Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for detecting or confirming fibrillation are discussed. In one example, a method for detecting a cardiac arrhythmia of a patients' heart comprises receiving, by a leadless cardiac pacemaker fixed in the patients' heart, an indication from a remote device that a cardiac arrhythmia is detected, monitoring by the leadless cardiac pacemaker a signal generated by a sensor that is located within the patients' heart, and based at least in part on the monitored signal, confirming whether a cardiac arrhythmia is occurring or not. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise, if a cardiac arrhythmia is confirmed, delivering a therapy to treat the cardiac arrhythmia.

Abstract: A group select matrix is added to an implantable stimulator device to allow current sources to be dedicated to particular groups of electrodes at a given time. The group select matrix can time multiplex the current sources to the different groups of electrodes to allow therapy pulses to be delivered at the various groups of electrodes in an interleaved fashion. Each of the groups of electrodes may be confined to a particular electrode array implantable at a particular non-overlapping location in a patient's body. A switch matrix can be used in conjunction with the group select matrix to provide further flexibility to couple the current sources to any of the electrodes.

Abstract: Implantable devices and related systems utilize a single coil for both inductive telemetry at one telemetry signal frequency and recharge at another recharge energy frequency. The coil is included in a tank circuit that may have a variable reactance. During telemetry, particularly outside of a recharge period, the reactance may be set so that the tank circuit is tuned to the telemetry frequency. During recharge, the reactance is set so that the tank circuit is tuned to the recharge frequency. Furthermore, the tank circuit may have a Q that is sufficiently small that the tank circuit receives telemetry frequency signals that can be decoded by a receiver while the tank is tuned to the recharge frequency so that telemetry for recharge status purposes may be done during the recharge period without changing the tuning of the tank circuit.

Abstract: A DC-DC converter for implantable medical devices includes a switch capacitor converter core including a plurality of power transistor switches configured to receive an input voltage and output an output voltage; a switch driver connected with the switch capacitor converter core and configured to turn on corresponding power transistor switches in the switch capacitor converter core so as to supply power to a load receiving the output voltage; a switch signal router connected with the switch driver and configured to selectively transmit signals required by the switch driver; a gain selection decoder connected with the switch signal router; a gain controller connected with the gain selection decoder, the gain selection decoder being configured to decode gain selection instructions transmitted from the gain controller; an input adjusting device connected with the gain controller and configured to receive the input voltage and a reference voltage, to indicate relationship between the input voltage and the referen

Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for disrupting bone conduction signals. According to one aspect, a device can receive a signal via a communication path that is external to a body of a user associated with the device. The device can generate a disruption signal to disrupt the signal. The device can send the disruption signal through the body of the user to disrupt the signal.

Abstract: Specific embodiments of the present invention are for use by a base station (BS) that enables power efficient wireless radio frequency (RF) communication between the BS and a medical device (MD), which may or may not be an implantable medical device (IMD). In an embodiment, once a communication session is established between the BS and the MD, the BS selectively turns a drop link mode on and off. The drop link mode is a communication mode that while turned on (i.e., enabled) reduces and preferably minimizes the length of time that an RF link is maintained between the BS and the MD. In accordance with an embodiment, at any given time during a communication session the drop link mode is either turned on (i.e., enabled) or turned off (i.e., disabled).

Abstract: A device, system and method that communicate with at least one implantable medical device (IMD). The device includes a unit and a surface having at least one reception or transmission element that communicate with the at least one IMD. A minimum pressure required for the contact between transmission or reception elements and skin is provided by gravity or by patient interaction with the device. The system includes the at least one IMD, the unit that communicates with the at least one IMD and the device having the at least one reception or transmission element that communicate with the at least one IMD. The method includes the steps of providing a surface having at least one reception or transmission element that communicate with an IMD, and enabling communication upon detection of a minimum pressure on the surface. The communication with the IMD is acoustic or conductive.

