Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods and computer program products for monitoring a heart. According to one embodiment, the system includes an implantable registering unit. The registering unit comprises a first controller structured to register an electrical signal from the heart. The system includes a second controller in operable communication with the first controller. The second controller comprises a data repository structured to receive data corresponding to the registered electrical signal and being structured to store the data. The data repository stores data corresponding to a baseline electrical signal of the heart. The second controller is structured to receive the data from the first controller corresponding to the registered electrical signal and to compare the registered electrical signal to the baseline electrical signal to determine whether the heart is functioning properly.

Abstract: One aspect is a medical electrode system including a conduction coil and a stimulation electrode. The stimulation electrode encompasses a base body having a top area and an end area. The system is characterized in that the conduction coil encompasses a connection element. The connection element is thermally shrink-fitted onto the end area.

Abstract: A splitter for an electrical stimulation system includes a junction having a proximal end and a distal end. An elongated proximal member extends from the proximal end of the junction. The proximal member includes a plurality of terminals disposed on a proximal end of the proximal member. A plurality of elongated distal members extend from the distal end of the junction. Each distal member includes a connector disposed on a distal end of the distal member. The connector is configured and arranged for receiving a lead or lead extension. One of the distal members is longitudinally aligned with the proximal member and at least another one of the distal members is longitudinally offset from the proximal member. A plurality of conductors couple the terminals of the proximal member to the connectors of the distal members.

Abstract: Among other things, enhancing spectral contrast for a cochlear implant listener includes detecting a time domain signal. A first transformation is applied to the detected time domain signal to convert the time domain signal to a frequency domain signal. A second transformation is applied to the frequency domain signal to express the frequency domain signal as a sum of two or more components. A sensitivity of the cochlear implant listener to detect modulation of each component is obtained.

Abstract: Physiologic demand driven pacing can be used to maintain cardiac synchrony and improve hemodynamic function in patients with heart failure.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating or preventing a stroke and/or a transient ischemic attack in a patient. The methods comprise transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers, particularly those in a vagus nerve. Vagus nerve stimulation is used to modulate the release of GABA, norepinephrine, and/or serotonin, thereby providing neuroprotection to the patient; to modulate the activity of resting state neuronal networks, particularly the sensory-motor network or resting state networks containing the insula; and to avert a stroke or transient ischemic attack that has been forecasted.

Abstract: The invention provides, in certain aspects, methods and devices relating to the use of non-invasive electrical nerve stimulation in subjects to reduce ischemic and/or reperfusion injury and restenosis, and to improve physical performance.

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 neural stimulation is described for maintaining the responsiveness of electrically excitable cells to repeated electrical stimulation. A stimulating signal (23) is applied to the electrically excitable cells. The stimulating signal is repeatedly applied (26, 29, 32, 35) with a progressively increasing signal strength. A quiescent period (44) may be interleaved between bursts (43, 45) of stimulation. The electrically excitable cells may be retinal cells.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve to treat or prevent disorders in a patient. The methods comprise transmitting impulses of energy to the vagus nerve according to a treatment paradigm that includes single doses of 30 seconds to 5 minutes of continuous stimulation. The treatment paradigm further comprises one or more daily treatment sessions that each include one or more doses for prophylactic or acute treatment of the patient's condition. Vagus nerve stimulation is used to modulate the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain, such as GABA, norepinephrine, and/or serotonin.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing plaque from blood vessels by applying constant or time varying magnetic or electrical fields. In one embodiment a system includes winding configurations positioned about a central axis along which a body region may be placed. Each winding configuration generates a magnetic field in a direction which passes through the body region. A first winding configuration generates a first magnetic field component perpendicular to a second magnetic field component generated by a second winding configuration. In a related method for removing a deposit of plaque from a position along a wall of a blood vessel a magnetic field is applied which has a net direction predominantly orthogonal to the direction of the flow of blood through the vessel.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, medical devices are provided, which include a nanoparticle-derived inorganic layer disposed over a least a portion of structure that includes a substrate, and optionally, a therapeutic-agent-containing layer disposed over at least a portion of the substrate. In some embodiments, the inorganic layer is a nanoporous inorganic layer. Other aspects of the invention comprise methods for forming such medical device.

