Abstract: An exemplary method includes acquiring cardiac electrical activity information; detecting an R wave; and based on the detecting, calling for delivery of energy to cells located in a structure outside of the myocardium only during a period time within the QRS complex corresponding to the detected R wave. The energy delivered may be electrical stimulation energy or mechanical energy.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes acquiring cardiac electrical activity information, detecting a T wave and, based on the detecting, calling for delivery of matter to the heart where the matter may include one or more of stem cells, progenitor cells, nutrients and drugs. Another exemplary method includes calling for delivery of electrical energy to cells destined for implantation in the body or cells already implanted in the body. Such delivery may be timed according to cardiac electrical activity and/or delivered at an energy level below a capture threshold of neighboring tissue. Various other exemplary technologies are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for the use of ACT1 peptide or other approaches to targeting the ZO-1 PDZ2 domain to treat non-injury related disturbance to electrical activation and ion transients in organ systems.

Abstract: A system delivers cardiac pacing therapy and chemical and/or biological therapy to modulate myocardial tissue growth in a heart after myocardial infarction (MI). The system includes an agent delivery device to release one or more agents to an MI region to modulate myocardial tissue growth in that region, and a cardiac rhythm management (CRM) device to deliver pacing pulses to enhance the effects of the one or more agents by altering myocardial wall stress and cardiac workload. In one embodiment, the system is an implantable system including an implantable agent delivery device and an implantable CRM device.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a system and method for treating insufficient uterine contractions after labor and delivery. The system includes a control module and a current source controlled by the control module to produce stimulating current at a frequency greater than or equal to about 5.0 Hertz. The system also includes one or more stimulation electrodes to provide the stimulating current to the patient in order for the patient to produce tonic uterine contractions.

Abstract: The health state of a subject is automatically evaluated or predicted using at least one implantable device. In varying examples, the health state is determined by sensing or receiving information about at least one physiological process having a circadian rhythm whose presence, absence, or baseline change is associated with impending disease, and comparing such rhythm to baseline circadian rhythm prediction criteria. Other chronobiological rhythms beside circadian may also be used. The baseline prediction criteria may be derived using one or more past physiological process observation of the subject or population of subjects in a non-disease health state. The prediction processing may be performed by the at least one implantable device or by an external device in communication with the implantable device. Systems and methods for invoking a therapy in response to the health state, such as to prevent or minimize the consequences of predicted impending heart failure, are also discussed.

Abstract: In an implantable medical device and a method for treating cardiac tissue of a heart of a patient with therapeutic light, a myocardial infarction is detected and a location the myocardial infarction is identified. A therapy session is initiated by selectively activating one or more of a number of light emitting units arranged in at least one medical lead connectable to the implantable medical device, to emit therapeutic light toward the detected location of the myocardial infarction upon detection of an occurrence of the myocardial infarction.

Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for stimulating cells implanted in the regions of nervous system, such as the brain, spinal cord or peripheral nerves. Accordingly, the functionality of the cells can be improved, for example, by differentiating undifferentiated or partially undifferentiated cells into neurons or other cells having action potentials. The method can also include promoting directional growth and connectivity of fully differentiated neural cells implanted in a patient's nervous system through electrical enhancement, for example, electrical stimulation via an anode and cathode. Methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.

Abstract: An exemplary includes acquiring an electroneurogram of the right carotid sinus nerve or the left carotid sinus nerve, analyzing the electroneurogram for at least one of chemosensory information and barosensory information and calling for one or more therapeutic actions based at least in part on the analyzing. Therapeutic actions may aim to treat conditions such as sleep apnea, an increase in metabolic demand, hypoglycemia, hypertension, renal failure, and corgestive heart failure. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and apparatus for detecting an epilepsy event in a patient using a medical device. The medical device is capable of determining an occurring epilepsy event, for example a seizure or an increased risk of a seizure. The determination is performed by determining at least one nonlinear analysis parameter associated with the beat sequence of the patient's heart. The medical device may then take a responsive action, such as warning, logging the time of the seizure, computing and storing one or more seizure severity indices, and treating the epilepsy event.

