Abstract:
A respiration implant system for a patient with impaired breathing includes one or more temperature sensors configured for placement into an inner wall tissue along an airway passage of the patient and configured to measure temperature in the inner wall tissue in order to produce a temperature signal based on the measured temperature. The system further includes a pacing processor configured to receive the temperature signal from the temperature sensor and to generate a respiration pacing signal based on the temperature signal that is synchronized with a breathing cycle of the patient and a stimulating electrode configured to deliver the respiration pacing signal from the pacing processor to respiration neural tissue of the patient to facilitate breathing in the patient. The respiration implant system may be used as a laryngeal pacemaker system.
Abstract:
A device, system and method for diagnosing and treating gastric disorders is provided. A functional device resides within the patient's stomach and is secured to the stomach wall by an attachment device. The functional device may be a sensor for sensing various parameters of the stomach or stomach environment, or may be a therapeutic delivery device. The functional device in one embodiment provides a device, system and method for gastric electrical stimulation where stimulating electrodes are secured to the wall of the stomach by the attachment device or otherwise. A preferred device includes: at least one stimulating electrode in electrical contact with the stomach wall; an electronics unit containing the electronic circuitry of the device; and an attachment mechanism for attaching the device to the stomach wall. The functional devices may be programmed to respond to sensed information or signals. An endoscopic delivery system delivers the functional device through the esophagus and into the stomach where it is attached the stomach wall. The endoscopic instruments attach or remove the attachment devices and functional devices from the stomach and may be used to assist in determining the optimal attachment location.
Abstract:
The present invention provides for transesophageal implantation of cardiac electrodes (102) and (104) for pacing and/or defibrillation The electronic module (110) could be implanted in the abdomen or thorax using a transesophageal, transgatric, thoracoscopic or open surgical approach In another aspect, the invention provides for transesophageal delivery of other cardiac therapies including ablation, phototherapy, radiation therapy and implantation or injection of therapeutic substances into the heart The transesophageal approach takes advantage of the proximity between the esophagus and the chambers of the heart, allowing surgical access to the heart with very low morbidity and risk of complications.
Abstract:
A myographic probe for detecting an electrical signal produced by a muscle and for reducing the influence of electrode disturbances. The probe includes electrodes and a disturbance reducing interface covering each electrode thereby segragating the electrodes from the muscle. Electrode disturbances include problems such as those related to the motion of the electrodes, changes in the pressure applied to the electrode, and/or intermittent contact with sourrounding tissue. The disturbance reducing interface is ion permeable and is, when dry, less conductive than the electrodes. The disturbance reducing interface may comprise a matrix of permeable material such as a mesh, foam, or other porous materials. The probe may be in the form of a catheter and be advantageously used in a human cavity such as the oesophagus. Another advantage of the invention is the possibility of using electrodes which are different from conventional wound wire electrodes.
Abstract:
A system and method includes a disposable sheath and a conductor integrated in the sheath. A transthoracic pad is connected to the sheath and provides cardiac stimulation to the patient in combination with the conductor.
Abstract:
A myographic probe for detecting an electrical signal produced by a muscle and for reducing the influence of electrode disturbances. The probe includes electrodes and a disturbance reducing interface covering each electrode thereby segragating the electrodes from the muscle. Electrode disturbances include problems such as those related to the motion of the electrodes, changes in the pressure applied to the electrode, and/or intermittent contact with sourrounding tissue. The disturbance reducing interface is ion permeable and is, when dry, less conductive than the electrodes. The disturbance reducing interface may comprise a matrix of permeable material such as a mesh, foam, or other porous materials. The probe may be in the form of a catheter and be advantageously used in a human cavity such as the oesophagus. Another advantage of the invention is the possibility of using electrodes which are different from conventional wound wire electrodes.
Abstract:
A method and a catheter for passing a therapeutic electric current to, or sensing electric signals from, the body of a patient. The catheter is inserted into the esophagus of the patient, temporarily sealing a space surrounding a portion of the catheter containing one or more electrodes within the esophagus wall. The space is filled with an electrically conductive liquid (electrolyte). Then, an electric current is passed through electrodes to the conductive liquid between the esophagus wall and an electrode carried on the catheter in spaced relation from the esophagus wall or to other electrodes in the heart or body surface.