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.

Abstract: A noise-suppressing electrocardiograph (ECG) adapter having a first end, a second end, and a noise-suppression element is presented, together with an ECG noise-suppressing system and related methods. In an embodiment, the noise-suppressing ECG adapter includes a housing having at least one first connector disposed at a first end of the housing adapted to electrically couple with an ECG lead set, and at least one second connector adapted for coupling to an input of an ECG device. The adapter includes a noise suppression element. The noise suppression element includes a ferromagnetic element having an opening defined therein. In an embodiment the noise suppression element is internal to the adapter. In another embodiment, the noise suppression element is tethered externally to the adapter and configured to clamp around at least a portion of an ECG leadwire.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for delivering electrical cardiac therapy includes a first implantable housing containing a battery. There is also a second implantable housing separate from the first implantable housing and containing at least one of: electronic circuitry adapted to evaluate and initiate electrical cardiac therapy, a storage capacitor and an electrode structure comprising a sensing electrode, a pacing electrode and a therapy electrode. The electronic circuit, the storage capacitor or the electrode structure are electrically connected to the battery. Alternatively, there is an implantable medical device for delivering electrical cardiac therapy having an implantable structure containing the following electrically connected components: a battery, electronic circuitry adapted to evaluate and initiate electrical cardiac therapy, a storage capacitor and an electrode structure comprising a sensing electrode, a pacing electrode and a therapy electrode.

Abstract: A device to improve the safety of neuronal, heart, muscle and organ electrical stimulation devices during MRI scanning. The device consists of means to disconnect the electrical stimulation device, the battery pack and controlling electronics from the connecting wires, while, concomitantly, introducing an extra network to dissipate the induced radio frequency energy with the objective of preventing the build-up of electric potential (usually called voltage in US) at the switch gap, with consequently destruction of the switch.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (“IMD”) is provided having an antenna and an RF telemetry module for far field telemetry communications arranged on an exterior of the IMD housing, such that telemetry signal processing may be performed on the exterior of the housing. One or more feedthrough conductive paths extend through the housing to communicatively couple the RF module to circuitry within the housing. In this manner RF module is arranged entirely external to the housing, such that only power and/or low frequency data bit signals are required to be passed through the feedthrough conductive path. This allows the feedthrough conductive path to be filtered to prevent undesired interference signals (e.g., electromagnetic interference (EMI) signals) from entering the housing through the feedthrough conductive path coupled to the RF module. In some embodiments, the antenna and RF module are formed in an integrated assembly attachable to an exterior portion of the housing.

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: This disclosure is directed to a three-dimensional antenna that may be used for an implantable medical device (IMD). The antenna includes a first antenna portion that includes a plurality of segments arranged substantially parallel to one another in a first plane. The antenna further includes a second antenna portion that includes a plurality of segments arranged substantially parallel to one another in a second plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane. The antenna further includes a third antenna portion that includes a plurality of segments arranged substantially parallel to one another in a third plane. The plurality of segments of the third portion are coupled between segments of the first and second portions. The third plane is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first plane and the second plane.

Abstract: A leadless implantable medical device (LIMD) includes a housing formed from a battery and an end cap. A proximal end of the end cap forms an LIMD proximal end and a distal end of the battery case forms an LIMD distal end. A non-conductive coupler mechanically secures a terminal end of the battery case to a mating end of the end cap, while maintaining the battery case and end cap electrically separated. A first electrode projects from the proximal end of the end cap. An intra-cardiac (IC) device extension projects from the distal end of the battery case. The extension includes a second electrode that is electrically connected to the battery case. The second electrode is located remote from the LIMD distal end. An electronics module is located within an internal cavity of the end cap and communicates with the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: This is directed to an electronic device having an integrated sensor for detecting a user's cardiac activity and cardiac electrical signals. The electronic device can include a heart sensor having several leads for detecting a user's cardiac signals. The leads can be coupled to interior surfaces of the electronic device housing to hide the sensor from view, such that electrical signals generated by the user can be transmitted from the user's skin through the electronic device housing to the leads. In some embodiments, the leads can be coupled to pads placed on the exterior of the housing. The pads and housing can be finished to ensure that the pads are not visibly or haptically distinguishable on the device, thus improving the aesthetic qualities of the device. Using the detected signals, the electronic device can identify or authenticate the user and perform an operation based on the identity of the user.