Abstract: A gene regulatory system detects ischemia events and is capable of delivering a biologic therapy in response to the detection of an ischemic event or the reception of a command. The biologic therapy protects the heart from ischemic damage by regulating the expression of an exogenously introduced gene product. In one embodiment, the gene regulatory system includes an implantable system that emits at least one gene regulatory signal in response to the detection of the ischemic event or the reception of the command. The gene regulatory signal directly or indirectly regulates gene expression of the gene product.

Abstract: The subject invention involves a device and method for treating patients with a movement disorder experiencing a sudden change in regularity of gait or akinesia, and comprising a device that detects the sudden change in regularity of gait or temporary akinesia and automatically issues a cue signal that restarts the movement.

Abstract: The present invention makes use of resonant acoustic and/or resonant acousto-EM energy applied to a biological structure to augment at least one function of the targeted biological structure. The resonant acoustic and/or resonant acousto-EM energy which targets the biological structure induces acoustic resonance within the biological structure. The acoustic resonance of the biological structure is amplified by the application of a magnetic field to the targeted biological structure.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining an increased likelihood of the occurrence of a cardiac arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, congestive heart failure and other diseased conditions of the heart associated with elevated sympathetic neural discharges in a patient. The methods and systems comprise monitoring the sympathetic neural discharges of a patient from the stellate ganglia, the thoracic ganglia, or both, and detecting increases in the sympathetic neural discharges. The methods and systems may further comprise delivering therapy to the patient in response to a detected increase in the sympathetic neural discharge, such as delivering one or more pharmacological agents; stimulating myocardial hyperinnervation in the sinus node and right ventricle of the heart of the patient; and applying cardiac pacing, cardioversion or defibrillation shocks.

Abstract: Renal function may be modulated by an implantable device having one or more leads or catheters disposed near the kidney via the lymphatic system. In one embodiment, lymphatic drainage from the kidney is modulated to increase or decrease tubular reabsorption of salt and water. The renal function modulation therapy may be delivered in an open-loop or closed-loop fashion, with the latter dependent upon a physiological variable such as blood pressure or cardiac output.

Abstract: An adjustable pressure cuff device is provided for the arm or leg of a user for stimulating blood flow and preventing blood clots. The pressure cuff contains a number of bladders which wrap in the direction of the cuff and which are arranged in succession down the arm or leg of a user. An air compressor is connected to the bladders via a multiplicity of tubes, each of which contain a valve. A control module runs the air compressor and sequentially opens the valves to provide air pressure to the bladders in succession along the arm or leg of a user. Further, between the bladders and the valves, additional tubes containing valves are provided to equalize pressure between bladders before exhausting the air from a previously pressurized bladder to save power and allow for increased patterns of bladder pressure. The pressure levels and bladder dwell times may be adjusted by the user or based on predetermined settings. Optionally, the device provides electrical stimulation, pulsations, heating, and cooling.

Abstract: Electrical devices (e.g., cardiac rhythm management and neurostimulation devices) for contact with tissue are used in combination with an anti-scarring agent (e.g., a cell cycle inhibitor) in order to inhibit scarring that may otherwise occur when the devices are implanted within an animal.

Abstract: A method for treating an infected area on a subject, comprising the steps of: exposing the infected area to an aqueous solution; and providing direct current to the aqueous solution to treat the infected area.

Abstract: An oxygen-producing device for aiding in treatment of diseases and conditions of the human eye has a power supply with an electrical output, and at least one pair of electrodes, one electrode of the pair coupled to the electrically positive output and the other coupled to the electrically negative output. The device is characterized in that the device is sized to occupy no more than one fortieth of the volume of an average human eye, and the power supply is enabled to provide a DC voltage of at least 1.2 volts over a period of time.

Abstract: An implantable apparatus for delivering electrical stimuli to a user, the apparatus including at least a stimulator adapted to generate stimulation signals, an electrode array, said array including a plurality of electrodes for delivering said stimulation signals; and a plurality of release sites for pharmaceutical agents, said release sites being positioned at locations along said array, said release sites being controlled such that said agents can be operatively delivered at selected ones of said locations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds having the structure useful as potassium channel inhibitors to treat cardiac arrhythmias, and the like.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cardiac pacing, cardioversion and defibrillation rely on delivering ultrasonic or other vibrational energy in combination with electrical energy to the heart, usually after the onset of an arrhythmia. A vibrational transducer and suitable electrical contacts may be combined in a single housing or distributed among various housings, and will usually be implantable so that the vibrational transducer can be directed at a target portion of the heart. Alternatively, external systems comprising the vibrational transducer and electrical contacts are also described.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices that utilize electrical neural stimulation to treat heart failure by modulating a patient's autonomic balance in a manner that inhibits sympathetic activity and/or augments parasympathetic activity. Because other therapies for treating heart failure may also affect a patient's autonomic balance, a device for delivering neural stimulation is configured to appropriately titrate such therapy in either an open-loop or closed-loop fashion.

