Abstract: A system and method for recording sensing and pacing events in a cardiac rhythm management device. The method may be particularly useful in assessment of pacing parameters for ventricular resynchronization therapy.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and/or devices for selecting spinal cord stimulation (SCS) electrode array configurations to provide effective cardiac therapy. Physiological parameters related to the heart may be monitored and analyzed during the delivery of SCS using various SCS electrode array configurations to determine an effect SCS electrode array configuration.

Abstract: An implantable signal generator including electronic circuitry, a computer readable medium, and a connector block with a lumen which receives at least one lead. The at least one lead has at least one electrode connector while the lumen of the connector block has a plurality of contacts operably coupled to the electronic circuitry. The computer readable medium contains instructions for carrying out a process to determine at least one piece of information regarding the at least one lead within the lumen based on an electrode connector being electrically connected with the at least one of the plurality of contacts, and an electrode connector not being electrically connected with the at least one of the plurality of contacts.

Abstract: An external defibrillator having a battery; a capacitor electrically communicable with the battery; at least two electrodes electrically communicable with the capacitor and with the skin of a patient; a controller configured to charge the capacitor from the battery and to discharge the capacitor through the electrodes; and a support supporting the battery, capacitor, electrodes and controller in a deployment configuration, the defibrillator having a maximum weight per unit area in the deployment configuration of 0.1 lb/in2 and/or a maximum thickness of 1 inch. The support may be a waterproof housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking and illustrating the location of leads positioned within the volume is disclosed. For example, the lead electrodes can be positioned within a heart of a patient that can be tracked over time. The lead electrodes can be tracked with an electrode potential or bioimpedance tracking system to determine the position of the lead electrodes. A method and apparatus is disclosed to analyze the position information for analyzing the selected position of the lead electrodes.

Abstract: Techniques for performing lead functionality tests, e.g., lead impedance tests, for implantable electrical leads are described. In some of the described embodiments, an implantable medical device determines whether a patient is in a target activity state, e.g., an activity state in which lead impedance testing will be unobtrusive, such as when a patient is asleep, or capture information of particular interest, such as when the patient is active, in a particular posture, or changing postures. The implantable medical device performs the lead functionality test based on this determination. Additionally, in some embodiments, the implantable medical device may group a plurality of measurements for a single lead functionality test into a plurality of sessions, and perform the measurement sessions interleaved with delivery of therapeutic stimulation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accurately and painlessly measuring the impedance between defibrillation electrodes implanted in a patient utilize a high current test pulse delivered with a sufficiently high current to produce an accurate measurement of the defibrillation electrode impedance while limiting the duration of the test pulse such that the pain sensing cells in the patient do not perceive the test pulse. In one embodiment, the test pulse is generated from the high voltage transformer without storing energy in the high voltage capacitors and is delivered to the defibrillation electrodes in the patient utilizing the high voltage switching circuitry.

Abstract: Described herein are implantable systems, and methods for use therewith, to predict whether ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) is imminent, estimate ischemic burden and/or characterize an electrical substrate of the LV chamber. For each of a plurality of cardiac cycles, a pacing vector comprising a first set of electrodes is used to deliver a pre-pacing pulse at a site within the LV chamber (wherein the pre-pacing pulse is delivered prior to an intrinsic activation of the LV chamber), and a sensing vector comprising a second set of electrodes is used to detect an evoked response to the pre-pacing pulse. The detected evoked responses to the pre-pacing pulses are analyzed, and results of the analysis are used predict whether VT or VF is imminent, estimate ischemic burden and/or characterize an electrical substrate of the LV chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments herein generally relate to implantable medical devices and, specifically, to a system and method for providing fault tolerant processing in an implantable medical device. In an embodiment a system for providing fault tolerant processing in an implantable medical device is provided. The system can include an implantable medical device comprising a processor and memory store configured to execute a plurality of threads, temporal and spatial constraints assigned to one or more of the threads, and a kernel. The kernel can include a scheduler and a thread monitor configured to monitor execution of threads against the temporal and spatial constraints, and further configured to issue a response upon violation of either of the constraints by one of the plurality of threads. In an embodiment a method for providing fault tolerant processing in an implantable medical device is provided. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: A method for delivering physiological pacing includes selecting an electrode implant site for sensing cardiac signals, which is in proximity to the heart's intrinsic conduction system, where pacing stimulation results in a rhythm breaking out at an intrinsic location, and selected in response to a ratio of sensed P-wave amplitude to sensed R-wave amplitude.

