Abstract: A stimulation system for a patient is provided. The system comprises: at least one implantable device comprising at least one implantable antenna; and an external device comprising at least one external antenna, wherein the at least one external antenna transfers power to the at least one implantable antenna. The at least one implantable device delivers therapy to the patient. A patient attachment device or body covering positions the at least one external antenna relative to the patient.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a wireless connector system are described. The system has a transmitter module and a receiver module that are configured to wirelessly transmit electrical energy and/or data via near field magnetic coupling. The wireless connector system is designed to increase the amount of wirelessly transmitted electrical power over a greater separation distance. The system is configured with various sensing circuits that alert the system to the presence of the receiver module to begin transfer of electrical power as well as undesirable objects and increased temperature that could interfere with the operation of the system. The wireless connector system is a relatively small footprint that is designed to be surface mounted.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of making and using and apparatus for wirelessly communicating data and providing power, particularly from a location exterior to a body and to an implantable device disposed within a body with tissue. The described embodiments provide apparatus and methods for efficiently transfer data and power between an external transceiver and an (implanted) biomedical device. The method is to modulate power carrier, which wirelessly powers the device, using an asynchronous modulation scheme, such as amplitude shift keying (ASK) modulation, with minimal modulation depth in order to not disrupt the power flow. The digital data is encoded in the pulse width, eliminating the need for synchronization to the power carrier signal and further minimizing the power consumption necessary for data transfer. Additionally, a reverse backscatter method for obtaining data from the implant is described that has flexible, low power operation.

Abstract: An electrical-component add-on is provided for use with a prosthetic cardiac valve including a tubular frame. The electrical-component add-on includes a support and one or more electrical components. The support is (a) configured to assume delivery and deployed configurations, (b) configured to be positioned above, at, or below an annulus of a native cardiac valve of a heart, and (c) shaped as a ring when in the deployed configuration, so as to receive the tubular frame of the prosthetic cardiac valve within the support. The one or more electrical components are supported by the support, and include an antenna and one or more electrodes. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A modular medical device (e.g., modular defibrillator/monitor) employs a primary medical module including a primary power source (e.g., battery(ies) and/or power supply) for powering an execution of a primary medical task assigned to the primary medical module (e.g., electrical therapy), and a remote medical module including a remote power source (e.g., battery(ies) and/or power supply) for powering an execution of a remote medical task assigned to the remote medical module (e.g., patient parameter monitoring). In operation, primary medical module ascertains if primary power source has sufficient power or insufficient power for the execution of the primary medical task, and remote medical module controls a charging of remote power source by primary power source if primary medical module ascertains primary power source has sufficient power for the execution of the primary medical task.

Abstract: Presented herein are implantable medical devices that comprise an implantable portion having a resonant tank circuit that is used to receive signals from one or more external devices. The resonant tank circuit is configured to operate at first and second resonant frequencies, where the first resonant frequency is optimized to exchange data with, and potentially receive operating power from, an external device, while the second resonant frequency is optimized to receive charging power. In certain embodiments, upon initiating operation of the implantable portion with at least one external device, the implantable portion is configured to force tune the resonant tank circuit to the first resonant frequency. That is, when the resonant tank circuit first begins receiving signals from an external device, the signals received at the resonant tank circuit are used to initially tune the resonant tank circuit to the first resonant frequency.

Abstract: A charging energy control system includes an implantable medical device (IMD) and an external charger for effectuating wireless power transfer. The IMD receives charging energy to recharge a battery during an ON period and rejects the charging energy during an OFF period. A series switch is disposed between the IMD's coil and rectifier circuitry that is controlled by voltage regulation circuitry operative to generate a clamp control signal configured to detune the coil in the OFF state.