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: A method for the treatment of obesity or other disorders by electrical activation or inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system is disclosed. This activation or inhibition can be accomplished by stimulating the greater splanchnic nerve or other portion of the sympathetic nervous system using an electrode. This nerve activation can result in reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a system for producing a signal, in particular an electric signal, or a substance having a coagulating or anticoagulant effect. The method is characterised in that it is based on a source substance with coagulating effect, in particular, Ca++ ions, or an anticoagulant affect, in particular heparin. The method consists in: transforming the electromagnetic field derived from said source substance located in the chamber, into a signal, in particular an electric signal, using a transducer-receiver sensing the electromagnetic field; applying to a receiving substance located in the chamber, in particular water or a water-ethanol mixture or homeopathic granules, said signal derived from said transducer-receiver, using a transducer-transmitter. After said treatment, the receiving substance, initially inactive, has a coagulating or anticoagulant effect.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for use in controlling rate-adaptive pacing within implantable medical devices such as pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). In one example, a force-frequency relationship is determined for the heart of the patient, which is representative of the relationship between cardiac stimulation frequency and myocardial contractile force. To this end, various parameters are detected for use as surrogates for contractile force, including selected systolic pressure parameters and cardiogenic impedance parameters. Rate-adaptive pacing is then controlled based on the detected force-frequency relationship to, for example, deactivate rate-adaptive pacing if the slope and/or abscissa of the force-frequency relationship indicates significant contractility dysfunction within the patient. In other examples, rather than deactivating rate-adaptive pacing, control parameters are adjusted to render the rate-adaptive pacing less aggressive.

Abstract: A therapeutic apparatus comprising an electrical stimulation delivery means, and at least one secondary modality delivery means, wherein the secondary modality delivery means is in an active state during at least a portion of a refractory period of the electrical stimulation delivery means.

Abstract: Injuries to the central nervous system, particularly spinal cord injuries, are treated by administering a purine nucleoside or analog to the patient and, optionally, electrically stimulating the site of injury.

Abstract: A medical device of the type used for assisting a user in manually delivering repetitive therapy to a patient (e.g., chest compressions or ventilations in cardiac resuscitation), the device comprising a feedback device configured to generate feedback cues to assist the user in timing the delivery of the repetitive therapy, at least one sensor or circuit element configured to detect actual delivery times, at which the user actually delivers the repetitive therapy, and a processor, memory, and associated circuitry configured to compare the actual delivery times to information representative of desired delivery times to determine cue times at which the feedback cues are generated by the feedback device.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described by which the blood pressure, nervous system activity, and neurohormonal activity may be selectively and controllably reduced by activating baroreceptors. A baroreceptor activation device is positioned near a baroreceptor, preferably a baroreceptor located in the carotid sinus. A control system may be used to modulate the baroreceptor activation device. The control system may utilize an algorithm defining a stimulus regimen which promotes long term efficacy and reduces power requirements/consumption. The baroreceptor activation device may utilize electrodes to activate the baroreceptors. The electrodes may be adapted for connection to the carotid arteries at or near the carotid sinus, and may be designed to minimize extraneous tissue stimulation.

