Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for simultaneously stimulating the spinal anatomy at various locations, such as spinal levels, along the spinal cord. By stimulating multiple levels of the spinal column with the use of a single device, a single access path is created to an implantable pulse generator (IPG) rather than individual access paths for each lead at each spinal level to an IPG. By reducing the number of pathways, the procedure complexity, time and recovery are reduced. In addition, some embodiments provide additional specificity within each targeted level, such as selective stimulation of specific tissue, such as the dorsal root ganglion.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for use by implantable medical devices such as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices for detecting pulmonary edema based on transthoracic impedance sensed using cardiac pacing/sensing leads, wherein detection can be performed while lead maturation occurs. Briefly, the implantable device determines whether the leads are within an initial post-implant interval following implant during which lead maturation generally occurs. The device then detects pulmonary edema or related medical conditions within the patient based on transthoracic impedance using a set of detection parameters adjusted for use during the post-implant interval. Thus, rather than “blanking” impedance data during lead maturation, the device instead detects and processes impedance during this period to identify possible episodes of pulmonary edema so that appropriate measures can be undertaken, such as delivery of warnings or titration of appropriate medications.

Abstract: A device for brain stimulation includes a lead having a longitudinal surface, a proximal end, a distal end and a lead body. The device also includes a plurality of electrodes disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead near the distal end of the lead. The plurality of electrodes includes a first set of segmented electrodes comprising at least two segmented electrodes disposed around a circumference of the lead at a first longitudinal position along the lead; and a second set of segmented electrodes comprising at least two segmented electrodes disposed around a circumference of the lead at a second longitudinal position along the lead. The device further includes one or more conductors that electrically couple together all of the segmented electrodes of the first set of segmented electrodes.

Abstract: Medical lead bodies that are paired each include a braided conductive shield. The braided conductive shield of one lead body has a value for a physical parameter that differs from a value for the physical parameter of the second lead body. The difference in values of the physical parameter for the paired lead bodies results in a reduction in heating from exposure of the lead bodies to radiofrequency energy at electrodes associated with the lead bodies. The lead bodies may be paired by being implanted adjacently to one another. The lead bodies may be further paired by being coupled to a same distal body, such as a paddle containing the electrodes.

Abstract: An implantable electrical stimulation lead includes electrodes and terminals disposed on opposing ends of the lead. A liner extends along a longitudinal length of the lead and has at least two different outer diameters. Conductors are coiled around the liner and electrically-couple the electrodes to the terminals. The conductors include a first conductor and a second conductor. The first conductor includes alternating first and second coiled regions. The first coiled regions have tighter pitches than the second coiled regions. The second conductor includes alternating third and fourth coiled regions. The third coiled regions have tighter pitches than the fourth coiled regions. The conductors are arranged into repeating adjacent winding geometries disposed along the longitudinal length of the lead. The repeating adjacent winding geometries each include one of the first coiled regions and one of the third coiled regions axially disposed adjacent to one another.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of reducing or preventing the growth of microbes on the surface of an object, wherein the object is of such material that it can act as a working electrode. The method comprises the steps of providing a counter electrode, and a reference electrode. The object is used as the working electrode. Electrical current is passed through the working and counter electrodes. The current through the counter electrode is varied such that the electric potential of the working electrode is constant relative to the electric potential of the reference electrode. Also described is an apparatus for reducing or preventing microbes on an object using a potentiostatic device.

Abstract: A device for brain stimulation includes a lead having a longitudinal surface and a distal end. The lead includes a longitudinal rail disposed within the distal end of the lead. The longitudinal rail includes at least two prongs, each prong being configured and arranged to receive at least one segmented electrode. The lead further includes a plurality of segmented electrodes disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead near the distal end of the lead. Each of the plurality of segmented electrodes is coupled to one of the at least two prongs of the rail.

Abstract: A stimulation probe comprises a lead having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the lead has a plurality of electrodes configured to stimulate tissue. A protective tubing element extends over a portion of the lead proximate the proximal end of the lead. An advanced lead can element includes a switch matrix. The advanced lead can element is coupled to the proximal end of the lead and configured to couple the lead to an implantable pulse generator.

