Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices to facilitate insertion of certain leads with electrode(s) into patients are described. Leads can be implanted to work in conjunction with a cardiac pacemaker or cardiac defibrillator. A lead for cardiac therapy may be inserted into an intercostal space associated with the cardiac notch of a patient. Devices for delivery may include, for example, a delivery system coupled with an electrical lead and having a handle, a component advancer and insertion tips. The handle is configured to be actuated by an operator and the component advancer is configured to advance an electrical lead into the patient. The insertion tips can be configured to close around the electrical lead within the component advancer, to push through biological tissue, and to open to enable the lead to advance into the patient. The electrical lead can also be maintained in a particular orientation during the advancement into the patient.

Abstract: A medical device lead connector includes electrically conducting contact rings spaced apart by an electrically insulating ring and in axial alignment. The electrically conducting contact ring and the insulating ring having an interface bond on an atomic level.

Abstract: One aspect relates to a method for the manufacture of a medical electrode, including: (i) providing a substrate; (ii) applying a composition onto the substrate, wherein the composition comprises (a) a non-aqueous solvent and (b) an organic precious metal complex compound that is dissolved in the solvent; (iii) heating the composition and thereby forming a precious metal layer on the substrate, wherein the solubility of the organic precious metal complex compound in propylene glycol mono-propyl ether at 25° C. and 1013 hPa is at least 1 mass percent, or at least 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10 mass percent, in relation to the total mass of the composition.

Abstract: A biostimulator, such as a leadless pacemaker, has electrode(s) coated with low-polarization coating(s). A low-polarization coating including titanium nitride can be disposed on an anode, and a low-polarization coating including a first layer of titanium nitride and a second layer of platinum black can be disposed on a cathode. The anode can be an attachment feature used to transmit torque to the biostimulator. The cathode can be a fixation element used to affix the biostimulator to a target tissue. The low-polarization coating(s) impart low-polarization to the electrode(s) to enable an atrial evoked response to be detected and used to effect automatic output regulation of the biostimulator. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: An electrical conductor has a first layer, wherein the first layer is electrically conducting, and has micro protrusions, macro protrusions, wherein the micro protrusions are arranged on the macro protrusions, a first set of depressions, wherein the first set of depressions comprises at least two longitudinal depressions; the macro protrusions and the at least two longitudinal depressions are arranged in an alternating pattern, at least one coating layer, wherein the at least one coating layer comprises an electrically conducting polymer, touches the first layer, at least partially covers the first layer; wherein at least 50% of the macro protrusions have a width, measured along a first direction in the range of 2.0 mm to 40.0 mm and at least 50% of the micro protrusions have a width, measured along the first direction, in the range of 0.001 mm to 1.000 mm.

Abstract: A flexible stress sensing device is provided, which includes a flexible cloth substrate, a flexible stress sensor and textile knots configured to fix the flexible stress sensor on the flexible cloth substrate. The flexible stress sensor includes two conductive fiber bundles, wherein each of the conductive fiber bundles is provided with a loose structure, and the loose structures of two conductive fiber bundles contact with each other and form a stress sensing unit. The flexible stress sensing device can be washable, is not easy to fall off, and can resist against motion interference, and has other advantages of high resolution, high sensitivity and a compatibility with the prior textile techniques.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead includes an insulative lead body extending from a distal region to a proximal region and a conductor disposed within the insulative lead body and extending from the proximal region to the distal region. An electrode is disposed on the insulative lead body and is in electrical contact with the conductor. The medical electrical lead also includes a cross-linked hydrophilic polymer coating disposed over at least a portion of the electrode. The cross-linked hydrophilic polymer coating includes a fibrous matrix comprising a plurality of discrete fibers and pores formed between at least a portion of the fibers and a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol-containing hydrogel network disposed within the pores of the fibrous matrix.

Abstract: A proto microelectrode from which a micro electrode is formed in situ upon insertion into soft tissue comprises a flexible oblong electrode body of electrically conducting material having a front end and a rear end. The electrode body having a metal or a metal alloy or an electrically conducting form of carbon or an electrically conducting polymer or a combination thereof. A first coat of a water soluble and/or swellable and/or degradable material is disposed on the electrode body and extends along is at least over a distal portion thereof. A second coat of electrically insulating, water insoluble flexible polymer material is disposed on the first coat. The second coat comprises one or more through openings at or near its front end. Also disclosed is a corresponding micro electrode and a method of manufacture.

