Abstract: A leadless intra-cardiac medical device (LIMD) includes an electrode assembly configured to be anchored within a first wall portion of a first chamber of a heart. The electrode assembly includes an electrode main body having a first securing helix, an electrode wire segment extending from the body, and a first segment-terminating contact positioned on the electrode wire segment. The device further includes a housing assembly configured to be anchored within a second wall portion of a second chamber of the heart. The housing assembly includes a body having a second securing helix, a housing wire segment extending from the body, and a second segment-terminating contact positioned on the housing wire segment. The device also includes a connector block that electrically connects the electrode wire segment to the housing wire segment by retaining the first and second segment-terminating contacts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a remote controller for an implantable medical device having stored contraindication information, which includes information which a patient or clinician might wish to review when assessing the compatibility of a given therapeutic or diagnostic technique or activity with the patient's implant. The stored contraindication information is available through a display of the remote controller or via a wired, wireless, or portable drive connection with an external device. By storing contraindication information with the implant's remote controller, patient and clinician can more easily determine the safety of a particular therapeutic or diagnostic technique or physical activity with the patient's implant, perhaps without the need to contact the manufacturer's service representative.

Abstract: A connector for an implantable medical device includes an elongated connector housing having a first end, a second end, a length, and an outer surface. The connector housing defines a port at the second end of the connector housing that extends along the length toward the first end. The port is configured and arranged for receiving a proximal end of lead or lead extension. Connector contacts disposed in the connector housing are configured and arranged for coupling to terminals disposed on the lead or lead extension when the lead or lead extension is received by the port. At least one window is defined along the outer surface of the connector housing. The at least one window is configured and arranged for viewing at least a portion of the lead or lead extension when the lead or lead extension is received by the port.

Abstract: An implantable system that includes a lead and an implantable signal generator wherein the plurality of electrical contacts and the plurality of insulating regions on the lead, and the plurality of electrical connectors and the plurality of electrical insulators in the connector block are configured so that each of the plurality of electrical contacts form operable connections to the electronic circuitry through each of the plurality of electrical connector, and the insulating regions and the electrical insulators electrically isolate adjacent operable connections. Leads, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stimulation system includes an implantable pulse generator having a sealed chamber and an electronic subassembly disposed in the sealed chamber. Feed through pins are coupled to the electronic subassembly and extend out of the sealed chamber. Feed through interconnects are coupled to the electronic subassembly via the feed through pins. At least one tab is disposed on at least one feed through interconnect. The tab(s) are configured and arranged to flex away from the feed through interconnect and against a side of the feed through pin. A feed through interconnect assembly includes an assembly frame; feed through interconnects extending from the assembly frame; a first contact pad and a second contact pad disposed on at least one of the feed through interconnects; and a tab formed on a first contact pad of at least one of the feed through interconnects.

Abstract: Disclosed is a remote controller for an implantable medical device having stored contraindication information, which includes information which a patient or clinician might wish to review when assessing the compatibility of a given therapeutic or diagnostic technique or activity with the patient's implant. The stored contraindication information is available through a display of the remote controller or via a wired, wireless, or portable drive connection with an external device. By storing contraindication information with the implant's remote controller, patient and clinician can more easily determine the safety of a particular therapeutic or diagnostic technique or physical activity with the patient's implant, perhaps without the need to contact the manufacturer's service representative.

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: An implantable pulse generator or external trial stimulator for coupling to a lead with a distal end and a proximal end, the lead comprising at least one terminal disposed at the proximal end. The implantable pulse generator comprises a connector for receiving the proximal end of the lead, the connector having at least one contact, and a sensor configured and arranged for detecting electrical connectivity between the implantable pulse generator or external trial stimulator and the lead, the sensor comprising at least one sensor contact, the sensor contact being configured and arranged for electrically coupling to a terminal of the lead and at least one of the contacts of the connector when the lead is fully inserted in the connector and thereby detecting electrical connectivity between the implantable pulse generator or external trial stimulator and the lead.

