Abstract: An implantable medical lead includes (i) a proximal end portion including a contact and having a proximal end; and (ii) a distal end portion including an electrode and having a distal end. The electrode is electrically coupled to the contact. The distal end portion is generally flat and sufficiently stiff to be pushed through subcutaneous tissue.

Abstract: A medical device includes a pulse generator and a filter. The pulse generator is configured to generate a stimulation signal and to provide the stimulation signal to tissue of a patient via an implantable lead assembly. The filter is configured to couple to the implantable lead assembly. A combined impedance of the implantable lead assembly and the filter with respect to a current induced by an external electro-magnetic field satisfies an impedance threshold when the external electro-magnetic field has a first frequency and when the external electro-magnetic field has a second frequency. The combined impedance has a peak impedance value when the external electro-magnetic field has a third frequency that is between the first frequency and the second frequency.

Abstract: A neuromodulation system includes a first therapy element adapted for positioning within a superior vena cava, and a second therapy element adapted for positioning within a pulmonary artery. The first therapy element is carried on a first elongate flexible shaft, and the second therapy element is carried on a second elongate flexible shaft. One of the first and second shafts is slidably received within a lumen of the other of the first and second shafts—so that the second therapy element may be advanced within the body relative to the first therapy element. A stimulator is configured to energize the first therapy element within the first blood vessel to deliver therapy to a first nerve fiber disposed external to the superior vena cava and to energize the second therapy element within the pulmonary artery to deliver sympathetic therapy to a second nerve fiber disposed external to the pulmonary artery.

Abstract: The current invention concerns systems, devices and methods for the ablation of a vessel's wall from the inside, more specifically to implant devices and to the ablation of the wall of one or more pulmonary veins (PV) from the inside, preferably transmural ablation and preferably at the level of the antrum. Hereby, one or more implant devices can be implanted in the vessels and can subsequently be heated by external energy-providing means.

Abstract: An implantable pulse generator includes a device housing containing pulse generator circuitry and a header molded to the device housing. The header can be formed of an epoxy header material. A header component can have a first part molded in the header material to fix the header component to the header at a surface of the header and a second part extending out of the header material.

Abstract: Described here are bioelectric modulation systems and methods for generating rotating or spatially-selective electromagnetic fields. A modulation system includes a multichannel electrode with independently controllable electrode channels that can be operated to generate rotating electromagnetic fields that stimulate cells regardless of their orientation, or to generate spatially-selective electromagnetic fields that preferentially stimulate cells oriented along a particular direction. The bioelectric modulation system may be implemented for stimulation of neurons or other electrically active cells. The bioelectric modulation described here may be used for a variety applications including deep brain stimulation (DBS), spinal cord and vagus nerve stimulation, stimulation of myocardial (heart) tissue, and directional stimulation of muscles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for fastening or clamping tissue to tissue or non-tissue layers and for occluding tubular body structures. Tissue fasteners having separate proximal and distal implants, each with self-expanding, radially extending legs are connected together on opposite sides of tissue and non-tissue layers. The legs of the proximal and distal implants are interdigitated in the absence of such layers.

Abstract: An embodiment relates to a method for delivering a vagal stimulation therapy to a vagus nerve, including delivering a neural stimulation signal to non-selectively stimulate both afferent axons and efferent axons in the vagus nerve according to a predetermined schedule for the vagal stimulation therapy, and selecting a value for at least one parameter for the predetermined schedule for the vagal stimulation therapy to control the neural stimulation therapy to avoid physiological habituation to the vagal stimulation therapy. The parameter(s) include at least one parameter selected from the group of parameters consisting of a predetermined therapy duration parameter for a predetermined therapy period, and a predetermined intermittent neural stimulation parameter associated with on/off timing for the intermittent neural stimulation parameter.

Abstract: A flexible, optically transparent electrode array comprises at least one graph electrode. The electrode may be positioned on a substrate. The flexible, optically transparent electrode may be used for simultaneous optical imaging and electrophysiological monitoring.