Abstract: A method to establish communication between devices is provided. The method may include obtaining a request from a user at a first device to establish a communication session through a communication system over a wide area network with a second device. The communication session may provide for verbal communication between the user of the first device and a second user of the second device. The method may further include obtaining, at the first device over a local area network, current vital sign data of the user from a medical device configured to obtain vital sign data of the user. In response to the request from the user, the method may include sending a communication request to the communication system over the wide area network to establish the communication session and sending the current vital sign data to the communication system over the wide area network.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are example configurations of implantable units of implantable medical devices such as hearing devices. An example implantable hearing device includes a housing having a posterior side and an anterior side, with the anterior side being formed such that an inner edge of the anterior side defines an aperture. The housing includes an electrical feedthrough, a transceiver, and an antenna element. The electrical feedthrough is made of one or more biocompatible materials, and at least a portion of the electrical feedthrough is positioned beneath the aperture. The transceiver is configured to conduct RF communications. Further, the antenna element is electrically connected to the transceiver and is positioned below, above, or inside the electrical feedthrough.

Abstract: Communication power in a medical device system is managed by providing power from a power supply to a communication circuit in a sensing device according to a first communication wake up mode set for a first time period and according to a second communication wake up mode set for a second time period. The second communication wake-up mode is established by a second device.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an implantable medical device. The medical device comprises an implantable component having a receiver unit; an external charging module having a power transmitter unit; and a data module having a data transmitter unit. The units are configured to establish a transcutaneous communication link over which data and power is transmitted on a single frequency channel via a time interleaving scheme comprising successive frames each divided into at least two time slots, and wherein one or more of the time slots in each frame is allocated to the data transmitter unit, and wherein one or more of the time slots in each frame is allocated to the power transmitter unit, and wherein data and power are transmitted by the transmitter units during their allotted time slots.

Abstract: A method for sensing far-field R-waves in a leadless, intracardiac pacemaker implanted in an atrium of a patient's heart may involve sensing an electrical signal generated by the heart with two electrodes and a first sensing channel and/or a second sensing channel of the pacemaker, comparing a first timing marker from the first sensing channel with a second timing marker from the second sensing channel, and either determining that the sensed signal is a P-wave, if the first and second timing markers indicate that the sensed signal was sensed by the first and second sensing channels within a predetermined threshold of time from one another, or determining that the sensed signal is a far-field R-wave, if the sensed signal is sensed by the second sensing channel and not sensed by the first sensing channel.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for disrupting bone conduction signals. According to one aspect, a device can receive a signal via a communication path that is external to a body of a user associated with the device. The device can generate a disruption signal to disrupt the signal. The device can send the disruption signal through the body of the user to disrupt the signal.

Abstract: A medical system includes a network; one or more medical data collection appliances coupled to the network, each appliance transmitting data conforming to an interoperable format; and a server coupled to the network to store data for each individual in accordance with the interoperable format.

Abstract: A device includes a signal generator module, a processing module, and a housing. The signal generator module is configured to deliver pacing pulses to an atrium. The processing module is configured to detect a ventricular activation event and determine a length of an interval between the ventricular activation event and a previous atrial event that preceded the ventricular activation event. The processing module is further configured to schedule a time at which to deliver a pacing pulse to the atrium based on the length of the interval and control the signal generator module to deliver the pacing pulse at the scheduled time. The housing is configured for implantation within the atrium. The housing encloses the stimulation generator and the processing module.

Abstract: An implantable medical device comprises a communication module that comprises at least one of a receiver module and a transmitter module. The receiver module is configured to both receive from an antenna and demodulate an RF telemetry signal, and receive from a plurality of electrodes and demodulate a tissue conduction communication (TCC) signal. The transmitter module is configured to modulate and transmit both an RF telemetry signal via the antenna and a TCC signal via the plurality of electrodes. The RF telemetry signal and the TCC signal are both within a predetermined band for RF telemetry communication. In some examples, the IMD comprises a switching module configured to selectively couple one of the plurality of electrodes and the antenna to the receiver module or transmitter module.

Abstract: Electrical crosstalk between two implantable medical devices or two different therapy modules of a common implantable medical device may be evaluated, and, in some examples, mitigated. In some examples, one of the implantable medical devices or therapy modules delivers electrical stimulation to a nonmyocardial tissue site or a nonvascular cardiac tissue site, and the other implantable medical device or therapy module delivers cardiac rhythm management therapy to a heart of the patient.

