Abstract: A neural probe comprising an array of stimulation and/or recording electrodes supported on a tape spring-type carrier is described. The neural probe comprising the tape spring-type carrier is used to insert flexible electrode arrays straight into tissue, or to insert them off-axis from the initial penetration of a guide tube. Importantly, the neural probe is not rigid, but has a degree of stiffness provided by the tape spring-type carrier that maintains a desired trajectory into body tissue, but will subsequently allow the probe to flex and move in unison with movement of the body tissue.

Abstract: An implantable subcutaneous electrode system is disclosed. A minimally invasive delivery device and methods for delivery of an implantable electrode system is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for anchoring a brain lead that includes an anchoring ring with a circular base and a flange joining together where the inner walls form an aperture define a passage of a lead. Outer walls engage with a burr hole to secure the ring to the cranium, and a septum is contained within the aperture of the anchoring ring. Because the septum is already placed in the aperture when the trocar is removed from the brain, the body of the brain lead is immediately clamped by the elastic material of the septum while the tip of trocar is removed from the slit of septum. Friction between the lead body and the elastic material prohibits any movement of the lead caused by handling.

Abstract: The invention provides an implantable multi-electrode device (300) and related methods and apparatuses. In one embodiment, the invention includes an implantable device (300) comprising: an assembly block (320); and a plurality of leads (340 . . . 348) radiating from the assembly block (320), each of the plurality of leads (340 . . . 348) containing at least one electrode (342A), such that the electrodes are distributed within a three-dimensional space, wherein the assembly block (320) includes a barb (350) for anchoring the assembly block (320) within implanted tissue.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for performing therapy or monitoring a physiological condition. The device includes components for connecting the device to a trunk line. These components connect the device to the trunk line in such way that the components move over the trunk line. Internal to these components are conductors, including a coil, that are arranged to complementary inductively exchange signals with conductors internal to the trunk line. As a result of this inductive signal exchange the implantable medical device at least one of: receives power signals; receives signals that regulate the operation of the device; or transmits signal representative of the physiological state monitored by the device.

Abstract: An implantable medical electrode device includes an elongate electrode line with a tubular electrode body, having a hollow, passing from the proximal to distal ends, an electrode provided at the distal end, and an electrode connection provided at the proximal; a fixing device with a balloon catheter arrangement, having an elongate tubular hollow catheter body with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow of the electrode body, and an inflatable balloon at the distal end, with an outer diameter smaller in the deflated state compared to the inner diameter of the hollow of the electrode body, and a fluid connection at the proximal end adapted to the electrode connection of the electrode body; connection means for releasable connection of the electrode line to the fixing device; and sealing means for fluid-tight closure of the catheter body of the fixing device in an inflated balloon state.

Abstract: A medical device configured to be secured to an individual may include a housing containing one or more electrical components, and one or more leads electrically connected to the housing. Each lead may include an insulating jacket that surrounds a central core including one or more conductors, and at least one pressure-resisting member integrally formed with one or both of the insulating jacket or the central core. The pressure-resisting member is configured to resist one or more forces exerted into the central core. For example, the pressure-resisting member may include one or more of a suture-anchoring member or a lead-strengthening member.

Abstract: A method for powering an autonomous intracorporeal leadless capsule includes the step of receiving a slow pressure variation at an external surface of a deformable member on the capsule. The deformable member is displacing in response to the slow pressure variation. The method further includes using a high pass mechanical filter to prevent the displacement from being transferred to an energy harvesting circuit within the capsule. The method further includes receiving a fast pressure variation at the external surface of the deformable member on the capsule, the deformable member displacing in response to the fast pressure variation. The method further includes via the high pass mechanical filter, passing the displacement to the energy harvesting circuit and creating energy using the displacement provided to the energy harvesting circuit.

Abstract: A medical device lead is presented that includes an electrode assembly having a first electrode located near a distal end of the electrode assembly and a second electrode located near a proximal end of the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly also includes a conductive elongated coupler that is electrically coupled to the first electrode and capacitively coupled to the second electrode. At low frequencies and DC (e.g., during delivery of stimulation therapy), the capacitive coupling between the conductive elongated coupler and the second electrode presents a high impedance allowing little current to be redirected from the first electrode to the second electrode. However, at high frequencies (e.g., during an MRI scan) the capacitive coupling between the conductive elongated coupler and the second electrode presents a low impedance, resulting in a significant amount of induced current being redirected to the second electrode and dissipated into bodily fluid surrounding the second electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of directing, focusing, or concentrating electrical charges within a defined electric field so that these charges can be used to exert forces on cells and tissues in vivo and/or cell cultures in vitro. The present invention reduces and/or eliminates the damage at a target site that would normally be caused by an electrode that acts as a current source or sink to accomplish the same task.