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: Techniques are disclosed for recharging an Implantable Medical Device (IMD). In one embodiment, a first external coil is positioned on one side of a patient's body, such as on a front side of the torso in proximity to the IMD. A second external coil is positioned on an opposite side of the patient's body, such as on the back of the torso. A recharging device generates a current in each of the coils, inductively coupling the first and the second coils to the secondary recharge coil of the IMD. According to another aspect, each of the two external coils may wrap around a portion of the patient's body, such as the torso or head, and are positioned such that the IMD lies between the coils. According to this aspect, current generated in the coils inductively couples to a second recharge coil that is angled within the patient's body.

Abstract: Medical devices using fluid or cooling fluids having one or more bimaterial valves positioned at each point of flow control to control the flow of a fluid in response to temperature changes. In particular, devices for ablating tissue having multiple ablation elements or cells include one or more bimaterial valves positioned within or near the ablation cells. The bimaterial valves respond to temperature changes by adjusting the flow rate of a fluid through the valve.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrical connection device (1) designed to be implanted inside an animal's body to provide an electrical connection between several electrical wires, characterized in that it comprises: a housing (10) comprising at least one opening (11) formed at the surface of said housing (10) at the end of at least one cavity formed inside the housing (10), said cavity being designed to receive a first electrical wire through opening (11); electrical interconnection means (8) to establish an electrical connection between said first electrical wire and at least one second electrical wire; a means for maintaining the position of the first electrical wire in the corresponding cavity, said position maintenance means having a cam (13) rotatably mounted in the housing to compress said first electrical wire against the inner walls of the cavity during rotation of cam (13) in a direction tending to insert said first electrical wire inside the corresponding cavity.

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: A connector assembly for an implantable medical device includes a plurality of feedthroughs mounted in a conductive array plate, each feedthrough in the plurality of feedthroughs including a feedthrough pin electrically isolated from the conductive array plate by an insulator and an electronic module assembly including a plurality of conductive strips set in a non-conductive block. The plurality of conductive strips is in physical and electrical contact with the feedthrough pins at an angle of less than 135 degrees. The connector assembly further includes at least one circuit, the circuit including a plurality of conductors corresponding to the plurality of feedthroughs. The plurality of conductors of the circuit is in physical and electrical contact with a corresponding one of the conductive strips of the plurality of conductive strips of the electronic module assembly at an angle of less than 135 degrees.

Abstract: Disclosed is a remote controller for an implantable medical device having stored contraindication information, which includes information which a patient or clinician might wish to review when assessing the compatibility of a given therapeutic or diagnostic technique or activity with the patient's implant. The stored contraindication information is available through a display of the remote controller or via a wired, wireless, or portable drive connection with an external device. By storing contraindication information with the implant's remote controller, patient and clinician can more easily determine the safety of a particular therapeutic or diagnostic technique or physical activity with the patient's implant, perhaps without the need to contact the manufacturer's service representative.

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: 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: 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: A connector assembly includes a lead or a lead extension, a connector, and a retention assembly disposed in the connector. The connector includes a connector housing defining a port at a distal end of the connector, and a plurality of connector contacts disposed in the connector housing. The port is configured and arranged for receiving a proximal end of the lead or the lead extension. The connector contacts are configured and arranged to couple to at least one terminal disposed on the proximal end of the lead or the lead extension. The retention assembly includes a retention mechanism that can be engaged and reversibly disengaged without the use of tools beyond conventional operating-room surgical instruments.

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.

