Abstract: A device for generating electricity includes a first portion including a first wall defining a first fluid passage and a second portion including a second wall defining a second fluid passage. A generator is coupled between the first and second portions and is capable of generating electricity in response to flow of a fluid from the first fluid passage to the second fluid passage through the generator. The generator is capable of generating electricity sufficient to power one or more electronic devices coupled to the generator. The flow of the fluid is associated with activity of a biological system of a user, for example, cardio-pulmonary activity of the user.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to an IMD having a piezoelectric transformer to power a lead-based sensor. The IMD powers the piezoelectric transformer with a low amplitude signal. The piezoelectric transformer serves to convert the voltage level of the low amplitude signal to a higher voltage level to drive the sensor produced by a battery in the IMD to voltage levels appropriate for IMD operation. A piezoelectric transformer offers small size and low profile, as well as operational efficiency, and permits the IMD to transmit a low amplitude signal to a remote sensor deployed within an implantable lead. In addition, the piezoelectric transformer provides electrical isolation that reduces electromagnetic interference among different sensors.

Abstract: An in-body power supply for supplying energy to an in-body device. The in-body power supply is configured to transfer energy to the in-body device and to compensate for variations and to receive energy without communication between the in-body power supply and an external power source outside the body.

Abstract: An implantable stimulation system comprises an implantable stimulator and a control device. The control device is configured to transmit acoustic waves to the implantable stimulator, and the implantable stimulator is configured to transform the acoustic waves into electrical current, and generate stimulation energy based on the electrical current. For example, the electrical current can be transformed into electrical energy that can be used to generate the stimulation energy. Or the electrical current can contain signals used to directly or indirectly control the generation of the stimulation energy.

Abstract: A micro-generator implant device including: (a) a micro-generator, disposed within a living body, the micro-generator including: (i) a first mechanism for harnessing mechanical energy from a natural body movement, and (ii) a second mechanism for converting the mechanical energy to electrical energy, the electrical energy for providing power within the living body.

Abstract: An implantable, rechargeable assembly that contains an implantable device within a living organism; an electrical storage device is connected to the implantable device, and a thermoelectric charging assembly is connected to said electrical storage device. A thermoelectric charging assembly contains devices for transferring thermal energy between the living organism and a thermoelectric module, for creating an electrical current of a first polarity from thermal energy, for creating an electrical current with a second polarity from thermal energy, for charging the electrical storage device with the electrical current of said first polarity, and for charging the electrical storage device with the electrical current of the second polarity.

Abstract: A cardiac defibrillator for discharging an electrical charge into a patient includes a device for storing mechanical energy, a generator, a capacitor, a charging circuit, a patient interface, an input device, and a control unit. The generator converts mechanical energy stored in the mechanical energy storage device into electrical energy. The charging circuit transfers the electrical energy to the capacitor, wherein the electrical energy is stored in the capacitor. The patient interface provides an electrical path for discharging the electrical energy stored in the capacitor into the patient. The input device is configured to generate a discharge signal. The control unit controls the discharge of the electrical energy into the patient in response to the discharge signal. The mechanical-to-electrical energy converter assembly can also be used to power other medical devices that conventionally run on batteries or AC power line sources.

Abstract: A system for and method of providing power to an implanted medical device within a patient is disclosed. The system (250) includes a first (262) and a second heat conduit (264) positioned within the patient. A thermoelectric device (252) is connected to the first and second heat conduits for thermally converting the temperature difference between the conduits to a voltage. A DC-DC converter (254) is connected to the thermoelectric element and increases the voltage. A storage element (256) is connected to the DC-DC converter-for receiving the increased voltage. The storage element is also connected to the implanted medical device (258), thereby providing power to the implanted medical device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrocautery and suction system 12 that includes an electrocautery device 14, a suction device 16, and a device for controlled extending and retracting of the cauterization device and the suction device 18. The device for controlled extending and retracting 18 includes a suction cartridge 90 and a cautery cartridge 92. The suction cartridge 90 and the cautery cartridge 92 control the extending and retracting of the cauterization device cord 29 and the suction hose 38, respectively.

Abstract: Biocompatible glass-metal through-ducts comprised of an outside conductor, a biocompatible glass and at least one inside conductor, with the outside conductor comprising a nickel-free, stainless, chemically resistant steel (high-grade steel), is used in implantable medical hardware and devices.

Abstract: An improved implantable thermoelectric energy converter for converting thermal energy generated by an implant wearer into electrical power for supplying electric power to an at least partially implanted active device, the implantable thermoelectric energy converter including a hot pole, a cold pole, and a plurality of individual modules electrically coupled to one another disposed between the hot pole and the cold pole. In particular, the hot pole thermally couples one end of the plurality of individual modules to an implantation site having a temperature substantially that of a core body temperature and the cold pole thermally couples another end of the plurality of individual modules to an implantation site closer to an outer skin surface of the implant wearer. In another embodiment, the implantable thermoelectric energy converter may also include an implantable energy storage for collecting and temporarily storing the electric power generated.

Abstract: Methods are provided for conducting surgical procedures in a patient wherein, during the surgical procedure, autonomous ventricular electrical conductivity and escape beats are reversibly and transiently suppressed to facilitate the surgical procedure. Also provided are compositions which are capable of inducing ventricular asystole in a patient. The compositions may include an AV node blocker. In one embodiment, compositions including an atrioventricular (AV) node blocker and a .beta.-blocker are provided, wherein the .beta.-blocker is present in an amount sufficient to substantially reduce the amount of AV node blocker required to induce ventricular asystole in the patient. The compositions and methods may be used for inducing temporary ventricular asystole in a beating heart, and to facilitate the performance of a variety of surgical techniques, including minimally invasive microsurgical techniques.

Abstract: An implantable dispensing device for delivering a treatment agent to a body including a body fluid in which a variable permeability membrane responds to changes in an electro-magnetic parameter in order to vary the rate at which a hygroscopic media increases in volume, thereby controlling the rate of delivery of a treatment agent, such as a drug.

Abstract: The present invention concerns pulse generators which are powered through movement. Such devices include both implantable medical devices, such as cardiac pacemakers, as well as wristwatches. The present invention particularly concerns a pulse generator which features a full-wave rectifier circuit which has dynamic bias. The full-wave rectifier circuit is implemented using four field-effect transistors (FETs) operable to selectively establish the paths between first and second input terminals and first and second output terminals thereof. Alternating pairs of the diode/FETs are rendered conductive during positive and negative excursions of the input signal to be rectified. Two differential sense amplifiers are associated with two respective ones of the diode/FETs.

Abstract: A bio-operated implant system for implantation inside a human body. A piezoelectric generator in the form of a flexible sheet of poled polyvinylidene fluoride structurally that is attached in surface-to-surface contiguity with a skeletal number, which flexes with negligible elongation of its surface, is connected in circuit with a power consuming device such as a pacemaker, to a rectifier, and to a power storage device such as a condenser or battery. The generator generates in alternating voltage, which is rectified to direct current, which is supplied to the power consuming device on demand.