Abstract: A lead extending exteriorly from an active implantable medical device (AIMD) is at least partially ensheathed within an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield. The AIMD has a conductive equipotential surface to which the EMI shield may be conductively coupled. An impeding circuit may be provided for raising the high frequency impedance of the lead. An energy diversion circuit may also be provided for conductively coupling the lead to the EMI shield.

Abstract: An implantable device (100) having an electronic component (110) and a biologic materials component (130). The biologic materials component has target cells in a matrix that interfaces the electronic component with the surrounding environment.

Abstract: Displaying remaining longevity of energy source of implantable medical device having a longevity characterized by a depth of discharge representative of a first stage of discharge, e.g., beginning of service, a second stage of discharge, e.g., recommended replacement time, and a third stage of discharge, e.g., end of service. A display is configured to display in graphical form using a scale length representative of a time between the first stage of discharge and the third stage of discharge. A first portion of the display between the second stage of discharge and the third stage of discharge is indicated in a first color, e.g., red. A second portion of the display between the remaining longevity and the second stage of discharge is indicated in a second color, e.g., green. A third portion of the display between the first stage of discharge and the remaining longevity is indicated in a third color, e.g., white.

Abstract: A complex connector and component within an implantable medical device in which the complex connector is positioned within the spacing footprint of the component to optimize packaging within the device.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a housing defining a hermetically sealed chamber and includes a diaphragm portion having a first resonance frequency, an acoustic communication circuit within the chamber, and an acoustic transducer within the chamber. The transducer includes a substantially rigid pin member attached to an inner surface of the diaphragm portion, and an active portion coupled to the pin member. The active portion has a second resonant frequency and includes a piezoelectric element electrically coupled to the acoustic communication circuit. The diaphragm portion and the active transducer portion may be configured such that the first and second resonance frequencies are substantially equal.

Abstract: An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (“ICD”) comprises a battery, control circuitry and a capacitor assembly. The capacitor assembly includes at least one capacitor, a flex circuit for connection to the control circuitry of the ICD and a first and second support portions. The flex circuit is arranged between the first and second support portions and includes a plurality of tangs for connecting to the anode and cathode of the capacitor(s), as well as to the control circuitry of the ICD.

Abstract: A new pacemaker apparatus for treating the physiological electric conduction of the heart that includes a conduction abnormality in a ventricle. The pacemaker includes a pulse generator and a pacing electrode located in the heart, the pulse generator providing pacing signals to the pacing electrode. The pacemaker further includes a signal generation circuit that generates electrical signals from heart-related feedback signals that indicate that the pacing electrode is delivering the pacing signals in a region at or near the His bundle of the heart. The combination of the pulse generator and the signal generation circuit indicates that the pacing electrode is delivering the pacing signals in the region, at or near the His bundle of the heart, to electrically bypass the conduction abnormality of the heart in the ventricle.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management (CRM) system includes an implantable medical device that delivers combined electrical and drug therapies. The implantable medical device includes a drug reservoir that is refillable after implantation. In one embodiment, the implantable medical device includes an implantable housing encapsulating a pulse generator circuit and a drug delivery device. In another embodiment, the implantable medical device includes an implantable pulse generator and an implantable drug delivery device fastened to each other.

Abstract: In general, the disclosure describes techniques for detecting lead related conditions, such as lead fractures or other lead integrity issues. As described herein, delivering an electrical signal through selected electrodes may result in, reveal, or amplify noise if a lead related condition is present. A processor may detect electrical noise indicative of the lead related condition subsequent to the delivery of the electrical signal, and identify a lead related condition in response to detecting the noise.

Abstract: A device connector assembly includes a plurality of electrical contacts and a sealing member including a corresponding plurality of apertures; each electrical contact extends within a corresponding aperture of the plurality of apertures such that each contact is accessible for coupling with a corresponding connector element of a lead connector. The lead connector elements protrude from a first side of an insulative substrate of the lead connector, and may be coupled to the contacts of the device connector assembly by aligning each connector element with the corresponding aperture of the sealing member, and applying a force to a second side of the insulative substrate, opposite the first side, in order to press each connector element into engagement with the corresponding contact.

Abstract: A connector for an implantable medical lead that is electrically and mechanically connectable to an implantable medical device, has a connector pin made of a first conducting material. A tubular insulator made of an insulating material concentrically surrounds at least a portion of the pin. A connector ring made of a second conducting material is concentrically positioned around at least a portion of the insulator. The insulator is connected to the connector ring by spark plasma sintering in the case of an active fixation lead, and is connected to the ring and the pin by spark plasma sintering in the case of a passive fixation lead.

