Abstract: A cochlear implant exomagnet that includes a magnet apparatus and a magnet mount configured to secure the magnet apparatus to a cochlear implant in such a manner that the magnet apparatus is not located within the internal magnet pocket of the cochlear implant.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an implantable medical device (IMD) comprises: therapeutic circuitry for controlling delivery of a medical therapy to a patient; a processor for controlling the IMD according to executable code; wireless communication circuitry for conducting wireless communications; and memory for storing data and executable code, wherein the executable comprises code for causing the processor to (1) communicate with an external programming device to define therapeutic settings for operation of the IMD, (2) perform validation operations on one or more instances of therapeutic settings by determining whether a respective instance of therapeutic settings is accompanied by permanent validation data or temporary validation data, wherein the validation operations comprise analyzing temporary validation data against at least one key of a plurality of cryptographic keys stored by the IMD.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for operating a system for management of implantable medical devices (IMDs), comprises: conducting communication sessions with a plurality of clinician programmer devices while the clinician programmer devices are engaged in respective programming sessions with IMDs; receiving and storing second programming data from a plurality of clinician programmer devices, wherein the second programming data was created during programming sessions with IMDs without network connectivity to the system for management of IMDs; reconciling programming of the plurality of IMDs that were programmed with the second programming data with data stored by the system for management of IMDs; and communicating second signed validation data to cause IMDs to conduct therapeutic operations according to programming data validated by respective instances of second validation data.

Abstract: A point of sale device including an LCD display, a contactless payment antenna arranged in propinquity to the LCD display, LCD control circuitry and contactless communication circuitry associated with the contactless payment antenna, the LCD control circuitry and the contactless communication circuitry operating at least partially in time coordination with each other in order to prevent interference therebetween.

Abstract: A printer apparatus includes a printing unit that performs printing; a communication unit; and a controller. The communication unit establishes a wireless connection to any one of a plurality of access points in accordance with any one of a plurality of communication schemes. The controller determines order priority for the plurality of access points to which an attempt to establish the wireless connection is to be made in accordance with a communication scheme used in a previous wireless connection to each of the plurality of access points and causes the communication unit to establish the wireless connection to an access point out of the plurality of access points in accordance with the order priority.

Abstract: A system and method for PEMF tissue engineering enhances musculoskeletal tissue stimulation by monitoring treatment for compliance with treatment regimens. A PEMF device includes sensors that detect attributes indicating whether the PEMF device is in use. The PEMF device also includes communication devices that connect it with other devices. The data obtained from the sensors may be used to determine a level of compliance in use of the tissue engineering device with a prescribed treatment regimen for the patient. The data is transferred via a paired UE to a remote server. The remote server stores the data in a database and periodically generates compliance reports. The compliance reports are shared with subscribing access devices including the prescribing physician. The UE pairing with the PEMF device maintains a treatment calendar and dynamically modifies reminders based on current treatment status. The treatment regimen may be updated and sent to the PEMF device.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a clinician programmer device for controlling a deep brain stimulation (DBS) system is adapted to assist a clinician to conduct an electrode screening review for the DBS system including screening of segmented electrodes. The clinician programmer stores software code for conducting a screening review in memory. The software code may comprise: code for providing one or more interface screens for guiding the user of the device through testing of electrode configurations of the implantable stimulation lead, wherein the code for providing applies at least one testing progression for guiding the user of the device through a defined testing order.

Abstract: A method is provided for establishing a communication session with an implantable medical device (“IMD”). The method includes configuring an IMD and an external device to communicate with one another through a protocol that utilizes a dedicated advertisement channel. The advertisement period and the scan period of the protocol are independent of one another such that the advertisement and scan periods at least partially overlap intermittently after a number of cycles. When the external device detects one of the advertisement notices, the method includes establishing a communications link between the external device and the IMD.