Abstract: A lead anchor includes an anchor body having a pin lumen and spaced-apart lead lumens extending along an entire length of the anchor body. The pin lumen receives an anchoring pin with a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the pin lumen. The pin lumen has flexible walls that exert a radially-outward-directed force away from the anchoring pin when the anchoring pin is received by the pin lumen. The lead lumens each have flexible walls and receive a different lead body of at least one lead. The radially-outward-directed force exerted by the walls of the pin lumen when the anchoring pin is received by the pin lumen causes corresponding radially-inward-directed forces along the flexible walls of the lead lumens that retain portions of the lead bodies within the anchor body when the portions of the lead bodies are received by the lead lumens.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead has a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and a longitudinal length and includes a lead body extending along the lead. The lead body includes an expandable mesh disposed along the distal end portion of the lead. The electrical stimulation lead also includes a number of electrodes attached to the mesh and a number of terminals disposed along the proximal end portion of the electrical stimulation lead. Further, the electrical stimulation lead includes multiple conductors electrically coupling the terminals to the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of electrochemistry to control and generate specific user defined chemical reactions in regions that may be defined by electrode placement and geometry. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of shape changing cartilage in a subject through potential-driven electrochemical modification of tissue (PDEMT) or use of a potential-driven electromechanical (EMR) device.

Abstract: Disclosed are designs and methods of construction for an implantable medical device employing an internal support structure. The single-piece support structure holds various electronic components such as a communication coil and a circuit board, and further is affixed to a battery, thus providing a subassembly that is mechanically robust. The support structure further provides electrical isolation between these and other components. Method of construction allows for the subassembly to be adhered to a case of the implantable medical device at the battery, and possibly also at the support structure. The battery includes an insulating cover having holes. An adhesive is used consistent with the location of the holes to affix the battery to the case without electrically shorting the battery to the case.

Abstract: Disclosed are designs and methods of construction for an implantable medical device employing an internal support structure. The single-piece support structure holds various electronic components such as a communication coil and a circuit board, and further is affixed to a battery, thus providing a subassembly that is mechanically robust. The support structure further provides electrical isolation between these and other components. Method of construction allows for the subassembly to be adhered to a case of the implantable medical device at the support structure, and possibly also at the battery, without electrically shorting the battery to the case.

Abstract: There is provided a capsule-type medical device including a stimulation unit configured to apply a stimulus to a predetermined site in a body cavity.

Abstract: A method of making a stimulation lead includes providing a carrier with a body having a first surface, a distal end, and a proximal end. The carrier also includes flanges and each flange has a leg portion attached to the body and extending away from the first surface at a non-zero angle. The method further includes attaching segmented electrodes to the first surface of the carrier; attaching conductors to the segmented electrodes; forming the carrier into a cylinder with the cylinder defining a central longitudinal axis through a center of the cylinder with the segmented electrodes disposed within the cylinder and the leg portions of the flanges extending toward the central longitudinal axis of the cylinder; molding a lead body around the segmented electrodes disposed on the carrier and around the flanges; and removing at least a portion of the carrier to separate the segmented electrodes.

Abstract: An implantable medical system includes an implantable medical device (IMD) and an electrode coupleable to the IMD. The electrode is operative to deliver a first electrical signal from the IMD to a neural structure. The system includes a sensor coupleable to the IMD. The sensor is operative to sense a physiological parameter. The physiological parameter may include at least one of a neurotransmitter parameter, a neurotransmitter breakdown product parameter, a neuropeptide parameter, a norepinephrine parameter, a glucocorticoid (GC) parameter, a neuromodulator parameter, a neuromodulator breakdown product parameter, an amino acid parameter, and a hormone parameter. The IMD includes a controller operative to change a parameter of the first electrical signal based upon at least one sensed physiological parameter to generate a second electrical signal and to apply the second electrical signal to the neural structure.

Abstract: An implantable medical lead has a distal lead portion with a tubular header and a fixation helix provided in a lumen of the tubular header. The fixation helix is connected to a shaft attached to a conductor coil. A tubular coupling is connected to the tubular header and is coaxially arranged relative the shaft, with the shaft in its lumen. Rotation of the conductor coil causes rotation of the shaft and the fixation helix and longitudinal movement of the fixation helix out of the implantable medical lead by a rotation-to-translation transforming element. A friction device is arranged between the shaft and the tubular coupling or between the tubular header to oppose rotation of the shaft relative the tubular header and the tubular coupling.

