Abstract: A flat interface nerve electrode provides a plurality of electrical contacts embedded in a non-conductive cuff structure, which acts to gently and non-evasively redefine the geometry of a nerve through the application of a force acting on the nerve without causing damage to the nerve. The cuff is open at one side and has a connection to a lead at the other side. During implantation the open sides of the cuff are closed so as to capture the nerve in the cuff in a single motion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of affecting physiological disorders by stimulating a specific location along the sympathetic nerve chain. Preferably, the present invention provides a method of affecting a variety of physiological disorders or pathological conditions by placing an electrode adjacent to or in communication with at least one ganglion along the sympathetic nerve chain and stimulating the at least one ganglion until the physiological disorder or pathological condition has been affected.

Abstract: A system and method for electrically shielding a physiological pathway from electrical noise is disclosed. The method includes the operation of implanting at least one signal microelectrode into a patient such that the signal microelectrode is proximate to the physiological pathway. An additional operation includes substantially enclosing the microelectrode and a section of the physiological pathway with an electrical shielding wrap. The electrical shielding wrap includes a plurality of holes that enable fluid communication of physiological fluids between an inside and outside of the wrap.

Abstract: An implantable connector for use with a neurological device and a lead extension includes a male connector having a plurality of electrical contacts axially arranged along the connector, insulated from each other. The connector also includes a female connector having one or more channels axially disposed therein and a plurality of conductors axially arranged on the female connector. The plurality of conductors are electrically insulated from each other, and at least one indexing element is disposed adjacent to one or more of the channels. The indexing element allows the male connector to be received into the one or more channels in a defined orientation relative to the channel, thereby forming at least two electrical connections along two or more axial positions. Often the neurological device is a brain stimulating and recording lead. The male and female connectors are often fastened together with a screw or by twist-locking the two members together.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided of locating the fossa ovalis in a patient by locating at least one of the His bundle, the plane of the interatrial septum, and the coronary sinus ostium in a patient, and thereafter locating the fossa ovalis on the basis of one or more predetermined distances between these locations. Software is also provided that can determine and display the location of the fossa ovalis in a patient based on predetermined distances between the locations. Such software can for example be provided within an electroanatomical system. Methods of determining the location of the fossa ovalis, performed by either a clinician or a central processing unit-controlled surgical system, are also provided and determined using predetermined measurements from defined locations. An apparatus for locating the fossa ovalis and performing a transseptal puncture is also provided.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present subject matter relate to a system. Various embodiments of the system comprise at least one port to connect to at least one lead with at least one electrode, at least one stimulator circuit and at least one controller. The at least one stimulator circuit is connected to the at least one port and is adapted to deliver neural stimulation to a neural stimulation target using the at least one electrode. The at least one controller is adapted to determine when another energy discharge other than the neural stimulation to the neural stimulation target is occurring and to prevent delivery of the neural stimulation simultaneously with the other energy discharge. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: A neurostimulation lead includes a lead body having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a first conductor extending through the lead body. An electrode cuff can be secured relative to the distal portion of the lead body. The electrode cuff includes a cuff body, a first tendril extending from a first region of the cuff body, a second tendril extending from a second region of the cuff body and a first electrode disposed on the cuff body and electrically connected to the first conductor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for multi-vessel neuromodulation, e.g., via a pulsed electric field. Such multi-vessel neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, the multi-vessel neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. Such multi-vessel neuromodulation optionally may be performed bilaterally.

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 electrically coupled to the first section and configured to be capacitively coupled to the patient's body.

Abstract: An aspect of the present subject relates to an implantable medical system. An embodiment of the system includes a baroreflex stimulator, a myocardial infarction detector, and a controller. The baroreflex stimulator applies a baroreflex stimulation signal through an electrode. The myocardial infarction detector detects an event indicative of myocardial infarction, The controller is connected to the baroreflex stimulator and to the myocardial infarction detector, and is adapted to apply a baroreflex therapy in response to a detected event indicative of myocardial infarction. Other aspects are provided herein.