Abstract: Device and method for detecting electromagnetic fields occurring in imaging magnetic resonance tomography MRT/MRI tests. Relates to an implantable medical device (IMD) comprising a hermetically sealed housing, control unit(s), detection unit(s) for MRT interference fields connected/connectable to control unit(s) and to electrode(s) and/or to antenna(s) and/or coil(s), wherein the MRT interference detection unit contains at least one electro-optical converter which converts induced voltages from the electrode(s) and/or the antenna(s) and/or the coil(s) to optical signals, which are optically transmitted in a potential-free manner within the detection unit for MRT interference fields to an evaluation unit for the detection unit for MRT interference fields, and when a threshold for the optical signal and/or a predetermined periodic occurrence of the optical signals is exceeded, the evaluation unit triggers switching to an MRI-safe state or transmits a corresponding signal to the control unit(s).

Abstract: The invention is a method of hermetically bonding a ceramic part to a metal part by welding and brazing a component assembly comprised of metal parts, a ceramic part, and a metal ferrule having alignment lips. The ceramic part is preferably a hollow tube of partially-stabilized zirconia that is brazed to an alignment ferrule that is preferably titanium or a titanium alloy, such as Ti-6Al-4V. On one end the component assembly is brazed to an end cap for closure. On the other end the alignment ferrule is preferably brazed to a ring that is preferably comprised of a noble metal, such as platinum, iridium, or alloys of platinum and iridium. The ring is laser welded to an eyelet that is preferably comprised of a noble metal.

Abstract: A protective faceplate (37) for an implantable component of a tissue-stimulating prosthesis, such as a prosthetic hearing implant. The faceplate (37) comprising a first or outer surface and an opposed second or inner surface. The implantable component can be removably or non-removably mountable to the second surface and adapted to extend into a cavity formed in a bone of a recipient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implantable medical devices and headers are described. In an example, an implantable medical device header is provided with an epoxy material having properties that produce a high strength resistance to side load failure. Examples are shown that include a surface texturing at an interface between the header and a metallic container portion.

Abstract: EMI shields for use in implantable medical devices that include inner and outer metal layers separated by a dielectric layer. When assembled as medical devices, the outer metal layer of an illustrative EMI shield is placed into electrical contact with a conductive inner surface of an associated canister for an implantable medical device.

Abstract: Capacitor packaging according to the disclosure provides advantages particularly in connection to compact and/or complex-shaped medical devices (e.g., having limited interior volume defined by domed and/or irregular exterior surfaces). In addition, capacitors of the type shown and described herein can be utilized in relatively compact external defibrillators, such as automatic external defibrillators or clinician-grade, automated or manually-operated external defibrillators. In one form a plurality of capacitors having substantially flat exterior surfaces are placed in an abutting relationship between at least a pair of major surfaces and the major surfaces are spaced from an opposing or adjacent surface in a non-parallel configuration. In other forms, one or more exterior surface portions have a common and/or complex radius dimension (i.e., the surfaces are curved).

Abstract: The connector between the patient electrode pads and the base unit of an automatic external defibrillator (AED) system can be formed by capturing a printed circuit board (PCB) within a connector housing. The PCB can have conductive metal traces that serve as the contact points between the wires from the patient electrodes and the electronics within the AED base unit. The PCB in combination with the conductive metal traces can be shaped similar to a conventional two-prong or two-blade connector. Employing such a PCB-based connector may result in AED pads which are less complex and less costly to manufacture. The PCB can also support a configuration circuit that is positioned between the conductive metal traces and that allows the AED to read and store information about the attached pads. For example, the AED can use this data storage feature to check the expiration date of the pads.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implantable medical devices and headers are described. In an example, an implantable medical device includes a device container including an electronic module within the device container. A header is coupled to the device container. The header includes a header core including a conductive member electrically coupled to the electronic module within the device container. A header shell is disposed around the header core and attached to the device container. An antenna is coupled to the header core and electrically coupled to the electronic module. A first portion of the header is proximate the antenna. The first portion includes a first dielectric constant that is lower than a second dielectric constant of a second portion of the header.