Abstract: An improved deformable carrier or connector for an implantable neural interface device is described. The neural interface device comprises a carrier supporting at least one electrode array. The carrier comprises a tubular sidewall extending from a proximal carrier portion to a distal carrier portion. At least one deformable segment is provided in the carrier sidewall. The deformable segment is more pliable than the remainder of the carrier sidewall to preferably move in response to forces imparted on the carrier and the electrode array by the shifting forces in body tissue. The deformable segment takes the form of a thinned sidewall segment or a slitted wall segment.

Abstract: First contacts are disposed along a distal end portion or a proximal end portion of a lead body of an electrical stimulation lead. A contact assembly is disposed along the other of the distal end portion or the proximal end portion of the lead body. The contact assembly includes a tubular-shaped composite structure formed from multiple layered elements mechanically coupled together and rolled together into a tube. Each of the layered elements includes a first electrically-nonconductive substrate, a second electrically-nonconductive substrate, and micro-circuits laminated therebetween. Second contacts are disposed over the composite structure and electrically coupled to a first end portion of at least one of the micro-circuits. Lead-body conductors electrically couple the first contacts to the second contacts. Each of each of the lead-body conductors is attached to a second end portion of at least one of the micro-circuits.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a temporarily or permanently implantable medical device with an elongate electrical line, and a method of producing the implantable medical device. The elongate electrical line includes a first electrical component and a second component, wherein the first electrical component or part of the first electrical component includes a functional conductor. The second component includes at least one metal layer and at least one flexible plastic layer. The first electrical component is electrically connected in series to the at least one metal layer of the second component.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for applying current to a nerve of a subject, including a housing, adapted to be placed in a vicinity of the nerve; at least one cathode and at least one anode, fixed to the housing; a passive electrode, fixed to the housing; and a conducting element, which is electrically coupled to the passive electrode and is configured to extend to a remote location in a body of the subject at a distance of at least 1 cm from the housing. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Implantable medical leads and systems utilize reflection points within the lead to control radio frequency current that has been induced onto one or more filars. The radio frequency current may be controlled by the reflection points to block at least some of the radio frequency current from reaching an electrode of the lead and to dissipate at least some of the radio frequency current as heat on the filar. Controlling the radio frequency current thereby reduces the amount that is dissipated into bodily tissue through one or more electrodes of the lead and reduces the likelihood of tissue damage. The reflection points may be created by physical changes such as to material or size in the filar and/or in insulation layers that may be present such as an inner jacket about the filar and an outer jacket formed by the body of the lead.

Abstract: An active implantable medical device (AIMD). The AIMD comprises a knitted electrode assembly comprising: at least one biocompatible, electrically non-conductive filament arranged in substantially parallel rows each stitched to an adjacent row, and at least one biocompatible, electrically conductive filament having a first end intertwined with a first row of the at least one non-conductive filament, and a second end intertwined with a second row of the at least one non-conductive filament, wherein the first and second rows are spaced from one another.

Abstract: An implant unit may include a substrate and an implantable circuit arranged on the substrate. An encapsulation structure may be disposed over at least a portion of the substrate and at least a portion of the implantable circuit, the encapsulation structure including a parylene layer and a silicon layer disposed over the parylene layer.

Abstract: Fixation mechanism assemblies and methods are disclosed. A fixation mechanism assembly can include a first fixation member and a second fixation member moveably engaged with the first fixation member. The first fixation member can include a housing having a tissue facing surface and an opposing non-tissue facing surface, one or more guide apertures extending between the tissue facing surface and the non-tissue facing surface, and one or more first fixation elements. The first fixation member includes a longitudinal body and a proximal end attached to, or integrated with, the tissue facing surface of the housing. The second fixation member can include one or more second fixation elements. The second fixation element can correspond to a guide aperture and includes a longitudinal body, a proximal end attached to, or integrated with, the second fixation member, and a distal end movable through the corresponding guide aperture.

Abstract: A lead extension for an electrical stimulation system includes a connector disposed on a first end of a body. The connector includes a housing defining at least one port. Each of the at least one ports is configured to receive a proximal end of a lead. A plurality of connector contacts are disposed in each of the at least one ports. The connector contacts are configured to electrically couple to terminals of a lead when the lead is received by the housing. A first connector flange extends outwardly from a first side of the housing. A plurality of conductors extend along a length of the lead extension and electrically couple at least one of the connector contacts to at least one terminal disposed on a second end of the body.