Abstract: A medical device system for delivering a neuromodulation therapy includes a delivery tool for deploying an implantable medical device at a neuromodulation therapy site. The implantable medical device includes a housing, an electronic circuit within the housing, and an electrical lead comprising a lead body extending between a proximal end coupled to the housing and a distal end extending away from the housing and at least one electrode carried by the lead body. The delivery tool includes a first cavity for receiving the housing and a second cavity for receiving the lead. The first cavity and the second cavity are in direct communication for receiving and deploying the housing and the lead coupled to the housing concomitantly as a single unit.

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

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system is used for evaluating an intensive EEG or an EEG during anaesthesia. Time domain and/or frequency range parameters are determined from the EEG graphs. The determined parameters are used in multivariate classification functions and the intensive EEG or EEG during anaesthesia are automatically divided into stages. The EEG graphs are also analysed for interfering signal components from the quantity of biosignals of graphs characteristic of intensive EEGs or EEGs which are not performed during anaesthesia. If interfering signal components are identified, the existence of biosignals of graphs characteristic of intensive EEGs or EEGs which are not performed during anaesthesia is verified by artifact analysis in the absence of artifacts, and is not verified if artifacts are identified.

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

Abstract: Electrode systems that may be used with implantable medical devices such as a pacemaker, in addition to one or more conventional electrodes, include a shunt electrode. Under ordinary conditions, the shunt electrode has very little effect upon the operation of the electrode system. When high frequency current is delivered to the electrode system, however, the electrode system shunts a large share of the high frequency current to the shunt electrode. The shunt electrode, which includes a conducting material surrounded by an insulating layer, dissipates heat that may be caused by the high frequency current.

Abstract: A lead assembly including a porous polyethylene cover. In an example, the cover includes sections that have differing pore sizes. In an example, a section of the cover near a distal end portion of a lead assembly includes pores that are large enough to allow tissue ingrowth. In another example, a lead assembly includes two or more polyethylene covers having different porosities.

Abstract: An implantable electrode for electrical stimulation of a body, for example, being a component of an implantable medical electrical lead, is preferably in the form of a coiled conductor wire, wherein the wire is formed by a tantalum (Ta) core directly overlaid with a platinum-iridium (Pt—Ir) cladding. When a maximum thickness of the Pt—Ir cladding defines a cladded zone between an outer, exposed surface of the electrode and the Ta core, a surface of the Ta core encroaches into the cladded zone by no more than approximately 50 micro-inches. The tantalum core may be cold worked to improve surface quality or formed from a sintered and, preferably, grain stabilized tantalum.

Abstract: A multi-conductor medical electrical lead comprises a connector located at a proximal end of the lead, one or more electrodes located at a distal end of the lead and a co-radial multi-conductor coil connecting the connector with the electrode(s), wherein the coil has a lead body region with co-radially wound conductors and has an inductance greater than or equal to approximately 1.5 ?H.

Abstract: An implantable medical lead comprises an insulating tubing with a channel housing a conductor electrically connected to a shaft present in a lumen of a bearing. The shaft is also connected to a fixation helix present in a lumen of a lead header. A clot-inducing structure of a thrombogenic material is present in a distal portion of the channel and/or in the lumen of the bearing to trigger formation of a clot when blood enters the implantable medical lead and thereby inhibit blood from entering further into the channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for shielding implantable leads from magnetic fields during medical procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are described. In various embodiments, the lead includes an inner conductor that is helically shaped and radially surrounded, at least in part, by one or more outer shielding conductors. The pitch of the inner conductor, and in some cases also the outer conductor, can be varied (e.g., continuously or at certain points) along the length of the lead, forming a plurality of high impedance points along the length of the lead which result in the dissipation of electromagnetic energy at an interrogation frequency of a magnetic resonance imaging device (e.g., 64 MHz, 128 MHz, or the like). In some embodiments, the variance in the pitch of the inner conductor follows a sinusoidal function, a modified square-wave function, or some other repeating pattern.