Abstract: Tools and methods are particularly suited for certain cardiac conditions involving use of a catheter for pacing of the right and left ventricles from a lead in the right ventricle, e.g., to facilitate mechanically and/or electrically synchronous contractions for resynchronization. Certain aspects involve pacing and/or mapping by delivering pulses to a cardiac site useful for improving heart function as measured, e.g., by QRS width, fractionation, late LV activation timing, mechanical synchronicity of free wall and septal wall, effective throughput/pressure, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, a catheter arrangement includes a fixation mechanism to attach the catheter arrangement to heart tissue, individually-addressable electrodes for providing pacing signals to the heart tissue, and an elongated structure that supports the fixation mechanism and the electrodes.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring a patient's level of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and implantable cardiac systems capable of performing such methods, are provided. A ventricle is paced for a period of time to provoke a ventricular evoked response, and a ventricular intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) indicative of the ventricular evoked response is obtained. Based on the ventricular IEGM, there is a determination of at least one ventricular evoked response metric (e.g., ventricular evoked response peak-to-peak amplitude, ventricular evoked response area and/or ventricular evoked response maximum slope), and the patient's level of BNP is monitored based on determined ventricular evoked response metric(s). Based on the monitored level's of BNP, the patients heart failure (HF) condition and/or risks and/or occurrences of certain events (e.g., an acute HF exacerbation and/or an acute myocardial infarction) can be monitored.

Abstract: A working end of a catheter includes at least one therapeutic element, such as a resistive heating element, usable to deliver energy for ligating, or reducing the diameter of, a hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, the catheter includes a lumen to accommodate a guide wire or to allow fluid delivery. In certain embodiments, a balloon is inflated to place resistive element(s) into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure and to occlude the structure. Indexing devices and methods are also disclosed for successively treating portions of the hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, marks along the catheter shaft provide visual verification to the physician of the relative position of the therapeutic element of the catheter. Embodiments of indexing devices may include pairs of rings and/or hinged arms that move a catheter a desired indexed position between successive treatments.

Abstract: A method for operating an implantable medical device includes delivering a plurality of pacing pulses to an atria of a patient's heart and monitoring intrinsic atrial activity to detect intrinsic atrial contractions between one or more of the plurality of pacing pulses. The method further includes detecting atrial undersensing as a function of the detection of intrinsic atrial contractions.

Abstract: A method of delivering phrenic nerve stimulation in a medical device system that includes detecting an activation event, delivering phrenic nerve stimulation therapy in response to the detected activation event, sensing a heart sound signal, in response to the delivered phrenic nerve stimulation therapy, monitoring a portion of the sensed heart sound signal, the portion defined by a predetermined window ocurring after the delivered phrenic nerve stimulation therapy, and determining whether the delivered phrenic nerve stimulation therapy was successful in response to the monitoring.

Abstract: A method and system of detecting phrenic nerve stimulation in a patient that includes detecting an activation event, obtaining a heart sound signal of a patient from an implanted heart sound sensor, determining that an electrical stimulation has been applied to the patient, in response to detecting the activation event, monitoring a portion of the heart sound signal, the portion defined by a predetermined window after the application of the electrical stimulation, and determining whether phrenic nerve stimulation occurred based on the portion of the heart sound signal.

Abstract: Techniques for determining whether one or more leads are not adequately connected to a patient, e.g., for ECG monitoring, are described. The techniques involve injection of an integrated signal (which includes a test signal) into one lead, and monitoring the driven lead and the response at the other leads, including the common mode and the difference between the other leads. These “lead-off” detection techniques may be provided by an external defibrillator that provides three-wire ECG monitoring. Techniques for determining a type of a cable coupled to a defibrillator are also described. The cable-type identification may allow a defibrillator to, for example, operate in either a three-wire ECG monitoring mode or a therapy mode, based on whether a three-wire ECG cable or a defibrillation cable is coupled to the defibrillator.