Abstract: An implantable medical device system includes an extracardiac sensing device and an intracardiac pacemaker. The sensing device senses a P-wave attendant to an atrial depolarization of the heart via housing-based electrodes carried by the sensing device when the sensing device is implanted outside the cardiovascular system and sends a trigger signal to the intracardiac pacemaker in response to sensing the P-wave. The intracardiac pacemaker detects the trigger signal and schedules a ventricular pacing pulse in response to the detected trigger signal.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system that uses ultrasonic waves to transfer energy and data, enabling for the control and recharging of a cardiac assist device. Data and energy transfer are accomplished using pulsed ultrasonic waves. The use of ultrasonic waves allows for wireless transcutaneous energy transfer to power the cardiac assist device pump in absence of a driveline, reducing complications associated with driveline infections and improving patient quality of life.

Abstract: The present technology is generally directed to implantable medical device systems configured to provide cardiac resynchronization therapy. In some embodiments, the implantable medical device system comprises a housing, electrodes carried by the housing, a transducer configured to produce input voltage signals in response to ultrasound energy, and a circuit configured to provide, via an electrical pathway, output voltage signals based on the input voltage signals. The circuit comprises a movable switch, and a slew rate detector configured to detect whether a voltage rate of an individual pulse of the input voltage signals exceeds a predetermined threshold voltage rate. The circuit is configured to move the switch to an open position in response to the detected voltage rate exceeding the predetermined threshold voltage rate.

Abstract: A tethering assembly for securing a medical device includes a shaft and a wire that extends in sliding engagement within a proximal lumen, a channel, and a distal receptacle of the shaft. A retainer zone of the shaft, through which the channel extends, stops a transition segment of the wire, which extends between a proximal and a distal segment of the wire, from moving into the shaft receptacle, thereby restraining a distal-most tip of the wire from moving through a distal-most opening of the receptacle. When a projecting member of the device has entered a secure zone of the receptacle, via movement through the distal-most opening and a tapering passageway thereof, the distal-most tip of the wire, which may be spring-biased, can move distally into the passageway so that the tip blocks the projecting member from moving distally, back through the passageway.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present disclosure generally relates to techniques for applying focused ultrasound energy to a region of interest in a subject to induce neuromodulation of the celiac plexus to treat inflammatory bowel disease. The region of interest ay include at least a portion of a peripheral ganglion of the celiac plexus.

Abstract: In an example, a voltage converter includes a pulse generator. The voltage converter also includes a high-side transistor having a gate coupled to the pulse generator, a source coupled to a first voltage terminal, and a drain coupled to an output node. The voltage converter includes a low-side transistor having a gate coupled to the pulse generator, a source coupled to a second voltage terminal, and a drain coupled to the output node. The voltage converter includes a charge lookup table coupled to the pulse generator, where the charge lookup table is configured to provide a charge duration. The voltage converter includes a discharge lookup table coupled to the pulse generator, where the discharge lookup table is configured to provide a discharge duration. The voltage converter also includes a latch coupled to the charge lookup table, where the latch is configured to store an indication of a supply voltage.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a wireless connector system are described. The system has a transmitter module and a receiver module that are configured to wirelessly transmit electrical energy and/or data via near field magnetic coupling. The wireless connector system is designed to increase the amount of wirelessly transmitted electrical power over a greater separation distance. The system is configured with various sensing circuits that alert the system to the presence of the receiver module to begin transfer of electrical power as well as undesirable objects and increased temperature that could interfere with the operation of the system. The wireless connector system is a relatively small footprint that is designed to be surface mounted.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an implantable medical device including a housing having a generally planar portion, and a piezoelectric transducer disposed within the housing, wherein a receiving face of the piezoelectric transducer is arranged at an oblique angle with respect to a poling axis of the piezoelectric transducer, and an electrode to deliver a neurostimulation therapy. The implantable medical device is configured to receive energy signals from an external device and transduce the received energy signals into electrical power.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to control transmission of wireless energy supplied to an electrically operable medical device adapted to be implanted in a mammal patient is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for inductive energy transmission into a human body (1) with a transmitter unit (23) having a transmission coil (25), wherein the transmission coil (25) has a coil winding (26). According to the invention, the carrier element (32) is a surface area-forming flexible structure that can be made to conform to a body contour, and the coil winding (26) of the transmission coil (25) is fixed to the carrier element (32).