Abstract: Methods, implantable medical devices and systems configured to perform analysis of captured signals from implanted electrodes to identify cardiac arrhythmias. In an illustrative embodiment, signals captured from two or more sensing vectors are analyzed, where the signals are captured with a patient in at least first and second body positions. Analysis is performed to identify primary or default sensing vectors and/or templates for event detection.

Abstract: A device for brain stimulation includes a cannula configured and arranged for insertion into a brain of a patient; at least one cannula electrode disposed on the cannula; and an electrode lead for insertion into the cannula, the electrode lead comprising at least one stimulating electrode.

Abstract: A wearable defibrillator and method of monitoring the condition of a patient. The wearable defibrillator includes at least one therapy pad, at least one sensor and at least one processing unit operatively connected to the one or more therapy pads and the one or more sensors. The wearable defibrillator also includes at least one audio device operatively connected to the one or more processing units. The one or more audio devices are configured to receive audio input from a patient.

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 a non-conductive polycarbonate polyurethane polymer.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead includes a lead body with electrodes disposed along the distal end portion of the lead body and terminals disposed along the proximal end portion of the lead body. Conductors electrically couple the terminals to the electrodes. A contact assembly is disposed at one of the proximal end portion or the distal end portion of the lead body. The contact assembly is formed from a shaped mesh and includes annular grooves defined along an outer surface of the shaped mesh; and a stylet tube disposed in a contact assembly lumen. Each of the conductors extends along at least a portion of the shaped mesh within the contact assembly lumen and external to the stylet tube. For each of the annular grooves, one of the electrodes or one of the terminals is disposed in the annular groove.

Abstract: A control module for an electrical stimulation system includes a casing defining a sealed inner compartment; an electronic subassembly disposed in the inner compartment; and a header portion coupled to the casing and having a connector to receive a proximal end of a lead or lead extension. The connector includes conductive contacts to electrically couple to terminal contacts on the lead or lead extension. The control module also includes a feedthrough assembly coupling the casing to the header portion. The feedthrough assembly includes a non-conductive ceramic block coupled to the casing, conductive feedthrough pins passing through the ceramic block and electrically coupling the conductive contacts of the connector to the electronic subassembly, a metal braze coupling the feedthrough pins to the ceramic block, and at least one glass layer disposed on at least a portion of the ceramic block and in contact with at least one of the feedthrough pins.

Abstract: One embodiment is an implantable control module for coupling to one or more implantable stimulation leads. The control module includes a sealed housing, an electronic subassembly disposed in the housing, a header arrangement coupled to the housing, and a number of feedthrough elements. The header arrangement includes at least one receiving lumen and a number of contacts disposed within the at least one lumen. Each receiving lumen has two opposing openings which can receive an implantable stimulation lead through the opening and within the receiving lumen. The contacts are arranged within the at least one receiving lumen to make contact with (or otherwise be in electrical communication with) terminals at or on the stimulation lead received in the receiving lumen. The feedthrough elements extend from the header arrangement into the sealed housing, and electrically couple the contacts of the header arrangement with the electronic subassembly.

Abstract: Described are systems, devices and methods for facilitating the delivery of stimulation to, and the monitoring and recording of physiological signals (e.g., electroencephalographic signals) from a research subject. Devices include a headmount that includes a cranial frame and a headstage, and a connection between the headmount and external equipment used for stimulation, monitoring, and/or recording that is robust physically and electrically to optimize stimulation, monitoring and recording even while the subject remains ambulatory. In some embodiments, a hinged headmount allows the configuration to be easily manipulated during attachment and any subsequent adjustment or reattachment procedures and permits easy access to any wires or other components implanted in the subject.

Abstract: An implantable peripheral neurostimulation lead for head pain is adapted for implantation in the head for the therapeutic purpose of treating chronic head and/or face pain. The lead may include an extended lead body, a plurality of internal electrically conducting metal wires running along at least a portion of its length and individually connecting to a proximal surface contact and a distal surface electrode; a distal extended metal surface electrode array, subdivided into a plurality of sub-arrays; and a proximal in-line connector, which may include a proximal surface contact array adapted to couple with a separate implantable pulse generator. The lead may be operable to provide medically acceptable therapeutic neurostimulation to multiple regions of the head, including the frontal, parietal, and occipital regions of the head simultaneously.

