Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) wearable electrode set for a human body is provided. The 3D wearable electrode set comprises an integrative first ring electrode and an integrative second ring electrode. The integrative first ring electrode has a conductive layer and a ring basis, and the integrative second ring electrode also has a conductive layer and a ring basis. The conductive layers of the integrative first and second ring electrodes are adopted to cover around the first and second portions of the human body, respectively. The conductive layers are formed with conductive material. The ring bases are formed with insulating fabric.

Abstract: This invention is a pair of Compression Tights that fit very snugly on the legs and stimulate the cells of the muscle via light, almost imperceptible, electric pulses. These tights can be worn during exercise to complement the benefits of exercise or after exercise to enhance the recovery process. Unlike current muscle stimulators, CEPT does not try to contract the muscle, instead it lightly stimulates the muscle. During use, an individual will notice a light tingle through the muscle. This device is not to be confused with stimulators designed to tone muscles, heal injuries, burn calories, or teach muscle memory.

Abstract: A device for altering cardiac performance includes an energy absorbing element which absorbs cardiac pumping energy from at least a portion of the heart. The energy may be delivered to another part of the body, such as another portion of the heart, to perform useful work such as providing blood pumping assistance.

Abstract: A system for securing at least one electrode to an anatomy is provided. The system can include a first plate, which can include at least one first passage. The at least one first passage can be configured to receive a lead of the at least one electrode. The system can also include a second plate configured to move relative to the first plate. The movement of the second plate relative to the first plate can at least partially occlude the at least one passage of the first plate to secure the lead of the at least one electrode to the anatomy.

Abstract: A medical electrode assembly can be substantially transparent or translucent to visible, infrared and/or ultraviolet light so that light rays emitted by a phototherapy device can shine through and pass transversely across every layer of the medical electrode assembly to impinge upon the skin of the patient to which the assembly is attached. This includes an area of skin located directly underneath the medical electrode assembly and thereby enables a combination of therapies including one or more of electrotherapy and phototherapy. The upper and lower exterior exposed faces of the medical electrode can have tacky, self-adhesive surfaces.

Abstract: A device for attaching at least three electrodes to a subject for stimulating abdominal muscles of the subject, comprising an attachment mechanism for extending around the torso of the subject and a main locating element provided on the attachment mechanism for locating a central electrode of the at least three electrodes adjacent the umbilicus of the subject. Two secondary locating elements are also provided on the attachment mechanism disposed on respective opposite sides of the main locating element for locating two corresponding side electrodes of the at least three electrodes spaced apart from the central electrode. Application of at least one pulsed signal to the subject through the respective central and side electrodes stimulates the abdominal muscles of the subject.

Abstract: A helical fixation element of an implantable medical lead. The fixation element has at least one blood drainage channel running along at least a tissue-penetrating portion of the helix windings of the fixation element. The channel guides, during penetration and anchoring of the fixation element and the lead in a tissue, blood leaking from the tissue away from the vicinity of the fixation element, thereby reducing the size of a fibrin clot formed around the fixation element. The capture threshold for stimulating the tissue is therefore reduced.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method and device for promoting healing of an injury in a living being. The embodiments comprise an injury covering portion, which portion comprises an electroactive polymer, such as poled polyvinylidine difluoride (PVDF) or a copolymer of PVDF. The electroactive polymer has either pyroelectric properties, piezoelectric properties, or both.

Abstract: An retaining device for attaching to a contractile organ such as a digestive tract organ or stomach is provided. One aspect may include a lead for stimulating a digestive organ. The device may be an electrical stimulation device configured to deliver electrical signals to the organ.

Abstract: Devices, compositions and methods for the treatment of sweating and hyperhidrosis by application of electric current to a treatment area of the skin are described.

Abstract: According to various embodiments of the invention, an electrode for an orthotic device, comprises a backing layer having an outer surface allowing the electrode to be attached to an orthotic device; conductive layer configured to receive and distribute an electrical current according to an electrophysical modality; an interface layer configured to conform to a wearer's anatomy and to conduct the electrical current from the conductive layer to the wearer's anatomy; and a connection member attached to the conductive layer and configured to electrically couple with an electrical contact disposed on the orthotic device.

Abstract: A therapeutic compression apparatus includes a liner having a tubular body portion with a proximal opening for receiving a limb of a patient. The tubular body portion includes an inside region with an inside circumference that is sized to extend about and in contact with the limb. The inside circumference is substantially identical to a circumference of the limb at a respective area of contact.