Abstract: A capacitor assembly is configured for use with an implantable medical device (IMD. The capacitor assembly may include a stack assembly having at least one anode stack between outer cathodes, and a housing having a case secured to a lid. The case and the lid define an internal chamber that retains the stack assembly. One of the case or the lid comprises a folded double wall connected to a drawn end. A recessed area is defined between the folded double wall and the drawn end. A linear edge of the other of the case and the lid is retained within the recessed area.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides feedthrough or interconnect systems for components of an implantable medical device and methods for their manufacture. A feedthrough system includes a wire or nailhead having a protruded tip. The wire or nailhead extends from an aperture in an encasement of a first component and is connected to a terminal conductor adapted to electrically connect to circuitry within the encasement. A ribbon wire has a distal end adapted to electrically connect to a second component and a proximal end having a pattern adapted to fit to the protruded tip of the wire or nailhead to provide for subsequent attachment of the ribbon wire to the nailhead.

Abstract: A leadless pacemaker for pacing a heart of a human is provided, which can include any number of features. In some embodiments, the pacemaker can include a hermetic housing, a first electrode configured to fix the pacemaker to the heart, a second electrode exterior to the hermetic housing, a pulse generator disposed in the hermetic housing and configured to generate electrical pulses, the pulse generator being electrically connectable to the first and second electrodes, and a controller disposed in the hermetic housing and operatively connected to the pulse generator and a switching circuit to control the delivery of the electrical pulses between the first electrode or the second electrode and the metallic housing to stimulate the heart. In some embodiments, the pacemaker can include three electrodes, and can pace the heart with a first pair of electrodes and sense the heart with a second pair of electrodes.

Abstract: A connector for an electrical stimulation system includes an assembly of individual contact modules arranged along a common axis. Each contact module includes a body having a seat and at least two insertion apertures. An aperture contact is associated with each of the insertion apertures and is configured and arranged to electrically couple to a terminal of an elongated member when the elongated member is inserted into the associated insertion aperture. A seal plate is disposed in each seat of an associated one of the contact modules such that the seal plate is sandwiched between adjacent contact modules. Each seal plate is configured and arranged to electrically isolate the aperture contacts of the associated contact module from the aperture contacts of the other contact modules.

Abstract: A splitter for an electrical stimulation system includes a junction having a proximal end and a distal end. An elongated proximal member extends from the proximal end of the junction. The proximal member includes a plurality of terminals disposed on a proximal end of the proximal member. A plurality of elongated distal members extend from the distal end of the junction. Each distal member includes a connector disposed on a distal end of the distal member. The connector is configured and arranged for receiving a lead or lead extension. One of the distal members is longitudinally aligned with the proximal member and at least another one of the distal members is longitudinally offset from the proximal member. A plurality of conductors couple the terminals of the proximal member to the connectors of the distal members.

Abstract: Receiver-stimulator with folded or rolled up assembly of piezoelectric components, causing the receiver-stimulator to operate with a high degree of isotropy are disclosed. The receiver-stimulator comprises piezoelectric components, rectifier circuitry, and at least two stimulation electrodes. Isotropy allows the receiver-stimulator to be implanted with less concern regarding the orientation relative the transmitted acoustic field from an acoustic energy source.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for wirelessly transferring information electromagnetically at a first specified operating frequency range and at a second specified operating frequency range using an implantable antenna. In certain examples, the implantable antenna can include a first non-coiled segment and a first coiled segment, and the first specified operating frequency range and the second specified operating frequency range can be provided at least in part by a physical arrangement of the first coiled segment with respect to the first non-coiled segment.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an implantable housing, a header including a cavity, a post extending from a surface of the housing into the cavity, the post including an expanded head portion, and a retaining member mounted within the header and engaged with the post with a bottom surface of the retaining member abutting an internal surface of the header.

Abstract: A hermetic feedthrough for an implantable medical device includes an insulator, a conduit integrated with the insulator, and a pad coupled to an exterior surface of the insulator. The insulator includes a first material and the conduit includes a second material that is electrically conductive. The pad is configured to receive a lead coupled thereto. Further, the pad is electrically conductive and coupled to the conduit. The pad includes a first layer and a second layer overlaying at least a portion of the first layer.