Abstract: A lead anchor includes an anchor body having an outer surface, a top end, a front side, a first end, and a second end disposed opposite to the first end. The anchor body defines a longitudinal lead lumen extending from the first end of the anchor body to the second end of the anchor body. The lead lumen is configured and arranged to receive a portion of a lead. A transverse lumen extends from the top end of the anchor body and perpendicularly intersects the lead lumen. An adhesive is disposed within a shell. The adhesive and shell are disposed in the transverse lumen of the anchor body and are configured and arranged for fastening the received lead to the lead anchor by piercing the shell to release the adhesive so that the adhesive passes through the transverse lumen into the lead lumen and into contact with the received lead.

Abstract: The present invention is a flexible circuit electrode array for improved layer adhesions where the metal conductors overlap the polymer insulator. The steps to build the flexible circuit are as follows. Deposit a base polymer layer. Deposit a conductive trace over the base polymer layer. Deposit a top polymer layer over the trace and prepare a void in the top polymer layer smaller than the surface of the trace. Deposit an electrode on the trace through the void with a periphery larger than, and overlapping the void.

Abstract: A lead anchor including a body having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end is disclosed. The body defines a lead lumen extending from the first to the second end and can receive a lead. The lead anchor also includes a fastening mechanism disposed in the body and in communication with the lead lumen. The fastening mechanism can fasten the received lead to the lead anchor when actuated by a user. The lead anchor also includes tabs(s) extending from the body and tags. Each tag includes an anchor attachment element and a cylindrical implantation element coupled to the anchor attachment element. The anchor attachment element is affixed to one of the tabs. The cylindrical implantation element anchors the lead anchor into patient tissue by insertion of the implantation element into the patient tissue using a needle insertion tool.

Abstract: A medical device includes an insertion tube, which has a distal end for insertion into a body of a subject, and a distal tip, which is fixed to the distal end of the insertion tube and is coupled to apply energy to tissue inside the body. The distal tip has an outer surface with a plurality of circumferentially distributed perforations formed therethrough. The perforations have diameters between 10 ?m and 25 ?m. A lumen passes through the insertion tube and delivers a cooling fluid to the tissue via the perforations.

Abstract: Various embodiments concern leads having low peak MRI heating for improved MRI compatibility. Various leads include a lead body having at least one lumen, a proximal end configured to interface with an implantable medical device, and a distal end. Such leads can further include a conductor extending along at least a portion of the lead body within the at least one lumen and a defibrillation coil extending along an exterior portion of the lead body and in electrical connection with the conductor, wherein at least a section of the defibrillation coil is under longitudinal compression. The longitudinal compression can lower peak MRI heating along the defibrillation coil. The longitudinal compression may maintain circumferential contact between adjacent turns of the section of the defibrillation coil.

Abstract: An implantable device for body tissue, including an electrical subsystem that flexes within and interfaces with body tissue and a carrier that operates in the following two modes: provides structural support for the electrical subsystem during implantation of the device in body tissue and allows flexing of the electrical subsystem after implantation of the device in body tissue. The implantable device is preferably designed to be implanted into the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, muscle, or any other suitable anatomical location. The implantable device, however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment and for any suitable reason.

Abstract: A reinforced suture sleeve designed to cover and protect a medical lead from physical damage resulting from an over tightened suture is described. The reinforced suture sleeve comprises a metallic tubular insert with at least one slot that cut through the surface of the insert in a spiraled pattern. A biocompatible and pliable polymeric body is molded over the insert. The spiraled cut slot in the metallic tubular insert provides flexibility without degrading structural integrity. An alternate embodiment comprises a polymeric body provided with an embedded fiber mesh made of polymeric fibers, metallic fibers or combinations thereof. The fiber mesh prevents an over tightened suture from cutting through the suture sleeve and damaging the medical lead.

Abstract: Processes for manufacture and assembly of implantable medical devices are described. In particular, techniques are provided for nondestructive electrical isolation assessment of feedthrough assemblies of the implantable medical devices. The feedthrough assemblies may include an insulating structure, a plurality of terminal pins extending through the insulator and a ferrule having an inner lumen into which the insulating structure is disposed. One or more insulating seals may be disposed at the interface of the ferrule-to-insulating structure and/or the terminal pin-to-insulating structure. The electrical isolation assessments may be based on the dielectric properties of the components of the feedthrough assemblies, such as the insulating structure.