Abstract: An electrode for measuring an electrocardiogram. The electrode comprises a signal detector operable to detect an electrocardiogram signal. An electrolytic gel is coated onto a first surface of the signal detector. The gel is electrically conductive and operable to adhere to a skin. A connector is electrically connected to the signal detector.

Abstract: A composition of microscopic devices utilizable in a medical diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. Each microscopic device includes a nanostructure provided with a ligand for effectively coupling the nanostructure to a predetermined chemical or molecular site. A medical method in part comprises inserting the medical devices into a patient, attaching the nanostructures via the respective ligands to instances of a predetermined type of target structure inside the patient, and thereafter activating the nanostructures to perform a preselected medical diagnostic or therapeutic function.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a lead electrode assembly for use with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator subcutaneously implanted outside the ribcage between the third and twelfth ribs comprising the electrode.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for enabling independent, highly reliable and accurate self-application of an anti-tremor means by a disabled patient, without requirement for application fixtures, wherein anti-tremor means comprises a single unit, self adhesive stimulation and recording electrode with an integrated supply of energy and a control unit, further comprising an alignment, and application means for applying said anti-tremor means configured to enable independently self application by a severely handicapped patient, wherein system and method for tremor reduction is by means of closed-loop functional electrical stimulation, including a sensor for sensing muscle movements, and Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) apparatus for providing FES to a muscle, the FES apparatus being in communication with the sensor via a band pass filter for filtering around a tremor frequency to ignore slow movements and high frequency noise.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for peripheral information input in test persons by means of electric fields and currents with at least one electric contacting means for a body part or a test person's extremity, which is arranged releasable with respect to the test person. The electric contacting means is made of an insulating textile carrier material, the inside of which at least portion-wise exhibiting electrically conductive surfaces, the conductive surfaces, electrically interconnected, either leading to a common outer electric contacting or each are in communication with a separate outer electric contacting. The shape of the textile carrier material is realized corresponding to the anatomy of the test person's relevant body part or relevant extremity and having preferably the shape of a stocking, sock, cuff, headband or glove.

Abstract: A device (1) for restraining attached couplers (4, 5) of a percutaneous lead assembly (7). The device (1) comprises a body (14) including two engagement means (8) positioned at opposite ends that engage with the respective couplers (4, 5) to resist disconnection, and an attachment means (9) to attach the device (1) to the outer epidermis of a patient to limit movement of the device (1), when in use.

Abstract: A disposable medical device includes an electrode pad adapted to be placed in contact with a human or animal body and an electrical signal generator permanently attached to and in close proximity with the electrode pad and operable to generate an electrical signal, the signal generator having two output terminals, at least one of which is electrically operably connected to the electrode pad.

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: A vascularly stabilized peripheral nerve cuff assembly is provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to an electrode assembly used in the delivery of neural stimulation therapy. The electrode assembly includes a body adapted to at least partially encompass a blood vessel and a nerve proximate to the blood vessel. The electrode assembly also includes at least one electrode along at least a portion of the body. The at least one electrode is adapted to be electrically connected to a neural stimulator. According to an embodiment, the electrode assembly includes a spacer within the body, the spacer having a first and second end, the first end secured to an inside surface of the body and the second end adapted to pass between the vessel and the nerve and to be secured to the inside surface of the body. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: An anchor system for securing a lead to a patient's skull is disclosed. The lead is of the type that passes through a burr hole created in the patient's skull and includes a distal end which is implanted within the patient's brain at a target site. The anchor, according to a first embodiment of the invention includes a stem, an integrally formed rim plate, and a peripheral clamping structure. The clamping structure is adapted to receive and snugly hold a portion of the lead. The stem is sized and shaped to fit within the burr hole, leaving the rim plate positioned flush with the patient's skull. A flared passage is provided within the stem and rim plate so that the lead may pass through the stem and into the rim plate, at which point the lead follows the contours of the flared passage and communicates with the peripheral clamping structural.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a connection with a part of a body to transfer an electromagnetic signal for a predetermined purpose, the apparatus including: a garment including one or more electrode capable of passing the signal to or from the part of the body; and a controller for controlling the nature of or processing the signal dependant on one or more parameters in order to vary the nature of the signal dependant on the purpose; wherein at least one parameter of the one or more parameters is stored on a data storage device included in the garment.