Abstract: A medical device of the type used for assisting a user in manually delivering repetitive therapy to a patient (e.g., chest compressions or ventilations in cardiac resuscitation), the device comprising a feedback device configured to generate feedback cues to assist the user in timing the delivery of the repetitive therapy, at least one sensor or circuit element configured to detect actual delivery times, at which the user actually delivers the repetitive therapy, and a processor, memory, and associated circuitry configured to compare the actual delivery times to information representative of desired delivery times to determine cue times at which the feedback cues are generated by the feedback device.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes acquiring cardiac electrical activity information, detecting a T wave and, based on the detecting, calling for delivery of matter to the heart where the matter may include one or more of stem cells, progenitor cells, nutrients and drugs. Another exemplary method includes calling for delivery of electrical energy to cells destined for implantation in the body or cells already implanted in the body. Such delivery may be timed according to cardiac electrical activity and/or delivered at an energy level below a capture threshold of neighboring tissue. Various other exemplary technologies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of navigating a spinal subarachnoid space in a living being includes percutaneously introducing a device into the spinal subarachnoid space at an entry location. The device has a first passageway that is sized to slidably receive, and work with, at least a guidewire. The device can be a catheter or a sheath. The method can also include advancing the device within the spinal subarachnoid space at least more than 10 centimeters from the entry location. Alternatively, the method can include advancing the device within the spinal subarachnoid space to facilitate intracranial access with a second device introduced through the first passageway. Also disclosed is a device suited for attachment to a patient's skin, such as a sheath, that includes an elongated member, a skin-attachment apparatus having a flexible skin-attachment flap, and a valve apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods involve an implantable device configured to perform at least one cardiac-related function, a patient-external respiratory therapy device, and a communication channel configured to facilitate communication between the implantable device and the respiratory therapy device. The implantable and respiratory therapy devices operate cooperatively via the communication channel to provide one or more of patient monitoring, diagnosis, and therapy. The communication channel may be configured to facilitate communication between an external processing system and at least one of the implantable device and the respiratory therapy device. The processing system is communicatively coupled to at least one of the implantable and respiratory therapy devices via the communication channel to provide one or more of patient monitoring, diagnosis, and therapy.

Abstract: A medication, method and device for cardiac treatment are provided, in particular, for treating supraventricular arrhythmias. Specifically, a method is provided for treating supraventricular arrhythmias, using a therapeutically effective amount of a cholinergic receptor agonist, for example, acetylcholine. This device may be part of universal device which provides pacing and defibrillation. In particular, the present invention can be used to treat atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter and atrial tachycardia by a bolus injection of a rapidly hydrolysable cholinergic receptor agonist such as acetylcholine.

Abstract: A device for providing therapeutic treatment to a body part such as a knee joint to promote healing of the body part, including a signal generator for generating a pulsed electromagnetic field to electromagnetic stimulators based upon a selected treatment mode, a controller for storing the treatment mode and communicating the treatment mode to the signal generator and stimulators, a heat source configured to provide thermal therapy to the body part, and a monitoring element for monitoring the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic stimulators. The device may also include a telemetry component in communication with the monitor for remotely accessing the controller to modify the treatment mode. The device can also be disposable.

Abstract: A device for application to a body part for the treatment of symptoms of injury or pain, comprising a holder for simultaneously applying (1) a thermal device capable of retaining hot or cold, and (2) a transcutaneous electrical nerve/muscle stimulator, whereby to allow the simultaneous application to a body part of transcutaneous electrical nerve/muscle stimulation and either hot or cold therapy. The holder can have a pocket for receiving the thermal device and a front surface bearing the nerve/muscle stimulator, for example, by hook and loop material, or adhesive, enabling the activatable surface of the nerve/muscle stimulator to be applied to the body part simultaneously with the hot or cold therapy of the gel pack in the pocket.

Abstract: An apparatus for personal skin treatment includes an RF generator and an applicator with at least a pair of electrodes mounted on the distal end of the applicator. The electrodes are configured for applying an RF voltage to a subject skin. The RF voltage generator supplies the electrodes with the RF voltage. The applicator includes a source of illumination illuminating the treated skin segment.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating a subject, including applying a current to a site of the subject selected from the list consisting of: a vagus nerve of the subject, an epicardial fat pad of the subject, a pulmonary vein of the subject, a carotid artery of the subject, a carotid sinus of the subject, a vena cava vein of the subject, and an internal jugular vein of the subject.