Abstract: A device implementing a system for NFC communication includes a processor configured to receive, from an other device, pulse signals for detecting proximity of the device with the other device. The processor is further configured to determine an interval at which the pulse signals are received from the other device. The processor is further configured to determine a time when the other device is expected to transmit a subsequent pulse signal based at least in part on the determined interval. The processor is further configured to transmit a signal to the other device based on the determined time when the other device is expected to transmit the subsequent pulse signal.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) systems that include patient parameter electrodes, such as ECG electrodes, that are at least substantially electrically isolated from other circuits of the WCD system. In embodiments, the WCD system includes a power source, an energy storage module, and a processor each connected to a first circuit ground. A patient parameter sense port, such as an ECG port, is coupled to the patient. A measurement circuit may render a physiological input from the sensed patient parameter received at the patient parameter sense port, and the measurement circuit includes an isolating circuit that electrically isolates the patient parameter sense port from the first circuit ground. The sensing of physiological inputs of the patient can be improved, resulting in fewer erroneous readings and false alarms.

Abstract: Generally discussed herein are systems, devices, and methods for providing a therapy (e.g., stimulation) and/or data signal using an implantable device. Systems, devices and methods for interacting with (e.g., communicating with, receiving power from) an external device are also provided. A system can include an external power source that propagates a field within tissue and an at least partially implantable device configured to receive the propagated field from the external power source, the implantable device including circuitry, a first antenna electrically coupled to the circuitry, a second antenna electrically coupled to the first antenna, and an electrode electrically connected to the circuitry.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for dynamically adjusting a user interface provided by an external unit of a hearing device. In an example method, the external unit determines whether a state of the external unit is one of (i) a coupled state when the external unit and the stimulation unit are coupled or (ii) a decoupled state when the external and the stimulation unit are decoupled. The external unit then provides one of (i) a first user interface when the determined state is the coupled state or (ii) a second user interface when the determined state is the decoupled state.

Abstract: Radio-frequency transmission and reception circuitry is adapted for use with a high-quality-factor antenna. On the transmission side, control circuitry is provided to maintain resonance at the transmission frequency. On the reception side, multiple receive paths are independently controllable for temporal and amplitude alignment.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing data communication in medical systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Baluns and antenna devices that achieve improved antenna isolation for simultaneous transmit and receive (STAR) antennas are provided. A tunable balun can be used to compensate for amplitude imbalances in a multi-antenna radio, and/or an antenna agnostic feed network can be used to improve isolation in a single antenna radio. The balun can be integrated directly into the antenna. The balun can control the amplitude of each signal to ensure they are equal, resulting in greater transmitter interference cancellation.

Abstract: A reader device includes an array of antenna coils configured to electromagnetically couple with devices implanted beneath or within skin of a human body. An implanted device can include a loop antenna or other means configured to couple with at least one antenna coil of the reader device to receive radio frequency energy from and transmit radio frequency transmissions to the reader device. The antenna coil array is configured to mount to the skin surface to improve the coupling between the implanted device and coils of the array. Further, the reader device is configured to select one or more antenna coils of the array and to operate the selected antenna coil to communicate, via radio frequency transmissions, with and/or provide radio frequency power to the implanted device. An antenna coil of the array can be selected based on a detected amount of coupling with the implanted device.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for implantation into a patient may include a housing, a pulse generation circuit disposed at least partially within the housing, a plurality of electrodes electrically coupled to the pulse generation circuit, the plurality of electrodes being exposed external to the housing, and a controller operatively coupled to the pulse generation circuit. The controller may be configured to command the pulse generation circuit to deliver a phasic conducted communication pulse via at least two of the plurality of electrodes. Additionally, the phasic conducted communication pulse may comprise a first phase having a first polarity followed by a second phase having an opposite second polarity, wherein the second phase may have a duration of less than 60 microseconds, and wherein the first phase having may have a duration of between five percent and eighty percent of the duration of the second phase.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and techniques for content protection over synchronous data networks. For example, a method of communicating content protected data may include providing link synchronization information over a link of a synchronous bus, and providing content protected data over the link of the synchronous bus. The content protected data may be protected in accordance with the High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) specification or the Digital Transmission Content Protection (DTCP) specification, for example.

