Abstract: A method and neurostimulation system for providing therapy to a patient is provided. A plurality of electrodes is placed adjacent to tissue of the patient. A plurality of first electrical pulses is delivered to a first set of the electrodes, at least a second electrical pulse is delivered to a second set of the electrodes during the deliverance of each of the first electrical pulses, and at least a third electrical pulse is delivered to a third set of the electrodes during the deliverance of each of the first electrical pulses. The first electrical pulses have a first polarity, and each of the second electrical pulse(s) and third electrical pulses(s) has a second a second polarity opposite to the first polarity. The second and third electrical pulses are temporarily offset from each other.

Abstract: Implantable medical device and method provides pacing to a patient having a heart using a plurality of electrodes. Electrical circuitry is operatively coupled to each of the plurality of electrodes on each of the plurality of leads and is configured to provide a plurality of stimulation vectors with the plurality of electrodes to the heart of the patient. The electrical circuitry is configured to calculate an energy consumption for each of the plurality of stimulation vectors.

Abstract: An implantable active medical device includes a chassis plate and a first and second elongate lead connector fixed to and extending orthogonally away from the chassis plate in opposing directions. The first and second elongate lead connectors are disposed within hermetic housings.

Abstract: An implantable active medical device includes a hermetic housing defining an exterior surface and a hermetic cavity of an implantable active medical device. The hermetic housing has a first major surface, an opposing second major surface and a side surface extending between them. An elongate lead connector is recessed into the first major surface. The elongate lead connector has a top surface and a bottom surface and a side surface extending between them. The top surface forms only a portion of the first major surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods configured to perform power regulation for an implantable device are presented. In an aspect, an implantable device can include a substrate that forms at least part of a body of the implantable device and a circuit disposed on or within the substrate. The circuit can include a high load power regulator configured to provide a first current level to components of the implantable device and a low load power regulator configured to provide a second current level to components of the implantable device, wherein the second current level is lower that the first current level. The circuit can also include a regulator switch configured to enable or disable current draw from the high load power regulator and the low load power regulator as a function of power state and associated power requirement of the components of the implantable device.

Abstract: An implantable active medical device includes a hermetic housing defining an exterior surface and a hermetic cavity of an implantable active medical device. An elongate lead connector extends into the hermetic cavity. The elongate lead connector includes a closed end, an open end extending through and hermetically joined to the hermetic housing, an outer surface at least partially defining the hermetic cavity, and an inner surface defining a lead aperture.

Abstract: A device for generating a plurality of output voltages from a single input energy supply source is described. The device includes a switched capacitor voltage converter that provides each of the output voltages having different supply ratios. The supply ratio is defined as a function of the input voltage provided to the switched capacitor voltage converter by the energy supply source. The switched capacitor voltage converter includes a plurality of capacitors selectively coupled to a plurality of switches that dynamically configure the capacitors into a plurality of stacked configurations. Switching between the plurality of stacked configurations may be controlled based on predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A successive approximation ADC made of a low voltage configurable differential amplifier and low voltage logic circuits which can convert a high voltage analog input to a digital equivalent. The differential amplifier can be configured as either an op amp or a comparator depending upon the mode of operation. An input capacitor C1 is switchably coupled to an electrode selected for voltage sampling. A switched capacitor array C2 is coupled across the differential amplifier input and output. A SAR coupled to the switched capacitor array provides a digital output corresponding to the sampled analog voltage. During a sampling interval and a charge transfer interval, the differential amplifier is configured as an op amp. During the transfer interval, the voltage on the input capacitor multiplied by the ratio C1/C2 is transferred to the switched capacitor array. During an analog to digital conversion interval, the ADC converts the analog voltage to an equivalent digital output.

Abstract: A system for altering a user's motional response to music is generally described. The system includes a current source and a music source including at least one musical piece. The system also includes an information source including information associated with at least one characteristic of the at least one musical piece. Further, the system includes a sound delivering device configured with a sound producing structure and in communication with the music source. A feedback sensor device is configured to detect motions associated with the user. A control unit is configured to receive signals from the feedback sensor and receive the information, the control unit generating control signals based on the signals and the information. Further, electrical contacts are configured to contact flesh of the user and deliver current from the current source to the vestibular system of the user in response to the control signals.

Abstract: An electric razor having an electrical stimulator is provided. The razor may be used to both shave and tighten muscles, especially in the face while shaving. The article may be configured as a hand held electric razor comprising a plurality of cutting features that may be configured as electrodes. The cutting features may be configured in any suitable way, including discrete substantially circular cutting features, such as a three blade razor. A user mode feature may be configured on the razor or control device to allow a user to use the razor alone, the stimulator alone, or the razor and stimulator in combination.