Abstract: One example system includes a biosensor applicator having a housing defining a cavity configured to receive and physically couple to a biosensor device, and to apply the biosensor device to a wearer; an applicator coil antenna oriented around a first axis; and a biosensor device including a biosensor coil antenna; a first wireless transceiver electrically coupled to the biosensor coil antenna; a Bluetooth antenna; and a second wireless transceiver coupled to the Bluetooth antenna; wherein the biosensor device is physically coupled to the biosensor applicator and positioned at least partially within the cavity; and wherein the applicator coil antenna is configured to wirelessly receive electromagnetic (“EM”) energy from a remote coil antenna and wirelessly provide at least a first portion of the received EM energy to the biosensor coil antenna.

Abstract: A TETS having an external controller having a power source, a transmission coil in communication with the external controller, a receiving coil configured for transcutaneous inductive communication with the transmission coil, and an implantable controller in communication with the receiving coil and an implantable blood pump. The implantable controller has a battery configured to receive power from the receiving coil and the external controller is configured to categorize power transfer states based on predetermined thresholds of efficiency and power demand, and user display states (associated with optional configurable notifications) based on the power transfer states and predetermined temperature thresholds of the transmission coil.

Abstract: The present invention relies on a controller-transmitter device to deliver ultrasound energy into cardiac tissue in order to directly improve cardiac function and/or to energize one or more implanted receiver-stimulator devices that transduce the ultrasound energy to electrical energy to perform excitatory and/or non-excitatory treatments for heart failure. The acoustic energy can be applied as a single burst or as multiple bursts.

Abstract: Example systems and techniques for denervation, for example, renal denervation. In some examples, a processor determines one or more tissue characteristics of tissue proximate a target nerve and a blood vessel. The processor may generate, based on the one or more tissue characteristics, an estimated volume of influence of denervation therapy delivered by a therapy delivery device disposed within the blood vessel. The processor may generate a graphical user interface including a graphical representation of the tissue proximate the target nerve and the blood vessel and a graphical representation of the estimated volume of influence.

Abstract: Some embodiments of pacing systems employ wireless electrode assemblies to provide pacing therapy. The wireless electrode assemblies may wirelessly receive energy via an inductive coupling so as to provide electrical stimulation to the surrounding heart tissue. In certain embodiments, the wireless electrode assembly may include one or more biased tines that shift from a first position to a second position to secure the wireless electrode assembly into the inner wall of the heart chamber.

Abstract: A pump is provided for conveying body fluids, in particular blood, wherein the pump has a pump housing and a rotor mounted in the pump housing. The rotor comprises at least one sensor for detecting flow and/or movement parameters. Also provided is a method for operating the pump.

Abstract: An artificial urinary sphincter can include a cuff configured to surround a portion of a length of a urethra. An actuator is configured to selectively apply a force to the cuff to thereby apply variable amount of pressure to the urethra. A controller is configured to adjust the application of the force by the actuator to cause the cuff to apply the variable amount of pressure to the urethra. A sensor can be in communication with the controller and configured to detect pressure applied against the cuff by the urethra. The controller is configured to cause the cuff to apply a first closing pressure to the urethra. In response to a detection of a threshold pressure increase by the sensor, the controller is configured to cause the cuff to apply a second closing pressure that is greater than the first closing pressure and that prevents urine from exiting the urethra.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to transmit wireless energy from an external energy transmitting device placed externally to a human body to an internal energy receiver placed internally in the human body is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first electric circuit to supply electrical pulses to the external transmitting device, said electrical pulses having leading and trailing edges. The electrical circuit is adapted to perform at least one of the following: vary the lengths of first time intervals between successive leading and trailing edges of the electrical pulses and/or the lengths of second time intervals between successive trailing and leading edges of the electrical pulses, and vary the first and second time intervals to have lengths in the range of, that are in the magnitude of order of or are shorter than, a time constant of the first electric circuit, and a relationship or proportion between the lengths of the first and second time intervals.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for monitoring or modulating an immune system in a subject; treating, reducing or monitoring inflammation; monitoring blood pressure; treating hypertension; or administering or adjusting a therapy for inflammation or hypertension in a patient by electrically stimulating the splenic nerve or detecting splenic nerve activity using an implanted medical device. Also described herein are implantable medical devices for performing such methods. The implanted medical device includes an ultrasonic transducer configured to receive ultrasonic waves and convert energy from the ultrasonic waves into an electrical energy that powers the device, two or more electrodes in electrical communication with the ultrasonic transducer that are configured to electrically stimulate a splenic nerve or detect a splenic nerve activity, and optionally a splenic nerve attachment member.