Abstract: A filtering capacitor feedthrough assembly for an implantable active medical device is disclosed. The filtering capacitor feedthrough assembly includes a capacitor having an aperture defined by an inner capacitor surface. The capacitor is electrically grounded to an electrically conductive feedthrough ferrule or housing of the implantable active medical device. A terminal pin extends into the aperture. An electrically conductive split ring sleeve is disposed within the aperture and between the terminal pin and the capacitor. The split ring sleeve includes a first end, a second end, a sleeve length therebetween. A longitudinal slit through the sleeve extends from the first end to the second end. The electrically conductive split ring sleeve mechanically securing and electrically coupling the terminal pin to the capacitor.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a medical electrical lead having fault detection and fault isolation. The lead may include a first conductor coupled to a first electrode and a second conductor coupled to a second electrode. A capacitor is disposed within the lead and selectively coupled to the first and second conductors of the lead. The capacitor is charged in a test mode of operation after the first and second electrodes have been isolated from the conductors via an isolation mechanism and the capacitor will discharge through the first and second conductors. The capacitor discharge morphology is processed to detect lead-related conditions.

Abstract: An implantable system that includes a lead and an implantable signal generator wherein the plurality of electrical contacts and the plurality of insulating regions on the lead, and the plurality of electrical connectors and the plurality of electrical insulators in the connector block are configured so that each of the plurality of electrical contacts form operable connections to the electronic circuitry through each of the plurality of electrical connector, and the insulating regions and the electrical insulators electrically isolate adjacent operable connections. Leads, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of adhering a protective layer applied to a substrate region of an implantable medical device (IMD) to form a covered substrate region. The method includes obtaining the IMD, depositing an intermediate layer on a portion of the substrate region of the IMD such that the intermediate layer binds to the portion of the substrate region to create a modified substrate region, and depositing the protective layer after depositing the intermediate layer onto the intermediate layer and adhering the protective layer to the intermediate layer. In an embodiment of the present invention, this method enhances the sealing characteristics of the protective layer by, for example, reducing the likelihood of delamination of the protective layer from the IMD relative to IMDs prepared by certain other methods.

Abstract: Systems and methods for temporarily pacing a patient's heart are provided. One system includes a hemostasis valve with an adjustable electrical connection, the adjustable electrical connection having one or more adjustable contacts. The adjustable contacts have a first, radially expanded configuration and a second, radially constricted configuration. In the radially constricted configuration, the adjustable contacts are configured to pierce through a layer of an elongate medical device that is disposed in the hemostasis valve. The elongate medical device has a distal electrode and a conductor extending along a portion of the elongate medical device. The adjustable contacts pierce through and make contact with the conductor, providing an electrical pathway to the distal electrode. Also provided are vascular access systems including hemostasis valve and a guide catheter, guide wire torquers with adjustable contacts and methods of temporarily pacing a patient's heart.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an axial lead connector assembly for an implantable medical device (IMD). The lead connector assembly facilitates electrical connection between an implantable medical lead and circuitry contained within the housing of an IMD. A connector header defines an axial stack bore to receive an axial stack of in-line connector components. The connector components define a common lead bore to receive a proximal end of an implantable lead. The in-line stack of connector components may include seals, electrical connector elements, a strain relief, and a locking device, each of which defines a passage that forms part of the lead bore.

Abstract: An external defibrillator having a battery; a capacitor electrically communicable with the battery; at least two electrodes electrically communicable with the capacitor and with the skin of a patient; a controller configured to charge the capacitor from the battery and to discharge the capacitor through the electrodes; and a support supporting the battery, capacitor, electrodes and controller in a deployment configuration, the defibrillator having a maximum weight per unit area in the deployment configuration of 0.1 lb/in2 and/or a maximum thickness of 1 inch. The support may be a waterproof housing.

Abstract: An implantable connector comprises an electrically insulative housing including an outer wall, an interior cavity surrounded by the outer wall, a port through which the lead body portion can be introduced into the interior cavity, and a pair of first apertures disposed through the outer wall on a first side of the housing. The connector further comprises an electrical spring clip contact mounted to the housing. The contact includes a common portion and a pair of legs extending from opposite ends of the common portion. The legs respectively extend through the first apertures into the interior cavity, such that the legs firmly engage the electrical terminal therebetween when the lead body portion is introduced into the interior cavity.