Abstract: A vagus nerve is efficiently stimulated while preventing wasteful energy consumption. Provided is a nerve stimulating device (1) including a stimulation-signal outputting portion (3) that outputs a stimulation signal to a vagus nerve (B); a heart-event detecting portion (2) that detects a heart event; and a control portion (4) that makes a judgment regarding the responsiveness of a heart (A) based on the heart event detected by the heart-event detecting portion (2) in response to the stimulation signal output from the stimulation-signal outputting portion (3), and that controls the stimulation-signal outputting portion (3) so that an intensity of the stimulation signal is decreased when the responsiveness of the heart (A) is decreased.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for treating metabolic syndrome and/or Type 2 diabetes, and/or one or more of their attendant conditions, by neural stimulation. In one embodiment, an implantable pulse generator is electrically coupled to a peripheral nerve, such as the splanchnic nerve. Neural stimulation configured to either block transmission or stimulate transmission of the peripheral nerve may be used to treat metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: A method and device for delivering ventricular resynchronization pacing therapy in conjunction with electrical stimulation of nerves which alter the activity of the autonomic nervous system is disclosed. Such therapies may be delivered by an implantable device and are useful in preventing the deleterious ventricular remodeling which occurs as a result of a heart attack or heart failure. The device may perform an assessment of cardiac function in order to individually modulate the delivery of the two types of therapy.

Abstract: A system and method for treating and/or preventing is described for treating periodic breathing characterized by cyclical hyperventilation and hypoventilation, examples of which include Cheyne-Stokes respiration and central sleep apnea. The system could also be used in the treatment of other conditions involving an impairment of respiratory drive.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a system that measures the distance between one or more electrodes and tissue of a patient, and controls one or more parameters of the stimulation delivered to the tissue by the electrodes based on the measured distance. The system controls the measurement of the distance between the electrodes and the tissue as a function of activity of the patient. The system uses, for example, a piezoelectric transducer to sense activity of the patient, and may determine whether or how frequently to measure the distance between electrodes and tissue based on the sensed physical activity. A piezoelectric transducer may be used both to sense activity and to measure the distance between the electrodes and the tissue.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing status of a parameter that includes detecting an alert level of a parameter monitored by an implanted medical device, transmitting data corresponding to the detected alert level from the implanted medical device to an external monitor, scheduling a follow-up interrogation session after receiving transmitted data corresponding to the detected alert level, and retrieving updated data from the implanted medical device corresponding to the monitored parameter during the follow-up interrogation session.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording, storing and reprogramming the natural electrical signals of cancer cells as found in tumors of humans and animals. A confounding signal is created for retransmission into the cells of a malignant tumor to damage the cell and cause apoptosis. The invention uses ultra low voltage and current to cause apoptosis.

Abstract: A process for introducing therapeutic doses of electric antioxidants to the human skin with conductive portions in clothing for electrically contacting the skin, for applying direct current, pulsed direct current, or alternating current electricity of various voltage and current levels, for conductive wiring fiber interwoven in clothing, and for electronically controlling the doses of electric antioxidants in microcurrent doses applied percutaneously or transcutaneously to the human skin. A preferred embodiment includes the process for applying clothing that is skin tight, with or without a control module imbedded in the clothing or optionally, a wireless and remote control module for administering the therapeutic doses of electric antioxidants to the skin of the head, feet, legs, hips, or upper torso.

Abstract: For supplying energy to a medical implant (100) in a patient's body a receiver (102) cooperates with an external energizer (104) so that energy is wirelessly transferred. A feedback communication system (109) sends feedback information from the receiver to the energizer, the feedback information being related to the transfer of energy to the receiver. The feedback communication system communicates using the patient's body as an electrical signal line. In particular, the communication path between the receiver and the external energizer can be established using a capacitive coupling, i.e. the feedback information can be capacitively transferred over a capacitor having parts outside and inside the patient's body. An energy balance between the amount of energy received in the receiver and the energy used by the medical implant can be followed over time, and then the feedback information is related to the energy balance.

Abstract: A system for designing a therapy or for treating a gastrointestinal disorder or a condition associated with excess weight in a subject comprising at least one electrode configured to be implanted within a body of the patient and placed at a vagus nerve, the electrode also configured to apply therapy to the vagus nerve upon application of a therapy cycle to the electrode; an implantable neuroregulator for placement in the body of the patient beneath the skin layer, the implantable neuroregulator being configured to generate a therapy cycle, wherein the therapy cycle comprises an on time during which an electrical signal is delivered, the electrical signal comprising: a) a set of pulses applied at a first selected frequency of about 150-10,000 Hz, wherein each pulse of the set of pulses has a pulse width of at least 0.01 milliseconds and less than the period of the first selected frequency.