Abstract: Techniques include determining a first vector of temporal changes in electrical data measured at multiple electrical sensors positioned at corresponding locations on a surface of a living body due to a natural electrical pulse. A different vector of temporal changes in electrical data measured at the same electrical sensors is determined due to each stimulated signal of multiple stimulated signals within the living body. Stimulated position data is received, which indicates a different corresponding position within the living body where each of the stimulated signals originates. The site of origin of the natural electrical pulse is determined based on the first vector and the multiple different vectors and the stimulated position data. Among other applications, these techniques allow the rapid, automatic determination of the site of origin of ventricular tachycardia arrhythmia (VT).

Abstract: Medical device implants for stimulating the nervous system of a recipient are disclosed. Embodiments include a cochlear implant with electrodes for delivering charge to the cochlea of the recipient and stimulation circuitry for delivering the charge to the electrodes. The medical devices include a transfer line which carries power and/or communication signals, the transfer line being in contact with tissue of the recipient when the medical device implant is implanted. A leakage capture conductor and/or sensing electrode is located or locatable proximate the insulated conductor.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, bronchial constriction, and/or asthma include providing an electrical impulse to a selected region of the vagus nerve of a patient suffering from anaphylaxis to block and/or modulate nerve signals that would regulate the function of, for example, myocardial tissue, vasodilation/constriction and/or pulmonary tissue.

Abstract: Systems and devices for selectively applying electrical energy to a target region beneath a skin surface of a patient involve applying an electrical impulse to one or more electrodes on a skin surface of the patient to modulate one or more nerves at the target region, where the impulse is substantially blocked at nerves located between the target region and the skin surface such that only the nerves at the target region are modulated by the electrical impulse.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method, for estimating electrode resistance values, comprises: calculating an aggregate resistance value for each electrode in a group of electrodes of an implantable stimulation lead of the electrical stimulation system, wherein the calculating, for each electrode, comprises: (i) setting a respective electrode in the group of electrodes as an anode; (ii) setting electrodes in the group of electrodes other than the respective electrodes as cathodes; (iii) applying a predetermined electrical signal through the group of the electrodes using a pulse generator of the electrical stimulation system; (iv) measuring current flow or voltage resulting from application of the predetermined electrical signal through the group of the electrodes; (v) calculating the aggregate resistance value for the respective electrode in response to the measuring; calculating an individual resistance value for each electrode of the group of electrodes using the set of aggregate resistance values for the group of ele

Abstract: An endotracheal tube usable for intraopertive monitoring of the laryngeal nerve. The endotracheal tube includes at least one electrical contact that is movable along and about an exterior sidewall of the endotracheal tube and connected to the exterior sidewall by a connector when the electrode is placed in a position to optimize the conductivity between the nerve being monitored and the electrical contact. The electrical contact may be connected using a locking tube, tape, adhesive, etc.

Abstract: Implantable medical device having a feedthrough, a feedthrough and method for making such feedthrough. The feedthrough has a ferrule, an electrically conductive pin, a preform having a preform liquidus temperature, a capacitor, positioned within the ferrule abutting the preform, having a coating having a coating liquidus temperature and being configured to electrically couple with the preform, and an insulative assembly configured, at least in part, to seal against passage of a liquid through the ferrule, and having an insulative assembly liquidus temperature. The coating liquidus temperature is greater than the preform liquidus temperature and the coating liquidus temperature being greater than the insulative assembly liquidus temperature.