Abstract: Electrode voltage monitoring circuitry for an implantable neurostimulator system having a plurality of electrode-driver integrated circuits (ICs) in provided. Electrodes from either or both ICs can be chosen to provide stimulation, and one of the IC acts as the master while the other acts as the slave. Electrodes voltages on the slave IC are routed to the master IC, and thus the master IC can monitor both electrode voltages on the slave as well as electrode voltages on the master. Such voltages can be monitored for a variety of purposes, and in particular use of such voltage is disclosed for determining the resistance between electrodes and to set a compliance voltage for stimulation.

Abstract: Techniques are described for controlling effects caused when an implantable medical device (IMD) is subject to a disruptive energy field. The IMD may include an implantable lead that includes one or more electrodes. The IMD may further include a first component having a parasitic inductance. The IMD may further include a second component having a reactance. In some examples, the reactance of the second component may be selected based on the parasitic inductance of the first component such that an amount of energy reflected along the lead in response to energy produced by an electromagnetic energy source is below a selected threshold. In additional examples, the parasitic inductance of the first component and the reactance of the second component are configured such that an amount of energy reflected along the lead in response to a frequency of electromagnetic energy is below a selected threshold.

Abstract: One aspect relates to an electrical bushing for an implantable medical device, having an annulus-like holding element for holding the electrical bushing in the implantable medical device, whereby the holding element includes a through-opening, at least one elongated conduction element extends through the through-opening, and an insulation element for forming a hermetic seal between the holding element and the conduction element is arranged in the through-opening. One aspect provides for the at least one conduction element to include a cermet.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an implantable neurostimulator device for delivery of neurostimulation to treat head, neck, or facial pain or tension, including pain or tension caused by occipital neuralgia. The device may be a neurostimulation device having a miniaturized housing with a low profile that permits subcutaneous implantation at a stimulation site directly adjacent a neuralgic region at the back of the neck of a patient. For example, the device may be subcutaneously implanted at the back of the neck of a patient to relieve symptoms of occipital neuralgia.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and related methods for electric fields delivery for preferential destruction of cancerous cells and tissue ablation.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a housing, a header mounted to the housing, the header including a header body having a bore with an electrical contact located within the bore, wherein the electrical contact includes a plurality of contact points, wherein at least two of the contact points are longitudinally offset from each other along the bore.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of fabricating an implantable pulse generator, comprises: providing a lead body including a plurality of conductors; providing a feedthrough component comprising a plurality of feedthrough pins; hermetically enclosing pulse generating circuitry and switching circuitry within a housing, the feedthrough component being welded to the housing; laser machining each of the plurality of feedthrough pins to comprise a slot along a surface of the respective feedthrough pin; placing a respective conductor from the lead body in the respective slot of each of the plurality of feedthrough pins; and performing welding operations to connect the plurality of conductors of the lead body with the plurality of feedthrough pins of the feedthrough component.

Abstract: An implantable pulse generator includes a header, a can and a feedthru. The feedthru is mounted in a wall of the can and includes an electrically insulating core, a PCB, a shield, a chip capacitor, a power circuit and a ground circuit. A first side of the PCB abuts against the core and a second side of the PCB abuts against an edge of the shield. The chip capacitor is mounted on the second side of the PCB. The chip capacitor is enclosed in a volume defined by an interior of the shield and the second side of the PCB. A first electrical contact of the chip capacitor is electrically coupled to the power circuit, and a second electrical contact of the chip capacitor is electrically coupled to the ground circuit.

Abstract: Described herein is an implantable medical device and methods for making a device that includes a metal housing a molding process. In one embodiment, the housing includes a header attachment element extends from the housing. In another embodiment, the implantable medical device includes a header attachment surface comprising one or more header retaining features configured to secure a connector header to the header attachment surface. In another embodiment, the housing includes one or more structural elements extending from and integrally molded with the interior surface of the first or second portions of the housing. Also disclosed are methods of making the implantable medical device.

Abstract: A lead includes a plurality of electrodes disposed on the distal end of the lead, a plurality of contact terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead, a plurality of conductor wires extending along the lead to couple the electrodes electrically to the contact terminals, a central lumen defined by the lead and extending from the proximal end of the lead towards the distal end of the lead, and a tubular stiffener disposed in the proximal end of the central lumen. The tubular stiffener is configured and arranged to facilitate insertion of the proximal end of the lead into a connector.

Abstract: An electronic module assembly (EMA) for an implantable medical device is disclosed. The EMA includes conductive strips connected to a non-conductive block. The non-conductive block possesses, a top side, a bottom side, a front side and a back side. A seamless non-conductive barrier extends from the bottom side and between the front side and the back side. The barrier prevents a pin from contacting another pin and eliminates welding of the ground pin to the side of the ferrule.