Abstract: An implantable medical system may include an implantable medical lead including at least one electrode and an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device comprises an electromagnetic interference (EMI) detection module that monitors for one or more particular characteristics of EMI. A control module is configured to control a therapy module to generate single stimulation pulses while operating the IMD in a first operating mode. In response to detecting the condition indicative of the presence of EMI, the control module switches the IMD from the first operating mode to a second operating mode and generates at least one group of two or more stimulation pulses in close proximity to one another in place of a single stimulation pulse while operating the IMD in the second operating mode.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for defining, identifying and utilizing composite parameter indices from health-related parameters are disclosed. One aspect is a programmable device having machine executable instructions for performing a method to assist with managing a patient's health. In various embodiments, a first set of at least two health-related parameters is acquired. A first composite parameter is generated using the first set of at least two health-related parameters. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management system selects one of multiple electrodes associated with a particular heart chamber based on a relative timing between detection of a depolarization fiducial point at the multiple electrodes, or based on a delay between detection of a depolarization fiducial point at the multiple electrodes and detection of a reference depolarization fiducial point at another electrode associated with the same or a different heart chamber. Subsequent contraction-evoking stimulation therapy is delivered from the selected electrode.

Abstract: A patient's ejection fraction is maximized through simultaneous sensing and stimulating across multiple electrodes. In one exemplary embodiment, a catheter or lead having multiple electrodes connected to a pulse generator is used. The pulse generator provides individual current control of the stimulus applied to each electrode, and further includes the ability to sense intrinsic and evoked depolarization through multiple electrodes. In another exemplary embodiment, a multiplicity of individual implantable microstimulators, each having its own current source and/or sensor and electrodes, cooperate in concert to provide multi-site stimulation and sensing.

Abstract: Techniques for testing integrity of various elements of implantable medical device systems are described. Some embodiments automatically test the integrity of one or more system elements in response to detecting an event. Examples of events in response to which an integrity test may be performed include the patient being within a target activity state, a symptomatic event experienced by a patient, an external impact on the patient that exceeds a damage threshold, or an indication that the patient is receiving inappropriate therapy. Some embodiments automatically test integrity in response to failure to autonomously detect an event, which may be indicated by input from a patient. An implantable lead carrying electrodes or a therapeutic substance delivery element, such as a catheter, are examples of system elements for which integrity may be tested in some embodiments.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for determining whether a patient is a responder to cardiac resynchronization therapy. The beginning and ending of the intrinsic ventricular depolarization are determined through signals measured from one or more electrodes implanted in the patient's heart. An interval between the beginning and ending of the intrinsic ventricular depolarization is computed and is compared to a threshold. The threshold may be determined empirically. The pacing parameters of a heart stimulation device, such as a pacemaker, may then be configured, for example, by setting the paced atrio-ventricular delay based on whether the patient responds positively to cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing pacing interval optimization are provided. One or more optimum pacing interval is determined for each of a plurality of different ranges of heart rate, different levels of autonomic tone, different body temperature ranges, or combinations thereof. The information (e.g., measures of hemodynamic response) collected to perform pacing interval optimization can be collected and stored in a table over disjoint periods of time. Such measures of hemodynamic performance are preferably relative measures, but can alternatively be absolute measures.

Abstract: Methods and systems are directed to selecting from a variety of capture verification modes. A plurality of capture verification modes, including a beat by beat capture detection mode and a capture threshold testing mode without intervening beat by beat capture detection is provided. An efficacy of at least one of the capture verification modes is evaluated and, based on the evaluation, a capture verification mode is selected.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for signal analysis in an implanted cardiac monitoring and treatment device such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. In illustrative examples, sensed data including detected events is analyzed to identify likely overdetection of cardiac events. In some illustrative examples, when overdetection is identified, data may be modified to correct for overdetection, to reduce the impact of overdetection, or to ignore overdetected data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for use by an implantable medical device capable of automatically adjusting the sensitivity with which electrical cardiac signals are sensed within a patient, i.e. a device equipped with Automatic Sensitivity Control (ASC.) In a first example, ASC parameters are automatically adjusted by the device itself based on parameters derived from both R-waves and T-waves and further based on a detected noise floor. In a second example, a profile representative of the shape of cardiac signals is generated by the device. ASC parameters are then adjusted based on the profile. In various embodiments, histograms are used to determine sizes and shapes of the R-waves and T-waves via statistical prevalence techniques. The histograms are also employed to derive the aforementioned profile.