Abstract: According to a method and device for modulating intracellular calcium concentration in biological tissue, a stimulation probe is applied to the tissue, a non-excitatory stimulation pulse is generated, and the pulse is conveyed to the stimulation probe. In one embodiment concerning cardiac tissue, a stimulation probe is applied to a patient's heart, a signal is received from at least one sensor responsive to the patient's cardiac muscle activity, a non-excitatory stimulation pulse responsive to the signal is generated, and the pulse is conveyed to the stimulation probe.

Abstract: A stimulation system can have a first sensor to generate a first reading and a second sensor to generate a second reading. An analysis module of a programmer such as a patient programmer, which programs a stimulation signal to be delivered to a patient, conducts an evaluation of the patient based on the first and second readings. Evaluations may include determinations such as range of motion determinations, posture determinations, physical task-specific brain activity determinations, cognitive task-specific brain activity determinations, and brain activity-specific movement determinations.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for at least partially fitting a medical implant system to a patient is described. These apparatuses and methods comprise using a dynamic mutation rate. This genetic algorithm may comprise generating successive generations of child populations. In executing the genetic algorithm, children may undergo mutations based on a mutation rate. This mutation rate may be dynamic and be based on the characteristics of the children in the generation. Additionally, values may be frozen during execution of the genetic algorithm if the likelihood that the value has converged on a particular value exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of using an implantable medical device. One embodiment of the present disclosure comprises delivering electrical stimulation proximate nerve tissue of a patient during a transient physiological effect period separated by a recovery period. The transient physiological effect period is when electrical stimulation has an increased level of efficacy and the recovery period is when additional electrical stimulation does not provide a beneficial physiological effect to the patient.

Abstract: A method and device for endocrine and exocrine gland control. The method comprises selecting neuro-electrical coded signals from a storage area that are representative of body organ function. The selected neuro-electrical coded signals are then transmitted to a treatment member, which is in direct contact with the body, and which then broadcasts the neuro-electrical coded signals to a specific endocrine and exocrine gland nerve or gland to modulate the gland functioning. A control module is provided for transmission to the treatment member. The control module contains the neuro-electrical coded signals which are selected and transmitted to the treatment member, and computer storage can be provided for greater storage capacity and manipulation of the neuro-electrical coded signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnosing and treating neural dysfunction is disclosed. This device has the capability of delivering the therapeutic electrical energy to more than one treatment electrode simultaneously. In another exemplary embodiment, this device can perform EMG testing both before and after the therapeutic energy has been delivered, to assess whether the target nerve was successfully treated. In another embodiment, the device has the capability to record and store sensory stimulation thresholds both before and after treatment is described, which allows the clinician to accurately determine whether the target nerve has been desensitized. Energy control may achieved by simultaneously comparing the tip temperature of each treatment electrode to a set temperature selected by the operator, and regulating the therapeutic energy output to maintain the set temperature.

Abstract: Methods and systems of treating acute heart failure by applying a therapy signal at least one sympathetic cardiopulmonary fiber surrounding the pulmonary trunk that affects heart contractility more than heart rate. Methods and systems also include adjusting the signal to effectuate treatment.

Abstract: Self-positioning of at least a portion of a transdermal electrical stimulation patch within a target area (e.g., supraclavicular fossa region) of a human body to activate a depot of brown adipose tissue therein. An electric field is generated using the electrical stimulation patch to activate the brown adipose tissue within the supraclavicular fossa region of the body. The patch is self-positioned using one or more anatomical points (e.g., anatomical landmarks and/or anatomical features) or markings on the body. Brown adipose tissue may also be activated by applying an electrical signal to a body piercing partially implanted proximate a target area in which the tissue is disposed.

Abstract: In some examples, systems, devices, and techniques for determining a particular sleep stage of a patient, determining a seizure state of the patient during the particular sleep stage, and generating a seizure probability metric for the particular sleep stage based on the sleep stage and seizure state are described. In some cases, a patient may be more susceptible to seizure events during particular sleep stages. One or more seizure probability metrics indicative of a patient's susceptibility to seizure events during a particular sleep stage may be useful in creating a patient-specific treatment regimen.

