Abstract: Implantable medical devices include elongated conductor bodies and related features including an attachment to the medical device at one end and a connector that receives a medical lead at the other end. The connector may have various features such as a modular design whereby the connector is constructed from a series of stacked contact modules. Other features of the connector include electrical contacts that are relatively thin conductors or the order of 0.040 inches or less and that may include radial protrusions to establish contact with the electrical connectors of the lead. Furthermore, electrical contacts may be mounted within the connector in a floating manner so that radial movement of the electrical contact may occur during lead insertion. Additional features include a feedthrough where conductors exposed beyond a housing of the implantable medical device make direct electrical connection to conductors present within the elongated body.

Abstract: In various examples, an apparatus is configured for at least partial insertion in a living body. The apparatus includes an elongate lead body including a proximal lead end and a distal lead end. At least one connector is disposed proximate the proximal lead end. At least one flexible conductive surface is disposed at least partially around the lead body proximate the distal lead end. At least one conductor extends within the lead body from the at least one connector to the at least one flexible conductive surface.

Abstract: A medical lead is configured to be implanted into a patient's body and comprises a lead body, and an electrode coupled to the lead body. The electrode comprises a first section configured to contact the patient's body, and a second section capacitively coupled to the first section and configured to be electrically coupled to the patient's body.

Abstract: Suture anchors for securing therapy delivery elements, such as stimulation leads or catheters, within a living body. The suture anchor includes an inner sleeve constructed with an inner layer of a softer, more pliable material that easily conforms to the therapy delivery element to reduce slippage and an outer layer constructed from a harder, stiffer durometer material that protects the therapy delivery elements from damage due to over-tightening the tie down sutures. A suture material located in the suture groove is tensioned to apply a radial compressive force. The reinforcing structure spreads the radial compressive force along a greater surface area of the therapy delivery element.

Abstract: An intravascular electrode device for use in neuromodulation includes an anchor expandable from a radially compressed position to a radially expanded position. A lead extends from the anchor and has at least one conductor extending through it. A flex circuit is coupled to the anchor and comprises a flexible insulative substrate, a plurality of electrodes carried by the substrate, and a plurality of conductive traces carried by the substrate, each trace electrically coupled to an electrode and a conductor. Expansion of the anchor within a blood vessel biases the electrodes into contact with the surrounding blood vessel wall. An exemplary anchor includes a first portion having expansion forces sufficient to bias the electrodes against the vessel wall for mapping and chronic stimulation, and a second portion having greater radial expansion forces sufficient to chronically engage the vessel wall once an optimal electrode location has been selected.

Abstract: A hub (200) includes a first lead receptacle having a plurality of contacts (280) for electrically coupling a lead to an implantable electrical device. The hub further contains a second lead receptacle having a plurality of contacts for electrically coupling a lead to the implantable electrical device. At least one of the plurality of contacts of the first receptacle is a contact of the second receptacle. Such a configuration may allow for the overall size of the hub to be reduced relative to a hub where each discrete contact of the hub corresponds to a discrete contact or electrical channel of the implantable electrical device.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for mapping a high resolution image to a lower resolution electrode array and, by applying varying stimulus to neighboring electrodes, creating a perceived image greater in resolution than the electrode array. The invention is applicable to a wide range of neural stimulation devices including artificial vision and artificial hearing. By applying a sub-threshold stimulus to two neighboring electrodes where the sum of the stimuli is above the threshold of perception, a perception is created in neural tissue between the two electrodes. By adjusting the stimulus on neighboring electrodes, the location of stimulation can be altered. Further, noise can be applied to the stimulating electrode or its neighboring electrodes to reduce the threshold of stimulation.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a medical system. The medical system an implantable lead configured to deliver an electrical stimulation therapy for a patient. The lead includes an elongate lead body that is configured to be coupled to a pulse generator that generates electrical stimulations pulses as part of the electrical stimulation therapy. The lead also includes a paddle coupled to the lead body. The paddle contains a plurality of electrodes that are each configured to deliver the electrical stimulation pulses to the patient. The plurality of electrodes is arranged into at least three columns that each include a respective subset of the electrodes. The plurality of electrodes each includes a unique centerline, wherein the centerlines extend in directions transverse to the columns.