Abstract: An implantable medical device such as an implantable pulse generator that includes EEG sensing for monitoring and treating neurological conditions, and leadless ECG sensing for monitoring cardiac signals. The device includes a connector block with provisions for cardiac leads which may be used/enabled when needed. If significant co-morbid cardiac events are observed in patients via the leadless ECG monitoring, then cardiac leads may be subsequently connected for therapeutic use.

Abstract: An implantable device for the reversible accommodation of an electrode lead portion of at least one electrode lead, including a first outer surface and a second outer surface which extends parallel to the first outer surface at a distance therefrom, the first outer surface having at least one guide which can be used to guide and accommodate the portion of the electrode lead. According to a second aspect, the electromedical implant includes the above-described device and an electronic circuit with a power supply, a multipiece housing which hermetically seals the circuit and the power supply, and a connector housing which is fastened to the multipiece, hermetically sealed housing and has connectors for at least one electrode lead, the connectors being electrically connected to the electronic circuit. The electromedical implant is characterized in that the second outer surface of the device is integrated into and forms a part of the housing.

Abstract: A medical lead includes a first wire coil having an outer diameter and a marker coil having an inner diameter. The marker coil is assembled over the first wire coil. The outer diameter first wire coil is smaller than the inner diameter of the marker coil thereby defining a gap. A second wire coil substantially fills the gap between the first wire coil and the marker coil. A ball weld is formed at an end of the medical lead adjacent each of the first and second wire coils and adjacent the marker coil.

Abstract: A pacing lead for a left cavity of the heart, implanted in the coronary system. This lead (24) includes a lead body with a hollow sheath (26, 28) of deformable material, having a central lumen open at both ends, and at least one telescopic microcable (42) of conductive material. The microcable slides along the length of the lead body and extends beyond the distal end (32) thereof. The party emerging beyond the distal end is an active free part (34) comprising a plurality of distinct bare areas (36, 38, 50, 50?, 50?), intended to come into contact (40) with the wall of a target vein (22) of the coronary system (14-22), so as to form a network of stimulation electrodes electrically connected together in parallel. The microcable further comprises, proximally, a connector to a generator of active implantable medical device such as a pacemaker or a resynchronizer.

Abstract: Various approaches to detecting arousals from sleep involve generating signals modulated by muscle tone, brainwave activity, and/or other nervous system activity associated with a patient's autonomic arousal response. Generating the signals and/or detecting autonomic arousals from sleep may be performed using an implantable device. Arousal information may be useful to identify sleep disorder events associated with arousals from sleep, for diagnostic purposes, and/or for therapy adjustment.

Abstract: A medical device lead includes an insulative body having a proximal region with a proximal end, and a distal region with a distal end. The medical device lead also includes a connector coupled to the proximal end of the insulative body of the lead to electrically and mechanically connect the lead to an implantable pulse generator. The medical device lead further includes a conductor extending through the insulative body with a proximal end electrically connected to the connector. A distal electrode assembly at a distal end of the insulative body includes a proximal portion electrically coupled to a distal end of the conductor, a distal portion, and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion comprises a coiled element electrically connecting the proximal portion and distal portion.

Abstract: An implantable component of a medical device, comprising a polymeric surface. The component includes one or more macro-surface features at the polymeric surface having a configuration that, following application of a liquid drug to the surface retains a quantity of the liquid drug adjacent the surface.

Abstract: The neural interface system of one embodiment includes a cylindrical shaft, a lateral extension longitudinally coupled to at least a portion of the shaft and having a thickness less than a diameter of the shaft, and an electrode array arranged on the lateral extension and radially offset from the shaft, including electrode sites that electrically interface with their surroundings. The method of one embodiment for making the neural interface system includes forming a planar polymer substrate with at least one metallization layer, patterning on at least one metallization layer an electrode array on a first end of the substrate, patterning conductive traces on at least one metallization layer, rolling a portion of the substrate toward the first end of the substrate, and securing the rolled substrate into a shaft having the first end of the substrate laterally extending from the shaft and the electrode array radially offset from the shaft.

Abstract: Methods for bridging brain sites between which there is substantially no effective communication, and associated neural prosthetic devices, are provided. A neural spike in a first neural site in a subject is detected, and a stimulus to a second neural site in the subject is delivered within a defined period of time after the detection of the neural spike, wherein there is substantially no effective communication between the first and second neural sites. The method forms an artificial bridge between the two neural sites, and establishes lasting communication between the two sites. The present disclosure provides, among other things, a neural prosthetic device comprising an integrated circuit that comprises a recording front-end comprising a plurality of recording channels; a processor unit; and a stimulus delivering back-end comprising a plurality of stimulation channels.