Abstract: Techniques for use with an implantable medical device (IMD) reduce how often a first receiver of the IMD wakes up a second receiver thereof to reduce power consumption. A received message and/or a channel over which messages can be received is/are examined, and a value is adjusted based on results thereof. After being adjusted, the value is compared to a first threshold if the IMD is in a normal state, or compared to a second threshold if the IMD is in a noise state. If in the normal state, there is a determination whether to stay in the normal state or switch to the noise state. If in the noise state, there is a determination whether to stay in the noise state or switch to the normal state. At least the second receiver is temporarily put to sleep, if the IMD is maintained in or switched to the noise state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control system having a processor configured to control a plurality of electromagnets to assist heart contractions and expansions based on input received from an electrocardiogram electrode and blow flow sensors.

Abstract: Implantable devices for continuously monitoring vascular lumen dimensions, in particular in the inferior vena cava (IVC) for determining heart failure status of a patient. Related therapy systems as well as monitoring and therapy methods are also disclosed. Devices include active or passive marker elements placed in contact with, adhered to or injected into the vessel wall to generate or reflect signals from which lumen diameter may be determined. Disclosed devices may be fully implantable and self-contained including capabilities for wirelessly communication monitored parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed are a housing for a medical implant, a medical implant for a human or animal organism, a method for manufacturing a medical implant, and a system comprising a medical implant and a transceiver unit that can be coupled to the medical implant.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving transit information from a first data logger, wherein the first data logger is associated with a first shipment. The method identifies a first user based on an identifier associated with the first shipment. The method queries the first user for credentials for verification. Responsive to determining the received credentials for verification from the first user match the credentials of record, the method sends the received transit information to the first user.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treating a patient comprising providing a medical apparatus comprising an external system and an implantable system, implanting the implantable system, and delivering at least one of power or data to the implantable system with the external system. The external system comprises: at least one external antenna configured to transmit a first transmission signal to the implantable system; an external transmitter configured to drive the at least one external antenna; an external power supply; and an external controller. The implantable system comprises: at least one implantable antenna configured to receive the first transmission signal from the first external device; an implantable receiver; at least one implantable functional element configured to interface with the patient; an implantable controller; an implantable energy storage assembly; and an implantable housing surrounding at least the implantable controller and the implantable receiver. Medical apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: This invention describes how users can capture digital artifacts from any medical device using their mobile device. Some examples of medical devices included, but are not limited to a medical ID card, Medical ID bracelet, Electronic Medical Records, blood pressure machines, blood glucose, scales, inhalers, INR, prescription bottles and trays, pulse oximeter, etc. Digital artifacts included, but are not limited to a medical ID, basic patient information, patient contact information, emergency contact information, primary care physician information, health insurance information including co-pay and deductibles, prescriptions, office visit summary, appointment cards, Electronic Medical Records (EMR), lab results, blood type, organ/donor status, vital signs, diagnostic data, immunization records, payments and transaction history, pictures, etc.

Abstract: A method for key distribution between a server (1) and a medical device (3A, 3B), in particular an infusion device, comprises: providing, at the server (1), a security key (4A, 4B) to be used for a secure data communication of the medical device (3A, 3B); establishing a first communication link (11) between the server (1) and a computing device (2); establishing a second communication link (30A, 30B) between the computing device (2) and the medical device (3A, 3B); retrieving, by the computing device (2), the security key (4A, 4B) from the server (1) via the first communication link (11); and transmitting, by the computing device (2), the retrieved security key (4A, 4B) to the medical device (3A, 3B) via the second communication link (30A, 30B). In this way a method for the security key distribution between a server and a medical device is provided, the method being suitable even for medical devices having low computational and memory capabilities.

Abstract: Far field telemetry operations are conducted between an external device and an implantable medical device while power is being transferred to the implantable medical device for purposes of recharging a battery of the implantable medical device. The far field operations may include exchanging recharge information that has been collected by the implantable medical device which allows the external device to exercise control over the recharge process. The far field operations may include suspending far field telemetry communications for periods of time while power continues to be transferred where suspending far field telemetry communications may include powering down far field telemetry communication circuits of the implantable medical device for periods of time which may conserve energy. The far field operations may further include transferring programming instructions to the implantable medical device.