Abstract: A method of performing an intracardiac procedure using controlled intermittent diastolic arrest (CIDA) to expand the chambers of the heart to a volume between about 75 to 200% of their normal end-diastolic volume. In one embodiment, CIDA is conducted so that cardiac arrest with cardiac distention is achieved in about 5 to 15 seconds and diastolic arrest is maintained for a time between about 5 and 90 seconds. Intracardiac procedures that are facilitated with CIDA include heart valve repair or replacement. The method involves the use of CIDA and wherein the procedure is performed in or on the heart with the use of a catheter or catheter-delivered device, therapy, or agent. In one aspect, the heart is accessed during CIDA via a left ventricular apical access port or device. In one aspect CIDA is conducted via stimulation of the vagal nerve alone or in combination with one or more of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, a ?-adrenergic receptor blocker, and/or a calcium channel blocker.

Abstract: There is disclosed various embodiments of an implantable anchor for anchoring a medical lead within a patient. The implantable anchor includes a body having at least one lumen for receiving a medical lead, a cam integrated with the body and rotatable to extend into the lumen for engaging the medical lead and inhibiting the movement of the lead with respect to the anchor. The cam may include a handle for facilitating the rotation of the cam. A needle could be connected to the handle to facilitate the securing of the anchor to a portion of the patient.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials involved in delivering therapies to target tissue (e.g., a peripheral nerve). For example, methods and materials for placing and subsequently using leads to deliver electrical and/or drug therapies to target tissues (e.g., nerves and/or arteries) are provided.

Abstract: A medical lead includes a plurality of electrodes on an annular distal end portion of the lead. The electrodes may be arranged along a circle concentric with the center of a void defined by the annular portion. The annular medical lead design is well suited for application of electrical signal therapy to the suborbital nerve at its point of exit from the inferior orbital foramen in the skull.

Abstract: An active fixation lead may have a lead body formed at least in part from an inner member and an outer sheath. The inner member may include a pace/sense lumen and one or more cable lumens. The inner member may include one or more longitudinally extending crumple zones that are configured to reduce stress within the pace/sense lumen that could otherwise be caused by compressive forces applied to the lead.

Abstract: Various methods for laser welding biocompatible material for use in implantable medical devices are disclosed. A method for laser processing includes applying a laser beam to a biocompatible material comprising at least 85% by weight zirconium oxide (ZrO2) or “zirconia” in an oxygen-free environment and depleting the material of oxygen. The depletion of oxygen converts the zirconium oxide to elemental zirconium at an interface where the material is applied to the elemental zirconium. In one embodiment, the present invention provides for an implantable medical device or component thereof made of a biocompatible material comprising zirconium oxide. The device includes a substrate that has an intrinsic conductive pathway comprising elemental zirconium that extends from a first surface to a second surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A spinal cord lead anchor comprising a longitudinally extending sleeve having an aperture sized and positioned to receive a spinal cord lead. A retainer is disposed around the sleeve and is operative to compress at least a portion of the sleeve against a spinal cord lead extending through the sleeve. A cover extends around the retainer and includes at least one opening formed through the cover to facilitate engaging the retainer with a tool.

Abstract: A tool for deploying an anchor sleeve onto one or more implantable medical device bodies includes a holding element, on which the sleeve is mounted, and a base member having a channel, which receives the element in sliding engagement. A conduit of the holding element receives the one or more elongate bodies in sliding engagement. A deployment tip forms an opening of the channel, through which the holding element extends in sliding engagement, and which engages the mounted anchor sleeve for deployment thereof. The deployment tip may be provided as a separate component, wherein a distal segment of the base member is configured for attachment therewith; as such, the tip may be part of a deployment assembly that also includes the holding element. The deployment assembly may be selected from a plurality thereof included in a kit along with the base member.

Abstract: Apparatus (20) is provided, including a bifurcation stent (50) comprising one or more electrodes (32), the stent (50) configured to be placed in a primary passage (52) and a secondary passage (54) of a blood vessel (30), and a control unit (34), configured to drive the electrodes (32) to apply a signal to a wall (36) of the blood vessel (30), and to configure the signal to increase nitric oxide (NO) secretion by the wall (36). Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A lead anchor includes a body defining a lead lumen extending from a first end to a second end of the body to receive a lead, and a transverse lumen extending from a top end of the body and perpendicularly intersecting the lead lumen. Further, anchor includes a fastener disposed in the transverse lumen and configured for fastening the lead to the anchor by engaging a portion of the lead. The fastener includes a head defining an indented pattern configured to receive a tip portion of a tool. The pattern is tilted so that the tip portion of the tool can be inserted into the pattern at an angle with respect to the transverse lumen. The angle lies between 20-85 degrees as measured between a tool's longitudinal axis and a plane that contains the lead lumen's longitudinal axis and is perpendicular to the transverse lumen.