Abstract: An implantable lead connector configured for long term implantation and to electrically interconnect multiple medical devices and to channel electrical signals between said interconnected devices and a target organ, comprising: a first port adapted to receive a first signal suitable to stimulate a target tissue, a second port adapted to receive a second signal suitable to stimulate a target tissue, and a third port configured to connect to a target organ, wherein at least one of said first and second ports is configured to connect to a signal generator not integrated with said connector.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an implantable pulse generator feedthru configured to make generally planar electrical contact with an electrical component housed within a can of an implantable pulse generator. The feedthru may include a feedthru housing including a header side and a can side, a core within the feedthru housing, a generally planar electrically conductive interface adjacent the can side, and a feedthru wire extending through the core. The feedthru wire may include an interface end and a header end, wherein the header end extends from the header side and the interface end is at least one of generally flush with the generally planar interface and generally recessed relative to the generally planar interface.

Abstract: An element (1) for mechanical and electrical coupling of a passive and/or active electrical unit (2) to an electrical circuit unit (3). The element (1) comprises at least one electrical contact element (10, 11) for electrical contacting of the passive and/or active electrical unit (2) with electrical circuit unit (3), a first side, which faces toward passive and/or active electrical unit (2), which comprises a second side (13), which faces toward electrical circuit unit (3), and at least one first means (14) for secure mechanical connection to the electrical circuit unit is attached fixed to second side (13). Also discloses an electromedical implant for stimulating human/animal organism and/or sensing human/animal physiological signals. Comprises at least one electrical circuit unit (3), at least one passive and/or active electrical unit (2), and at least one coupling element, to electrically and mechanically couple unit (2) and unit (3) together.

Abstract: A radiation protected active implantable medical device includes an ionizing radiation shield disposed over at least one major surface of an electronics package, a microprocessor, or both contained within an AIMD housing. The ionizing radiation shield is made from a high atomic number, high atomic weight, high density material such as led, gold, platinum, iridium, tungsten or tantalum and has an atomic weight of at least 180 and a density of at least 11 grams per cubic centimeter. The ionizing radiation shield has a thickness of at least 0.25 millimeters and is preferably no thicker than 1.05 millimeters and has an overall attenuation of ionizing radiation of at least 0.5 HVL.

Abstract: Exemplary systems include a stimulator configured to be implanted within a patient, the stimulator having a body defined by at least one side surface disposed in between distal and proximal end surfaces, and a connector assembly configured to be coupled to the stimulator and extend parallel to the at least one side surface of the stimulator. The connector assembly is further configured to facilitate removable coupling of a lead having one or more electrodes disposed thereon to the stimulator.

Abstract: A connector for an implantable medical device includes a lumen extending from a port defined along a length of a connector housing. Axially-spaced-apart connector couplers are disposed along the lumen and are configured to couple to a proximal end of an inserted lead or lead extension. Each of the connector couplers includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced-apart coupling members and at least one elastic member. The plurality of circumferentially-spaced-apart coupling members each have inner surfaces and outer surfaces. The inner surfaces of the coupling members are configured and arranged to couple to the proximal end of the lead or lead extension when the proximal end of the lead or lead extension is inserted into the lumen. The at least one elastic member couples the coupling members to one another such that a distance between the coupling members is expandable.

Abstract: An implantable medical lead includes a lead body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The lead also includes first and second contacts located at the proximal portion of the lead body, and includes first and second electrodes located at the distal portion of the lead body. The first electrode is electrically coupled to the first contact and the second electrode is electrically coupled to the second contact. The first contact has a proximal end and a distal end and the second contact has proximal end and a distal end. The second contact is radially spaced apart from the first contact. The contacts do not extend around the lead body. This disclosure also relates to an implantable lead extension and to an implatable signal generator having connectors configured to receive the present lead.