Abstract: The present inventions provide for paddle lead electrodes that are capable of performing peripheral nerve stimulation, thereby modulating, controlling and/or reducing neuropathic pain in a patient, that are also surgically implantable, and that will remain fixed in place at the site of implantation when in use. More specifically, one or more embodiments of the electrodes of the present inventions are capable of being surgically implanted underneath a sheath of protective connective tissue that covers electrically excitable tissues and are adapted to electrically stimulate those tissues. Electrodes contemplated by embodiments of the present inventions are particularly well suited for perineurial implantation. Embodiments of the present inventions include methods of use associated with the electrodes.

Abstract: A medical electrode is provided for detecting and transmitting electrical pulses from the body surface of a patient to a device for processing the electrical pulses. The medical electrode includes a contact element (1) with a conductive material (4) for passing on the electrical pulses to the device processing the electrical pulses and with a conductive area (3) for establishing contact with the body surface of the patient. A first adhesion area (6) is provided adjoining the conductive area (3) for positioning the contact element (1) on the body surface of the patient. An attaching element (2) is provided with a second adhesion area (7) formed on the underside of the attaching element (2) for attaching the contact element (1) on the body surface of the patient. Said attaching element is arranged concentrically in relation to said contact element.

Abstract: A medical electrode is provided for detecting and transmitting electric pulses from the body surface of a patient to an electric pulse processor. The medical electrode includes an outer carrier and at least one inner carrier (3, 3?, 3?). The outer carrier and the inner carrier are connected at a defined number of geometrically distributed points (2). The points (2) form an outer edge (4) of the inner carrier and are perforated, so that the outer carrier and the inner carrier can be separated at these points (2). An adhesion area (5) is formed on the underside of the outer carrier (1) and of the inner carrier for adhering the medical electrode to the patient body surface. A contact element (7) is provided with a conductive area arranged concentrically to the contact element (7) for establishing contact with the body surface of the patient. The contact element (7) and the conductive area (8) are arranged within the inner carrier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting by the simultaneous electrical stimulation of the pericardium meridian six point and pericardium meridian seven point on the ventral side of the wrist of a patient. The meridian stimulator comprises a wrist-band like housing that is worn on the ventral side of the human wrist and contains a circuitry means included within the said housing and electrically coupled to the electrodes. A negative electrode is positioned on the pericardium meridian six point and a positive electrode is placed on the pericardium meridian seven point and a low amperage current is passed through these points via electrodes positioned at these points. A liquid crystal display unit reads the current supplied to the electrodes and indicates via an indicator light when current is being supplied to the meridian stimulator and further comprises a touch screen for a power on and off button and for increasing the rate of electrical stimulations.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to an anchor used to secure a position of a device or component relative to internal tissue of a patient and prevent migration of the component relative to the tissue of the patient. In one embodiment, the anchor is combined with an electrode lead that is configured for implantation in a patient. The electrode lead comprises a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end, a stimulating electrode and an anchor. The stimulating electrode is attached to the lead body at the distal end. The anchor is positioned at the distal end of the lead body and comprises one or more protruding elements that are configured to embed within tissue of the patient.

Abstract: An implantable electrode assembly for gripping nerves or other bodily structures is disclosed. The assembly comprises first and second spines containing first and second leads with at least one electrode cross rail joining the spines and at least one electrode providing a route for electrical conduction between the first and second lead. Mating structures on the spines allow the spines to be joined for securely attaching the assembly around the nerve.

Abstract: An epicardial pacing lead including a flexible, elongated lead body. The epicardial pacing lead has a proximal end and a distal end. An electrode is coupled to the lead body near the distal end. A housing is coupled to the lead body proximal to the electrode. A platform is at least partially encompassed by the housing. The platform includes at least four tines. Each tine is adapted for engagement with the epicardium and includes an upper section extending outwardly from the platform and a lower section extending distally at an angle to the upper section.

Abstract: The invention concerns an accessory (2) designed to be positioned around a user's body so as to retain a plurality of electrode modules (19), arranged to be connected to at least one electric power generator for localized muscle maintenance and/or muscle development, characterized in that it is equipped with linking means (5) adapted to be removably connected to those provided by another accessory so as to form an accessory of larger dimensions.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrode module (1) for muscle maintenance and/or muscle development designed to be retained in position by means of an accessory. The invention is characterized in that it comprises a housing delimited by an outer wall (2) attached to an inner wall (9) made of a deformable electrically conductive material and designed to be urged into contact with the region to be treated, said housing including at least one lining block (3) made of a deformable material supported on said outer wall and a conductive end (5) of an electric cable (6) sandwiched between the lining block and the inner wall.

