at its tip and with a tissue piercing point at the distal extension of the needle. A syringe needle is received within the introducer needle with a distal head of the syringe needle filling the beveled side opening at the distal end of the introducer needle when the syringe hub is fully seated. The lumen of the syringe needle exits the syringe needle head at the side opening of the introducer needle immediately adjacent the tissue piercing point of the introducing needle. The needle assembly may be inserted and advanced, with precise tactile feedback, into a patient, thus accurately detecting the introduction of the introducer needle into epidural space.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an in vivo treatment of a skin lesion of a mammal comprising application of electrical energy to the skin lesion in a form of electrical pulses. At least one electrical pulse is applied. The pulse duration may be at least 1 nanosecond at the full-width-half-maximum. This treatment may prevent at least growth of the lesion.

Abstract: Electrode structures for transvascular nerve stimulation combine electrodes with an electrically-insulating backing layer. The backing layer increases the electrical impedance of electrical paths through blood in a lumen of a blood vessel and consequently increases the flow of electrical current through surrounding tissues. The electrode structures may be applied to stimulate nerves such as the phrenic, vagus, trigeminal, obturator or other nerves.

Abstract: Neuromodulation catheters with nerve monitoring features for transmitting digital neural signals and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A neuromodulation catheter configured in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a handle and an elongated shaft attached to the handle. The shaft can have a proximal portion and a distal portion configured to be moved within a lumen of a blood vessel of a human patient. The neuromodulation catheter can further include an array of contacts at the distal portion of the shaft and a digitizer at the handle or the shaft. The contacts can be configured to detect analog neural signals from within the blood vessel. The digitizer can be configured to receive the analog neural signals from the contacts, digitize the analog neural signals into digital neural signals, and transmit the digital neural signals to a read/write module external to the patient.

Abstract: Techniques using electrical stimulation for treating an Autoimmune Disease by means of an implantable pulse generator and at least one electrode. An electrode lead is surgically implanted in a region of the insular cortex to deliver electrical stimulation. The at least one electrode lead and implantable pulse generator contain features that allow the electrical stimulation to be directed to specific volumes of the insular cortex, and ensure that non-therapeutic volumes do not receive electrical stimulation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides robust implantable micro-component electrodes that can be used in a variety of medical devices. The medical device may be a neural probe that can monitor or stimulate neural activity in an organism's brain, spine, nerves, or organs, for example. The micro-component electrode has a small physical profile, with ultra-thin dimensions, while having high strength and flexibility. The micro-electrode has an electrically conductive core material, e.g., carbon. The surface of the core material includes one or more electrically conductive regions coated with an electrically conductive material and one or more non-conductive regions having an electrically non-conductive biocompatible polymeric coating. Implantable devices having such micro-components are capable of implantation in an organism for very long durations.

Abstract: A stationary dilator includes one or more electrodes in the distal region that are rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the dilator. The one or more electrodes are operable to deliver electrical stimulation signals to tissue through which the dilator is passed. The stimulation signals can be used for determining nerve directionality and optionally nerve proximity during surgical procedures involving the presence of neural structures.

Abstract: Implantable medical electrical leads having electrodes arranged such that a defibrillation coil electrode and a pace/sense electrode(s) are concurrently positioned substantially over the ventricle when implanted as described. The leads include an elongated lead body having a distal portion and a proximal end, a connector at the proximal end of the lead body, a defibrillation electrode located along the distal portion of the lead body, wherein the defibrillation electrode includes a first electrode segment and a second electrode segment proximal to the first electrode segment by a distance. The leads may include at least one pace/sense electrode, which in some instances, is located between the first defibrillation electrode segment and the second defibrillation electrode segment.

Abstract: An implantable neurostimulator system is disclosed, the neurostimulator system comprising a hollow cylindrical electronics enclosure having a top, a bottom, and a side; a coil extending from a first part of the electronics enclosure; and at least one electrode operatively connected to the electronics enclosure.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of an apparatus for a sensing array comprising a bus, a set of spaced apart elements connected to the bus, wherein each element of the set of elements generates a signal representative of a stimulation when received at each element, a signal processor in communication with the bus, wherein the signal processor generates vector information using an aggregation of the signals from the set of elements and a transmitter for sending the vector information to an application interface wherein the vector information indicates a movement within the sensing array.

Abstract: A battery unit comprising an electric energy reservoir having positive and negative voltage supply terminals, three or more electric contact pads on an outer surface of the battery unit, and a dynamically configurable connection unit for electrically connecting each of said positive and negative voltage supply terminals to any one or more of said electric contact pads, wherein electric energy can be drawn from the electric energy reservoir via selectively different combinations of electric contact pads.