Abstract: An implantable medical device and method of implanting a medical device, the device including a housing surrounding an operative component and a resiliently deformable fixation member. The fixation member includes a ring shaped annulus circumscribing the housing and a plurality of elongated struts having a proximal end affixed to the housing and a distal end affixed to the annulus. The fixation member may be comprised of a hydrogel such that it may be in a smaller, dehydrated form during implantation, and then may absorb fluid to expand to a larger, hydrated form after insertion to engage the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A housing for an electrostimulation device comprising a charger plug and a stimulation plug, designed to receive respectively a connector linked to a charger and a connector linked to a stimulation electrode, characterized in that it comprises a mobile locking element designed to alternately lock the charger plug or the stimulation plug.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved external controller useable in an implantable medical device system. The communication coil in the external controller is formed in a printed circuit board (PCB), i.e., by using the various tracing layers and vias of the PCB. As illustrated, the PCB coil is formed at a plurality of trace layers in the PCB, and comprises a plurality of turns at some or all of the layers. The communication coil may wrap around the other circuitry used in the external controller, which circuitry may be mounted to the front and/or back of the PCB. The geometry of the coil is specially tailored to maximize its inductance, and hence maximize its ability to communicate in the sub-4 MHz range which is not significantly attenuated by the human body.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for improving the fixation of implantable pulse generators. In one aspect, a device includes an implantable pulse generator that comprises electrical circuitry configured to generate an electrical pulse and a biocompatible casing that houses the electrical circuitry and on which a collection of electrodes and a collection of fixation elements are mounted. The electrodes are in electrical contact with the electrical circuitry and the fixation elements increase the surface area of the biocompatible casing to reduce the likelihood that the biocompatible casing shifts after implantation.

Abstract: A medical device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a control module, and an energy storage device. The first substrate includes at least one of a first semiconductor material and a first insulating material. The second substrate includes at least one of a second semiconductor material and a second insulating material. The second substrate is bonded to the first substrate such that the first and second substrates define an enclosed cavity between the first and second substrates. The control module is disposed within the enclosed cavity. The control module is configured to at least one of determine a physiological parameter of a patient and deliver electrical stimulation to the patient. The energy storage device is disposed within the cavity and is configured to supply power to the control module.

Abstract: A co-fired hermetically sealed feedthrough is attachable to an active implantable medical device. The feedthrough comprises an alumina dielectric substrate comprising at least 96 or 99% alumina. A via hole is disposed through the alumina dielectric substrate from a body fluid side to a device side. A substantially closed pore, fritless and substantially pure platinum fill is disposed within the via hole forming a platinum filled via electrically conductive between the body fluid side and the device side. A hermetic seal is between the platinum fill and the alumina dielectric substrate, wherein the hermetic seal comprises a tortuous and mutually conformal interface between the alumina dielectric substrate and the platinum fill.

Abstract: The present invention is an implantable electronic device formed within a biocompatible hermetic package. Preferably the implantable electronic device is used for a visual prosthesis for the restoration of sight in patients with lost or degraded visual function. The package is formed from a thin film of hermetic biocompatible material to minimize the size of the implanted device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of bonding a hermetically sealed electronics package to an electrode or a flexible circuit and the resulting electronics package that is suitable for implantation in living tissue, such as for a retinal or cortical electrode array to enable restoration of sight to certain non-sighted individuals. The hermetically sealed electronics package is directly bonded to the flex circuit or electrode by electroplating a biocompatible material, such as platinum or gold, effectively forming a plated rivet-shaped connection, which bonds the flex circuit to the electronics package. The resulting electronic device is biocompatible and is suitable for long-term implantation in living tissue.

Abstract: An implantable device is provided. The device is constructed from an open body containing electronic components, a heat-sensitive component, and a sealing component. The device is formed in a moisture controlled environment, such that the heat-sensitive component is attached to the open enclosure after the enclosure has been heated. The sealing component is subsequently affixed to the open enclosure to form a sealed enclosure.

Abstract: A feedthrough assembly may include a ferrule defining a ferrule opening, a capacitive filter array at least partially disposed within the ferrule opening, and a feedthrough at least partially disposed within the ferrule opening. In some examples, the capacitive filter array includes a filter array ground conductive pathway. In some examples, the feedthrough includes a feedthrough ground conductive via. The feedthrough ground conductive via may be electrically coupled to the filter array ground conductive pathway, and the feedthrough ground conductive via may be electrically coupled to the ferrule.

Abstract: A medical implant, comprising: a hermetically sealed housing; and a hermeticity failure sensor configured to detect a failure in the hermeticity of the housing, and, following a failure detection, trigger one or more additional operations.

Abstract: An intra-cardiac implantable medical device (IIMD) and method of implant are provided. The IIMD comprises a housing configured to be implanted entirely within a coronary sinus (CS) of the heart. The IIMD has at least one intra-cardiac device extension (ICDE).

Abstract: An insulative body of a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes a pre-formed channel having a section extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. An electrode portion of a conductive component has an electrode contact surface facing outward from a first side of the body and a coupling portion embedded in the body. A conductor, which is coupled to the coupling portion of the component, is disposed in the channel.