Abstract: A microplegia console for controlling the delivery of cardioplegia to a patient, comprising an integrated display/touch screen for displaying cardioplegia information and patient information and allowing inputting of parameters via the display/touch screen into the console for computer-controlled perfusion of cardioplegia into the patient. The invention further comprises a method for delivery of cardioplegia to a patient, including defining and selecting a protocol from a displayed list and sequencing a series of the protocols. The invention also comprises a method for cardioplegia delivery to achieve aortic valve closure. Additionally, the invention comprises a method for activating an icon whereby, upon a first selection of the icon, displaying an indicia indicating that the icon has been first selected; and upon a second selection of the icon, activating the icon.

Abstract: Methods, implantable medical devices and systems configured to perform analysis of captured signals from implanted electrodes to identify cardiac arrhythmias. In an illustrative embodiment, signals captured from two or more sensing vectors are analyzed, where the signals are captured with a patient in at least first and second body positions. Analysis is performed to identify primary or default sensing vectors and/or templates for event detection.

Abstract: A medical apparatus communication system includes a first medical apparatus and a second medical apparatus. The first medical apparatus includes a first communicating unit which establishes a communication connection with the second medical apparatus to communicate with the second medical apparatus, and a first controlling unit which controls the first medical apparatus. The second medical apparatus includes a second communicating unit which establishes a communication connection with the first medical apparatus to communicate with the first medical apparatus, a second controlling unit which controls the second medical apparatus, and a second sound outputting unit which performs a sound output in accordance with a control of the second controlling unit. The second controlling unit controls the sound output of the second sound outputting unit in a predetermined timing after establishment of the communication connection between the first and second communicating units.

Abstract: A wireless apparatus includes an antenna, a circuit board configured to form a wireless communication circuit that is connected to the antenna, and a housing configured to accommodate the circuit board and formed by resin molding. A linear conductor extends from a ground of the circuit board.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating between medical devices. In one example, a method for communicating between a plurality of medical devices in a medical device system comprises, with a first medical device, communicating a first message to a second medical device. The method further comprises, with the second medical device, receiving the first message, wherein the first message comprises a plurality of communication pulses. A first set of the plurality of communication pulses represent a synchronization portion of the first message. A second set of the plurality of communication pulses represent a relative device address portion of the first message. A third set of the plurality of communication pulses represent a command portion of the first message. A fourth set of the plurality of communication pulses represent a payload portion of the first message.

Abstract: Implantable devices and related systems utilize a single coil for both inductive telemetry at one telemetry signal frequency and recharge at another recharge energy frequency. The coil is included in a tank circuit that may have a variable reactance. During telemetry, particularly outside of a recharge period, the reactance may be set so that the tank circuit is tuned to the telemetry frequency. During recharge, the reactance is set so that the tank circuit is tuned to the recharge frequency. Furthermore, the tank circuit may have a Q that is sufficiently small that the tank circuit receives telemetry frequency signals that can be decoded by a receiver while the tank is tuned to the recharge frequency so that telemetry for recharge status purposes may be done during the recharge period without changing the tuning of the tank circuit.

Abstract: An antenna structure, for use in an implantable medical device, may include an inner portion that is magnetically coupled to an outer portion. In one example, the inner and outer portions include conductive loops. In accordance with the techniques of this disclosure, a capacitive sensor is electrically coupled to one of the conductive loops of the antenna of the implantable medical device. As the capacitance of the capacitive sensor changes as a function of the sensed parameter, an impedance of the antenna varies with the output of the capacitive sensor. This variation in impedance of the antenna modulates a carrier signal with the measured parameter. In other words, the measured parameter is modulated onto the carrier signal as a change in amplitude caused by variation in impedance of antenna during radiation/transmission.

Abstract: A system for determining the Q and J points of an electrocardiogram (ECG) combines a WLT-based Q, J detection algorithm with signal quality assessment for lead selection. A Q, J detector (24) receives a beat-cycle waveform for the beat under consideration from each of a plurality (N) of ECG leads, and assesses signal quality for each lead using signal quality assessor (SQA) components 261, 262 . . . 26N. The leads with “good” signal qualities are employed for a multichannel waveform length transform (WLT), which yields a combined waveform length signal (CWLS). The Q and J points are then determined from the CWLS.