Abstract: Methods for deriving an indication of truth or deception are disclosed. Some methods include (a) monitoring the activation of a plurality of regions of a subject's brain, while the subject responds to questions and (b) measuring one or more physiological parameters while the subject responds to questions and combining the results of (a) and (b) to form a composite evaluation indicative of truth or deception in the subject's response. Another method further includes (c) measuring one or more behavioral components while the subject responds to questions and then combining the results of (a), (b), and (c) to form a composite evaluation indicative of truth or deception in the subject's response. Methods for scoring, weighting, and combining the measurements for (a), (b), and (c), and combinations thereof, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for graphically configuring leads for a medical device. According to one aspect, the system generally comprises a medical device and a processing device, such as a programmer or computer, adapted to be in communication with the medical device. The medical device has at least one lead with at least one electrode in a configuration that can be changed using the processing device. The processing device provides a graphical display of the configuration, including a representative image of a proposed electrical signal to be applied by the medical device between the at least one electrode of the medical device and at least one other electrode before the medical device applies the electrical signal between the at least one electrode and the at least one other electrode. In one embodiment, the graphical display graphically represents the lead(s), the electrode(s), a pulse polarity, and a vector.

Abstract: A method, device and system for stimulating visual tissue, typically in the retina or visual cortex, to achieve an artificial percept of light or image. The method includes providing stimulating electrodes suitable for placement in proximity to the visual tissue and generating a series of short-duration stimulation signals having a duration of less than about 0.5 milliseconds each. The short-duration stimulation signals are applied through the stimulating electrodes with varying frequencies that are substantially matched to a spiking range of frequencies of at least one ganglion cell for perceiving brightness or image.

Abstract: A lead assembly includes an implantable lead. Electrodes are disposed along a distal end of the lead in an electrode array. Terminals are disposed along a proximal end of the lead in a proximal-most terminal array and a medial terminal array. A terminal extension electrically couples to the medial terminal array. A port is defined in a connector at a first end of the terminal extension. The port has a first end and an opposing second end and forms a continuous passageway therebetween. The port receives the medial terminal array. A contact array includes connector contacts that are disposed within the port and that couple electrically with a terminal array disposed along a second end of the terminal extension. The contact array couples electrically with terminals of the medial terminal array of the lead when the medial terminal array is received by the port.

Abstract: Lead body designs for forming a fluid tight seal between a multilumen tube and other portions of a lead body are provided. One lead body design has a multilumen tube having a first portion defining a first number of lumens and a second reduced dimension portion defining a second number of lumens, the second number of lumens being smaller than the first number of lumens. The reduced dimension portion is attached to a distal tip portion of the lead body, forming a fluid tight passageway through the multilumen tube to the distal tip portion. Also provided are methods for forming such multilumen tubes and incorporating such multilumen tubes into a lead body.