Abstract: Systems and methods involve determination of CRT parameters using a number of CRT optimization processes. Each CRT optimization process attempts to return recommended parameters. The CRT parameters are determined based on the recommended parameters returned by one or more of the CRT optimization processes. The CRT optimization processes may be sequentially implemented and the CRT parameters may be determined based on the recommended parameters returned by a first CRT optimization process to return recommended parameters. The CRT parameters may be determined based on a combination of the recommended parameters returned. The CRT optimization processes implemented may be selected from available CRT optimization processes based on patient conditions.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing phrenic nerve stimulation of cardiac pacing systems involve delivering a pacing pulse to a ventricle of a heart. A transthoracic impedance signal is sensed, and a deviation in the signal resulting from the pacing pulse may be used to determine phrenic nerve stimulation. Methods may further involve detecting the phrenic nerve stimulation from the pacing pulse by delivering two or more pacing pulse to the ventricle of the heart, and determining a temporal relationship. A pacing vector may be selected from the two or more vectors that effects cardiac capture and reduces the phrenic nerve stimulation. A pacing voltage and/or pulse width may be selected that provides cardiac capture and reduces the phrenic nerve stimulation. In other embodiments, a pacing pulse width and a pacing voltage may be selected from a patient's strength-duration curve that effects cardiac capture and reduces the phrenic nerve stimulation.

Abstract: A non-implanted system receives, from an implantable cardiac device implanted within a patient, data corresponding to detected potential episodes of tachycardia. A representation of the data corresponding to the detected potential episodes of tachycardia is displayed to a user, and the user that observes the displayed representation of the data is allowed to enter a user diagnosis for each of the detected potential episodes of tachycardia. The non-implanted system simulates how the implantable cardiac device can use its discriminators to produce device diagnoses, based on the data for the detected potential episodes of tachycardia, including how adjustments to the discriminators affect how the device diagnoses match the user diagnoses. Thereafter, the non-implanted system can reprogram the implantable cardiac device to increase a likelihood that future device diagnoses produced by the implantable cardiac device would more closely match future user diagnoses produced by the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a cardiac stimulus device lead having fault tolerance and fault isolation are disclosed. A medical electrical lead is provided according to one aspect. According to one embodiment, the lead includes a first conductor and a second conductor for transmitting an electrical pulse from a pulse generator. The lead further includes a switching mechanism, a first electrode, and a lead assessment circuit. The switching mechanism selectively couples the first conductor to the first electrode. The first electrode is decoupled during a test phase and the switching mechanism directly couples the first conductor to the second conductor. The lead assessment circuit processes a signal associated with the electrical properties of the lead to determine whether the lead is exhibiting a lead related condition.

Abstract: In an implantable heart stimulator and a method for operation thereof, stimulation pulses are delivered to a heart. The amplitude of the delivered stimulation pulses can be selectively set. For setting the amplitude, threshold searches are performed at selected time intervals. Each threshold search determines a threshold value required for achieving capture. The amplitudes of the respective stimulation pulses are set to a value that exceeds the determined threshold value by a safety margin. The safety margin is selected as a function of the selected time intervals.

Abstract: Systolic timing intervals are measured in response to delivering pacing energy to a pacing site of a patient's heart. An estimate of a patient's acute response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) for the pacing site is determined using the measured systolic timing intervals. The estimate is compared to a threshold. The threshold preferably distinguishes between acute responsiveness and non-responsiveness to CRT for a patient population. An indication of acute responsiveness to CRT for the pacing site may be produced in response to the comparison.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of treating tissue adjacent a bodily conduit using thermotherapy, while preventing obstructions of the bodily conduit due to edema, includes injection of a drug-encapsulated within a heat-sensitive carrier, such as a liposome, within a region of tissue to be treated. The heat produced by the energy-emitting source heats a portion of the tissue surrounding the bodily conduit to a temperature of approximately 43° C. for a time sufficient to destroy the heated portion of the tissue. In addition, the heat produced by the energy-emitting source activates the heat-sensitive carrier to activate the release of the encapsulated drug and the drug targets the tissue to be heated. The focused energy of the energy-emitting source together with the compression acting on the target area can assist in delivering drugs to the target area so that a natural stent has a long term efficacy.