Abstract: A filtering algorithm implemented by a filtering module in an implantable medical device (IMD), or in an external device for communicating with an IMD, is disclosed which reviews blocks based on a number of rules. The filtering module preferably comprises both firewall and instruction analysis modules. The instruction analysis module analyzes the instructions and associated data (if present) in each block to determine whether such blocks would compromise operation of the IPG or injure a patient if executed. Instruction rules corresponding to an instruction identified in the block are retrieved by the instruction analysis module. The instruction analysis module reviews the block per the retrieved rules, and possibly also in light of current and historical IPG therapy setting or mode data, or other received but un-executed blocks. If a block is compliant, it is executed by the IMD or transmitted to the IMD.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining monitoring compliance are provided. Each element in a plurality of data elements is obtained from a medical device connected to a corresponding subject in a first plurality of subjects and interrogated to determine a condition of the device or subject. A medical code and timestamp for evaluation of the device or subject is recorded in the subject's medical record. A determination is made for each epoch in a plurality of epochs, for each subject in a second plurality of subjects, whether the medical code is recorded in the subject's medical record for the epoch by evaluating the time stamps and codes in the medical records. A compliance counter is advanced when a medical record includes the code for a respective epoch and otherwise a noncompliance counter is advanced. Responsive to a compliance request, compliance information or suggested treatment options are provided based on the counters.

Abstract: An antenna assembly includes a band having an interior layer and an exterior layer, and configured to be wrapped around a portion of a user's body such that the interior layer faces a user's body. A locking assembly includes a first locking portion and a second locking portion, the first and second locking portions being configured to engage one another to secure the band about the user's body. An antenna is positioned between the interior and the exterior layers. A docking port is positioned between the interior and the exterior layers. A circuitry housing is received in the docking port and includes a printed circuit board and a battery. A connector has a first end connected to the printed circuit board and a second end connected to the antenna.

Abstract: A bilateral alternating tactile stimulation therapeutic system includes an Internet web page; a first mobile device, at a first location, configured to access the Internet web page, wherein the first mobile device has a first application for transmitting audio information and pulse control information including alternating pulsation signals for uploading to the Internet web page; a second mobile device, at a second location remote from the first location, adapted to connect to the Internet web page and having a second application for receiving the audio information and the pulse control information in a streaming or live mode; a pair of pulsating devices wirelessly coupled to the second mobile device; and wherein the second mobile device is programmed to enable a subject to hear the audio information and also transmit the alternating pulsation signals to the pair of pulsating devices.

Abstract: Examples are described for configuring cardiac pacing circuitry of an implantable medical device. Circuitry that is configurable to control delivery of therapy or sense signals in accordance with a plurality of vectors may determine that one or more pins, for therapy delivery or sensing in accordance with a first subset of vectors of the plurality of vectors, are in an electrically floating state. Circuitry may selectively close one or more switches to couple at least a subset of the one or more pins to one or more set voltage levels, and deliver therapy in accordance with a vector of a second subset of vectors of the plurality of vectors, wherein the second subset of vectors is different than the first subset of vectors.

Abstract: Presented herein are implantable medical devices that comprise an implantable portion having a resonant tank circuit that is used to receive signals from one or more external devices. The resonant tank circuit is configured to operate at first and second resonant frequencies, where the first resonant frequency is optimized to exchange data with, and potentially receive operating power from, an external device, while the second resonant frequency is optimized to receive charging power. In certain embodiments, upon initiating operation of the implantable portion with at least one external device, the implantable portion is configured to force tune the resonant tank circuit to the first resonant frequency. That is, when the resonant tank circuit first begins receiving signals from an external device, the signals received at the resonant tank circuit are used to initially tune the resonant tank circuit to the first resonant frequency.