Abstract: Techniques for determining whether one or more leads are not adequately connected to a patient, e.g., for ECG monitoring, are described. The techniques involve injection of an integrated signal (which includes a test signal) into one lead, and monitoring the driven lead and the response at the other leads, including the common mode and the difference between the other leads. These “lead-off” detection techniques may be provided by an external defibrillator that provides three-wire ECG monitoring. Techniques for determining a type of a cable coupled to a defibrillator are also described. The cable-type identification may allow a defibrillator to, for example, operate in either a three-wire ECG monitoring mode or a therapy mode, based on whether a three-wire ECG cable or a defibrillation cable is coupled to the defibrillator.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes a lead or a lead extension, a connector, and a retention assembly disposed in the connector. The connector includes a connector housing defining a port at a distal end of the connector, and a plurality of connector contacts disposed in the connector housing. The port is configured and arranged for receiving a proximal end of the lead or the lead extension. The connector contacts are configured and arranged to couple to at least one terminal disposed on the proximal end of the lead or the lead extension. The retention assembly includes a retention mechanism that can be engaged and reversibly disengaged without the use of tools beyond conventional operating-room surgical instruments.

Abstract: A feedthrough assembly of an implantable medical device includes a glass insulator containing at least approximately 20 mol % of calcium oxide (CaO), preferably of a CABAL-12 type composition. The assembly is either manufactured so that the glass insulator includes a surface layer including calcium phosphate, preferably of relatively low solubility, or is assembled in the implantable device so that the glass insulator is exposed to phosphate-containing body fluid, when the device is implanted, for the formation of a surface layer including calcium phosphate.

Abstract: A connection monitoring system for an implantable medical lead system includes an implantable lead, a first trial system cable, an external trial system, and a sensor. The lead has a distal end and at least one proximal end. The lead includes a plurality of terminals disposed at each proximal end. The first trial system cable has a distal end and at least one proximal end. The distal end of the first trial system cable is configured and arranged to electrically couple with the lead. The external trial system is configured and arranged to electrically couple with the first trial system cable. The sensor is electrically coupled to the external trial system. The sensor is configured and arranged for detecting a loss of electrical connectivity between the external trial system and the lead when the lead becomes electrically decoupled from the external trial system.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for recharging an Implantable Medical Device (IMD). In one embodiment, a first external coil is positioned on one side of a patient's body, such as on a front side of the torso in proximity to the IMD. A second external coil is positioned on an opposite side of the patient's body, such as on the back of the torso. A recharging device generates a current in each of the coils, inductively coupling the first and the second coils to the secondary recharge coil of the IMD. According to another aspect, each of the two external coils may wrap around a portion of the patient's body, such as the torso or head, and are positioned such that the IMD lies between the coils. According to this aspect, current generated in the coils inductively couples to a second recharge coil that is angled within the patient's body.

Abstract: Methods, implantable medical devices and systems configured to perform analysis of captured signals from implanted electrodes to identify cardiac arrhythmias. In an illustrative embodiment, signals captured from two or more sensing vectors are analyzed, where the signals are captured with a patient in at least first and second body positions. Analysis is performed to identify primary or default sensing vectors and/or templates for event detection.

Abstract: A catheter switch comprising a first electrical connector for connection to a first medical device, a second electrical connector for connection to a second medical device, and a third electrical connector for connection to a signal source. The catheter switch further includes an electrical switch coupled to the first, second, and third electrical connectors. The electrical switch is configured to include at least two selectable positions, a first position in which the first electrical connector is electrically coupled to the third electrical connector and a second position in which the second electrical connector is electrically coupled to the third electrical connector. A catheter switch assembly system is also provided. The catheter switch assembly system is for selectively coupling a nerve stimulator to a needle assembly or to a catheter assembly to deliver electrical pulses thereto.