Abstract: A system for assessing brain health of a user includes an electronics module including an active brainwave sensor that collects channels of electroencephalography (EEG) brainwave data, a plurality of biological sensors, and a stimulation device. The biological sensors include a microphone that captures verbal responses of the subject during a battery of tasks, an image sensor that records eye positions, eye saccade and other biometric identification information, an accelerometer, a gyrometer, a thermometer, a pulse oximetry sensor, a dermal skin conductance sensor, and key strokes, mouse clicks or touch events to measure cognitive data of the user. The stimulation device applies a battery of tasks including a visual or photic stimulant, an auditory stimulant, a gastronomic stimulant, an olfactory stimulant, a touch stimulant, and a cognitive challenge stimulant to the user. The plurality of biological sensors simultaneously measure the body's response to stimulants for recordation by the electronics module.

Abstract: An implant unit configured for implantation into a body of a subject is provided. The implant unit may include a flexible carrier unit including a central portion and two elongated arms extending from the central portion, an antenna, located on the central portion, configured to receive a signal, at least one pair of electrodes arranged on a first elongated arm of the two elongated arms. The at least one pair of electrodes may be adapted to modulate a first nerve. The elongated arms of the flexible carrier may be configured to form an open ended curvature around a muscle with the nerve to be stimulated within an arc of the curvature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system including an electrode and a stylet configured to steer the electrode towards its intended position during implantation, and a method for such system's use. An electrode is provided having regions with varied flexibility. A stylet having bends that are indexed to specific regions of flexibility of the electrode may be inserted into the electrode, and upon minimal radial and/or longitudinal movement of the stylet within the electrode, will cause the magnitude of the angle to which the lead is bent to either increase or decrease so as to aid the operator in placement of the electrode.

Abstract: An electrode for the electrical stimulation of brain tissue or other tissue of a patient is configured for location between skull and scalp of the patient. The electrode has a stimulation surface which is configured for contacting the skull of the patient. The electrode is a disc-shaped electrode having a pre-shaped flat or concave stimulation surface.

Abstract: Biomaterials, such as hydrogels, can be mechanically secured to electrodes of an implantable device, such as electrodes made of noble metals. The hydrogel can be mechanically secured via anchoring features of the electrode. Anchoring features can include apertures, voids, textures, or other patterns created in or on the electrode. The hydrogel can incorporate into the anchoring features to mechanically hold the hydrogel against the electrode. The anchoring features, by being located in or on the electrode, can further increase the surface area of the electrode that is exposed to the hydrogel, which can facilitate the conduction of electrical signals between the electrode and surrounding biological tissue. The substrate supporting the electrode can include additional anchoring features that further assist in mechanically securing the hydrogel.

Abstract: A reservoir of a system for deploying an implantable lead to an extravascular location delivers a flow of fluid through a lumen of one or both of a tunneling tool and an introducer of the system. In some cases, the tunneling tool includes a pressure sensor assembly for monitoring a change in a pressure of the flow through the lumen thereof. Alternately, or in addition, a flow-controlled passageway, through which the flow of fluid from the reservoir is delivered to the lumen of the introducer, includes a compliant chamber to hold a reserve of the fluid. Fluid from the reserve may be drawn into the lumen of the introducer as the tunneling tool is withdrawn therefrom. Alternately, the introducer may include a chamber located between two seals, wherein fluid that fills the chamber is drawn distally into the lumen of the introducer, as the tunneling tool is withdrawn therefrom.