Abstract: An implantable electronic medical device has a device body and a header placed thereon, and includes a telemetry assembly for signal transmission to and/or from outside the body of a patient when the device is implanted, in particular for the wireless bidirectional communication. A transmit/receive antenna, which is physically formed of an elongated conductor and arranged in the region of the header and which is configured so as to have a form fit with the outer contour of at least a portion of the header, and is fixed thereby in the header, is at least largely assigned to the telemetry assembly. A first section of the conductor has a spring elastic design and forms a bracket or clamp. The bracket embraces a connector in the header. There is also described a transmit/receive antenna of a telemetry assembly of an implantable electronic medical device.

Abstract: Monitoring brain neural activity comprises repeatedly applying electrical stimuli to evoke neural responses in the brain. Neural responses evoked by the stimuli are recorded. The recorded neural responses are assessed for changed characteristics over time, to monitor a time-varying effect on the recorded neural responses of local field potentials arising from a source other than the electrical stimuli.

Abstract: Methods and systems for use of the Q-wave to R-wave interval to guide placement of a leadless cardiac pacemaker are disclosed. An implant delivery device is equipped with sensing electrodes to sense R-wave onset in a ventricle of a patient's heart to allow placement at a location of last or latest onset of the R-wave. Guidance tools are provided to assist in determination of the Q-wave to R-wave interval during implantation. For a chronic system, a cooperative approach is disclosed in which an implantable medical device and a leadless cardiac pacemaker exchange data to determine Q-wave to R-wave intervals and enhance cardiac resynchronization therapy delivery by the leadless cardiac pacemaker.

Abstract: The wireless power receiver includes at least one wire of a sound-producing device. The at least one wire configured for both conveying sound signals or securing at least part of the sound-producing device to a user, and receiving power waves. The wireless power receiver also includes power harvesting circuitry coupled with the at least one wire and a power source of an electronic device, like a battery. The power harvesting circuitry is configured to isolate the received power waves from the conveyed sound signals, convert the received power waves to usable energy, and provide the usable energy to the power source of the electronic device.

Abstract: Techniques for determining the location of a physiological midline and utilizing the physiological midline location to improve a spinal cord stimulation model are disclosed. A first improvement constructs a target stimulation field along a line that is parallel with the determined physiological midline. An allocation of stimulation among the electrodes to mimic the target field is computed. A second improvement models a response of neural elements at evaluation positions that are parallel with the physiological midline based on the electric field that is generated for the computed allocation of stimulation among the electrodes. The stimulation amplitude is adjusted based on the neural element modeling to maintain stimulation intensity, and the stimulation amplitude and allocation of stimulation among the electrodes are compiled into an electrode configuration that is communicated to a neurostimulator.

Abstract: An electrode array insertion tool, including an assembly configured to provide direct array insertion functionality and ancillary array insertion functionality to a user thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the tool includes an extra-cochlea bone conduction actuator system, and the ancillary array insertion functionality is output of vibrations directly to the cochlea by the system.

Abstract: Fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems. The fill stations may be opened and closed to accept a reservoir and to allow fluid to be introduced into the reservoir for use with personal pump systems. The fill stations may hold the reservoir at a tilt relative to an underlying surface and may discourage overfilling of the reservoir. The filling stations may also include viewing windows having fluid lines marked thereon for indicating volume of fluid within the reservoir.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include systems and methods for obtaining high-resolution data from implantable medical devices (IMDs) by triggering a limited-time system behavior change. For example, embodiments include utilizing study prescriptions for batching data obtained by an IMD, communicating the batched data to an external device, and reconstructing the batched data at the external device. Study prescriptions refer to sets of instructions, conditions, protocols, and/or the like, that specify one or more of an information gathering scheme and a communication scheme, and may be configured, for example, to obtain information at a resolution sufficient for performing a certain analysis (e.g., associated with a diagnostic model), while managing the resulting impact to device longevity and/or performance.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods allow inductive recharging of a power source located within or coupled to an implantable medical device while the device is implanted in a patient. The implantable devices in some examples include a multi-axis antenna having a plurality of coil windings arranged orthogonal to one another. The multi-axis antenna configured to generate at least a minimum level of induced current for recharging a power source of the implanted medical device regardless of the orientation of a direction of a magnetic field imposed on the multi-axis antenna relative to an orientation of the implanted medical device and the multi-axis antenna for a given energy level of the imposed magnetic field.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to providing location-based health alerts based on biological indicators. In some aspects, a server may receive information that identifies a location associated with a mobile device. The server may determine a venue associated with the location. The server may identify health information associated with the venue. The health information may be based on data previously received in association with the venue. The server may provide a health alert based on the health information.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) includes communication circuitry that enables the IMD to communicate via a network such as the Internet. A security routine is executed on the IMD to determine whether the IMD is capable over communicating via the network. If so, the IMD requests an identifier of current firmware stored on a server that is connected to the communication network. The identifier of the current firmware is compared to an identifier of firmware that is installed on the IMD. If the installed firmware is the same as the current firmware on the server, a timer is reset, but if the installed firmware cannot be verified as matching the current firmware on the server (e.g., because the IMD is not capable of communicating via the network), the timer continues to run. When the timer expires, the IMD is prevented from communicating via the network until further action is taken.