Abstract: A feedthrough assembly for use with implantable medical devices having a shield structure, the feedthrough assembly engaging with the remainder of the associated implantable medical device to form a seal with the medical device to inhibit unwanted gas, liquid, or solid exchange into or from the device. One or more feedthrough wires extend through the feedthrough assembly to facilitate transceiving of the electrical signals with one or more implantable patient leads. The feedthrough assembly is connected to a mechanical support which houses one or more filtering capacitors that are configured to filter and remove undesired frequencies from the electrical signals received via the feedthrough wires before the signals reach the electrical circuitry inside the implantable medical device.

Abstract: A terminal housing (14) for an electromedical implant (10) having female contacts (22.2, 22.2, 24) to receive and provide electric contact for electrode line plugs. The terminal housing has a base module (20) and a separately premanufactured cover module (40) that has a female contact (24) according to the IS-4 standard and is inserted into the base module (20) and connected thereto.

Abstract: A lead includes a lead body with a stylet receiving lumen, a distal tip, and a distal portion proximal of the distal tip that is biased to assume a non-linear configuration. Insertion of a stylet into the lumen causes the distal portion to transition from the non-linear configuration to a generally linear configuration. The lead also includes a first arm member having a distal end and a proximal end coupled to the lead body proximal of the distal tip; and a nosepiece, at least a portion of which is biodegradable. The nosepiece is configured to receive the distal tip of the lead body and the distal end of the first arm member such that the lead body, first arm member and nosepiece form a closed arrangement prior to biodegradation of the nosepiece and an open arrangement after biodegradation of the nosepiece.

Abstract: Implantable stimulation devices are provided. Aspects of the devices include a multiplexed multi-electrode component configured for neural stimulation. The multiplexed multi-electrode component includes two or more individually addressable satellite electrode structures electrically coupled to a common conductor. The satellite structures include a hermetically sealed integrated circuit controller operatively coupled to one or more electrodes. Also provided are systems that include the devices of the invention, as well as methods of using the systems and devices in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: A filtering capacitor feedthrough assembly for an implantable active medical device is disclosed. The filtering capacitor feedthrough assembly includes a capacitor having an aperture defined by an inner capacitor surface. The capacitor is electrically grounded to an electrically conductive feedthrough ferrule or housing of the implantable active medical device. A terminal pin extends into the aperture. An electrically conductive split ring sleeve is disposed within the aperture and between the terminal pin and the capacitor. The split ring sleeve includes a first end, a second end, a sleeve length therebetween. A longitudinal slit through the sleeve extends from the first end to the second end. The electrically conductive split ring sleeve mechanically securing and electrically coupling the terminal pin to the capacitor.

Abstract: The housing of an implantable medical device is made of a titanium alloy that provides improved electrical performance, mechanical strength, and reduced MRI heating. The titanium alloy housing includes portions formed by metal injection molding and welded together. Wall thickness of at least a portion of one major face of the housing is reduced by chemical etching a metal injected molded housing portion.

Abstract: An implantable active medical device is disclosed and includes a hermetically sealed housing defining a sealed housing interior, a power source and electronics in electrical communication and disposed within the sealed housing interior, and a lead connector projecting into the sealed housing interior. The lead connector includes a closed end, an open end, an outer surface, and an inner surface defining a lead aperture. The lead connector includes one or more electrically conducting contact rings spaced apart by electrically insulating rings. The one or more electrically conducting contact rings are in electrical communication with the electronics and the lead connector provides a hermetic seal between the lead connector outer surface and the lead connector inner surface.

Abstract: High reliability electrical connections between a helical strand and flat electrodes, such us strip electrodes found in implantable neurostimulator system, are described. The connection consists of a crimp joint in which an inside diameter mandrel is used to provided the coil with sufficient radial rigidity to ensure structural integrity of the crimp. The mandrel is made of a relatively soft biocompatible material that deforms rather than damages the fine wires of the helical strand during crimping. The crimping is accomplished by radial deformation of an annular or semi-annular crimping member that receives the helical strand/mandrel assembly.