Abstract: Biomaterials, such as hydrogels, can be mechanically secured to an electrode of an implantable device using a non-swellable shell. Hydrogel can be applied to an electrode surface and then mechanically constrained in place by a non-swellable shell. The non-swellable material can be secured to a substrate supporting an electrode or can otherwise surround an electrode and the hydrogel. The non-swellable shell can include openings or passthroughs that allow for electrical conduction across the non-swellable shell. The hydrogel can extend out of the openings to contact adjacent biological tissue. In some cases, an outer layer of hydrogel can surround the non-swellable shell and connected to the inner layer of hydrogel through the openings of the non-swellable shell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an implantable electronic device. The device includes a housing and a header connector assembly coupled to the housing. The header connector assembly includes a DF4/IS4 assembly and a header including a bore. The DF4/IS4 assembly is locked within the bore via a locking datum arrangement that exists between the DF4/IS4 assembly and the header.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead includes a body having distal and proximal end portions, a longitudinal length, at least one anchoring lumen, and at least one open slot spaced apart from each end of the lead body. Each anchoring lumen is open at a slot and extends both distally and proximally from the slot. The lead also includes electrodes; terminals; conductors electrically coupling the terminals to the electrodes; and at least one anchoring element at least partially disposed in an anchoring lumen. Each anchoring element includes at least one bent portion biased to extend an extension portion of the anchoring element out of a slot when the anchoring element is in a deployed position and can retract the extension portion into an anchoring lumen when the anchoring element is in a constrained position. The lead further includes an attachment member attached to each anchoring element and disposed proximal to each slot.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes: a hearing aid housing with a connector socket; and an earpiece connector with a connector plug; wherein the connector plug of the earpiece connector is configured to releasably couple to the connector socket of the hearing aid housing for connecting the earpiece connector to the hearing aid housing; and wherein the connector plug of the earpiece connector comprises a connector plug body having a deadbolt movably arranged in the connector plug body.

Abstract: A neurostimulation paddle lead, method of neurostimulation, and neurostimulation system are provided. The neurostimulation paddle lead carries a plurality of electrodes comprising at least four columns of electrodes having a spacing between two inner electrode columns less than a spacing between the inner electrode columns and adjacent outer electrode columns. The inner electrode columns may also be longitudinally offset from the outer electrode columns. The methods and neurostimulation systems steer current between the electrodes to modify a medial-lateral electrical field created adjacent spinal cord tissue.

Abstract: A flexible sheet for neurostimulation is described having a flexible non-conductive substrate matrix in which electrodes are embedded along a lower surface. Electrically conductive wires extend from the electrodes through the flexible substrate to another exterior surface of the substrate. Methods of making the flexible sheet and making a device using the flexible sheet are also disclosed.

Abstract: Extraction devices for extracting chronically implanted devices such as leadless cardiac pacemakers (LCP). In some cases, the extraction devices may be configured to cut, tear or ablate through at least some of the tissue ingrowth around and/or over the chronically implanted device such that a retrieval feature on the chronically implanted device may be grasped for removal of the chronically implanted device. Implantable medical devices such as LCPs may include features that facilitate their removal.

Abstract: A subcutaneously implantable device includes a housing, a clip attached to a top side of the housing, and an electrode. The clip is configured to anchor the device to a muscle, a bone, and/or a first tissue. The electrode is configured to contact an organ, a nerve, the first tissue, and/or a second tissue. Circuitry in the housing is in electrical communication with the electrode and is configured to sense an electrical signal from the organ, the nerve, the first tissue, and/or the second tissue through the electrode; deliver electrical stimulation to the organ, the nerve, the first tissue, and/or the second tissue through the electrode; and/or deliver a signal to a drug pump to provide a targeted or systemic therapeutic drug to the organ, the nerve, the first tissue, and/or the second tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing at least one implant for focal electrical stimulation of a nervous structure, said implant being of the type including in a supporting structure a network of cavities at the bottom of which are placed microelectrodes, the cavities being bounded by walls erected and located around the microelectrodes, the supporting structure being produced beforehand by implementing the following steps: deposition and etching, in a planar manner, on an insulating substrate, of electrical contacts, of electrical tracks and of microelectrodes, first tracks electrically connecting the microelectrodes and the electrical contacts, second electrical tracks being electrically connected to a ground.