Abstract: A method for treating a patient having nociceptive pain in a body region using at least one electrode implanted within a spinal column of the patient. The method comprises conveying electrical stimulation energy from the at least one implanted electrode to an efferent motor neural structure innervating the body region, thereby inducing an endogenous chemical response within a spinal cord of the patient that treats the nociceptive pain. Another method for treating a patient suffering from a medical ailment.

Abstract: A neuromimetic device includes a feedforward pathway and a feedback pathway. The device operates in parallel with a suspect neural region, coupled between regions afferent and efferent to the suspect region. The device can be trained to mimic the suspect region while the region is still considered functional; and then replace the region once the region is considered dysfunctional. The device may be particularly useful in treating neuromotor issues such as Parkinson's disease.

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

Abstract: An implantable medical lead for transmitting electrical pulses to excitable bodily tissue and/or signals detected at bodily tissue to a detection and evaluation unit, including a distal electrode or a distal sensor, or actuator; a proximal electrode connector or sensor/actuator connector; and a lead pole which connects the electrode or the sensor or actuator to the electrode connector or sensor/actuator connector and extends in the lead body, wherein the lead pole comprises at least two separate and individually insulated conductors which are electrically interconnected at least at one point which functions as an interchange point, or reversal point, in the lead extension from the proximal electrode or sensor connector to the distal electrode or the distal sensor, and wherein at least one of the separate conductors, in particular close to the reversal point, is interrupted at least once and/or is not connected at one end.

Abstract: A lead assembly and a method of making a lead are provided. The method of making a multi-contact lead assembly comprises placing monofilament placed in the void spaces not occupied by the plurality of conductor wires and, in one embodiment, thermally fusing the monofilament to the like material spacer by applying heat just below the melting temperature of the monofilament and spacer material. Alternatively, the monofilament and spacer may be of different materials and heat is applied to cause at least one material to thermally reflow or melt. The conductive contacts may be located at either the distal end and/or proximal end of the lead. Oversized spacers may be used in order to provide extra material to fill voids during the thermal fusion/reflow process.

Abstract: An implantable device for providing electrical stimulation of cervical vagus nerves for treatment of chronic cardiac dysfunction with leadless heart rate monitoring is provided. A stimulation therapy lead includes helical electrodes configured to conform to an outer diameter of a cervical vagus nerve sheath, and a set of connector pins electrically connected to the helical electrodes. The neurostimulator includes a pulse generator configured to therapeutically stimulate the vagus nerve through the helical electrodes in alternating cycles of stimuli application and stimuli inhibition that are tuned to both efferently activate the heart's intrinsic nervous system and afferently activate the patient's central reflexes by triggering bi-directional action potentials. The neurostimulator includes an integrated leadless heart rate sensor configured to sense heart rate and to record the sensed heart rate as data into a memory.

Abstract: An implantable lead for an electrical stimulation system includes a lead body having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal length, and a circumference; a plurality of electrodes disposed along the distal end of the lead body in an electrode array; a plurality of terminals disposed along the proximal end of the lead body; a plurality of conductors electrically coupling the plurality of electrodes to the plurality of terminals; and at least one capsule including an x-ray fluorescent material and disposed along the distal end of the lead body relative to the electrode array to indicate, when viewed fluoroscopically, an orientation of the electrode array. The plurality of electrodes includes a plurality of segmented electrodes. Each of the plurality of segmented electrodes extends partially around the circumference of the lead body.

Abstract: Described is an implantable lead comprising a flexible body extending between a proximal end and a distal end and a distal assembly coupled to the distal end of the body. The distal assembly includes a housing having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end fixedly coupled to the distal end of the lead body, a coupler rotatably disposed within the housing, the coupler having a proximal end and a distal end, and a helical electrode fixedly secured to the distal end of the coupler. The helical electrode comprises a proximal axial length portion that comprises a non-degradable material, and a distal axial length portion that comprises a biodegradable material. The coupler and the helical electrode are configured to rotate and therefore translate relative to the housing.

Abstract: An active implantable medical device (AIMD). The AIMD comprises an electronics module; and 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 intertwined with the at least one non-conductive filament, and configured to be electrically connected to the electronics module.

Abstract: An implantable line having an elongated line body, a function conductor extending in the longitudinal direction of the line body, acting to implement a medical function of the line, whereby in addition to the function conductor, a field decoupling conductor which extends over at least a section of the length of the line body essentially parallel to the function conductor is provided, thereby reducing the coupling of the function conductor to an external field.