Abstract: A bandstop filter having optimum component values is provided for a lead of an active implantable medical device (AIMD). The bandstop filter includes a capacitor in parallel with an inductor. The parallel capacitor and inductor are placed in series with the implantable lead of the AIMD, wherein values of capacitance and inductance are selected such that the bandstop filter is resonant at a selected frequency. The Q of the inductor may be relatively maximized and the Q of the capacitor may be relatively minimized to reduce the overall Q of the bandstop filter to attenuate current flow through the implantable lead along a range of selected frequencies.

Abstract: A catheter handle assembly includes a holder having a proximal end and a distal end. An electrode sheath carrier is arranged at the distal end of the holder. A shape imparting element carrier is removably mountable to the proximal end of the holder, the shape imparting element carrier having at least one mounting formation for mounting at least a part of a shape imparting element. A slide is displaceably arranged in the holder with a distal end of the slide mounting the electrode sheath carrier and a proximal end of the slide terminating in proximity to the shape imparting element carrier.

Abstract: This document describes an apparatus or an implantable medical device including an implantably biocompatible case. The apparatus can include a component that can be sealed within the case. The apparatus can include a vibration isolator and an at least a portion of the vibration isolator can be situated between and compressively preloaded to bias against the case and the component.

Abstract: An implantable medical electrical lead includes a plurality of conductors that extend continuously, without any intermediary junctions, between a plurality of electrodes and a corresponding plurality of contact members of an in-line connector terminal. A junction between each conductor and the corresponding contact member is preferably formed by first fitting a conductive sleeve, which is coupled to a proximal portion of the conductor, into an eyelet feature of the contact member, which is mounted on a strut member, and then welding the sleeve to the contact member at a pre-formed slot of the contact member, which extends along an external recessed surface thereof. The assembly of the connector terminal preferably completes the construction of the lead, wherein the proximal portion of each conductor is positioned in a helical path, which extends between an elongate body of the lead and the connector terminal, and along which a grip zone is formed.

Abstract: A sensing/pacing lead including a microcable having a diameter of at most 2 French (0.66 mm). The microcable includes an electrically conductive core cable including a plurality of strands and a composite structure formed from at least a structuring material and a radiopaque material, the radiopaque material constituting at least about 0.008 mm2 of the core cable cross section. The plurality of strands of the core cable comprises a first set of individual strands formed from the structuring material and a second set of individual strands formed from the radiopaque material, or a plurality of strands each comprising a first and second layer, one of which is the structuring material and the other the radiopaque material. The microcable further includes a polymer insulation layer at least partially surrounding the core cable and at least one electrode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing pain in a patient using an electrical waveform that link the modulation of a waveform parameter for different areas of a patient. One embodiment in a system for managing pain in a patient comprises an electric device configured to be implanted into the patient and including a plurality of electrodes having at least a first electrode associated with a first area of the patient and a second electrode associated with a second area of the patient. The system further includes an implantable device configured to be coupled to the electrode device and having a computer-operable medium programmed to change the waveform parameter applied to the first electrode and automatically set the waveform parameter applied to the second electrode based on a relationship between a first therapy range and a second therapy range of the waveform parameter.

Abstract: Implantable medical leads and implantable lead extensions include a shield. The implantable medical lead is coupled to the implantable lead extension. Stimulation electrodes of the implantable medical lead contact stimulation connectors within a housing of the implantable extension to establish a conductive pathway for stimulation signals from filars of the implantable extension to filars of the implantable medical lead. Continuity is established between the shield of the implantable medical lead and the implantable extension by providing a radio frequency conductive pathway within the housing. The radio frequency conductive pathway extends from a shield of the implantable extension to a shield connector that contacts a shield electrode of the implantable medical lead. The radio frequency conductive pathway may have various forms such as a jumper wire or an extension of the shield within the implantable extension.

Abstract: An MRI-compatible electronic medical therapy system includes an active medical device connected to a plurality of electrodes. An independently actuatable switch selectively electrically connects at least one circuit protection device in electrical series with the electrodes and the medical device. The circuit protection device is adapted to permit current flow therethrough during normal medical device related therapy, but substantially prevent current flow therethrough in the presence of an induced electromagnetic field.