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: Techniques for determining whether a medical device will be able to deliver stimulation according to a particular program throughout a useable voltage range of a power source of the medical device are described. According to some examples, the medical device configures a DC to DC converter of the medical device in a specified output configuration and delivers electrical stimulation from the medical device according to a program while at the specified output configuration. Whether the medical device will be able to deliver stimulation according to the program when the power source is at a power source voltage level lower than a present voltage level used during therapy delivery is determined based on a value of a voltage drop across a regulator module determined while delivering the electrical stimulation according to the program. The determination for a program may be performed, as an example, when the program is created or modified.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the coronary sinus vein branch location of a left ventricle electrode are disclosed. The systems and methods involve detecting the occurrence of electrical events within the patient's heart including sensing one or more of the electrical events with the electrode and then analyzing the electrical events to determine the electrode's position. The determination of electrode position may be used to automatically adjust operating parameters of a VRT device. Furthermore, the determination of electrode position may be made in real-time during installation of the electrode and a visual indication of the electrode position may be provided on a display screen.

Abstract: Energy parameters for electrical stimulation pulses that produce a desired activation, and avoid an undesirable activation, are determined. A strength-duration relationship for at least one desired activation produced by therapeutic electrical stimulation is measured. A strength-duration relationship for at least one undesirable activation produced by the therapeutic electrical stimulation is provided. A medical device selects, based on the desired and undesirable strength-duration relationships, one or more energy parameters for the therapeutic electrical stimulation that produce the desired activation and avoid the undesirable activation.

Abstract: A cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator, or other programmable medical device (25) includes a source unit (15) and a collection unit (20). The source unit (15) has a check data unit (40) generating at least one check datum for control data for the medical device (25), and a transmitting unit (45) transmitting the control data and the check datum to the collection unit (20). The collection unit (20) has a storage unit (65) storing the control data, a check unit (70) checking the integrity of the control data using the check datum, and a transmitting unit (75) transmitting the control data to a programmable control unit (80) of the medical device (25) only if the integrity of the control data is established by the check unit (70). The control unit (80) of the medical device (25) controls the functions of the medical device (20) on the basis of the transmitted control data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for allowing an implantable medical device, such as pacemaker, to properly sense electrophysiological signals and hemodynamic signals within a patient during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure. Systems and methods are also provided for allowing the implantable medical device to transmit the sensed data to an external monitoring system during the MRI procedure so that attending medical personnel can closely monitor the health of the patient and the operation of the implantable device during the MRI. These improvements provide the attending personnel with information needed to determine whether the MRI should be suspended in response to induced tachyarrhythmias or other adverse conditions within the patient.

Abstract: Method, controller and system for an implantable medical device capable of delivering therapeutic stimulation through a plurality of electrodes. A control module is operable to conduct a plurality of measurements of impedance values creating a plurality of measured impedance values for a plurality of selected sets of individual ones of the plurality of electrodes based on a plurality of active parameters. The control module conducts the plurality of measurements of impedance values in a plurality of stages in which at least one of said plurality of active parameters is varied between individual ones of the plurality of stages.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for performing a lead condition assessment and/or a lead orientation determination associated with an implantable medical device (IMD). A first impedance is determined. The first impedance relates to the impedance relative to a first electrode and a portion of the IMD. A second impedance is determined. The second impedance relates to the impedance relative to a second electrode and the portion of the IMD. The first impedance is compared with the second impedance to determine an impedance difference. A determination is made whether the impedance difference is outside a predetermined tolerance range. Furthermore, artifact measured during impedance measurements or test pulses may be compared to assess lead orientation. An indication of a lead condition error is provided in response to determining that the impedance difference is outside the predetermined tolerance range.