Abstract: Miniature implantable medical devices each include a fixation mechanism to prevent the device from migrating in the body of a patient after implantation. The fixation mechanism is activated after the device is positioned in the body. In one embodiment, the miniature implantable medical devices each include a circuit to deliver neurostimulation. In one embodiment, the fixation mechanism includes one or more externally activated anchoring devices each configured to switch from a substantially non-anchoring state to a substantially anchoring state in response to an externally applied energy. In another embodiment, implantable medical devices are magnetically attracted to each other to prevent the devices from migrating in the body after implantation.

Abstract: The present invention is an electrode with one or more conductive surfaces and one or more access windows allowing needles, lancets and other similar objects to pass through or near the electrode and into the underlying skin layer. The electrode adheres to skin and surrounding mild electrical and vibration stimulation acts to mask the pain signals caused when sharp objects penetrate the skin. The stimulation is delivered by an attachable electrical unit designed to generate both the TENS and vibration stimuli while connected to the electrode. In addition, a flap which is attached to the electrode may serve as a bandage type dressing by flipping down over the access window(s) once the procedure is done. The present invention is an electrode with one or more electrically isolated conductive surfaces coupled to a TENS and vibration generating unit. It is designed to allow access to underlying skin and is meant to be easily produced, with the electrode being disposable after each patient use.

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

Abstract: A system comprises an implantable medical device and an actively deployable clip attached to the implantable medical device to restrict movement of the implantable medical device once the clip is deployed within a body of a patient. The clip includes an electrically conductive portion. The implantable medical device may be implanted proximate to any suitable tissue site within the patient, and in one embodiment, the implantable medical device is implanted proximate to an occipital nerve or a trigeminal nerve of the patient.

Abstract: Neuromuscular stimulation assemblies, systems, and methods make possible the providing of short-term therapy or diagnostic testing by providing electrical connections between muscles or nerves inside the body and stimulus generators or recording instruments mounted on the surface of the skin outside the body. Neuromuscular stimulation assemblies, systems, and methods may include a steerable introducer that defines an interior lumen sized and configured to shield a percutaneous electrode from contact with tissue during advancement to a desired position within tissue.

Abstract: An implanted elongated member, e.g., a medical lead or catheter, includes one or more conduits that deliver a solidifying substance to an outer surface of the distal portion of the elongated member via one or more exit ports. The solidifying substance is cured in situ from moisture in the surrounding tissue, UV light or some other curing method. The solidifying substance helps secure the elongated member to a target tissue site. The solidifying substance may form fixation structures that extend away from the elongated member, form an adhesive bond between the elongated member and the tissue, or inflate a balloon element that that engages with the adjacent tissue.

Abstract: An implanted elongated member, e.g., a medical lead or catheter, includes one or more conduits that are configured to accept a stylet to guide the elongated member during implantation and deliver a solidifying substance to an outer surface of the distal portion of the elongated member via one or more exit ports. Once the elongated member is correctly positioned within the patient, the stylet is removed from the conduit and the solidifying substance is delivered into the conduit. The solidifying substance is cured in situ from moisture in the surrounding tissue, UV light or some other curing method. The solidifying substance helps secure the elongated member to a target tissue site. The solidifying substance may form fixation structures that extend away from the elongated member, form an adhesive bond between the elongated member and the tissue, or inflate a balloon element that that engages with the adjacent tissue.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for securing an elongated member, such as a medical lead, within a tissue of a patient. In particular, suction is applied from a vacuum to a vacuum cavity located proximate to a distal end of the lead to draw in tissue from the target therapy delivery site to the vacuum cavity. A fixation element is coupled to the tissue within the vacuum cavity to fix the lead to the target therapy delivery site. The fixation techniques of this disclosure secure the medical lead to the tissue of the patient to prevent the medical lead from migrating away from the target tissue location.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to securing electrodes of a medical lead adjacent to a target tissue site. The medical lead may include at least one adhesive element disposed along a longitudinal outer surface of the lead body to adhere the adjacent tissue to the lead. Adhesive elements may be disposed proximal to, distal to, or in-between the electrodes of the lead. Each adhesive element may be inactive during lead implantation and activated by removing a covering sheath to expose the adhesive elements to moisture in the tissue or presenting an energy, e.g. ultraviolet light, to the adhesive elements. Once active, the adhesive elements secure the lead to surrounding tissue to prevent migration of the electrodes from the target tissue.