Abstract: A PFO closing device includes: a clamper including a stick portion provided at a distal portion of a catheter for sticking to a foramen ovale valve and a sandwich member for sandwiching a biological tissue composed of the foramen ovale valve and an atrial septum secundum in cooperation with the stick portion; a cautery device including at least one electrode portion to be inserted into the foramen ovale between the foramen ovale valve and the atrial septum secundum; and an electric energy supply unit for supplying electric energy to the electrode portion, wherein the electrode portion is inserted into the foramen ovale and at the same time, the foramen ovale valve and the atrial septum secundum are sandwiched by the clamper, electric energy is supplied from the electric energy supply unit to the electrode portion and the foramen ovale valve and the atrial septum secundum are mutually fused.

Abstract: One embodiment is a method of making a stimulation lead that includes providing a pre-electrode assembly comprising a plurality of segmented electrodes and a plurality of raised connectors. Each of the segmented electrodes is coupled to at least one other of the segmented electrodes by at least one of the raised connectors. The method further includes forming the pre-electrode assembly into a tube with the tube defining a longitudinal axis. Each of the raised connectors is disposed at a radius with respect to the longitudinal axis that is greater than a radius of any of the segmented electrodes with respect to the longitudinal axis. The method also includes forming at least a portion of a lead body around the segmented electrodes of the pre-electrode assembly; and grinding the tube comprising the pre-electrode assembly and portion of the lead body to remove the plurality of raised connectors leaving the plurality of segmented electrodes and the portion of the lead body.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient suffering from a glioma. The method comprises delivering electrical energy to a glia at a margin of the glioma, thereby stimulating the glioma.

Abstract: A system for cleaning mating parts of an implantable connector includes an implantable connector and a cleaning structure. The implantable connector includes first and second detachable mating parts configured: to be implantable in living tissue; to terminate at least a first segment of a cable; and to have with first and second interfacing surfaces, respectively. The clean structure includes: a cleaning structure configured to clean the first and second interfacing surfaces as the first and second mating parts are being engaged.

Abstract: A lead for an implantable cardiac prosthesis, with protection against the thermal effects of MRI fields by terminating the lead head (10) with an electrically insulating tubular outer housing (28) and an anchoring mechanism. The tubular housing (28) carries an electrically isolated thermally conductive solid part in the outer region of its distal end forming a heat sink. The heat sink thermally conductive material is for example titanium, associated with an electrically insulating coating such as a diamond deposition. The anchor may be a projecting helical anchoring screw (20), axially extending the tubular housing, which is an electrically conductive active screw on at least one end portion.

Abstract: An implantable device for evaluating autonomic cardiovascular drive in a patient suffering from chronic cardiac dysfunction is provided. A stimulation therapy lead includes helical electrodes configured to conform to an outer diameter of a cervical vagus nerve sheath, and a set of connector pins electrically connected to the helical electrodes. A neurostimulator includes an electrical receptacle into which the connector pins are securely and electrically coupled. The neurostimulator also includes a pulse generator configured to therapeutically stimulate the vagus nerve through the helical electrodes in alternating cycles of stimuli application and stimuli inhibition that are tuned to both efferently activate the heart's intrinsic nervous system and afferently activate the patient's central reflexes by triggering bi-directional action potentials. The neurostimulator includes a recordable memory storing a baseline heart rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode array for a medical implant device, comprising a substrate supporting a plurality of electrodes, the substrate comprising at least two layers of material including a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer of material and the second layer of material have different coefficients of thermal expansion. The plurality of electrodes may be supported on the first layer of material, and are preferably incorporated in and/or project from the second layer of material. The second layer of material may itself have a layered structure comprising multiple material layers, with the plurality of electrodes incorporated within the said multiple material layers. The first layer of material preferably has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the second layer of material. The invention furthermore provides a medical implant device including an electrode array according to the invention, and a method of manufacturing such an electrode array.

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

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

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

Abstract: 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 shielded component or network for an active medical device (AMD) implantable lead includes (1) an implantable lead having a length extending from a proximal end to a distal end, all external of an AMD housing, (2) a passive component or network disposed somewhere along the length of the implantable lead, the passive component or network including at least one inductive component having a first inductive value, and (3) an electromagnetic shield substantially surrounding the inductive component or the passive network. The first inductive value of the inductive component is adjusted to a account for a shift in its inductance to a second inductive value when shielded.