Abstract: A transponder is disclosed comprising a multichannel front-end circuit; each channel of the multichannel front-end circuit a resonant circuit associated with a respective antenna and producing, in use, an input voltage; a conditioning circuit configured to provide a conditioned input voltage from the input voltage, and a comparator configured to compare the conditioned input voltage with a reference voltage; wherein the front-end circuit further comprises: a variable load connectable across each of the resonant circuits, and a controller configured to, in use, vary the variable load and detect an output from each of the comparators. A method of operating such a transponder to determine a most strongly coupled channel, or more strongly coupled channels, is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed in which an external device such as a consumer mobile device (e.g., smart phone) is used as an external controller to bi-directionally communicate with an Implantable Medical Device (IMD) using a dedicated patient remote control (RC) as an intermediary device to translate communications between the two. The dedicated RC contains a graphical user interface allowing for control and monitoring of the IMD even if the mobile device is not present in the system, which is useful as a back-up should the mobile device experience problems. Use of the dedicated RC as an intermediary device broadens the utility of other computing devices to operate as an external controller for an IMD even if the computing device and IMD do not have compliant communication means.

Abstract: A medical device system for monitoring a patient's heart includes an implantable medical device (IMD) configured to determine sensing vector data for multiple sensing vectors selected from electrodes coupled to the IMD. The system further includes an external device configured to receive the sensing vector data and provide at least a portion of the sensing vector data to a user display configured to display sensing vector criteria and the sensing vector data as part of a graphical user interface for programming a sensing vector used by the implantable medical device for monitoring a patient's heart rhythm.

Abstract: A tethering feature includes an elongate break-away member and a base, and forms a proximal end of an implantable medical device housing. A tether attachment zone of the break-away member extends between break-away member ends, and the base includes a pair of supports, wherein each end of the break-away member is wrapped around a corresponding support. A delivery catheter tether may be attached to the device tethering feature by passing a looped portion of the tether around the tether attachment zone. The device may be untethered from the catheter by applying a pull force through the attached tether, while a distal end of a shaft of the catheter, which abuts the device proximal end, provides a back-up force, the pull force unwrapping each end of break-away member from the corresponding base support.

Abstract: A sensor for physiology sensing may be configured to generate oscillation signals for emitting radio frequency pulses for range gated sensing. The sensor may include a radio frequency transmitter configured to emit the pulses and a receiver configured to receive reflected ones of the emitted radio frequency pulses. The received pulses may be processed to detect physiology characteristics such as motion, sleep, respiration and/or heartbeat. In some embodiments, the sensor may employ a circuit including a pulse generator configured to generate signal pulses. The circuit may also include a dielectric resonator oscillator configured to generate a radio frequency oscillating signal. A switched oscillation circuit may be coupled to the pulse generator and the dielectric resonator oscillator. The switched circuit may be configured to generate a pulsed radio frequency oscillating signal for emitting the radio frequency pulses.

Abstract: A driving circuit useful in a magnetic inductive coupling wireless communication system is disclosed. The circuit includes an inductor (coil) and capacitor in series selectively coupled to a power source such as a rechargeable battery. The LC circuit is made to resonate in accordance with a Frequency Shift Keying or other protocol. Such resonance produces a voltage across the inductor. This voltage is used to create a first voltage either by tapping into the coil, or by providing a transformer. The first voltage is coupled to the rechargeable battery by a diode. When the circuit resonates, and when the first voltage exceeds the voltage of the power source, the diode turns on, thus shunting excess current back to recharge the rechargeable battery. By use of this circuit, energy is conserved. Additionally, oscillations can be quickly dampened so as to allow the circuit to transmit at high data rates.

Abstract: Methods, implantable medical devices and systems configured to perform analysis of captured signals from implanted electrodes to identify cardiac arrhythmias. In an illustrative embodiment, signals captured from two or more sensing vectors are analyzed, where the signals are captured with a patient in at least first and second body positions. Analysis is performed to identify primary or default sensing vectors and/or templates for event detection.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an operational mode of a telemetry module. A device, such as a programming device, operating in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure determines that a transceiver of an implantable medical device is operating in a duty cycled operational mode that includes at least one interval during which the transceiver is powered down interleaved with intervals during which the transceiver is powered up, e.g., for transmitting or receiving communications over an established communication session. The programming device is configured to transmit information during the at least one interval in which the transceiver of the implantable medical device is powered down. Doing so ensures that the channel over which the programmer and implantable medical device communicate will not be usurped by another device.