Abstract: Methods for determination of timing for electrical shocks to the heart to determine shock strength necessary to defibrillate a fibrillating heart. The timing corresponds the window of most vulnerability in the heart, which occurs during the T-wave of a heartbeat. Using a derivatized T-wave representation, the timing of most vulnerability is determined by a center of the area method, peak amplitude method, width method, or other similar methods. Devices are similarly disclosed embodying the methods of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A biomedical conductor assembly adapted for at least partial insertion in a living body. The conductor assembly includes a plurality of the first electrical conductors each covered with an insulator and helically wound in a first direction to form an inner coil with a lumen. A plurality of second electrical conductors each including a plurality of un-insulated wires twisted in a ropelike configuration around a central axis to form a plurality of cables. Each cable is covered with an insulator and helically wound in a second opposite direction forming an outer coil in direct physical contact with the inner coil. The inner and outer coils are covered by an insulator. A method of making the conductor assembly and implanting a neurostimulation system is also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a percutaneous stimulation lead for applying electrically stimulation pulses to tissue of the patient comprises: a plurality of electrode assemblies electrically coupled to a plurality of terminals through a plurality of conductors of the stimulation lead, wherein each electrode assembly is disposed in an annular manner around the lead body and each electrode assembly comprises (i) an electrode adapted to deliver electrical stimulation to tissue of a patient, (ii) an interior conductive layer, and (iii) a dielectric layer disposed between the electrode and the interior conductive layer; the electrode and interior conductive layer being capacitively coupled, the dielectric layer further comprising an inductor, the inductor being electrically connected to one of the plurality of conductors through the interior conductive layer, and the inductor being electrically coupled to the electrode.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead and a method of forming a medical electrical lead having at least one glass coating between a first and second component. The glass coating forms a portion of a strong, hydrothermally stable joint between components or provides insulation, or tailors an impedance and/or capacitance of an electrode. The glass coating is bonded to at least one of the first component or second component along the length of the joint.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include an external system and method to detect an implanted lead coupled to an implanted neurostimulation device (INSD). The system and method comprise a handheld probe having electrodes configured to be positioned external to a surface of a patient and proximate to a region of the patient having the implanted lead for an implanted INSD. The electrodes are configured to measure a stimulation output from the implanted lead of the INSD. The system and method include a controller coupled to the electrodes to receive measured signals from the electrodes. The measured signals represent the stimulation output of the INSD. The controller processes the measured signals to obtain lead information. The system includes a user interface to present the lead information to a user. The lead information is indicative of at least one of an operation of the lead and a position of the lead.

Abstract: Implantable medical leads having resistance characteristics adapted to dissipate radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy during medical procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are disclosed. An illustrative medical device includes a lead having an inner electrical conductor operatively coupled to an electrode and a pulse generator, and one or more outer resistive shields that radially surround the inner conductor and dissipate RF energy into the surrounding body tissue along the length of the lead.

Abstract: An electrode for measuring electrical activities of a living body and/or for outputting electrical signals into the living body, with an electrically insulated and flexible line, which is connected fixedly or releasably to a distally arranged and electrically conductive electrode tip. The electrode tip is designed for insertion into the body. The electrode tip includes at least one crystalline shape-memory material, and the electrode tip is flexible on account of the shape-memory material. The shape-memory material of the support structure is formed at least partially by physical vapour deposition, in such a way that precipitations in the shape-memory material have a maximum size of 500 nm.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for improving or adapting a breathing pattern of a patient with disordered breathing toward a more helpful state, as well as systems and devices for adapting breathing. These methods and systems may be used for improving sleep in patients with sleep disordered breathing and a system by which to implement devices for performing these methods.

Abstract: The medical lead delivery device more easily and quickly delivers a lead to or through the coronary vein of a patient's heart. The medical lead delivery device includes an elongated body, a controller, a first and second spring, and a sleeve. The elongated body includes a proximal end and a distal end. The controller is disposed at the proximal end and provides enhanced control of the distal tip of the elongated body.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a functional electrical stimulation system comprising a primary power, a boost module, an energy storage section, an output control relay, an automatic discharge circuit, a foot/hand controlled switch, a current detection chip and a current limiting fuse. The boost module comprises n DC chopper circuits connected in series, and outputs a high voltage of 100-200V. According to an enable signal and a current detection signal, the output control relay disables/enables the DC boost module. The automatic discharge circuit discharges capacitance of the energy storage section automatically when the relay turns off the power input. The Foot/hand controlled switch, the current detection chip and the current limiting fuse form a triple accident protection circuit. The functional electrical stimulation system maximizes the intensity of electrical stimulation within the range that the human body can withstand.

Abstract: A treatment system includes a regulator implanted within a patient, a computing device storing at least one patient database associated with the patient in whom the regulator is implanted, and a data transfer device. The data transfer device provides bi-directional communication (e.g., voice communication) and a data exchange (e.g., a treatment history, a patient database, and operational instructions) between the regulator and the computing device. A programmer can obtain patient reports and/or default treatment values from the computing device based on the data exchange.