Abstract: An electronic module assembly (EMA) for an implantable medical device is disclosed. The EMA comprises a non-conductive block having a top side, a bottom side, a front side and a back side. A plurality of conductive strips are coupled to the non-conductive block. Each conductive strip possesses a front side and a back side. The back side of each conductive strip extends from the front side across the top side and over to back side of the non-conductive block.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) with a housing and electrodes on at least two surfaces of the housing is described. The surfaces may be, for example, opposed, substantially parallel surfaces, e.g., top and bottom surfaces. Location of electrodes on multiple surfaces of the housing may allow the IMD to deliver stimulation to a variety of tissues and with a variety of current field configurations. For example, the IMD may deliver peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) to one or more tissue areas via electrodes selected from one or both of the surfaces to, for example, reduce the sensation of pain in a tissue area proximate to an implantation site of the IMD without targeting a specific nerve. The IMD may be implanted between or within intra-dermal, deep dermal, or subcutaneous layers of the tissue of the patient to deliver PNFS to any one or more of these layers.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to a medical device implantable in a body of a patient. The device includes a housing with a plurality of collapsible fixation structures coupled to the housing, and can be in a collapsed configuration or an expanded configuration. The device assumes a collapsed configuration when in the bore of an insertion device, and assumes the expanded configuration when expelled from the insertion device into the body of the patient. The extended fixation structures engage the tissues in the body and restrict migration. One exemplary application of the invention is in the context of a microstimulator, with a pulse generator housed in the housing and one or more electrodes coupled to the housing. The fixation structures help keep the electrodes proximate to the tissues that are to receive the stimulation.

Abstract: A package in which a medical device is stored, the package comprising an outer shell providing a vapor barrier, a medical device positioned in the interior space inside the outer shell, the medical device including a liquid-containing element that is subject to drying out, a condition sensor comprising two metallic elements and a conductive water-containing element, each of the two metallic elements being composed of different metals, with each of the different metals selected so that the two metallic elements form an anode and a cathode of an electrochemical cell, so that the water-containing element forms the electrolyte of the electrochemical cell, and the voltage of the cell provides an indication the conductive water-containing element of the medical device has dried out.

Abstract: An implantable microstimulator configured for implantation beneath a patient's skin for tissue stimulation to prevent and/or treat various disorders, uses a self-contained power source. Periodic or occasional replenishment of the power source is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external device. A bidirectional telemetry link allows the microstimulator to provide information regarding the system's status, including the power source's charge level, and stimulation parameter states. Processing circuitry automatically controls the applied stimulation pulses to match a set of programmed stimulation parameters established for a particular patient. The microstimulator preferably has a cylindrical hermetically sealed case having a length no greater than about 27 mm and a diameter no greater than about 3.3 mm. A reference electrode is located on one end of the case and an active electrode is located on the other end.

Abstract: An implantable medical device that includes a first molded portion and a second molded portion fusion bonded to the first molded portion at an interface. The molded portions each are based on a moldable plastic material. A component, e.g., an electrical component, for the implantable device has at least one section disposed at the fusion-bonded interface of the first molded portion and the second molded portion so that the electronic component is fusion bonded to one or both portions at the interface.

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: A method for hermetically sealing electronic circuitry within a housing of an implantable medical device is provided. The method comprises assembling the housing having an interior cavity, joining a feed-through assembly to the housing, and joining a back-fill member to the feed-through housing. The back fill member has an opening there through communicating with the interior cavity of the housing. The housing is back-filled with an inert gas through the opening in the back-fill member, and the interior cavity is hermetically sealed by closing the opening through the back-fill member with a sealing element. The sealing element and back-fill member are formed of different first and second materials, respectively.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices including an ultrasonic transducer and methods of optimizing an ultrasonic transducer of an implantable medical device are disclosed. The implantable medical device can include a housing, an ultrasonic transducer disposed within an interior of the housing, and a limiting structure configured to constrain deformation of the ultrasonic transducer. The limiting structure can include a separate structure coupled to the housing, or can comprise a resonant portion of the housing itself. During operation, the ultrasonic transducer is configured to communicate at a frequency at or near a resonant frequency of the housing.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrical connection system for a percutaneous electrical connection between an electrical device (2) inside an animal body and an electrical device (3) outside said body, comprising a subcutaneous device (10) designed to be connected to internal electrical device (2), said subcutaneous device (10) comprising: an open housing (11) having at least one inner compartment (12), said compartment (12) being filled with a conductive material into which an electrical connection plug can be inserted, the conductive material of compartment (12) being further connected to connection means (5) designed to be connected to internal electrical device (2); a sealing membrane (13) for sealing housing (11), said sealing membrane (13) being formed of an insulating and flexible material designed for insertion of electrical connection plugs from outside housing (11) through said sealing membrane (13) to the conductive material of compartment (12); characterized in that housing (11) comprises alignme

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: An electrical feedthrough, in particular for use in an electro-medical implant, having a flange enclosing at least one feedthrough bushing and at least one terminal pin enclosed by the at least one feedthrough bushing, the terminal pin having at least one section which can be joined at a lower energy in the interior of the implant.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a housing component comprising a flexure; and a ceramic feedthrough attached to the flexure such that the flexure reduces transmission of forces from housing component to the ceramic feedthrough. According to one illustrative embodiment, the implantable medical device is a cochlear implant which includes a titanium feedthrough case made up of a body portion and a flexure; and a ceramic feedthrough being hermetically joined to the flexure by an active braze, the flexure reducing transmission of forces from the titanium feedthrough case to the ceramic feedthrough.