Abstract: Methods of neuromodulation in a live mammalian subject, such as a human patient. The method comprises applying an electrical signal to a target site in the nervous system, such as the brain, where the electrical signal comprises a series of pulses. The pulses includes a waveform shape that is more energy-efficient as compared to a corresponding rectangular waveform. Non-limiting examples of such energy-efficient waveforms include linear increasing, linear decreasing, exponential increasing, exponential decreasing, and Gaussian waveforms. Also described are apparatuses for neuromodulation and software for operating such apparatuses.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to advanced monitoring and control of medium voltage therapy (MVT) in implantable and external devices. Apparatus and methods are disclosed that facilitate dynamic adjustment of MVT parameter values in response to new and changing circumstances such as the patient's condition before, during, and after administration of MVT. Administration of MVT is automatically and dynamically adjusted to achieve specific treatment or life-support objectives, such as prolongation of the body's ability to endure and respond to MVT, specifically addressing the type of arrhythmia or other pathologic state of the patient with targeted treatment, a tiered-intensity MVT treatment strategy, and supporting patients in non life-critical conditions where the heart may nevertheless benefit from a certain level of assistance.

Abstract: A dressing for treating a damaged tissue, incorporates a pair of electrodes and a conductive gel between the electrodes. An electric current passes between the electrodes through the gel to repair the damaged tissue. Sensors can be incorporated into the dressing along with a control unit. The control unit can vary the current supplied to the electrodes according to environmental parameters detected by the sensors. Alternatively, one or more pre-defined programs can be stored in the control unit for supplying an alternating current to the electrodes with a varying amplitude, frequency and waveform.

Abstract: Various aspects relate to a method. In various embodiments, a therapy of a first therapy type is delivered, and it is identified whether a therapy of a second therapy type is present to affect the therapy of the first therapy type. Delivery of the therapy is controlled based on the presence of the therapy of the second therapy type. Some embodiments deliver the therapy of the first type using one set of parameters in the presence of a therapy of a second type, and deliver the therapy of the first type using another set of parameters when the therapy of the second type is not present. In various embodiments, one of the therapy types includes a cardiac rhythm management therapy, and the other includes a neural stimulation therapy. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: A physiological signal of a patient is sensed with sense electrodes symmetrically arranged relative to a stimulation electrode. In some examples, a member includes a plurality of relatively small electrodes that are configured to function as both sense and stimulation electrodes. One or more of the electrodes may be selected as stimulation electrodes and two or more different electrodes of the member may be selected as sense electrodes that are symmetrically arranged relative to the one or more selected stimulation electrodes. In some examples, a member includes a plurality of levels of segmented sense electrodes and a plurality of levels of stimulation electrodes. The levels of sense electrodes are arranged such that each level of stimulation electrodes is adjacent at least two levels of sense electrodes symmetrically arranged relative to the level of stimulation electrodes.

Abstract: A patch for a therapeutic electrical stimulation device includes a shoe connected to the first side of the patch, the shoe including a body extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end, and having first and second surfaces, the first end of the shoe defining at least two ports, and the first surface of the shoe defining a connection member. The patch also includes at least one conductor positioned in the ports of the first end of the shoe. The shoe is configured for sliding insertion into a receptacle defined by a controller so that the conductor is connected to the controller to deliver electrical current from the controller, through the conductor, and to the electrodes, and the connection member is at least partially captured by a detent defined by the controller in the receptacle to retain the shoe within the receptacle.

Abstract: An implantable medical lead exhibits reduced heating under MRI conditions. The lead includes a multi-layer coil conductor including an inner coil layer, a middle coil layer disposed around the inner coil layer, and an outer coil layer disposed around the middle coil layer. Each of the coil layers is characterized by one or more of a filar thickness, a coil pitch, or a coil diameter configured such that the coil conductor exhibits a high inductance when exposed to MRI radiation. Each of the coil layers is electrically connected to the other coil layers to provide parallel conductive paths resulting in a coil conductor resistance suitable for defibrillation lead applications.

Abstract: The invention provides an implantable multi-electrode device (300) and related methods and apparatuses. In one embodiment, the invention includes an implantable device (300) comprising: an assembly block (320); and a plurality of leads (340 . . . 348) radiating from the assembly block (320), each of the plurality of leads (340 . . . 348) containing at least one electrode (342A), such that the electrodes are distributed within a three-dimensional space, wherein the assembly block (320) includes a barb (350) for anchoring the assembly block (320) within implanted tissue.