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: One aspect relates to a stimulation electrode including an electrically conducting base body. The base body encompasses tantalum and is at least partially covered with a porous tantalum oxide layer, which is anodically applied by means of high voltage pulses. Provision is made according to an embodiment for a metallic protective layer to cover the porous tantalum oxide layer so as to prevent a hydrogen embrittlement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of assembling an implantable medical lead configured to receive a stylet. The lead is provided with a tubular insulation layer, an electrode is disposed on the tubular insulation layer, an electrical conductor is routed through the tubular insulation layer, and a stylet stop is inserted into a distal end of the tubular insulation layer. The electrical conductor is directly and mechanically connected to the stylet stop and is in electrical communication with the electrode.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining anatomical information based on signals measured by multiple, spatially distributed electrodes on a catheter are disclosed herein. In some examples, methods and systems disclosed herein can include causing current to flow between at least some of the electrodes, measuring an electrical signal at each of one or more measuring electrodes, and determining anatomical information based on the measured signals.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead and a method of forming a medical electrical lead having at least one glass coating between a first and second component. The glass coating forms a portion of a strong, hydrothermally stable joint between components or provides insulation, or tailors an impedance and/or capacitance of an electrode. The glass coating is bonded to at least one of the first component or second component along the length of the joint.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead includes a tapered distal tip having a tapered drug-eluting component incorporated therein. The drug-eluting component can be an overmolded drug-eluting collar or a pre-molded drug eluting collar. The drug-eluting collar is disposed in a recess formed in the tapered distal tip and maintains the overall tapered profile of the distal tip.

Abstract: A catheter and catheter system can use energy tailored for remodeling and/or removal of target material along a body lumen, often of thrombus from a blood vessel of a patient. An elongate flexible catheter body with a radially expandable structure may have a plurality of electrodes or other energy delivery surfaces. The electrode structures may be radially inwardly oriented and/or supported in cantilever to facilitate advancing the electrodes.

Abstract: An implantable electrode having a strong, adherent surface coating of iridium oxide or titanium nitride on a platinum surface, where the platinum surface has a surface area of at least five times that of a smooth shiny platinum surface of the same geometry. The iridium oxide coating may be formed on platinum by a physical deposition process, such as sputtering. A gradient coating of iridium oxide ranging in composition from pure platinum to pure iridium oxide is produced by sputtering.

Abstract: A power supply for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for subcutaneous positioning between the third rib and the twelfth rib and using a lead system that does not directly contact a patient's heart or reside in the intrathoracic blood vessels and for providing anti-tachycardia pacing energy to the heart, comprising a capacitor subsystem for storing the anti-tachycardia pacing energy for delivery to the patient's heart; and a battery subsystem electrically coupled to the capacitor subsystem for providing the anti-tachycardia pacing energy to the capacitor subsystem.

Abstract: A system and method for determining on a continuous, real-time basis the proximity of the esophagus to an endocardial catheter during mapping, ablation or other endocardial catheter-based procedures, comprising an esophagus probe catheter and an endocardial catheter adapted for proximal signal transmission between each other. A signal processing unit is included to process and compare a characteristic of the proximity signal that is changes or attenuates with distance between the two catheters, such as impedance, amplitude and/or phase. Audio and/or optical outputs are provided to alert an operator when the distance between the catheters changes or is below a baseline measurement to avoid damage to the esophagus by the endocardial catheter. The system and method may include adaptations of the catheters with location sensor, and a mapping/navigational system for nonfluoroscopic location determination of the catheters.

Abstract: An implantable lead for a medical device with a coplanar coupling for connecting a conductor to a contact reduces conductor bending moments to improve lead reliability. The implantable lead comprises a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end, at least one conductor, at least one contact carried on the proximal end, at least one contact carried on the distal end, and at least one coupling. The lead body has an exterior surface. The conductor is contained in the lead body and extends from the lead proximal end to the distal end. The conductor is also electrically insulated. The contact carried on the proximal end is electrically connected to the conductor. The coupling has a conductor coupling and a contact coupling. The conductor coupling is placed over the conductor and attached to the conductor. The contact coupling exits the lead body and has a weld to connect the contact coupling to the contact.