Abstract: In one aspect a system includes an external communication device configured to interrogate a pulse generator, an external programmer device communicatively coupled to the external communication device; the external programmer device configured to receive a listing of valid electrode pairs from the pulse generator through the external communication device, the external programmer device configured to prevent a pacing, sensing, or shocking vector from being programmed by the user if a pair of electrodes needed for the vector are not included within the listing of valid electrode pairs.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing phrenic nerve stimulation of cardiac pacing systems involve delivering a pacing pulse to a ventricle of a heart. A transthoracic impedance signal is sensed, and a deviation in the signal resulting from the pacing pulse may be used to determine phrenic nerve stimulation. Methods may further involve detecting the phrenic nerve stimulation from the pacing pulse by delivering two or more pacing pulse to the ventricle of the heart, and determining a temporal relationship. A pacing vector may be selected from the two or more vectors that effects cardiac capture and reduces the phrenic nerve stimulation. A pacing voltage and/or pulse width may be selected that provides cardiac capture and reduces the phrenic nerve stimulation. In other embodiments, a pacing pulse width and a pacing voltage may be selected from a patient's strength-duration curve that effects cardiac capture and reduces the phrenic nerve stimulation.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) configured to detect lead connectivity as well as to identify lead type. Detecting lead connectivity provides, among other information, confirmation that the lead is connected to the IMD and that such connection has good integrity between the IMD and the electrodes of its leads. With positive affirmation regarding lead connectivity, the IMD can in turn accurately identify the lead type. Such connectivity and lead type information gives a physician enhanced confidence in using and/or reprogramming the IMD with respect to such leads.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of programming an IPG comprises providing one or several GUI screens on the programmer device, the GUI screens comprising a master amplitude GUI control for controlling amplitudes for stimsets of a stimulation program and one or several balancing GUI controls for controlling amplitudes of each stimset of the stimulation program; communicating one or several commands from the programmer device to the IPG to change the amplitude of all stimsets of the stimulation program in response to manipulation of the master amplitude GUI control, wherein the amplitude of each stimulation set is automatically calculated by a level selected through the master amplitude GUI control and one or several calibration parameters for the respective stimulation set; and automatically recalculating the one or several calibration parameters for a respective stimulation set in response to manipulation of one of the balancing GUI controls and storing the recalculated calibration parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for use by an implantable medical device capable of automatically adjusting the sensitivity with which electrical cardiac signals are sensed within a patient, i.e. a device equipped with Automatic Sensitivity Control (ASC.) In a first example, ASC parameters are automatically adjusted by the device itself based on parameters derived from both R-waves and T-waves and further based on a detected noise floor. In a second example, a profile representative of the shape of cardiac signals is generated by the device. ASC parameters are then adjusted based on the profile. In various embodiments, histograms are used to determine sizes and shapes of the R-waves and T-waves via statistical prevalence techniques. The histograms are also employed to derive the aforementioned profile.

Abstract: In general, this disclosure is directed to techniques and circuitry to determine characteristics of an implantable lead associated with an implantable medical device (IMD). The implantable lead may be designed to be MRI-safe by having one or more components that attenuate frequencies associated with an MRI that, if left unreduced, may interfere with the performance of the lead and/or cause harm to the tissue in which the lead is implanted. The circuitry may transmit a signal through the lead and receive a response signal. The device may determine the lead characteristics by comparing the transmitted signal with the received signal. In addition to determining whether the lead is MRI-safe, the techniques of this disclosure may be also utilized to determine whether the lead is faulty.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems, devices, and methods relating to the monitoring of the functional maturation of biological interventions effecting cardiac pacing.

Abstract: A thermal treatment system including a heat applying element for generating thermal doses for ablating a target mass in a patient, a controller for controlling thermal dose properties of the heat applying element, an imager for providing preliminary images of the target mass and thermal images during the treatment, and a planner for automatically constructing a treatment plan, comprising a series of treatment sites that are each represented by a set of thermal dose properties. The planner automatically constructs the treatment plan based on input information including one or more of a volume of the target mass, a distance from a skin surface of the patient to the target mass, a set of default thermal dose prediction properties, a set of user specified thermal dose prediction properties, physical properties of the heat applying elements, and images provided by the imager.