Abstract: A method of reducing power consumption of a receiver includes identifying a plurality of sensors for transmitting a signal, generating data for controlling a transmission operation of the plurality of sensors, and transmitting the data to the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: This disclosure describes antenna structures for use in an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device may include a housing that hermetically encloses electronic components of the implantable medical device and a fixation mechanism that affixes the implantable medical device to a target location, such as a wall of a vessel. The fixation mechanism functions as a radiating element of an antenna of the implantable medical device. The housing of the implantable medical device may include a conductive loop that electrically couples to a telemetry module and magnetically couples to the fixation mechanism. The telemetry module may provide signals to be transmitted to the inner loop and those signals are magnetically coupled between the inner loop and the fixation mechanism, which radiates the signals.

Abstract: A group select matrix is added to an implantable stimulator device to allow current sources to be dedicated to particular groups of electrodes at a given time. The group select matrix can time multiplex the current sources to the different groups of electrodes to allow therapy pulses to be delivered at the various groups of electrodes in an interleaved fashion. Each of the groups of electrodes may be confined to a particular electrode array implantable at a particular non-overlapping location in a patient's body. A switch matrix can be used in conjunction with the group select matrix to provide further flexibility to couple the current sources to any of the electrodes.

Abstract: Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide a stimulation system for prosthetic or therapeutic stimulation of muscles, nerves, or central nervous system tissue, or any combination. The stimulation system includes an implantable pulse generator and a lead sized and configured to be implanted subcutaneously in a tissue region. An external controller includes circuitry adapted for wireless telemetry and a charging coil for generating the radio frequency magnetic field to transcutaneously recharge a rechargeable battery in the pulse generator. Using wireless telemetry, the pulse generator is adapted to transmit status information back to the external controller to allow the external controller to automatically adjust up or down the magnitude of the radio frequency magnetic field and/or to instruct a user to reposition the charging coil, the status information adapted to allow optimal recharging of the pulse generator rechargeable battery.

Abstract: An intra-pericardial medical device is provided that comprises a lead body having a proximal portion, a distal end portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the proximal portion and the distal end portions. An intra-pericardial medical device further includes the control logic housed with the lead body and an energy source housed within the lead body. A stimulus conductor is included and extends along the lead body. An electrode is joined to the stimulus conduct near the distal end portion, where the electrode configured to deliver stimulus pulses. A telemetry conductor is provided within the lead and extends from the proximal portion and along the intermediate portion of the lead body. The telemetry conductor is wound into a series of coil groups to form inductive loops for at least one of receiving and transmitting radio frequency (RF) energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to leadless cardiac pacemakers (LBS), and elements and methods by which they affix to the heart. The invention relates particularly to a secondary fixation of leadless pacemakers which also include a primary fixation. Secondary fixation elements for LBS's may passively engage structures within the heart. Some passive secondary fixation elements entangle or engage within intraventricular structure such as trabeculae carneae. Other passive secondary fixation elements may engage or snag heart structures at sites upstream from the chamber where the LBS is primarily affixed. Still other embodiments of passive secondary fixation elements may include expandable structures.

Abstract: An active implantable medical device provides atrial stimulation for resynchronization of the heart chambers. After a first cycle without stimulation, a premature left atrial stimulation is delivered with application of a short left inter-atrial delay, shorter than the sinus rhythm coupling interval. During the next cycle a non-premature left atrial stimulation is delivered, and the atrioventricular interval between the left atrial depolarization and the ventricular depolarization is evaluated and compared to its value in sinus rhythm to modify as necessary a parameter of the left atrial stimulation, such as the short left inter-atrial delay.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for validating locational data for a monitoring device. The external monitoring device located on a patient may include one or more processors, one or more memory devices, one or more power devices, one or more heart rate detection devices, and one or more heart sound detection devices. Further, the method may include determining a plurality of status of an external monitoring device located on a patient via one or more processors based on obtained heart rate data and obtained heart sound data. The external monitoring device state may be generated via a validation module based on the heart rate data and the heart sound data.