Abstract: A system for determining the proximity of the esophagus to the ablation electrode of an ablation catheter during an ablation procedure is disclosed. The system comprises an ablation catheter having at least one ablation electrode, an esophageal probe catheter having at least one electrode, and a signal processing unit. Both the ablation electrode and the esophageal probe catheter are electrically connected to the signal processing unit. The signal processing unit receives electrical signals from the ablation electrode on the ablation catheter and the electrode on the esophageal probe catheter and compares the signals to determine the proximity of the esophagus to the ablation electrode.

Abstract: A system for preventing thrombosis in an implantable medical device includes an implantable medical device sized for implantation at least partially within a patient's body. The device includes an at least partially electrically conductive portion that is disposed within a patient's body upon implantation, an electrode coupled to the electrically conductive portion of the device; and a power source coupled to the electrode. The power source provides a negative electric charge to the at least partially electrically conductive portion for an indefinite period of time. The device may be configured to resist thrombosis, infection, and/or undesired tissue growth via the charged conductive portion once implanted. Exemplary embodiments of the implantable medical device include a hemodialysis vasculature graft, a dialysis catheter, a coronary artery, and a heart valve.

Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to an electrode having a porous coating including a fiber mesh, a multi-layer coating, and an outer coating, and a method of making the same. The various electrode coating embodiments include pores in the coating that prevent access by protein or cells while allowing for ion and/or liquid access.

Abstract: An implantable tissue-stimulating device for an implantee comprising: an elongate member, and at least one electrode disposed on the elongate member, wherein at least a portion of the device is coated, prior to implantation in the implantee, with a coating configured to at least partially inhibit adhesion of body tissue to the device following implantation, and wherein the coating is removable, after implantation, by an electrochemical cleaning process during which potential of one or more of the at least one electrode is increased and then decreased.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac defibrillation device diminishes fibrosis of a defibrillation electrode. The device includes an implantable lead having a defibrillation electrode adapted for implant in one of the superior vena cava and right ventricle of a heart, a pulse generator adapted to be coupled to the defibrillation electrode that provides defibrillation energy to the defibrillation electrode, and a power supply that maintains a negative voltage on the defibrillation electrode in the absence of defibrillating energy being provided to the defibrillation electrode.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac stimulation device provides stimulation therapy from within the left ventricle of a heart. The device includes a pulse generator adapted to be coupled to an implantable cardiac stimulation electrode and a power supply that provides the stimulation electrode with a positive voltage. The positive voltage promotes coating of the electrode through a body coating process. The coating serves to repel formation of clots on the electrode.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac stimulation device provides stimulation therapy from within the left ventricle of a heart. The device includes a pulse generator adapted to be coupled to an implantable cardiac stimulation electrode and a power supply that provides the stimulation electrode with a positive voltage. The positive voltage promotes coating of the electrode through a body coating process. The coating serves to repel formation of clots on the electrode.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a lead assembly including a lead body, at least one conductor extending through the lead body, and a covering having varied material properties. In an example, the covering is made by forming pieces of material having varied material properties. In another example, the covering is made by varying parameters such as heat or tension during wrapping of a piece of material onto a lead assembly.

Abstract: A wire form includes a conductor having a distal end and a proximal end. The conductor is coiled and has a predetermined spacing between adjacent coils. The predetermined spacing provides a parasitic capacitance and an inductance. The parasitic capacitance and inductance have a resonance frequency tuned to about an excitation signal's frequency of a magnetic-resonance imaging scanner.

Abstract: A medical device having at least one glass coating between a first and second component. The glass coating forms a portion of a strong, hydrothermally stable joint between components or provides insulation, or tailors an impedance and/or capacitance of an electrode.

Abstract: An article of clothing is provided for selectively destroying dividing cells in living tissue formed of dividing cells and non-dividing cells. The dividing cells contain polarizable intracellular members and during late anaphase or telophase, the dividing cells are connected to one another by a cleavage furrow. The article of clothing includes insulated electrodes to be coupled to a generator for subjecting the living tissue to electric field conditions sufficient to cause movement of the polarizable intracellular members toward the cleavage furrow in response to a non-homogeneous electric field being induced in the dividing cells. The non-homogeneous electric field produces an increased density electric field in the region of the cleavage furrow. The movement of the polarizable intracellular members towards the cleavage furrow causes the breakdown thereof which adversely impacts the multiplication of the dividing cells.