Abstract: Peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) may be controlled based on detected physiological effects of the PNFS, which may be an efferent response to the PNFS. In some examples, a closed-loop therapy system may include a sensing module that senses a physiological parameter of the patient, which may be indicative of the patient's response to the PNFS. Based on a signal generated by the sensing module, the PNFS may be activated, deactivated or modified. Example physiological parameters of the patient include heart rate, respiratory rate, electrodermal activity, muscle activity, blood flow rate, sweat gland activity, pilomotor reflex, or thermal activity of the patient's body. In some examples, a patient pain state may be detected based on a signal generated by the sensing module, and therapy may be controlled based on the detection of the pain state.

Abstract: An MRI compatible cable construct is provided. The cable is adapted to be used with a medical device in direct electrical contact with a patient. Each cable or cable set includes a plurality of filter components. The filter component comprises at least two filter components. One filter component may be a resonant filter at a distal end that resolves the issue of insufficient attenuation by effectively blocking the RF induced current on the cable from exiting the cable at the distal. The second filter component may comprise one or more non-resonant filter(s) or inductors positioned along the length of the cable that resolve(s) the issue of excessive heating of the resonant LC filter by significantly attenuating the current induced on the cable before it reaches the resonant LC filter.

Abstract: Deep brain electrodes are remotely sensed and activated by means of a remote active implantable medical device (AIMD). In a preferred form, a pulse generator is implanted in the pectoral region and includes a hermetic seal through which protrudes a conductive leadwire which provides an external antenna for transmission and reception of radio frequency (RF) pulses. One or more deep brain electrode modules are constructed and placed which can transmit and receive RF energy from the pulse generator. An RF telemetry link is established between the implanted pulse generator and the deep brain electrode assemblies. The satellite modules are configured for generating pacing pulses for a variety of disease conditions, including epileptic seizures, Turrets Syndrome, Parkinson's Tremor, and a variety of other neurological or brain disorders.

Abstract: A method for stimulating facial nerves in a subject with synkinetic reinnervated muscles includes providing an electrode, having a plurality of contacts, in a parotic region of the subject's face, stimulating each of the contacts separately, identifying one or more contacts from the plurality of contacts that cause one or more nerve branches to activate a desired facial muscle, and selecting the identified contacts to stimulate the one or more nerve branches. The system includes an electrode having a plurality of contacts for placement in a parotic region of the subject's face and a processor in communication with the electrode. The processor has program code for stimulating each of the contacts separately, for identifying one or more contacts from the plurality of contacts that cause one or more nerve branches to activate a desired facial muscle, and for selecting the identified contacts to stimulate the one or more nerve branches.

Abstract: Devices and methods of use for introduction and implantation of an electrode as part of a minimally invasive technique. An implantable baroreflex activation system includes a control system having an implantable housing, an electrical lead, attachable to the control system, and an electrode structure. The electrode structure is near one end of the electrical lead, and includes a monopolar electrode, a backing material having an effective surface area larger than the electrode, and a releasable pivotable interface to mate with an implant tool. The electrode is configured for implantation on an outer surface of a blood vessel and the control system is programmed to deliver a baroreflex therapy via the monopolar electrode to a baroreceptor within a wall of the blood vessel.

Abstract: Cortical electrode assemblies having a first flexible electrode body and a second flexible electrode body. The first electrode body may have an array of macro electrode contacts and the second electrode body may have a micro-wire electrode array or a depth electrode structure. The first electrode body has at least one aperture and the second electrode body may have a grommet-like body structure which may be positioned in predetermined thru holes of the first electrode body with respect to the electrode grid.