Abstract: An electronic stimulation device is adapted for electrically stimulating a target zone of an organism. The electronic stimulation device comprises at least one electronic stimulation unit. The electronic stimulation unit includes at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode. The electronic stimulation unit receives an electrical stimulation signal to impel the first electrode and the second electrode to generate an electric field. The range of the electric field covers the target zone, and the electric field strength ranges from 100 V/m to 1000 V/m. The target zone is selected from the group consisting of a dorsal root and a dorsal root entry zone of a spinal cord, and the electronic stimulation unit is configured to be disposed in an anatomical space of the organism, and said anatomical space is selected from the group consisting of a spinal canal, a lateral recess and an epidural space.

Abstract: A method of monitoring electrical stimulation includes electrically stimulating tissue of a patient using at least one electrode of an implanted electrical stimulation lead. A distal portion of the electrical stimulation lead is disposed adjacent to the tissue of the patient to be stimulated. The electrical stimulation lead includes the at least one electrode and at least one light receiver disposed along the distal portion of the electrical stimulation lead. The method also includes receiving light from the tissue at the at least one light receiver of the lead. Other methods include emitting light from the lead to induce the emission of light or electrical signals from the tissue which are then received by the lead.

Abstract: An electrode system for sensing biometric signals from a body region of a user and a method of manufacture thereof, the electrode system comprising: a substrate comprising a reference region and a signal communication region, the signal communication region including a set of conductive leads; a set of biosensing contacts coupled to the set of conductive leads; a non-conductive region ensheathing each of the set of biosensing contacts, the non-conductive region including: a set of openings that expose at least a portion of each of the set of biosensing contacts for interfacing with the body region of the user, upon coupling of the electrode system to the user; a first bonding layer that couples the substrate to a fabric base; and a second bonding layer coupled to the first bonding, wherein the substrate is hermetically sealed between the first bonding layer and the second bonding layer.

Abstract: A cochlear implant device comprises a receiver, a processing device, a first electrode and a second electrode. The receiver is configured to receive outside voice signal. The processing device is coupled to the receiver, configured to receive and transfer the voice signal to an electrical stimulation signal. The first electrode connects to the processing device, disposed on stapes footplate ligament or oval window. The second electrode connects to the processing device, disposed on round window. Wherein the electrical stimulation signal is applied to stapes footplate ligament, oval window or round window to stimulate acoustic nerve through the first electrode or the second electrode.

Abstract: An Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) operable as a Deep Brain Stimulator (DBS) is disclosed which is mountable to the skull of a DBS patient, and which therefore is much closer to the site of intended therapy. The IPG includes an electronics section, a charging coil section, a connector block section configured to connect to the proximal end of implanted leads, and an electrode wire section connecting the connector block section to the electronics section. The electronic section includes a housing that is positionable into a hole formed in the patient's skull. Once so positioned, the housing may be affixed to the skull via bone screws. The charging coil section may be separate from and non-overlapping with the electronics section, or the charging coil section may encircle the electronics section.

Abstract: A subcutaneously implantable device includes a housing, a clip attached to a top side of the housing, and an electrode. The clip is configured to anchor the device to a muscle, a bone, and/or a first tissue. The electrode is configured to contact an organ, a nerve, the first tissue, and/or a second tissue. Circuitry in the housing is in electrical communication with the electrode and is configured to sense an electrical signal from the organ, the nerve, the first tissue, and/or the second tissue through the electrode; deliver electrical stimulation to the organ, the nerve, the first tissue, and/or the second tissue through the electrode; and/or deliver a signal to a drug pump to provide a targeted or systemic therapeutic drug to the organ, the nerve, the first tissue, and/or the second tissue.

Abstract: A CMUT transducer array comprising a first column (58) of spaced CMUT cells on at least one silicon island, a second column (58) of spaced CMUT cells on at least one further silicon island, the second column being staggered in alignment with the first column such that cells of the second column are partially located in spaces between successive cells of the first column, the first column and the second column being spaced apart by a gap, and a flexible foil retaining the respective silicon islands, the flexible foil comprising conductive interconnects.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described and illustrated for percutaneously implanting a stimulation lead for treating sleep-related disordered breathing.