Abstract: A hermetic lead connector assembly includes a hermetic lead connector having an open end, a lead connector outer surface and a lead connector inner surface defining a lead aperture and a rigid sleeve is disposed about the hermetic lead connector outer surface. The hermetic lead connector has one or more electrically conducting contact rings spaced apart by electrically insulating rings. The hermetic lead connector provides a hermetic seal between the lead connector outer surface and the lead connector inner surface. The rigid sleeve has an aperture that exposes a portion of the one or more electrically conducting contact rings.

Abstract: An implantable active medical device is disclosed and includes a hermetically sealed housing defining a sealed housing interior, a power source and electronics in electrical communication and disposed within the sealed housing interior, and a lead connector projecting into the sealed housing interior. The lead connector includes a closed end, an open end, an outer surface, and an inner surface defining a lead aperture. The lead connector includes one or more electrically conducting contact rings spaced apart by electrically insulating rings. The one or more electrically conducting contact rings are in electrical communication with the electronics and the lead connector provides a hermetic seal between the lead connector outer surface and the lead connector inner surface.

Abstract: High reliability electrical connections between a helical strand and flat electrodes, such as strip electrodes found in implantable neurostimulator system, are described. The connection consists of a crimp joint in which an inside diameter mandrel is used to provide the coil with sufficient radial rigidity to ensure structural integrity of the crimp. The mandrel is made of a relatively soft biocompatible material that deforms rather than damages the fine wires of the helical strand during crimping. The crimp is accomplished by radial deformation of an annular or semi-annular crimping member that receives the helical strand/mandrel assembly.

Abstract: A feedthrough assembly for use with implantable medical devices having a shield structure, the feedthrough assembly engaging with the remainder of the associated implantable medical device to form a seal with the medical device to inhibit unwanted gas, liquid, or solid exchange into or from the device. One or more feedthrough wires extend through the feedthrough assembly to facilitate transceiving of the electrical signals with one or more implantable patient leads. The feedthrough assembly is connected to a mechanical support which houses one or more filtering capacitors that are configured to filter and remove undesired frequencies from the electrical signals received via the feedthrough wires before the signals reach the electrical circuitry inside the implantable medical device.

Abstract: A selection of parameter configurations for a neurostimulator using decision trees may be employed by a programming device to allow a clinician or other user to select parameter configurations, and then program an implantable neurostimulator to deliver therapy using the selected parameter configurations. The programming device executes a parameter configuration search algorithm to guide the clinician in selection of parameter configurations. The search algorithm relies on a decision tree to identify optimum parameter configurations. A decision tree is useful in classifying observations in a data set based upon one or more attributes or fields within the data. The data set includes parameter configurations matched with observed ratings of efficacy on patients of a similar indication. The learned attribute, on which classification occurs, will be the optimum parameter configuration for a set of rated configurations used to produce the classification.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting lead adequacy and quality is disclosed. The system includes leads attached to a package having known electrical or optical characteristics. The package is adapted to interface with a testing device that allows the operator to ascertain whether the leads are appropriate for the desired task. This allows the testing of the lead set without the need to remove it from the package. The system of the present invention generally includes packaging of known electrical or optical characteristics, a package testing interface, and a lead testing assembly including hardware and/or software to determine whether the leads in question fulfill the desired characteristics. The lead testing assembly may be freestanding or may be incorporated into an existing testing instrument.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a sealed casing enclosing electronic circuitry and a plurality of electrical terminals connected to the electronic circuitry and projecting out of a mounting surface. A header has an undersurface for mounting engagement on the mounting surface of the casing and first and second oppositely directed elongated receptacles, the first receptacle being positioned proximate the electrical terminals. The header also includes at least one conductive connector block having a bore aligned with each of the first and second receptacles for receiving a proximal end portion of a lead extending through the elongated receptacle and carrying at least one electrical terminal and a wire electrically connects each of the connector blocks with an associated electrical terminal, at least the wire from the connector block associated with the first receptacle being of minimal length because of its close proximity to the plurality of electrical terminals.