Abstract: An exemplary method for treating an eating or metabolism disorder includes calling for delivery of energy to the stomach using a pulse train that includes use of pulses with a pulse width less than approximately 20 ms, a duty cycle greater than approximately 20% and a pulse train duration of less than approximately 10 seconds and calling for delivery of energy to a vagal nerve. Various other methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for providing temporary therapy, such as cardiac resynchronization therapy, to a patient suffering a decompensation event. The system can include a device having an external module for generating electrical stimuli, a first lead coupled to the module and implanted into an atrial region of a patient's heart, and a second lead coupled to the module and implanted into a ventricular region of the patient's heart. The device can also include a storage module coupled to the external module to store data associated with physiological data measured by the device. The external module is configured to temporarily generate electrical stimuli that are delivered by at least one of the first and second leads to provide therapy cardiac resynchronization therapy to the heart. A network can be coupled to the device to allow data stored in the device to be downloaded through the network to a central repository.

Abstract: A pacing lead for a left cavity of the heart, implanted in the coronary system. One lead includes a telescopic microcable including multiple distinct bare areas that form a network of stimulation electrodes. The microcable includes a diameter providing for insertion of the microcable within smaller portions of the coronary vein system. The diameter may be selected from between 0.5 and 2 French. The microcable includes multiple strands twisted together. At least some strands incorporate either a core of radiopaque material wrapped by a sheath of mechanically durable material, or vice-versa. The bare areas that form the network of stimulation electrodes are provided on outward-facing portions of at least some of the strands.

Abstract: An improvement to silicone insulation for implantable medical electrical leads includes a plurality of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene multi-filament fibers, wherein each of the plurality includes approximately 25 monofilaments and has a titer of approximately 25. The plurality of fibers are embedded within a wall of the insulation that has a thickness of no greater than approximately 0.008 inch. A first fiber of the plurality preferably extends helically, and a second fiber of the plurality preferably extends linearly such that the second crosses over or under and directly adjacent to the first at a plurality of points, which are spaced apart from one another along an overall length of the silicone insulation. The aforementioned wall thickness is maintained, since, at least at each crossing point of the first and second multi-filament fibers, a coincident cross-section of each of the fibers is compressed in the radial direction.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a lead extension comprises: a lead body; a plurality of conductors disposed within the lead body; a plurality of terminal contacts on a proximal end of the lead body, wherein the plurality of terminal contacts are electrically coupled to the plurality of conductors; and a housing structure disposed at a distal end of the lead body, the housing structure enclosing a plurality of electrical connectors for making electrical contact with terminal contacts of a stimulation lead, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors are electrically coupled to the plurality of conductors; the housing structure comprising an outer body of a first material and an inner reinforcing structure of a second material, wherein the first material is a relatively pliable biocompatible polymer material and the second material is a relatively rigid material, the reinforcing structure holding the plurality of electrical connectors in a relatively fixed arrangement.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method, of fabricating a stimulation lead for stimulating tissue of a patient, comprises: providing a lead body, the lead body comprising a plurality of conductors embedded within insulating material; providing a plurality of terminals; electrically coupling the plurality of terminals with the plurality of conductors; providing a plurality of electrodes, the plurality of electrodes comprising a plurality of substantially continuous longitudinal trenches on a surface of the electrodes, the electrodes comprising areas of reflow material forming microstructures substantially continuously along walls of the longitudinal trenches; and electrically coupling the plurality of electrodes with the plurality of conductors.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing an implantable lead within tissue of a patient includes a base adapted to be secured to a patient's skull adjacent a craniotomy. The base has an upper surface and a lower surface with a central passage therebetween. The central passage is adapted to receive the implantable lead therethrough. The apparatus also has a cover that is releasably coupled to the base so as to substantially cover the central passage and capture the implantable lead therebetween. A first rotating member is also coupled with the base and the first member is rotationally movable so as to meet and engage the implantable lead at a plurality of positions within the central passage.