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: A medical device system for advancing a subcutaneous device to a desired implant site that includes a strap extending along a length from a proximal end to a distal end, a first flange and a second flange extending along a portion of the length of the strap, a base portion extending along a portion of the length of the strap between the first flange and the second flange, and an indentation extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the strap, the indentation formed by the first flange, the second flange, and the base portion, wherein the first flange and the second flange include curved bottom portions that make contact with and compress a tissue layer to position the tissue layer within the indentation during the placement of the subcutaneous device.

Abstract: A trial stimulation system includes a disposable trial electrical stimulator that, in some examples, is sterilized for a single use in a stimulation trial of one patient.

Abstract: A implantable active medical device includes a chassis plate having a first major surface and an opposing second major surface, an elongate lead connector fixed to the first major surface and extending orthogonally away from the first major surface and a circuit board fixed to the first major surface and extending orthogonally away from the first major surface. A hermetic housing defines a sealed housing cavity. The hermetic housing is fixed to the first major surface. The elongate lead connector and the circuit board are disposed within the sealed housing cavity.

Abstract: An implantable electrical stimulation lead includes a tip electrode disposed on a distal tip of the lead body. One tip electrode has a base and a separate plug attached to the base. The base defines an interior lumen closed at one end by the plug. Another tip electrode has an electrode body, a stem extending from the electrode body, and shaped retention features extending from the stem. Yet another tip electrode has an electrode body, a stem extending from the electrode body, and a flange disposed on the stem opposite the electrode body. A further tip electrode has an electrode body defining an interior lumen and a plurality of protrusions extending into the interior lumen. Another tip electrode has an electrode body and arms extending from the electrode body. The electrode body defines an interior lumen and the arms extend over an opening to the interior lumen.

Abstract: Temporary touch-proof connectors are disclosed that include an insulating body defining a passageway having an open leading end configured to receive a connector element of a medical lead and an enclosed trailing end shielding the connector element.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for infrared-light nerve stimulation-plus-therapeutic-heat (INS-plus-TH) that includes providing a plurality of light sources; providing a plurality of thermally conductive extensions configured to transfer heat generated by the plurality of light sources away from the plurality of light sources; emitting a plurality of infrared-light nerve-stimulation signals toward neural tissue of an animal from the plurality of light sources, wherein the emitted infrared-light nerve-stimulation signals are configured to generate action potentials in the neural tissue, and wherein the emitting of the plurality of infrared-light nerve-stimulation signals includes generating heat; controlling the emitting of the plurality of infrared-light nerve-stimulation signals to generate action potentials in the neural tissue; and transferring the heat generated by the plurality of light sources during the emitting of the plurality of infrared-light nerve-stimulation signals away from the plurality of light sources

Abstract: An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats cardiovascular disease through application of stimulation pulses applied at at least one of acupoints EX-HN1, BL14, HT7, HT5, PC6, ST36, LI11, LU7 and LU2. The IEAD comprises an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4 is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years.

Abstract: An implantable medical electrode includes a substrate and an iridium oxide surface, which is formed by an iridium oxide film applied over a roughened surface of the substrate. The film is preferably applied via direct current magnetron sputtering in a sputtering atmosphere comprising argon and oxygen. A sputtering target power may be between approximately 80 watts and approximately 300 watts, and a total sputtering pressure may be between approximately 9 millitorr and approximately 20 millitorr. The iridium oxide film may have a thickness greater than or equal to approximately 15,000 angstroms and have a microstructure exhibiting a columnar growth pattern.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modulating intraosseous nerves (e.g., nerves within bone) are provided. For example, the methods and systems described herein may be used to modulate (e.g., denervate, ablate) basivertebral nerves within vertebrae. The modulation of the basivertebral nerves may facilitate treatment of chronic back pain. The modulation may be performed by a neuromodulation device (e.g., an energy delivery device).