Abstract: Robotic system includes a control system and a slave device which is controlled by the control system. The slave device has a robotic grasping device formed of a rigid base and at least one finger which is movable to facilitate grasping of objects. At least one sensor is provided which senses a force applied to the finger. A cutting tool having a cutting jaw is also attached to the base. The cutting jaw is arranged to pivot on a pivot axis responsive to a pivot motion of the finger. The forces exerted on the cutting jaw are sensed with the sensor during a first predetermined range of finger motion associated with a cutting mode of operation.

Abstract: An implantable electrical stimulation lead includes a lead body; terminals disposed along the proximal portion of the lead body; electrodes disposed along the distal portion of the lead body, the electrodes including at least one segmented electrode; and an asymmetric marker disposed along the distal portion of the lead body and including a first ring and a longitudinal band extending longitudinally from the first ring. The asymmetric marker and lead body are formed of different materials that are distinguishable from each other in the radiological images to facilitate radiological determination of the rotational orientation of the lead when implanted. The marker may also include one or more of a longitudinal extension, a second ring, and non-straight longitudinal edges. The marker may also include the longitudinal band and longitudinal extension without a ring.

Abstract: A therapy delivery element configured for at least partial insertion in a living body. A braided structure surrounds the conductor assembly. A distal end of the braided structure is attached to an electrode assembly and a free floating proximal end is located near a connector assembly. An outer tubing surrounds the braided structure. The outer tubing includes a proximal end attached to the connector assembly and a distal end attached to the braided structure near the electrode assembly. A proximal tension force applied to the connector assembly acts substantially on the outer tubing and the conductor assembly and a proximal tension force applied to the free floating proximal end acts substantially on the braided structure.

Abstract: A brain mapping system includes a brain signal acquisition device for collecting brain signals corresponding to different locations of the brain, a stimulator for generating a stimulus based upon a pseudorandom sequence, and a processor for segmenting the brain signals into a plurality of epochs and correlating features extracted from the epochs with the pseudorandom sequence to generate correlation functions, wherein a brain map is constructed by the correlation functions.

Abstract: A long nose manipulatable catheter is described herein. The catheter generally comprises a flexible joint region defining a main lumen and an adjacent wire lumen. The wire lumen has an opening near or at a distal end of the flexible joint region and a push/pull wire can be pushed or pulled through the wire lumen. The catheter assembly may also comprise at least one radio-opaque marker band for securing the push/pull wire. The joint region has a predetermined length sized to affect a flexure of the joint and is generally located at the distal end of the catheter. The joint region itself may be varied to extend distally from where the braid terminates, or it may extend to encompass a portion of the braid. By varying a length of the joint region, the amount of curvature and flexure of the joint region can be controlled.

Abstract: Delivery devices, systems, and methods for delivering implantable leadless pacing devices are disclosed. An example delivery device may include an intermediate tubular member and an inner tubular member slidably disposed within a lumen of the intermediate tubular member. A distal holding section may extend distally of a distal end of the intermediate tubular member and define a cavity therein for receiving an implantable leadless pacing device. The device may further include a handle assembly including at least an intermediate hub portion affixed adjacent to the proximal end of the intermediate tubular member and a proximal hub portion affixed adjacent to the proximal end of the inner tubular member. A longitudinally extending groove having a proximal end and a distal end may be disposed in the intermediate hub portion. A first locking mechanism may be configured to releasably couple the intermediate hub portion and the proximal hub portion.

Abstract: A flexible conductive track arrangement has a pre-flexing condition in which the arrangement is generally planar. Conductive tracks are formed from a metal layer and they are covered above and below by insulator layers. The elongate conductive tracks are generally planar but locally corrugated perpendicularly to the general plane. This enables improved binding performance, for example to form tight windings using the conductive tracks.