Abstract: A proximity-based security mechanism can control access to the programming interface of an implanted medical device. The security mechanism prevents unauthorized remote access to the programming interface by hackers or other hostile individuals, securing the safety of the subject. The system also allows the subject or other responsible person to activate the programming interface when changes to the operation of the implanted medical device are needed. In one example, a security interface is operable to detect, while implanted in the subject, an activation signal produced in close proximity to the subject, and activate the programming interface in response to the activation signal so that the implantable medical device can receive the programming instructions. A proximity-based security mechanism can be a dedicated device, or can be implemented in a programmable computing device such as a smartphone or other mobile computing device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predicting and/or detecting cardiac events based on real-time biomedical signals are discussed herein. In various embodiments, a machine learning algorithm may be utilized to predict and/or detect one or more medical conditions based on obtained biomedical signals. For example, the systems and methods described herein may utilize ECG signals to predict and detect cardiac events. In various embodiments, patterns identified within a signal may be assigned letters (i.e., encoded as distributions of letters). Based on the known morphology of a signal, states within the signal may be identified based on the distribution of letters in the signal. When applied in the in-vehicle environment, drivers or passengers within the vehicle may be alerted when an individual within the vehicle is, or is about to, experience a cardiac event.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting low-power, effective signal delivery parameters for an implanted pulse generator are disclosed. A representative system includes a signal generator and a computer-readable medium that, for first and second signals, increases and decreases an amplitude of the signal over multiple steps from a baseline amplitude at which the patient has a baseline response. At individual step increases and decreases, the system receives a pain score based on the patient's response. The instructions compare the pain scores for the two signals and determine one of the signals for additional therapy to the patient, based on the pain scores and an expected energy consumption of the signals.

Abstract: An electrochemical probe comprises a wire bundle including two or more wire electrodes made of conducting material arranged alongside each other, and insulating material surrounding the electrodes. An impedance reducing layer of metal or metal oxide nano-structures is deposited on tips of the wire electrodes at a first end of the bundle. A functionalization layer is deposited on the impedance reducing layer at the first end of the bundle. Such a probe is particularly useful for electrochemical sensing applications such as neuronal scanning.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for implantable medical devices. The device comprises a device housing that has an electronics module, an electrode, an antenna, and a header that has a main body. The main body is formed of a ceramic material that includes side walls, a distal end and a proximal mounting end. The main body has an electrode retention region and an antenna retention platform. The antenna extends along the antenna retention platform. The electrode is provided at the electrode retention region. The mounting end includes electrode and antenna connectors. The main body includes a first plated trace formed through the ceramic material to be electrically coupled to the electronics module in the device housing. Between the antenna and the antenna connector, the main body includes a second plated trace formed through the ceramic material between the electrode and the electrode connector.

Abstract: An external device transfers a key to an implantable medical device over a proximity communication and then establishes a first far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the key is used for the first communication session. This first communication session may occur before implantation while the implantable medical device is positioned outside of the sterile field so that using a proximity communication is easily achieved. Once the implantable medical device is passed into the sterile field for implantation, the external device may then establish a second far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the last key that was used for the first communication session is again used for the second communication session which avoids the need for another proximity communication to occur within the sterile field.