Abstract: Methods and devices for interconnecting a medical lead conductor member and an electrode are provided. One device includes a medical lead having a shaft. The shaft has a conductor member extending therethrough and a ring electrode disposed along the shaft. The ring electrode has a fixation device disposed within the ring electrode, and the fixation device forms an interference fit with the conductor member, forming an electrical contact therebetween. Also provided are methods for forming an electrical interconnect between a ring electrode and a conductor member.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a method of implanting a cardiac lead. An expansion module is implanted in a target region within vasculature, the target region being defined by a portion of a brachiocephalic vein and a portion of a corresponding subclavian vein. The expansion module is transitioned from a collapsed state to an expanded state within the target region to contact the vasculature. A cardiac lead is implanted through the expansion module, the cardiac lead defining an intermediate section corresponding to the target region. The intermediate section of the cardiac lead includes a surface treatment adapted to reduce at least one of cell proliferation, thrombosis, fibrosis, and inflammation at the target region.

Abstract: An implantable device includes at least one electrode comprising a conductive base and polyoxometalate anions disposed on or within the conductive base; and at least one conductor attached to the at least one electrode for conducting electrical energy to the at least one electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an electrical lead comprising a lead body and an electrical conductor, and an electrode coupled to the electrical conductor, wherein the electrode includes a coating on at least a portion of a surface of the electrode, the coating including two or more layers, with a first layer adjacent the surface of the electrode comprising an insulative material and a second layer adjacent the first layer comprising at least one pharmacological agent.

Abstract: Methods and devices for interconnecting a medical lead conductor member and an electrode are provided. One device includes a medical lead having a shaft. The shaft has a conductor member extending therethrough and a ring electrode disposed along the shaft. The ring electrode has a fixation device disposed within the ring electrode, and the fixation device forms an interference fit with the conductor member, forming an electrical contact therebetween. Also provided are methods for forming an electrical interconnect between a ring electrode and a conductor member.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to medical devices; in particular and without limitation, to unique electrodes and/or electrical lead assemblies for stimulating cardiac tissue, muscle tissue, neurological tissue, brain tissue and/or organ tissue; to electrophysiology mapping and ablation catheters for monitoring and selectively altering physiologic conduction pathways; and, wherein said electrodes, lead assemblies and catheters optionally include fluid irrigation conduit(s) for providing therapeutic and/or performance enhancing materials to adjacent biological tissue, and wherein each said device is coupled to or incorporates nanotube structures or materials therein. The present invention also provides methods for fabricating, deploying, and operating such medical devices.

Abstract: Unique electrodes and/or electrical lead assemblies are provided for stimulating cardiac tissue, muscle tissue, neurological tissue, brain tissue and/or organ tissue; to electrophysiology mapping and ablation catheters for monitoring and selectively altering physiologic conduction pathways. The electrodes, lead assemblies and catheters optionally include fluid irrigation conduit(s) for providing therapeutic and/or performance enhancing materials to adjacent biological tissue. Each device is coupled to or incorporates nanotube structures or materials therein. Methods for fabricating, deploying, and operating such medical devices are also provided.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a lead assembly including a lead body, at least one conductor extending through the lead body, and a covering having varied material properties. In an example, the covering is made by forming pieces of material having varied material properties. In another example, the covering is made by varying parameters such as heat or tension during wrapping of a piece of material onto a lead assembly.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a lead assembly including a porous polyethylene cover. In an example, the cover includes sections that have differing pore sizes. In an example, a section of the cover near a distal end portion of a lead assembly includes pores that are large enough to allow tissue ingrowth. In another example, a lead assembly includes two or more polyethylene covers having different porosities.

Abstract: A lead includes a lead body extending from a lead proximal end portion to a lead distal end portion and having an intermediate portion therebetween, one or more tissue sensing/stimulation electrodes disposed along the lead body, one or more terminal connections disposed along the lead proximal end portion. The lead further includes one or more conductors contained within the lead body extending between the tissue sensing/stimulation electrodes and the terminal connections, and a fibrous matrix coating is disposed onto at least a portion of the lead body and/or sensing/stimulation electrodes.