Abstract: Heart pacing systems include at least one electronic or biological pacemaker as a primary pacemaker, and at least one electronic or biological pacemaker as a backup pacemaker. When implanted, the primary pacemaker(s) produce primary pacing stimuli that modulate cardiac function. The backup pacemaker(s) provide backup pacing stimuli when the electronic pacemaker is unable to modulate cardiac function at the predetermined pacing rate. The heart pacing systems are implemented by implantation in regions where they can provide pacing stimuli to cardiac tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a condition associated with impaired blood pressure and/or heart rate in a subject comprising applying an electrical treatment signal, wherein the electrical treatment signal is selected to at least partially block nerve impulses, or in some embodiments, to augment nerve impulses.

Abstract: A gene regulatory system detects ischemia events and is capable of delivering a biologic therapy in response to the detection of an ischemic event or the reception of a command. The biologic therapy protects the heart from ischemic damage by regulating the expression of an exogenously introduced gene product. In one embodiment, the gene regulatory system includes an implantable system that emits at least one gene regulatory signal in response to the detection of the ischemic event or the reception of the command. The gene regulatory signal directly or indirectly regulates gene expression of the gene product.

Abstract: A nerve tissue stimulator configured for contacting to or insertion in the body of a subject to stimulate a tissue therein, said probe comprising: (a) a support configured for contacting to or positioning adjacent a tissue of said subject; (b) at least one thermoelectric device (TED) on said support and positioned for thermally stimulating said nerve tissue.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an operational mode of a telemetry module. A device, such as a programming device, operating in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure determines that a transceiver of an implantable medical device is operating in a duty cycled operational mode that includes at least one interval during which the transceiver is powered down interleaved with intervals during which the transceiver is powered up, e.g., for transmitting or receiving communications over an established communication session. The programming device is configured to transmit information during the at least one interval in which the transceiver of the implantable medical device is powered down. Doing so ensures that the channel over which the programmer and implantable medical device communicate will not be usurped by another device.

Abstract: A device, such as an IMD, operating in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure detects a telemetry configuration event and, in response to the telemetry configuration event, configures a telemetry module of the IMD to operate in a duty cycled operational mode. The duty cycled operational mode includes a plurality of intervals during which a transceiver of the telemetry module is powered down interleaved with intervals during which the transceiver is powered up, e.g., for transmitting or receiving communications over an established communication session. The power freed up during the intervals in which the transceiver is powered down may be allocated for use by other components of the IMD. The telemetry module maintains information regarding the established communication session during the plurality of intervals during which the transceiver is powered down such that transmit and receive operations may immediately begin during intervals in which the transceiver is powered up.

Abstract: A method for brain modulation includes modulating a predetermined site in the brain in order to treat tinnitus and other phantom perceptions, including hallucinations and the perceived compulsion to take an action. Modulation may be performed electrically, chemically, in combination, or by other techniques. The method may involve surgically implanting a medical lead at a predetermined site, and coupling the lead to an electrical signal generator or source of drugs or other chemicals. Alternatively, a predetermined site may be modulated by means of noninvasive electrical modulation such as electromagnetic induction, or other means such as by creating lesions with methods such as heating, freezing, or radiation treatment, or by virus-mediated cell destruction or functional inactivation.

Abstract: A method of treating cardiac arrhythmias resulting from errant electrical signals conducted through the cardiac tissue from a source location. The magnitude of the errant signals is reduced by shunting electrical signals from the source location with an electrically conductive element having a sufficiently low impedance.

Abstract: An implantable spool is used for spooling the excess wiring associated with a lead that extends between at least one electrode and a pulse generator of an electrical stimulation implant system. The present invention also has application to providing a spool for coiling tubing of an implantable drug delivery system. Embodiments of the invention include a method of implanting an implantable system in a body, wherein the implantable system includes a source unit and an elongated member. A method of assembling an implantable system is also described.

Abstract: The health state of a subject is automatically evaluated or predicted using at least one implantable device. In varying examples, the health state is determined by sensing or receiving information about at least one physiological process having a circadian rhythm whose presence, absence, or baseline change is associated with impending disease, and comparing such rhythm to baseline circadian rhythm prediction criteria. Other chronobiological rhythms beside circadian may also be used. The baseline prediction criteria may be derived using one or more past physiological process observation of the subject or population of subjects in a non-disease health state. The prediction processing may be performed by the at least one implantable device or by an external device in communication with the implantable device. Systems and methods for invoking a therapy in response to the health state, such as to prevent or minimize the consequences of predicted impending heart failure, are also discussed.