Abstract: Various embodiments concern wrapping a stimulation cuff around a nerve. The cuff can comprise a main body and at least one electrode. The main body can comprise an inner tab, an outer tab, and an intermediate portion extending between the inner tab and the outer tab, the at least one electrode disposed on the intermediate portion, the main body biased such that the cuff assumes the coiled arrangement. The cuff can be uncoiled by pulling on a first elongate element attached to a first tubular member, the first tubular member encircled within the cuff. The nerve can be engaged with an inner surface of the main body along the intermediate portion while the inner tab is releaseably attached to the first elongate element. The first elongate element can be released to allow the cuff to wrap around the nerve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a condition associated with impaired blood pressure and/or heart rate in a subject comprising applying an electrical treatment signal, wherein the electrical treatment signal is selected to at least partially block nerve impulses, or in some embodiments, to augment nerve impulses.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide baroreflex activation to treat or reduce pain and/or to cause or enhance sedation or sleep. Methods involve activating the baroreflex system to provide pain reduction, sedation, improved sleep or some combination thereof. Systems include at least one baroreflex activation device, at least one sensor for sensing physiological activity of the patient, and a processor coupled with the baroreflex activation device(s) and the sensor(s) for processing sensed data received from the sensor and for activating the baroreflex activation device. In some embodiments, the system is fully implantable within a patient, such as in an intravascular, extravascular or intramural location.

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: Apparatus is provided for application to a nerve of a subject, including an electrode cuff, which includes a housing, which is configured to be placed at least partially around the nerve so as to define an inner surface of the housing that faces the nerve. A plurality of insulating elements are coupled to the inner surface of the housing at respective insulating element longitudinal positions along the housing, such that the inner surface of the housing and pairs of the insulating elements define one or more respective cavities at respective cavity longitudinal positions along the housing. One or more electrodes are fixed to the housing in fewer than all of the cavities, such that at least one of the cavities is an empty cavity that does not have an electrode positioned therein. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An electrode assembly is described, which allows close and robust contact with a biological structure such as a nerve while simultaneously preventing compressive injury to the biological structure. The electrode assembly includes a compliant cuff body and at least one reinforcing element in an aspect. The reinforced compliant cuff body may expand and contract to accommodate swelling of underlying biological structures, to accommodate movements of the biological structures associated with body movements, and to closely fit biological structures with irregular or non-uniform cross-sectional profiles. The electrode assembly further includes at least one electrode for sending and/or receiving electric impulse data to/from the biological structure such as a nerve.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a segmented electrode assembly. An electrically conducting tube is coupled to an electrically insulating material. The tube is generally cylindrical and hollow and defines one or more gaps at a first axial position. The tube also includes one or more bridges located at a second axial position. The method includes removing at least a portion of the bridge resulting in a segmented electrode assembly having at least one segment. A number embodiments of making a tube are also provided. In another embodiment a method of manufacturing a medical lead using a segmented electrode assembly is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nerve stump interface for generating an electric field for promoting and guiding axonal regeneration and an electric field assisted axonal regeneration system. The nerve stump interface comprises a sieve having a plurality of holes. A strip is coupled to the sieve. A first electrode is provided at one of the plurality of holes and a second electrode is provided on the strip. The strip is arranged to space the second electrode from the first electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are for generating the electric field. At least one securing element is provided on a side of the strip to allow that side of the strip to affix against an opposite side of the strip. The present invention also provides a method for assembling the electric field assisted axonal regeneration system.

Abstract: An MRI compatible electrode circuit construct is provided. The construct includes at least two filter components constructed from an electrode wire. One filter component may be a resonant LC filter at or near an electrode/wire interface that resolves the issue of insufficient attenuation by effectively blocking the RF induced current on the wire from exiting the wire through the electrode. The second filter component may include one or more non-resonant filter(s) positioned along the length of the electrode wire that resolve(s) the issue of excessive heating of the resonant LC filter by significantly attenuating the current induced on the wire before it reaches the resonant LC filter. The non-resonant filter(s) may also attenuate the RF current reflected from the resonant LC filter thereby resolving the issue of the strong reflected power from the resonant filter and the associated dielectric heating.