Abstract: An implantable electrical stimulation lead includes a lead body having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, a distal tip, a longitudinal length, and a longitudinal surface. Segmented tip electrodes are disposed circumferentially about the distal tip of the lead body and are electrically-isolated from each other. Each segmented tip electrode has an inner surface and an opposing outer stimulating surface exposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead body. A portion of the lead body is disposed against the inner surfaces of each of the segmented tip electrodes and circumferentially between each of the segmented tip electrodes. A non-tip electrode is disposed along the distal end portion of the lead body proximal to the segmented tip electrodes. Terminals are disposed along the proximal end portion of the lead body. Conductors electrically couple the terminals to the segmented tip electrodes and to the non-tip electrode.

Abstract: A device for brain stimulation includes a lead body having a longitudinal surface and a distal end. The device further includes at least one ring array. The at least one ring array includes a plurality of split ring electrodes disposed on the distal end of the lead body. Each of the plurality of split ring electrodes includes a stimulating portion and a base portion coupled to the stimulating portion. The split ring electrodes of the at least one ring array are arranged about the circumference of the lead body. At least a portion of the base portion of at least one of the plurality of split ring electrodes is disposed below, and insulated from, at least a portion of the stimulating portion of another of the plurality of split electrodes.

Abstract: Processes for manufacture and assembly of implantable medical devices are described. In particular, techniques are provided for nondestructive electrical isolation assessment of feedthrough assemblies of the implantable medical devices. The feedthrough assemblies may include an insulating structure, a plurality of terminal pins extending through the insulator and a ferrule having an inner lumen into which the insulating structure is disposed. One or more insulating seals may be disposed at the interface of the ferrule-to-insulating structure and/or the terminal pin-to-insulating structure. The electrical isolation assessments may be based on the dielectric properties of the components of the feedthrough assemblies, such as the insulating structure.

Abstract: A lead for in vivo procedures for stimulation of a tissue is provided that has stimulating electrodes and a fixation mechanism disposed at a distal end of the lead. The fixation mechanism includes a fixation component disposed on an opposite side with respect to an active surface of the stimulation electrodes. The lead fixation mechanism when deployed disposes the active surface of stimulation electrodes onto a tissue region opposite to the fixation component. A system and a method for optimally positioning the lead for stimulation of the tissue are also provided.

Abstract: A lead anchor includes a lead lumen forming a continuous passageway through an inner housing. A fastener lumen extends along the inner housing and forms an intersection with the lead lumen. A lead-retention assembly removably retains a lead within the lead anchor. The lead-retention assembly includes a sleeve formed from a rigid material. The sleeve is disposed within the lead lumen at the intersection between the fastener lumen and the lead lumen. The sleeve lumen receives the lead when the lead is received by the lead lumen. A fastener is disposed in the fastener lumen and retains the received lead within the lead anchor by pressing against the sleeve to reduce the diameter of the sleeve at the intersection between the fastener lumen and the lead lumen by reducing the width of a longitudinal cutout defined along the sleeve at the intersection between the fastener lumen and the lead lumen.

Abstract: One aspect provides a method of forming a feedthrough device for an implantable medical device. The method includes providing a bulk insulator having a longitudinal length extending between first and second end faces, and including one or more conducting elements extending therethrough between the first and second end faces, the bulk insulator having a perimeter surface along the longitudinal length, and depositing one of a metal, metal alloy, or cermet on the perimeter surface to form a ferrule directly thereon, wherein the ferrule can be joined to other components of the implantable medical device.

Abstract: Provided are devices for treating tissue. In particular, the devices may include a first conductive elongate member having a first distal bend portion, a first leg portion extending proximally from the first distal bend portion, and a second leg portion extending proximally from the first distal bend portion. The device may also include a second conductive elongate member having a second distal bend portion, a third leg portion extending proximally from the second distal bend portion, and a fourth leg portion extending proximally from the second distal bend portion. The second distal bend portion may be disposed proximally of the first distal bend portion. The device may also include an elongate pull member affixed to the second distal bend portion.