Abstract: Implantable devices and/or sensors can be wirelessly powered by controlling and propagating electromagnetic waves in a patient's tissue. Such implantable devices/sensors can be implanted at target locations in a patient, to stimulate areas such as the heart, brain, spinal cord, or muscle tissue, and/or to sense biological, physiological, chemical attributes of the blood, tissue, and other patient parameters. The propagating electromagnetic waves can be generated with sub-wavelength structures configured to manipulate evanescent fields outside of tissue to generate the propagating waves inside the tissue. Methods of use are also described.

Abstract: Implanted pulse generators with reduced power consumption via signal strength-duration characteristics, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative method for treating a patient in accordance with the disclosed technology includes receiving an input corresponding to an available voltage for an implanted medical device and identifying a signal delivery parameter value of an electrical signal based on a correlation between values of the signal delivery parameter and signal deliver amplitudes. The signal deliver parameter can include at least one of pulse width or duty cycle. The method can further include delivering an electrical therapy signal to the patient at the identified signal delivery parameter value using a voltage within a margin of the available voltage.

Abstract: A Medical Device Application (MDA) is disclosed for an external device (e.g., a cell phone) that can communicate with an Implantable Medical Device (IMD). The MDA receives data logged in the IMD, processes that data in manners reviewable by an IMD patient, and that can control the IMD based on such processed data. The MDA can use the logged data to adjust IMD therapy based on patient activity or posture, and allows a patient to learn optimal therapy settings for particular activities. The MDA can also use the logged data to allow a patient to review details about IMD battery performance, whether such battery is primary or rechargeable, and to control stimulation parameters based on that performance. The MDA also allows a patient to enter medicine dose information, to review the relationship between medicinal therapy and IMD therapy, and to adjust IMD therapy based on the dosing information.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and techniques are described to detect when a power transmitting and receiving system is in an inefficient position, which may cause a thermal response that less desirable than a more efficient position. The system may power transmitting device configured to wirelessly transfer electromagnetic energy to a power receiving device. Processing circuitry of the system may compute a target output power deliverable by the power transmitting device for a first duration and control the power transmitting device to output the target output power based in part on a heat limit. The processing circuitry may further calculate an energy transfer efficiency to the power receiving unit, update an adjustment factor based on the calculated energy transfer efficiency, and apply the adjustment factor to the heat limit for a subsequent duration.

Abstract: A medical device includes a case and a core assembly. The core assembly includes operational circuitry enclosed within a core assembly housing. The medical device also includes a battery assembly, which includes a battery enclosed within a battery housing. The case includes the core assembly housing and the battery housing. A first electrode is coupled to, and electrically isolated from, the case; and a second electrode is electrically coupled to the case. The second electrode is electrically coupled to the operational circuitry via a sensing pathway that includes a portion of the case. The battery is electrically coupled to the operational circuitry via an energy supply pathway that includes the portion of the case.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods allow inductive recharging of a power source located within or coupled to an implantable medical device while the device is implanted in a patient. The recharging system/device in some examples includes a first electrical coil and a second electrical coil configured to generate opposing magnetic fields forming a resultant magnetic field within a recharging envelope located between the coils. A third coil of the implantable medical device may be positioned within the recharging envelope so that the resultant magnetic field is imposed on the third coil, causing electrical energy to be induced in the third coil, the induced electrical energy used to recharge a power source of an implantable medical device coupled to the third coil, and/or to power operation of the implantable medical device.