Abstract: A three-dimensional annular electrode array (AEA) device is disclosed for use as a cybernetic neural interface for the neural control and sensory feedback of a bionic prosthetic device. The AEA, designed for implantation into a nerve, is comprised of a body (6) that can be coupled to a sleeve(s) (9, 10) or a sleeve(s) with a compartmentalized inner core (12) for connection to the proximal and distal ends of a transected nerve, respectively. Regenerating nerve axons capture and sequester laterally projecting electrode terminals (4) arranged in radiating clusters (5) of a plurality of electrode sub-array nodes (2) that make up the array; connected by a primary electrode lead (7) to a connector contact array (3) in a plurality of connectors (1) for connection to wired or wireless electromechanical systems.

Abstract: A flat interface nerve electrode provides a plurality of electrical contacts embedded in a non-conductive cuff structure, which acts to gently and non-evasively redefine the geometry of a nerve through the application of a force acting on the nerve without causing damage to the nerve. The cuff is open at one side and has a connection to a lead at the other side. During implantation the open sides of the cuff are closed so as to capture the nerve in the cuff in a single motion.

Abstract: A lead introducer includes an outer needle with an outer-needle body. The outer-needle body includes a bend of at least 5° permanently formed along a distal end portion of the outer-needle body. The bend facilitates insertion of the lead introducer into an epidural space of a patient. The outer-needle body defines an open channel extending along an entire length of the outer-needle body. An inner needle is slidable along the open channel of the outer needle. The inner needle includes an inner-needle body that defines a lumen extending along an entire length of the inner-needle body. A splittable member is disposable over the outer needle when the inner needle is disposed in the open channel of the outer needle. The splittable member is separatable from the inner and outer needles along at least one perforated region.

Abstract: A nerve interface electrode has a plurality of conductive fibers. The fibers have a nonconductive sheath (108) surrounding a conducting wire. A conducting region (105) of the wire is exposed to the interior of the nerve (200). The fibers are configured for insertion between fascicles (204) of the nerve. In other teachings, a layer of polymer material configured to switch from a high strength/tensile modulus state to a low strength/tensile modulus state upon introduction of the fibers into the nerve is disposed on the fibers.

Abstract: Biocompatible electrodes with smaller geometric area improve the selectivity of the neural recording and stimulation applications. A volume within the electrode back plane of a micro-reaction chamber (?RC) is used to confine and sequester an electrochemical reaction used for charge passage. The ?RC electrode decreases impedance and improves charge storage capacity without altering the geometry of the active site.

Abstract: A single sensing probe comprising multiple, spatially separate, sensing sites is utilized to sense neural activity. The sensing probe includes multiple conductors each with multiple sensing sites in a fixed geometric arrangement. The sensing probe is configured to comprise multiple combined sensing sites in polytrode configuration. By appropriately combining the wire groupings at each combined sensing site, activity sensed from a single wire with multiple sensing sites, can be coupled with other wires to unmix signals from the spatially separate sites and leverage the power of combinatorics to maximize total recording bandwidth and single neuron/unit yield per wire and per probe.

Abstract: The present disclosure discusses a system and methods for a deep brain stimulation lead. More particularly, the disclosure discusses a stimulation lead that includes one or more silicon based barrier layers within a MEMS film. The silicon based barrier layers can improve device reliability and durability. The silicon based barrier layers can also improve adhesion between the layers of the MEMS film.

Abstract: A neural probe (10) is provided for in vivo communication with biological tissue, including stimulating neurons and/or recording neural electrical activity. The probe (10) may be constructed so that the immune response by the biological tissue in which the device is implanted is reduced over known implantable probes. The probe (10) can be constructed with a tip (16) that has a branched configuration, with electrodes (24) located along each of the branches (20). A biodegradable coating (18) is disposed over at least the tip (16) of the probe (10) to provide the probe (10) with sufficient integrity for insertion into the biological tissue and to degrade after insertion. The biodegradable coating (18) can have an anti-inflammatory drug or other bioagent distributed therein for localized release of the bioagent to further reduce the immune response.

Abstract: Leadless pacemaker, including a hermetic housing, a pacing electrode on a distal portion of the housing, an electronics package in the housing and configured to generate/deliver pacing pulses to the electrode, and a fixation mechanism on the housing distal portion. The fixation mechanism includes at least one deformable hook-shaped thin fixation wire having an attachment portion fixedly attached at the distal portion of the housing and a free end portion which is angled or bent with respect to the attachment portion such that it extends essentially in conformity, but with a small spacing, to a neighbored surface portion of the housing such that the free end portion engages with heart tissue onto which the distal portion is pressed upon rotation of the pacemaker in the direction in which the free end portion extends from the attachment portion, and disengages upon rotation of the pacemaker in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A releasable contact connection arrangement for electrodes on an electromedical device, in particular for electrodes of active implants, such as neurostimulator devices, includes a contact end, which is provided on the electrode and comprises at least one electrical contact, a device-side connector head on the electromedical device, a connector opening on the connector head for anchoring the contact end of the electrode so as to produce an electrical contact connection and releasable mechanical fixing, and an anti-kink device at the exit of the contact end from the connector opening, wherein the anti-kink device includes a flexible anti-kink sleeve sitting on the contact end of the electrode before the at least one electrical contact, said anti-kink sleeve being slid via its fixing end facing the connector head into a receiving recess that is enlarged compared to the connector opening and being fastened therein.