Abstract: A neurostimulation device includes an external neurostimulator worn by a patient using a bracing element that braces a portion of the patient's body. The external neurostimulator delivers neurostimulation to modulate a cardiovascular function of the patient. In one embodiment, the external stimulator delivers the neurostimulation transcutaneously to a stimulation target in the patient's body using surface stimulation electrodes placed on the body approximately over the stimulation target.

Abstract: An electrode providing electrical contact with a patient's skin includes a conductive member adapted for connection to an external electrical apparatus and a non-liquid film for electrically interfacing to said patient's skin, the liquid film being electrically and mechanically connected to said conductive member. The non-liquid film includes an electrically conductive organic polymer plasticized with a polyhydric alcohol with said organic polymer being derived from a monomeric mixture comprising from about 15 to 30 pph acrylic acid, 0.5 to 30 pph N-vinylpyrrolidone and 0.01 to 2 pph of a crosslinking agent. The monomeric mixture may further comprise from about 0.5 to 8 pph of a thickening agent selected from the group consisting of N-vinylpyrrolidone/acrylic acid copolymers, N-vinylpyrrolidone/vinylacetate copolymers, and N-vinylpyrrolidone/vinylimidazole copolymers.

Abstract: A surface neuroprosthetic device for functional electrical stimulation (FES) having a locating system for locating the device on to a limb segment of a user, and a method therefor, the device including: (a) an at least semi-rigid exoskeleton shell for encompassing at least a portion of the limb segment; (b) at least one electrical stimulation electrode operatively connected with the shell, for making electrical contact with a surface of the limb segment, so as to effect FES of at least one muscle of the limb segment; and (c) a locator, operatively connected with the shell, for determining a positioning of the shell relative to the limb segment, such that the electrode is positioned near an activating point, the locator including: (i) means for determining rotational positioning of the exoskeleton shell on the limb segment, and (ii) means for determining longitudinal positioning of the exoskeleton shell on the limb segment.

Abstract: An article of clothing for use in water includes an electroactive material integrated into the clothing, at least one electrode integrated into the clothing and wherein the electroactive material is adapted to release electrical impulses into the water. A method of generating electrical energy on a person includes wearing clothing with an integrated electroactive material that produces electrical charges upon movement of the person and harvesting electrical energy from the electroactive material for use with an electrical load. An article of clothing includes an electroactive material integrated into the clothing, at least one electrode integrated into the clothing, and wherein the electroactive material is adapted to generate an electrical field around the clothing.

Abstract: A device for applying a therapeutic electrical field to a user's body includes an electroactive material shaped for application to a user body to provide a therapeutic electric field in response to pressure applied to the electroactive material and one or more electrodes integrated into the electroactive material and disposed along an inner surface of the electroactive material for delivering the therapeutic electric field to the user's body.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a cannula includes a rigid rod which is receivable and movable in the cannula throughout a range of operative positions in which inner and outer end portions of the rod extend longitudinally outward from the inner and outer ends of the cannula. The apparatus further includes a contact electrode which is configured to be supported on the inner end portion of the rigid rod for movement with the rigid rod through the cannula.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for electrode placement around a heart. A harness having one or more attachment sites may be secured around the heart, and electrodes may be secured at the attachment sites as desired by the physician for the patient. The electrodes may be, for example, pacing and sensing electrodes, defibrillation electrodes, or any combination thereof. The harness holds the electrodes in place and also impedes the progress of ventricular dilation. The electrodes attached to the harness may be used for any of several purposes, such as cardiac resynchronization, selective defibrillation, measurement of impedance, pacing and cardioversion.

Abstract: A surface electrode for long-term electrical communication with a skin surface of a patient, the surface electrode including: (a) a highly-conductive foil, for operatively connecting to a power source, for communication of an electrical signal between the highly-conductive foil and the skin surface of the patient, and (b) a securing arrangement for securing the highly-conductive foil to the skin surface, wherein the foil has a plurality of macroscopic air-permeable regions for fluid communication of air with the skin surface, and wherein the plurality of macroscopic air-permeable regions has a first surface area, the foil has a second surface area, and a ratio of the first surface area to the second surface area is at least 0.1.

Abstract: At least one of a plurality of disorders of a patient characterized at least in part by vagal activity innervating at least one of a plurality of organs of the patient is treated by a method that includes positioning a neurostimulator carrier around a body organ of the patient where the organ is innervated by at least a vagal trunk. An electrode is disposed on the carrier and positioned at the vagal trunk. An electrical signal is applied to the electrode to modulate vagal activity by an amount selected to treat the disorder. The signal may be a blocking or a stimulation signal.