Abstract: A method for performing a medical procedure in an intestine of a patient is provided. The method comprises providing a system comprising: a catheter for insertion into the intestine, the catheter comprising: an elongate shaft comprising a distal portion; and a functional assembly positioned on the shaft distal portion and comprising at least one treatment element. The catheter is introduced into the patient, and target tissue is treated with the at least one treatment element. The target tissue comprises mucosal tissue of the small intestine, and the medical procedure can be configured to treat at least one of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fixing device of a wireless charger for an implanted medical device, wherein the fixing device comprising a supporting member wearable on a patient's body and an adjustment structure connected to the supporting member, a charger fixing seat is connected to one of the supporting member and the adjustment structure, the adjustment structure comprises an adjustment strap and a fixing buckle engaging with the adjustment strap, one end of the adjustment strap is connected to the supporting member, the other end of the adjustment strap operably brings the supporting member or the charger fixing seat to be adjusted to a position where the charger fixing seat corresponds to the implanted medical device, and a position where the adjustment strap engages with the fixing buckle can be adjusted and locked.

Abstract: A transmitter device is provided for transmission of data via DC power distribution lines includes a sequence generator arranged for receiving a raw data bit stream to be transmitted over a positive and a negative DC power distribution line and for deriving a switching sequence based on the raw data bit stream, and a circuit including one or more capacitors and a plurality of switches controllable with the switching sequence derived in the sequence generator.

Abstract: A controller implantable within the body of a patient as part of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) system and a method therefore are provided. According to one aspect, the controller includes processing circuitry configured to receive inputs from at least one of: at least one internal component of the LVAD system, at least one external component of the LVAD system, and at least one clinician's device, and determine a charging rate for charging a battery of the LVAD system internal to the patient based on at least one of the received inputs.

Abstract: Methods for transcutaneous charging of an implanted device may include removably coupling a charging device with a carrier having adhesive tabs, the tabs being movable between a first position configured to be spaced away from a skin surface and a second position configured to be urged against the skin surface; engaging a bottom surface of the charging device at least partially against the skin surface with the tabs in the first position; positioning the charging device until it is at least partially positioned over or proximate the implanted medical device; and moving the tabs to the second position so that respective adhesive surfaces of the tabs contact and adhere to the skin of the patient sufficiently to support the charging device coupled with the carrier for a duration of time sufficient to charge the implanted device.

Abstract: An ICD multimode system comprises a microcontroller or FPGA having a memory, a differentially driven phased array amplifier, one or more sensors, and a wireless transmitter/receiver. Based upon sensor data and demand criteria programmed into the memory, the system provides late systolic impulse (LSI) therapy to treat congestive heart failure (CHF) and ventricle level-shifting (VLS) therapy to block unwanted PVCs to prevent VT or VF dynamically and use a phased array amplifier therapy to accurately manage CRT. An external echocardiogram and ultrasound system adjusts the therapies administered based upon sensor and demand data in real time to allow a patient's heart to function at a level of improved performance and increase ejection fraction EF.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a patient post operation having electrically conducting leads which are adapted to extend from inside the patient. The leads having electrodes adapted to communicate with a heart of the patient and apply electrical signals to the heart. The electrodes providing cardiac signals to the computer in response to the electrical signals so the computer can determine in real time at least one of heart volume, end diastolic heart volume, end systolic heart volume, stroke volume, change in heart volume, change in stroke volume, contractility, respiration rate or tidal volume regarding the patient.