Abstract: A lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue includes at least one elongated lead body, each of the at least one lead bodies having a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of electrodes are disposed at the distal end of the at least one lead body, each of the electrodes having an outer surface. A plurality of dimples are defined along the outer surface of at least one of the plurality of electrodes, the plurality of dimples configured and arranged to provide a larger surface area for the at least one dimpled electrode than that of a similarly-sized electrode with a flat outer surface. A plurality of terminal are disposed at the proximal end of the at least one lead body. A plurality of conductive wires couple each of the plurality of electrodes to at least one of the plurality of terminals.

Abstract: Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide safeguarding against tissue injury during surgical procedures and/or identify nerve damage occurring prior to surgery and/or verify range of motion or attributes of muscle contraction during reconstructive surgery. A stimulation control device may incorporate a range of low and high intensity stimulation to provide a stimulation and evaluation of both nerves and muscles. A stimulation control device is removably coupled to a surgical device or is imbedded within the medical device to provide a stimulation and treatment medical device. A disposable hand held stimulation system includes an operative element extending from the housing, the housing includes a visual indication to provide feedback or status to the user.

Abstract: An operating room connector is used in conjunction with a multiple electrode SCS system which can easily detach and connect to an external trial stimulator (ETS). By connecting the electrode SCS system to a stylet handle, and then locking the stylet handle within a slot of the connector platform, a user is able to minimize the required steps in connecting the ETS to the implanted SCS lead system. The ETS can then be used to readjust the position of the electrode array(s) previously implanted to deliver an optimal stimulation therapy.

Abstract: An electrode configured to provide electrical contact with a subject's skin and includes a conductive layer and a gel layer. The conductive layer spreads current and transmits electrical signals to and/or receives electrical signals from the subject's skin and has a first conductive surface through which electrical signals are transmitted to and/or received from the subject's skin. The first conductive surface is on a side of the conductive layer that faces toward the subject's skin if the electrode is installed on the subject. The gel layer is formed on the same side of the conductive layer as the first conductive surface. The gel layer has a first interface surface that directly contacts the subject's skin if the electrode is installed on the subject, and to conduct electrical signals between the subject's skin and the first conductive surface. The first interface surface has a surface area larger than that of the first conductive surface.

Abstract: A device for brain stimulation that includes a lead having a longitudinal surface; at least one stimulation electrode disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead; and at least one recording electrode, separate from the at least one stimulation electrode, disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead.

Abstract: An implantable medical device lead includes an inner conductor coil comprising one or more generally cylindrically wound filars. The inner conductor coil is configured to have a first inductance value greater than or equal to 0.2 ?H/inch when the inner conductor coil is subjected to a range of radio frequencies. The implantable medical device lead also includes a multi-filar outer coil comprising two or more generally cylindrically wound filars. The multi-filar outer coil is configured to have a second inductance value greater than or equal to 0.1 ?H/inch when the multi-filar outer coil is subjected to the range of radio frequencies.

Abstract: An integrated system and method for treatment of various diseases, including psychiatric, mental and brain disorders, which preferably combines personalized non-invasive neuronal brain stimulation together with appropriate personalized cognitive training, and which iteratively fine-tunes this treatment by monitoring specific cognitive and brain functions in response to the treatment. A novel brain stimulator device and method, Computerized Magnetic Photo-Electric Stimulator (CCMPES), is described, which integrates electromagnetic stimulation with laser stimulation to generate a magnetic photo-electric stimulation.

Abstract: A catheter and catheter system can use energy tailored for remodeling and/or removal of target material along a body lumen, often of thrombus from a blood vessel of a patient. An elongate flexible catheter body with a radially expandable structure may have a plurality of electrodes or other energy delivery surfaces. The electrode structures may be radially inwardly oriented and/or supported in cantilever to facilitate advancing the electrodes.