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: The present invention is an improved hermetic package for implantation in the human body. The implantable device of the present invention includes an eclectically non-conductive bass including electrically conductive vias through the substrate. A circuit is flip-chip bonded to a subset of the vias. A second circuit is wire bonded to another subset of the vias. Finally, a cover is bonded to the substrate such that the cover, substrate and vias form a hermetic package.

Abstract: Disclosed is an implantable medical device including a connector block that allows varied lead configurations to be used with a single connector block and implantable medical device assembly. The connector block is configured with one or more lead insertion lumens that are open at both ends, such that each end of the lead insertion lumen may receive a separate lead. The circuitry within the implantable medical device is configured to allow the delivery of electrical pulses from a pulse generator within the implantable medical device to two separate leads inserted within opposite ends of a single lead insertion lumen.

Abstract: Various implantable medical device embodiments stimulate an autonomic neural target from within a pulmonary artery, and comprise at least one electrode, a power supply, a neural stimulator connected to the power supply, and an anchor structure. The neural stimulator is configured to generate a neural stimulation signal for delivery to the neural stimulation target through the at least one electrode. The anchor structure is configured to chronically and securely implant the neural stimulator, the power supply and the at least one electrode within the pulmonary artery. The anchor structure, the neural stimulator, the power supply and the at least one electrode are configured to be implanted through a pulmonary valve into the pulmonary artery. In various embodiments, the neural stimulator is configured to be operational to implement a neural stimulation protocol when chronically implanted within the pulmonary artery without a wired connection through the pulmonary valve.

Abstract: An implantable stimulator system includes a plastic housing, an electronic subassembly and at least one metal contact. The plastic housing defines an interior chamber and an exterior. The electronic subassembly is disposed in the interior chamber of the plastic housing. The at least one metal contact is integrally formed with the plastic housing, coupled to the electronic subassembly, and accessible from the exterior of the housing. The plastic housing and the at least one metal contact form a sealed structure around the electronic subassembly.

Abstract: A feedthrough, in particular for use in a medical-electronic implant, is provided having a terminal pin which has a section which can be soft soldered at least in the interior of the implant, a flange enclosing the terminal pin, and a glass solder plug which hermetically seals the terminal pin in relation to the flange.

Abstract: An implantable lead includes a lead body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion with a connector located at the proximal end and an electrode located at the distal end. The implantable lead further includes a coil conductor that has spiral sections wound within a lumen of the lead body and couples the lead connector to the electrode. The coil conductor has an insulation material provided on at least a segment of the coil conductor. The insulation material has a dielectric constant set such that the coil conductor forms a distributed band stop filter when exposed to a known RF magnetic field. The coil conductor comprises a filar wound into the spiral sections. The filar of the coil conductor has an insulation coating provided thereon with the insulation coating forming a dielectric layer between adjacent spiral sections of the filar.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) provides quadripolar transthoracic impedance measurement capability by forming at least one of the two electrodes associated with the canister of the device on a lead proximate the canister.

Abstract: Disclosed is an implantable medical device including a connector block that allows varied lead configurations to be used with a single connector block and implantable medical device assembly. The connector block is configured with one or more lead insertion lumens that are open at both ends, such that each end of the lead insertion lumen may receive a separate lead. The circuitry within the implantable medical device is configured to allow the delivery of electrical pulses from a pulse generator within the implantable medical device to two separate leads, or to a single lead (with a plug positioned within the opposite, open end of the insertion lumen), inserted within a single lead insertion lumen.

Abstract: The implantable medical device including a hermetic enclosure including at least one feedthrough having at least one electrically conductive path through the feedthrough. The at least one feedthrough includes an insulator having an entry face and an exit face, and at least one non-linear conductor is configured to extend, within the insulator, from the entry face to the exit face to provide the conductive path, wherein the entry and exit faces are not substantially parallel opposite faces of the insulator.

Abstract: An electronic device, comprising a housing, a functional unit disposed in the housing, a terminal lead electrically connecting the functional unit to the outside of the housing, and a sealed feedthrough in the housing, the feedthrough surrounding the terminal lead and insulating it with respect to the housing, wherein the feedthrough is produced from a liquid crystal polymer.

