Abstract: An implantable medical device, such as a pacemaker, cardioverter or defibrillator, having a detachable power source, so that either the power source or the electronic circuitry can be replaced. The electronic circuitry is enclosed within a first container and the battery or power source is enclosed within a second container. The two containers are coupled by tracks slidingly connecting the containers along substantially planar sections thereof. In a first embodiment, the tracks comprise dovetail tongue and groove configurations. In a second embodiment, the tracks comprise a bayonet-type connection having male and female parts. The male part comprises two parallel arms. The female part comprises two parallel rails having a relatively inflexible section adjacent a distal end of the rail. Proximally on the rail, there is a relatively flexible section.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis containing electronic circuitry for monitoring valve performance provides information to an implanted transceiver arranged to transmit digital or analog data transcutaneously to an external transceiver. The implanted electronics may be integrally contained within the heart valve prosthesis, or alternatively, may be separately housed in a moisture-proof container within the patient's body but external to the heart. By coupling the implanted transceiver to a pulse generator and electrode combination, electrical stimulating pulses can be applied to the heart upon command from an externally located monitor/transceiver combination.

Abstract: An implantable medical device, such as a pacemaker, cardioverter or defibrillator, having a detachable power source, so that either the power source or the electronic circuitry can be replaced. The device comprises an electronics package having a header for connection to leads coupled to the patient's heart and a battery connector comprising a header-like coupler. The device further comprises a battery pack having a second header-like coupler. The couplers mate together mechanically and are joined electrically by a separate pin. The pin has a coupling on both ends thereof so that one end can extend into the coupler of the electronics package and another end can extend into the coupler of the battery package. Alternatively, such a connector or pin, having a male configuration, could be provided on either the electronics coupler or the battery coupler with a corresponding female configuration on the other coupler.

Abstract: An active can emulator for emulating the electrical and dimensional characteristics of an implantable pulse generator of the type having a hermetically sealed housing configured to operate as an active electrode and a connector block for receiving and connecting with a lead extending to a second active electrode. The emulator comprises a reusable, sterilizable, conductive can conforming to the dimensional characteristics of the hermetically sealed housing of the implantable pulse generator and having a first electrical and mechanical connector and a disposable lead having a second electrical and mechanical connector for mating attachment with the first connector formed as part of a header configured to conform to the dimensional characteristics of the connector block of the emulated pulse generator.

Abstract: An improved hermetically-sealed automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) or any other bioimplantable device which may be operated on a single rechargeable cell, or a dual power source system, the rechargeable component being recharged by magnetic induction. Included in the implantable devices are new lithium rechargeable chemistries designed to sense the state-of-charge or discharge of the battery; a battery charge controller specifically designed to recharge a lithium battery rapidly to less than 100% full charge, and preferably 90%, more preferably 80%, of full rated charge capacity; and charging means for multi-step charging. The batteries are based on lithium chemistries specially designed to yield higher currents than conventional primary lithium chemistries and to permit long-term performance despite sub-capacity recharging.

Abstract: An implantable electromedical device having a detachable, replaceable power supply. In one embodiment, the circuitry for an electromedical device is contained in a first hermetic enclosure, while a power supply for the device is contained in a second hermetic enclosure. The two enclosures are coupled together via a multiple conductor lead or the like, using any of the known assemblies commonly used for connection of pacing/sensing leads to an implantable device. A control signal generated by the device is applied to a control terminal on the battery enclosure. When the control signal is asserted, the battery is electrically coupled to two battery terminals on the battery enclosure, which terminals are coupled to power input terminals on the device itself. When the control signal is deserted, the battery is decouple from the battery terminals, so that there is no leakage current associated with the conduction of battery voltages on the connector between the two hermetic capsules.