Abstract: Electrode arrays for biological implants are disclosed, particularly for stimulating a retina. The present disclosure provides array for improving apposition (reducing the space between the array and the retina. The present disclosure also provides electrode array designs that can be made approximately spherical to increase the field of view of a visual prosthesis while still maintaining good apposition.

Abstract: An authentication method, system, and computer program product for decoding brain activity into a brain pattern sequence, applying brain dialog to interact with a user while the user is entering the brain pattern sequence, and matching the brain pattern sequence with a predetermined password to allow access to a system.

Abstract: This invention relates to an implantable medical system, where an implantable device including a power source operable connected to electrical components is adapted to generate electrical pulses, and a probe having a distal-end and a proximal-end. The distal-end has one or more electrodes adapted to be in electrical contact with a target tissue and wires for connecting the one or more electrodes to the implantable device. The wires conduct the electrical pulses from the implantable device to the one or more electrodes and into the target tissue. The probe has at least one capacitor and wires for connecting the at least one capacitor to the electrical components in the implantable device such that the at least one capacitor forms a part of the electrical components of the implantable device.

Abstract: Provided herein are a method and system are provided for the localization of clinically relevant electrophysiological signals necessary for the proper placement of the electrodes for nervous system stimulation. The system provides electrical and mechanical means to stimulate or excite neural structures in order to elicit specific neural responses. The method can include mechanical vibratory stimulation, cutaneous electrical stimulation, electrical stimulation of the peripheral nerves, or photic stimulation, and recording of local field potentials and extracting evoked potentials in response to stimulation.

Abstract: Cranial fixation devices are provided. For example, a cranial fixation device may include positive stops that provide visual and tactical feedback when a predetermined compression is applied once a medical device is inserted therein and placed in position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a guiding tube for stimulation leads, including comprising a longitudinal, dimensionally stable tubular body enclosing an inner channel adapted to receive a stimulation lead, wherein at least one section of an otherwise electrically insulated inner surface of the tubular body has electroconductive properties. The present invention further relates to a corresponding stimulation lead placing system including such guiding tube, and to a corresponding computer program for placing a stimulation lead, utilizing such guiding tube.

Abstract: An implantable electrode and a process to produce an implantable electrode. To make it possible to produce the implantable electrode in a simple and economical manner, a connection cable of the electrode is at least partly embedded in a sheath of the electrode and the sheath is in the shape of a hollow cylinder.

Abstract: An implantable electrode having a connection portion. So as to be able to easily stretch the electrode lengthwise, provision is made so that the connection portion is embodied in a coiled manner.

Abstract: A method for brazing a metal part onto a surface of a zirconia component. The method involves the steps of altering the surface state of the component to permit the attachment of a first metallization layer, cleaning the component to eliminate the impurities from its surface, depositing a first metallization layer, having mainly titanium, on the surface of the component, depositing a second metallization layer, having mainly niobium, on the first metallization layer, applying the part against the second metallization layer, depositing a gold brazing metal on the part and the second metallization layer, cooling the brazed area in a temperature-controlled manner, and stress-relieving heat treatment being performed under load on the metal part before brazing.

Abstract: A cardiac pacing system that includes an implantable pulse generator and electrical leads that include a lead body portion having a distal end and a proximal end, a connector configured to electrically connect the proximal end of the lead body to the pulse generator, and at least one electrode disposed at the distal end of the lead body for delivering electrical stimulation to a patient's heart, wherein the distal end of the lead body is configured to terminate within the mediastinum of the thoracic cavity of the patient, proximate to the heart.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a lead includes forming an elongated multi-lumen conductor guide defining a central stylet lumen and a plurality of conductor lumens arranged around the stylet lumen. The multi-lumen conductor guide is twisted to form at least one helical section where the plurality of conductor lumens each forms a helical pathway around the stylet lumen. Each of the helical pathways of the at least one helical section has a pitch that is no less than 0.04 turns per centimeter.