Abstract: A method of reducing bronchial constriction in a subject includes delivering energy to create one or more lesions on a main bronchus so as to transect pulmonary nerves sufficiently to reduce bronchial constriction in a lung of the patient distal to the main bronchus.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for applying current to a nerve. A cathode is adapted to be placed in a vicinity of a cathodic longitudinal site of the nerve and to apply a cathodic current to the nerve. A primary inhibiting anode is adapted to be placed in a vicinity of a primary anodal longitudinal site of the nerve and to apply a primary anodal current to the nerve. A secondary inhibiting anode is adapted to be placed in a vicinity of a secondary anodal longitudinal site of the nerve and to apply a secondary anodal current to the nerve, the secondary anodal longitudinal site being closer to the primary anodal longitudinal site than to the cathodic longitudinal site.

Abstract: An embodiment relates to a method for delivering a unidirectional afferent nerve stimulation treatment. A test neural stimulation is delivered, and a physiologic response to the test neural stimulation is monitored. At least one neural stimulation parameter for the test neural stimulation is adjusted if the test neural stimulation does not elicit a desired physiologic response. If the test neural stimulation does elicit the desired physiologic response, at least one treatment parameter for a unidirectional afferent nerve stimulation is determined using the at least one neural stimulation parameter for the test neural stimulation that provided the desired physiologic response. The unidirectional afferent nerve stimulation is delivered using the at least one treatment parameter.

Abstract: A method and system for re-establishing a pathway in a damaged or severed neural network includes an imaging device, an alignment device and a treatment device. An accurate image of the damaged neural network is created. An alignment device imparts wave energy into a damaged region of the neural network to direct re-growth axons into a remaining endoneurial tube to direct axon growth back to the correct targets to re-establish the severed neural network.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for application to a nerve of a subject, including an electrode cuff, which includes a housing, which is configured to be placed at least partially around the nerve so as to define an inner surface of the housing that faces the nerve. A plurality of insulating elements are coupled to the inner surface of the housing at respective insulating element longitudinal positions along the housing, such that the inner surface of the housing and pairs of the insulating elements define one or more respective cavities at respective cavity longitudinal positions along the housing. One or more electrodes are fixed to the housing in fewer than all of the cavities, such that at least one of the cavities is an empty cavity that does not have an electrode positioned therein. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide neurostimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia. Some other embodiments of the present invention provide neurostimulation systems adapted for selective neurostimulation of one or more nerve root ganglia as well as techniques for applying neurostimulation to the spinal cord. Still other embodiments of the present invention provide stimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia in combination with a pharmacological agent.

Abstract: An implantable lead includes an inner core substrate. A plurality of conductors that include at least one layer of at least one conductive material are deposited on the inner core substrate. A patterned insulator layer is disposed over the conductors such that at least two regions of each conductor remain exposed through the insulator. A patterned terminal layer defines a plurality of separated terminals that are deposited at a proximal end of the lead. At least one terminal is electrically coupled to each conductor via at least one of the exposed regions of the at least one conductor. A patterned electrode layer defines a plurality of separated electrodes that are deposited at a distal end of the lead. At least one electrode is electrically coupled to each conductor via at least one of the exposed regions of the at least one conductor.

Abstract: An implantable stimulation device includes a device body; at least one set of partitioned electrodes disposed on a portion of the device body and configured and arranged for application of electrical stimulation to adjacent tissue; and insulating material separating the partitioned electrodes from each other. Each set of partitioned electrodes includes a plurality of partitioned electrodes disposed around a circumference of the device body. The implantable stimulation device can be configured and arranged so that each of the partitioned electrodes is independently programmable.

Abstract: A system and method for electrically shielding a physiological pathway from electrical noise is disclosed. The method includes the operation of implanting at least one signal microelectrode into a patient such that the signal microelectrode is proximate to the physiological pathway. An additional operation includes substantially enclosing the microelectrode and a section of the physiological pathway with an electrical shielding wrap. The electrical shielding wrap includes a plurality of holes that enable fluid communication of physiological fluids between an inside and outside of the wrap.