Abstract: A skin interface device (“SID”) for a cardiac assist device, including a SID cap having a first housing, an annular sleeve, and a first annular winding disposed over said annular sleeve. The SID further includes a SID base having a second housing formed to include a tubular portion, a cylindrical member disposed in said tubular portion, and a second annular winding disposed around said cylindrical member. The SID cap is configured to be rotationally attached to said SID base. When the SID cap is attached to the SID base, the second annular winding is disposed within the first annular winding, and the relative positions of the first annular winding and the second annular winding are fixed both laterally and vertically.

Abstract: A nerve interface electrode has a plurality of conductive fibers. The fibers have a nonconductive sheath (108) surrounding a conducting wire. A conducting region (105) of the wire is exposed to the interior of the nerve (200). The fibers are configured for insertion between fascicles (204) of the nerve. In other teachings, a layer of polymer material configured to switch from a high strength/tensile modulus state to a low strength/tensile modulus state upon introduction of the fibers into the nerve is disposed on the fibers.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses of ultra-miniature, ultra-compliant probe arrays that allows for design flexibility to match the stiffness of the tissue it is being applied to, such as the brain tissue, in all three axes (x, y and z), with interconnect cross section smaller than cell dimensions. Stiffness matching requires specific geometric and fabrication approaches, commonly leading to ultra-thin probe wires. Sizing of the electrodes for specific cell dimensions reduces glial formation. Further reduction in stiffness is obtained by incorporating different geometric features to the electrode, such as meandering the electrode wires. The small thickness and geometric features of the wires commonly result in very high compliance.

Abstract: An electrode lead assembly is described. The lead assembly includes an expandable cuff electrode that includes a series of spaced apart electrode elements and a substantially re-closable opening.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sensor for sensing analytes, the method including: with a dicing saw, removing material from a substrate, thereby forming an array of columnar protrusions at a first surface of the substrate; forming an insulating layer coupled to exposed surfaces of the substrate and exposed surfaces of the array of columnar protrusions; removing a portion of the insulating layer at a second surface of the substrate, directly opposed to the first surface of the substrate; with the dicing saw, removing material from a distal end of each columnar protrusion in the array of columnar protrusions, thereby defining a sharp tip, uncovered by the insulating layer, at the distal end of each columnar protrusion in the array of columnar protrusions; and coupling a conductive layer to the sharp tip of each columnar protrusion in the array of columnar protrusions.

Abstract: A high density micro-electrode array includes a transistor layer including a plurality of access transistors and a substrate in operable communication with the transistor layer including, wherein at least a portion of the substrate includes a plurality of trenches. The system includes a plurality of electrodes at least partially located in the plurality of trenches, wherein each of the plurality of electrodes is connected to at least one of the plurality of access transistors and wherein each of the electrodes is separated by a distance less than approximately one microns.

Abstract: A neuro-electronic interface device has a micro-electrode electrically connected to an interconnect that has scaling gradients between 1.1 and 1.9 over a scaling range of at least one order of magnitude. The device preferably has an array of such fractal interconnects in electrical contact with an array of micro-electrodes. Such fractal interconnect arrays may be components of implants including a retinal implant device having an array of photodetectors in electrical contact with the array of micro-electrodes. The interconnects may be fabricated by forming nanoscale particles and depositing them onto a non-conductive surface that is smooth except for electrodes which serve as nucleation sites for the formation of fractal interconnect structures through diffusion limited aggregation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for fabricating a low-impedance nanoporous metal multiple electrode array for measuring electrophysiology activity. A patterned photoresist is applied to a substrate, in which the patterned photoresist corresponds to a pattern of the nanoporous metal multiple electrode array. A metal alloy including a sacrificial alloying element is deposited in the pattern of the nanoporous metal electrode array. The patterned photoresist is removed to expose the metal alloy as deposited. At least part of the sacrificial alloying element is removed from the metal alloy to create nanoporous metal electrode tips thereby forming the nanoporous metal multiple electrode array. The resultant nanoporous metal multiple electrode array has improved impedance characteristics in comparison to conventional multiple electrode arrays.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.

Abstract: A neuro-probe device is provided. The neuro-probe device includes a carrier including bio-resorbable glass, and a neuro-probe mounted on the carrier.