Abstract: An instrument 10 for delivering a high voltage pulse to tissue is disclosed. The instrument 10 can include an outer support member 12 with a liquid reservoir 14 that has a liquid-contacting interior surface 16, an opening 18 at a distal end 20 of the outer support member 12, and a ground electrode 22 extending in a longitudinal direction and having a lower surface 23 proximate the opening 18. The instrument 10 can also include a working electrode 26 extending longitudinally from the liquid-contacting interior surface 16 with a needle-shaped distal portion 28 proximate the distal end 20; and an inlet port 31 and an outlet port 34 in liquid communication with the liquid reservoir 14. The working electrode 26 can be electrically isolated from the ground electrode 22 by an insulating portion 30 of the outer support member 12, and a direct path can exist through the liquid reservoir 14 between the ground electrode 22 and the working electrode 26.

Abstract: Methods of treating acute heart failure in a patient in need thereof. Methods include inserting a therapy delivery device into a pulmonary artery of the patient and applying a therapy signal to autonomic cardiopulmonary fibers surrounding the pulmonary artery. The therapy signal affects heart contractility more than heart rate. Specifically, the application of the therapy signal increases heart contractility and treats the acute heart failure in the patient. The therapy signal can include electrical or chemical modulation.

Abstract: A compact implantable medical assembly is comprised of a medical device connected to an electrochemical cell. The medical device is comprised of a housing enclosing at least one electrical circuit and including an end having a perimeter edge and a contact opening therethrough. The electrochemical cell is comprised of a casing having a sidewall extending to a distal end and a proximal end forming a proximal opening. The proximal casing end is joined to the medical device housing. A glass-to-metal seal supports a terminal pin extending from within the casing through the proximal casing opening and through the contact opening in the end of the housing. The terminal pin is connected to the electrical circuit contained within the housing. That way the cell serves as the power source for the medical device with both the cell and medical device being exposed to body fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an electrostimulation energy storage capacitor, a circuit path communicatively coupled to the electrostimulation energy storage capacitor and configured to provide quasi-constant current neural stimulation through a load from the electrostimulation energy storage capacitor, a current measuring circuit communicatively coupled to the circuit path and configured to obtain a measure of quasi-constant current delivered to the load, and a control circuit communicatively coupled to the current measuring circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to initiate adjustment of the voltage level of the storage capacitor for a subsequent delivery of quasi-constant current according to a comparison of the measured load current to a specified load current value.

Abstract: A real-time method and system to accurately demarcate sub-territories of the subthalamic nucleus area in the brain during surgery, based on microelectrode recordings and a Hidden Markov Model. Root mean square and power spectral density of the microelectrode recordings are used to train and test Hidden Markov Model in identifying the dorsolateral oscillatory region and non-oscillatory sub-territories within the subthalamic nucleus. After the dorsolateral oscillatory region in the subthalamic nucleus is mapped, the microelectrodes are removed, and a macroelectrode is inserted in the mapped dorsolateral oscillatory region for producing deep brain simulation for treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft system includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. If desired, a single actuator can be used to open and close both valve devices.

Abstract: Techniques for modeling therapy fields for therapy delivered by medical devices are described. Each therapy field model is based on a set of therapy parameters and represents where therapy will propagate from the therapy system delivering therapy according to the set of therapy parameters. Therapy field models may be useful in guiding the modification of therapy parameters. As one example, a processor compares an algorithmic model of a therapy field to a reference therapy field and adjusts at least one therapy parameter based on the comparison. As another example, a processor adjusts at least one therapy parameter to increase an operating efficiency of the therapy system while substantially maintaining the modeled therapy field.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring and controlling stimulation current, for example in an implantable device, are disclosed. A series capacitor (Cb) is disposed along the conduction path, and the voltage (Uc) across the capacitor measured, so as to provide a direct measurement of the delivered stimulation current.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus that includes a microcurrent delivery device portion and at least one independent sensory cue delivery means. The independent sensory cue delivery means can provide an independent sensory cue selected from the group consisting of vibration, heat, cool, skin irritation, tingling, fragrance or auditory.

Abstract: Methods for treating a disease condition in a subject are provided. The subject methods are characterizing by enhancing at least one symptom of the disease condition in a manner effective to cause the subject to mount a compensatory response effective to treat the disease condition. Also provided are compositions, kits and systems for practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: A minimally invasive method of introducing an electrode to electrically stimulate one or both vocal cords of a subject includes inserting a hollow needle from outside of the subject's body into a postcricoidal region lateral to a posterior cricoarytenoid muscle and forming an insertion path downwardly towards a cricothyroid joint of the subject. The method also includes introducing the electrode via the hollow needle and positioning the electrode relative to at least one vocal cord muscle of the subject based on the insertion path.

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