Abstract: A nerve interface electrode has a plurality of conductive fibers. The fibers have a nonconductive sheath (108) surrounding a conducting wire. A conducting region (105) of the wire is exposed to the interior of the nerve (200). The fibers are configured for insertion between fascicles (204) of the nerve. In other teachings, a layer of polymer material configured to switch from a high strength/tensile modulus state to a low strength/tensile modulus state upon introduction of the fibers into the nerve is disposed on the fibers.

Abstract: A lead for a stimulation device can include an array of electrodes with each electrode having a front surface and a back surface; a plurality of conductors; a carrier formed around the array of electrodes; and a biocompatible material that may be disposed over and/or joined with the carrier and the back surfaces of the electrodes. A conductor is attached to the back surface of each electrode. The carrier can be formed around the array of electrodes, but does not completely cover the front surface or back surface of the electrodes.

Abstract: A method of providing therapy to a patient having a disorder using an electrode located adjacent a peripheral target neural region. The method comprises conveying electrical stimulation energy from the electrode that stimulates a first set of nerve endings in the peripheral target neural region. The method further comprises increasing an activation threshold of a second set of nerve endings in the peripheral target neural region, thereby rendering the second set of nerve endings less excitable to the electrical stimulation energy. The first set of nerve endings are relatively far from the electrode and the second set of nerve endings are relatively near the electrode.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead includes a lead body insertable into a patient. Electrodes are disposed along the lead body. The electrodes include at least two sets of segmented electrodes. Each set of segmented electrodes includes a first segmented electrode and a second segmented electrode radially spaced apart from one another around a circumference of the lead body. A tab is disposed on the first segmented electrode of each set of segmented electrodes. The tabs extend into the lead body. A guide feature is disposed on the tabs. The guide features are each radially aligned with one another along the length of the lead body. Conductors extend along the length of the lead body from a proximal end to the electrodes. Each of the conductors is electrically coupled to at least one of the electrodes. At least one of the conductors extends through the radially-aligned guide features of the tabs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cuff electrode assembly for implantation on a target nerve. The cuff electrode assembly can include a resilient cuff body configured to be disposed about the target nerve. The cuff body includes a first end portion having a first free end, and a second end portion having a second free end. The cuff electrode assembly further includes a first arm member and a second arm member each projecting radially outward from the cuff body and spaced from one another along the cuff body. The cuff body can be configured such that a force applied to urge the first and second arm members toward one another defines an open configuration of the cuff body configured to allow the cuff body to be positioned around the target nerve. The cuff electrode assembly further includes an electrode oriented to provide electrical stimuli to the target nerve.

Abstract: The invention describes a cuff electrode assembly that includes a resilient cuff body configured to be disposed about a nerve. The cuff body includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The cuff body can be pre-formed to define a closed configuration having a generally annular cross-sectional shape such that, in the closed configuration, the cuff body extends helically with the first and second end portions overlapping on different planes. The cuff electrode assembly includes a first arm member and a second arm member, each projecting radially outward from the cuff body and spaced from one another along the cuff body. The cuff body can be configured such that force applied to urge the first and second arm members toward one another causes relative deflection of the first end portion and the second end portion to define an open configuration of the cuff body.

Abstract: An agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of stress urinary incontinence, which contains a substance that activates a serotonin 5-HT2C receptor, an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of stress urinary incontinence, which contains a substance that stimulates an androgen binding site, and a method of screening for a drug for the prophylaxis or treatment of abdominal pressure incontinence, which includes electrostimulating the abdominal muscles or a nerve controlling them of an animal to increase the abdominal pressure, and measuring the leak point pressure at that time.