Abstract: A submodule includes a bridge circuit including two main power semiconductors connected in series for performing power conversion by on/off control and an electric energy storage element connected in parallel with a path of the two main power semiconductors connected in series, a bypass unit including a bypass power semiconductor), a bypass unit drive device to drive the bypass unit, a first external terminal, and a second external terminal. The first external terminal is connected to a node between the two main power semiconductors. The power conversion apparatus further includes an optical power-feed system for feeding power to the bypass unit drive device.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and/or treating one or more medical conditions. The medical conditions can be ocular and/or neurological diseases, disorders, and/or conditions. The systems and methods can employ a microstimulator that is configured to be placed within an anatomical structure of a subject. The microstimulator can be capacitively linked to an external electronic device to provide neuromodulation to a biological target site proximal to the anatomical structure. The microstimulator can include a body and an electrically conductive insert arranged within the body to create a capacitively coupled link with the external electronic device. The electrically conductive insert can receive a power signal from an external electronic device and convert the power signal to deliver a therapy signal to the biological target site.

Abstract: An implantable drainage device is provided. The device is adapted to move body fluid from one part of the body of a patient to another part of the body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer and communications are provided. In one embodiment, a wireless power transfer system comprises an external transmit resonator configured to transmit wireless power, an implantable receive resonator configured to receive the transmitted wireless power from the transmit resonator, and communications antenna in the implantable receive resonator configured to send communication information to the transmit resonator. The communications antenna can include a plurality of gaps positioned between adjacent conductive elements, the gaps being configured to prevent or reduce induction of current in the plurality of conductive elements when the antenna is exposed to a magnetic field.

Abstract: A capsule includes a tubular body with, at its proximal end, a coupling member adapted to cooperate with a conjugated coupling member mounted at the distal end of a catheter of the implantation tool, for the transmission of a torque for the rotational driving of the capsule by the catheter. The coupling member of the tool includes a dihedral-shaped imprint, with two diverging arms in a V-arrangement, and the capsule coupling member includes a convex surface adapted to frictionally and slidingly urge against the diverging arms of the V-shape.

Abstract: A leadless cardiac pacemaker (LCP) that is configured for atrial placement may include a housing, two or more electrodes and a controller that is disposed within the housing and that is operably coupled to the two or more electrodes. The controller may be configured to sense activation of the atrium of the patient's heart via two or more of the electrodes and to deliver pacing therapy via two or more of the electrodes to a ventricle of the patient's heart by pacing the bundle of His in the patient's atrioventricular septum.

Abstract: Various embodiments of inductor coils, antennas, and transmission bases configured for wireless electrical energy transmission are provided. These embodiments are configured to wirelessly transmit or receive electrical energy or data via near field magnetic coupling. The embodiments of inductor coils comprise a figure eight configuration that improve efficiency of wireless transmission efficiency. The embodiments of the transmission base are configured with at least one transmitting antenna and a transmitting electrical circuit positioned within the transmission base. The transmission base is configured so that at least one electronic device can be wirelessly electrically charged or powered by positioning the at least one device in contact with or adjacent to the transmission base.

Abstract: A sensor circuit included in a computer system may include multiple antennas, a control circuit, a mixer circuit, a transmitter circuit and a filter circuit. The control circuit may generate a baseband signal, which the mixer circuit may modulate using a modulation signal to generate a transmit signal. The transmitter circuit may transmit the transmit signal using a first antenna. The filter circuit may be configured to track a carrier frequency of the transmit signal and filter a reflected version of the transmit signal to generate an output signal.

Abstract: Technology for near infrared (NIR) based communication and/or sensing of implantable medical devices and systems as well as method of operating the same.

Abstract: Devices and methods are used to bridge between standard wireless charging protocols and proprietary wireless charging protocols utilized in auditory prostheses. Such devices are portable and can enable a recipient to charge her device whenever wireless power is available. Additionally, the recipient can change settings on her prosthesis, via the bridge device, while her prosthesis is charging.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a system and method for implanting an implantable medical device (IMD) within a patient may include an IMD including a housing and an attachment member, and a delivery catheter including a tethering snare that is configured to be selectively extended out of the delivery catheter and retracted into the delivery catheter. In at least one embodiment, a system and method for implanting an implantable medical device (IMD) within a patient may include an IMD including a housing and an attachment member, wherein the attachment member includes a central passage connected to a connection chamber, and a delivery catheter including first and second tethers that may be moved outwardly from and retracted into the delivery catheter.