Abstract: An interactive implantable medical device system includes an implantable medical device and a network-enabled external device capable of bi-directional communication and interaction with the implantable medical device. The external device is programmed to interact with other similarly-enabled devices. The system facilitates improved patient care by eliminating unnecessary geographic limitations on implantable medical device interrogation and programming, and by allowing patients, physicians, and other users to access medical records, history, and information and to receive status and care-related alerts and messages anywhere there is access to a communications network.

Abstract: A cardiac pacing system comprises multiple leadless cardiac pacemakers configured for implantation in electrical contact with a cardiac chamber and configured for multi-chamber cardiac pacing. The individual leadless cardiac pacemakers comprise at least two leadless electrodes configured for delivering cardiac pacing pulses, sensing evoked and/or natural cardiac electrical signals, and communicating bidirectionally among the leadless cardiac pacemaker plurality.

Abstract: Systems and methods for programming and logging medical device and patient data are provided. The systems include a handheld device, which is capable of communicating with a medical device, and a base station, which provides connectivity for the handheld device to accomplish various functions such as recharging, programming, data back-up and data entry. The methods comprise the steps of detecting a medical device, obtaining and recording information from the medical device. Additionally, medical device parameters may be modified and the recorded information may be archived for future reference.

Abstract: A signal generator generates an electrical signal that is sent to an amplifier, which increases the power of the signal using power from a power source. The amplified signal is fed to a sender transducer to generate ultrasonic waves that can be focused and sent to a receiver. The receiver transducer converts the ultrasonic waves back into electrical energy and stores it in an energy storage device, such as a battery, or uses the electrical energy to power a device. In this way, a device can be remotely charged or powered without having to be tethered to an electrical outlet.

Abstract: A cardiac pacing system comprising one or more leadless cardiac pacemakers configured for implantation in electrical contact with a cardiac chamber and configured to perform cardiac pacing functions in combination with a co-implanted implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). The leadless cardiac pacemaker comprises at least two leadless electrodes configured for delivering cardiac pacing pulses, sensing evoked and/or natural cardiac electrical signals, and bidirectionally communicating with the co-implanted ICD.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable media for implementing reentrant compositing window manager applications are described. In general, techniques are disclosed for using a second application to composite portions of hierarchically structured objects and the window manager to composite certain other portions of the same object. More particularly, a window manager application may be used to composite objects of a first type (e.g., application backing store bitmaps) and then call or invoke a second application to composite objects of a second type (e.g., hierarchically structured objects). The second type of object includes information (e.g., a reference) of the composite window manager's output buffer at the time the second application was invoked.

Abstract: A communication system for an active implantable medical device. The communication system includes an isolation transformer a coil coupled to the isolation transformer, and first and second communication components each coupled to the isolation transformer such that the first and second communication components are electrically isolated from the coil, and such that the isolation transformer enables the first and second communication components to communicate, via magnetic induction (MI) using the coil, with at least one external component.

Abstract: A miniaturized in-body electronic device is provided. One or more antennas (e.g., 32) may be galvanically coupled to receive an alternating current (AC) signal through the body of a subject where the in-body electronic device is located. Power extraction circuitry (e.g., 36) is configured to extract electrical power from the AC signal received by the antenna. The extracted electrical power is used for electrically powering one or more components of the electronic device. A transmitter (e.g., 48) is coupled to receive power from the power extraction circuitry. A controller (e.g., 46) is coupled to the transmitter. The controller is configured to activate the transmitter to generate a sequence of intermittent transmission bursts for transmitting an uplink signal. A transmission burst may have a higher instantaneous power level than an instantaneous power level of the AC signal received by the antenna.

Abstract: An external device of an implantable medical system includes a coil that is substantially disposed in an XY-plane. When a first AC electrical signal is passed through the coil, the coil generates an alternating magnetic field that represents the AC electrical signal. The electrical signal can include at least one of power or data. The device also includes a cylindrical shaped permanent magnet with base substantially parallel to the XY-plane. The magnet can be is used to position the external device with respect to an implantable device. Further, the device has a printed circuit board that includes at least a portion that is substantially orthogonal to the XY-plane and the portion can also include an electrical ground plane. In addition, the device can include at least one sensor that is coupled to the portion of the substrate and to the ground plane.