Abstract: A tetrode for measuring bio-signals, the tetrode including four electrodes which extend in a lengthwise direction of the tetrode and are symmertrically arranged; and an insulation layer which surrounds the four electrodes to insulate the electrodes from each others. A method of manufacturing a tetrode for measuring bio-signals, the method including forming a first insulation layer; forming first and second electrodes on the first insulation layer and forming a second insulation layer on the first and second electrodes; and forming third and fourth electrodes on the second insulation layer and forming a third insulation layer on the third and fourth electrodes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for wrapping biomedical conductor wires about core material, comprises: a payout assembly and a take-up assembly for controllably paying out the core material and taking up the core material with the wrapped conductor wires; a turntable; a plurality of carriers, disposed on the turntable, for letting out the conductor wires; and a die for applying force to the conductor wires as the wires are wrapped about the core material, the die adapted to rotate according to group rotation of the plurality of carriers by the turntable during operation of the system, wherein the die comprises one or more features asymmetrically arranged about a circumference of the die, the one or more features adapted to direct the conductor wires from the plurality of carriers onto the core material in an axially repeating pattern of groups of closely spaced wires with each group separated by a distance larger than the spacing between adjacent wires within each group.

Abstract: A neural stimulation system senses autonomic activities and applies neural stimulation to sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves to control autonomic balance. The neural stimulation system is capable of delivering neural stimulation pulses for sympathetic excitation, sympathetic inhibition, parasympathetic excitation, and parasympathetic inhibition.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode, such as an SCS paddle electrode, having a lead attached thereto along an interior portion of the electrode. The lead and electrode are configured such that the lead may be positioned generally coplanar with a top surface of the electrode, and may likewise be erected from such coplanar orientation up and away from the top surface of the electrode. Thus, the lead can maintain the typical configuration of emerging from the back end of the electrode, but because at least portions of the lead are not permanently bonded into the electrode paddle, the lead (when desired) can be pulled upward, with or without surrounding strain relief material, to emerge from the top surface of the paddle at an angle or curve to such top surface. This allows the base of the paddle to engage a bony opening, such as when the electrode is inserted into a patient's spine, skull, plane of fascia, etc.

Abstract: Nerve cuff electrode including a tubular body having a longitudinal slit having electrodes disposed within the body. Wedge shape slits are formed into at least one of the interior wall and the exterior wall of the body, whereby the number and location of slits provided to facilitate the adjustment of the amount of compressive force of nerve cuff electrode about the nerve.

Abstract: A system for regulating blood pressure by stimulating an afferent pathway to the brain which produces an efferent output in kidneys includes a electrode device adapted for implantation in the cervical region, a stimulator generator, a cable connecting the electrode device and the stimulator generator, wherein the cervical region is generally located between a pair of common carotid arteries, above an aortic arch and in front of cervical vertebrae C2 and C3.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and a method for artificial nerve networking capable of restoring a damaged nerve and allowing selective detection, analysis, transmission and stimulation of a signal from the damaged nerve. The artificial nerve networking system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first nerve conduit connected at one end of a damaged nerve; a second nerve conduit connected at the other end of the damaged nerve; and an artificial nerve networking unit electrically connected to the first nerve conduit and the second nerve conduit and recovering the function of the damaged nerve by transmitting and receiving a signal to and from the damaged nerve.

Abstract: A method of increasing renal function in a patient operates by stimulation of perivascular sympathetic nerves found in the vicinity of the hepatic portal vein and the hepatic artery. The method can be used as a treatment for renal failure or chronic kidney disease. Alternatively, the method can be used as a prophylactic treatment for preventing contrast-induced nephropathy or any other toxic nephropathy, which can result in renal failure. The perivascular sympathetic nerves can be stimulated by applying energy, such as electrical energy, light, vibration, and ultrasonic vibration, to the perivascular sympathetic nerves. Various methods are described for stimulating the perivascular sympathetic nerves using electrodes that are placed using minimally-invasive techniques.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and apparatus for treating a medical condition in a patient using an implantable medical device by applying an electrical signal characterized by having a number of pulses per microburst, an interpulse interval, a microburst duration, and an interburst period to a portion of a cranial nerve of said patient, wherein at least one of the number of pulses per microburst, the interpulse interval, the microburst duration, or the interburst period is selected to enhance cranial nerve evoked potentials.