Abstract: A holding member for an implantable cardiac device facilitates tether attachment and removal, at time of implant, and snaring, or otherwise capturing, for subsequent explant. Preferably located in proximity to a proximal end wall of a shell of the device, the holding member includes a strut portion, being spaced proximally apart from the proximal end wall, a waist portion, defining a recess, and an engagement section, extending between the strut portion and the waist portion and overhanging the recess. The waist portion may either extend between the strut portion and the proximal end wall, or be formed in the shell, distal to the proximal end wall. Alternately, the holding member includes a loop element and an engagement element coupled thereto, between first and second segments thereof. The segments are initially formed to give the loop element an opening, and have a flexibility to be compressed together.

Abstract: A living tissue stimulation circuit includes: an H-bridged circuit that includes a first series section in which a first semiconductor switch connected to a power source side and a third semiconductor switch connected to a ground side are connected to each other in series, and a second series section in which a second semiconductor switch connected to the power source side and a fourth semiconductor switch connected to the ground side are connected to each other in series, the first series section and the second series section being connected to each other in parallel; a stimulation electrode connected to a first node between the first and third semiconductor switches; a counter electrode connected to a second node between the second and fourth semiconductor switches; and a current adjusting circuit configured to determine a current value output from the stimulation electrode.

Abstract: A physiological sense amplifier achieves fast recovery times following receipt of a large voltage, such as when a defibrillation pulse is delivered, without blanking. The recovery time may be less than one millisecond when polarization of surrounding tissue or the housing of the device is not present. The sense amplifier uses a feedback network to clamp the input voltage to a gain amplifier at a predetermined value when a predetermined threshold value is exceeded.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to a medical device implantable in a body of a patient. The device includes a housing with a plurality of collapsible fixation structures coupled to the housing, and can be in a collapsed configuration or an expanded configuration. The device assumes a collapsed configuration when in the bore of an insertion device, and assumes the expanded configuration when expelled from the insertion device into the body of the patient. The extended fixation structures engage the tissues in the body and restrict migration. One exemplary application of the invention is in the context of a microstimulator, with a pulse generator housed in the housing and one or more electrodes coupled to the housing. The fixation structures help keep the electrodes proximate to the tissues that are to receive the stimulation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for interacting with targeted tissue of a patient. The apparatus comprises a central control module, a satellite module, and a lead. The satellite module comprises a processor, a communication module, a switching module, a memory, a sense amp, and a A/D converter. The apparatus is adapted for subcutaneous implantation. The central control module is coupled to the satellite module. The lead is coupled to the satellite module. A programming word comprising information to be sent to the satellite module is provided. The programming word is converted into identifiable groups of pulses corresponding to bits of the programming word. The identifiable groups of pulses are sent to the satellite module. The identifiable groups of pulses are converted to information for providing a therapy to the patient. The energy from the identifiable groups of pulses is stored to power the satellite module.

Abstract: A method for making a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes the steps of: forming an insulative carrier from an insulative material; coupling at least one conductive component to the carrier by inserting a pre-formed tab of the conductive component through the carrier, from a first side thereof to a second side thereof, so that the conductive component is secured to the carrier with the tab extending along a surface of the second side of the carrier and an inward facing surface of an electrode portion of the conductive component being disposed against a surface of the first side of the carrier; coupling an elongate flexible conductor to the tab of the component; and forming an insulative layer over the second side of the carrier, the tab and the conductor electrically coupled to the tab.

Abstract: The catheter device comprises a motor located at the proximal end of the catheter device and a drive shaft, extending from the proximal end section to the distal end section of the catheter device, for driving a rotating element located at the distal end of the catheter device. The catheter device also comprises a hose-like catheter body which encompasses the drive shaft and extends from the proximal end section to the distal end section of the catheter device. At the proximal end of the catheter device, the drive shaft is connected to a motor by a clutch. The clutch is a magnetic clutch with a proximal and a distal magnet unit. The proximal magnet unit is connected to the motor and the distal magnet unit to the drive shaft. The distal magnet unit is mounted fluid-tight in a clutch housing. The proximal end of the catheter body makes a fluid-tight connection with the clutch housing.

Abstract: A medical device having a unit in communication with ancillary components wherein the unit and the ancillary components each have a sensory output through which communication with a user of the medical device may be accomplished and to which the user's attention directed. In one aspect, the medical device is an AED unit with associated pads, which are an ancillary component electrically connected to the AED unit. In this illustrative example, the unit has a unit sensory output (e.g., a speaker or a display), and the pads, and/or their associated packaging, have an ancillary sensory output (e.g. a speaker or display). Programming in the AED unit controls output to the sensory outputs such that the user's attention is directed between the unit and the ancillary components.