Abstract: An implantable lead extension includes an intermediate body element; a plurality of proximal tails attached to a proximal end portion of the intermediate body element; a plurality of terminals disposed along each of the plurality of proximal tails; and a connector assembly attached to a distal end portion of the intermediate body element. The connector assembly includes a plurality of connectors; each configured and arranged for electrically coupling with a different stimulation lead. Each connector has a connector housing defining a port for receiving a proximal end portion of a stimulation lead, and a plurality of connector contacts disposed in the connector housing. The connector contacts can couple to terminals of the stimulation lead when the proximal end portion of the stimulation lead is received by the port. Conductors extend along the longitudinal length of the intermediate body element and electrically couple the connector contacts to the terminals.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead may include an insulative lead body, a conductor disposed within the insulative lead body, an electrode disposed on the insulative lead body and in electrical contact with the conductor and a fibrous matrix disposed at least partially over the electrode. The fibrous matrix may be formed from polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: A catheter adapted for insertion into a body of a subject has at least one electrode disposed on its distal section. The electrode is coupled to an energy source to ablate tissue that is placed in contact with the electrode. The electrode has a wall with a plurality of perforations formed therethrough, and has edges defining a peripheral section that is adjacent the edges and a central section remote from the edges, wherein the wall of the peripheral section is thicker than the wall of the central section. A lumen passing through the insertion tube is coupled to deliver a fluid to the tissue via the perforations. In operation, the electrode functions as an effective heat sink.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices and methods use an intravascular implantable medical device having an elongated housing module to contain one or more circuitry components. An opening is defined through the elongated housing module. A lead, including at least one electrode, is coupled towards the distal end of the elongated housing module and at least a portion of the at least one electrode is in a stowed position within the opening defined through the elongated housing module during implant of the implantable medical device. The at least one electrode is advanceable from the stowed position to a location distal of the distal end of the elongated housing module.

Abstract: An energy management system facilitates the transfer of high frequency energy coupled into an implanted lead at a selected RF frequency or frequency band, to an energy dissipating surface. This is accomplished by conductively coupling the implanted lead to the energy dissipating surface through an energy diversion circuit including one or more passive electronic network components whose impedance characteristics are at least partially tuned to the implanted lead's impedance characteristics.

Abstract: A medical lead may be fabricated using an electrode fixture ((130A)-(130D)) configured to facilitate circumferential and axial alignment between electrodes of the lead. In one example, a method includes positioning an electrode fixture around at least one conductor of a plurality of conductors (122) for a medical lead, wherein the electrode fixture at least partially retains an electrode assembly. The method also includes electrically coupling a portion of the at least one conductor with at least a portion of the electrode assembly at an attachment area defined by the electrode assembly when the electrode assembly is at least partially retained by the electrode fixture.

Abstract: The object,—to create a printed circuit board for an implant having improved properties in connection with the electrical contacting via the contact points of the conductor tracks on the printed circuit board,—is achieved, according to the present invention, by means of a device for contacting and/or electrostimulation of living tissue cells or nerves with having a printed circuit board having with at least one contact point for electrical contacting, the printed circuit board encompassing comprising a flexible multilayer system with at least one conductor track. In accordance with the invention, the contact points for the conductor track in the multilayer system are galvanically reinforced. To this end, a galvanically reinforced layer is grown onto the already preprocessed contact point, for example by means of a galvanic process.

Abstract: A medical implant and an electrode device for a medical implant, wherein the electrode device includes a distal end, a proximal end, and an electric transmission line that extends between the distal end and the proximal end. The transmission line includes at least one adaptive element. The at least one adaptive element includes a magnetodielectric material, which, under the action of a magnetic field, changes one or more of its electric and magnetic properties.

Abstract: An implantable medical device including at least one elongate electrical line with a first electrical component as a functional conductor, and at least one second electrical component with an electrical length. The first electrical component includes a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal side is in electrical contact with tissue or blood. The first electrical component is in electrical contact with the at least one second electrical component, and wherein the electrical length of the at least one second component corresponds to at least a tenth of a wavelength (?/10) of electromagnetic waves in a radiofrequency range.

Abstract: Medical system lead adapters distribute stimulation signals from a port of a medical device to both a primary medical lead and a secondary medical lead. The lead adapters provide for the selectable bridging of secondary lead contacts to thereby provide for customized stimulation patterns. The lead adapters may include a primary lead connector, a secondary lead connector, and a pin connector. A pin is selected to provide a particular stimulation pattern for the secondary lead and is inserted into the pin connector to thereby bridge together contacts of the pin connector that are also connected to contacts of the secondary lead connector.

Abstract: An implantable medical device intended for stimulation of excitable tissue where the electrode is adapted for achieving a better anchoring in human or animal tissue. The effect is achieved by applying micropatterns with a certain structure to specific parts of the implantable device. These microstructures facilitate a fast ingrowth of the device into adipose tissue.

Abstract: Medical lead body configurations that reduce conductor flexural fatigue. The various lead body embodiments include a support section and can also include other features such as a semi-straight portion of a lumen or semi-straight sides that optimize the reduction in conductor flexural fatigue.

Abstract: A system includes a medical device lead including a connector at a proximal end of the lead, a conductor electrically connected to the connector at a proximal end of the conductor, and at least one electrode coupled to a distal end of the conductor. The system further includes a device securable to the proximal end of the lead including an inductive element. The device includes a port configured to receive the connector and position the inductive element around at least a portion of the connector.