Abstract: An implantable device for providing electrical stimulation of cervical vagus nerves for treatment of chronic cardiac dysfunction with bounded titration is provided. A stimulation therapy lead includes helical electrodes configured to conform to an outer diameter of a cervical vagus nerve sheath, and a set of connector pins electrically connected to the helical electrodes. A neurostimulator includes an electrical receptacle into which the connector pins are securely and electrically coupled. The neurostimulator includes a pulse generator configured to therapeutically stimulate the vagus nerve through the helical electrodes in alternating cycles of stimuli application and stimuli inhibition that are tuned to both efferently activate the heart's intrinsic nervous system and afferently activate the patient's central reflexes by triggering bi-directional action potentials.

Abstract: Medical leads included coiled filars that have longitudinally straight ends. The coiled filars may be coiled at a constant pitch until reaching the point where the filars become longitudinally straight. The coiled filars may reside within a central lumen of the lead body, while the longitudinally straight portions may reside in a region where electrical connectors are present and where filar passageways provide a pathway for the filars to exit the central lumen and bond with the electrical connectors. The coiled filars may be created with longitudinally straight ends using a body that includes longitudinally straight holes that receive the filars and maintain the longitudinally straight configuration while the remaining portion of the filars is being coiled.

Abstract: Systems and methods to treat a pulmonary disorder are provided. A particular method includes positioning an electrode in a patient's body at a location proximate a branch of a vagus nerve. The branch of the vagus nerve includes at least one of a bronchial branch of the vagus nerve and a pulmonary plexus. The method also includes activating the electrode such that energy is delivered from the electrode to the branch of the vagus nerve so as to block intrinsic neural activity in the branch of the vagus nerve to treat the pulmonary disorder.

Abstract: Thermal drawing processes can be used to make multifunctional, high-resolution neural probes for neural recording and stimulation. An exemplary neural probe may include one or more conductive fibers or microelectrodes coated with two or more layers of insulating material, at least one of which is partially etched to expose a tip at the neural probe's distal end. The conductive fibers conduct electrical signals (e.g., neural spikes or electrical stimulation) between the tip and the neural probe's proximal end. Optional optical and fluidic waveguides may guide light and fluid, respectively, between the tip and the proximal end. A neural probe may be flexible enough for long-term (chronic) implantation in neural tissue (e.g., the brain) without excessive tissue damage, even during movement of the brain in the skull. The probe may be made from biocompatible materials, such as insulating and conductive polymers, that have negligible (insignificant) interaction with the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A method and system for the diagnosis of anomalies in a lead attached to an implantable medical device, such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), including an insulation breach resulting in a short circuit of the high-voltage shock pulse. Determination that the defibrillation pathway is shorted may be made by initial analysis of a Reference EGM and Diagnostic EGM and subsequent analysis of Differential Diagnostic EGMs. Upon determining if a specific defibrillation pathway is shorted, the nonessential defibrillation electrode of that pathway may be excluded from the defibrillation circuit, delivering defibrillation current only between functioning defibrillation electrodes. Alternatively, the ICD system can confirm the presence of a lead anomaly with one or more alternative diagnostic approaches. Patient and remote-monitoring alerts may be initiated.

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 for forming a lead or lead extension having an arrangement of elongated conductors disposed in a body of a lead or lead extension includes ablating a plurality of spaced-apart channels in proximity to at least one of the proximal end or the distal end of the body to expose at least part of at least one of the conductors. A C-shaped contact is disposed into each of a different one of the transverse channels. Each C-shaped contact is electrically coupled to at least one of the conductors. Each C-shaped contact is closed so that opposing ends of the C-shaped contact are adjacent to one another and aligned over one of the elongated conductors. The two opposing ends of each C-shaped contact is coupled together such that each C-shaped contact forms a continuous path around the arrangement within the transverse channel in which the C-shaped contact is disposed.

Abstract: A tool for assisting in the planning or performing of electrical neuromodulation of a patient's spinal cord. The tool may have various functions and capabilities, including calculating a volume of activation, registering an electrode(s) shown in a radiologic image, constructing functional images of the patient's spinal anatomy, targeting of neuromodulation, finding a functional midline between multiple electrodes, determining the three-dimensional position of multiple electrodes, and/or accommodating for electrode migration. In certain embodiments, the tool can be embodied as computer software or a computer system.

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: One example includes an implantable lead including an elongate lead body which includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. In the example, the lead includes a coupler configured to couple to an implantable medical device. The lead includes a first conductor, coupled to the coupler, and extending away from the coupler at least partially through the lead. The lead includes a first electrode, located on the lead away from the coupler and a first switch, located on the lead away from the coupler, the first switch configured to control conductivity between the conductor and the electrode. The lead also includes a first controller circuit, coupled to the conductor and including a first multiplexer circuit configured to multiplex over the conductor a first signal and a second signal, the first controller circuit configured to control the first switch based at least on the first signal.