Abstract:
Systems and techniques for determining in vivo mechanical load exerted on an implanted medical device (IMD) are described. The IMD or a device that has a substantially similar form factor as the IMD includes at least one mechanical stress sensor mechanically coupled to a housing or a component within the housing. In some examples, a patient parameter is determined based on a signal indicative of the in vivo mechanical load exerted on the IMD. In addition, in some examples, a processor determines whether a transient or cumulative mechanical load exerted on an IMD exceeded a predetermined threshold. A processor may additionally or alternatively determine whether a pattern in the mechanical loading of the IMD indicates a diversion from a manufacturing, shipping, storage or other handling process.
Abstract:
An implantable medical device such as a defibrillator is described. The device includes an hermetically sealed housing containing a flat electrolytic capacitor and an energy source such as a battery. The battery is connected to the capacitor and provides charge thereto. The capacitor stores the charge at a relatively high voltage. The charge stored in the capacitor is discharged through a defibrillation lead to a site on or in the heart when fibrillation of the heart is detected by the implantable medical device. Methods of making and using the implantable medical device, the capacitor, and their various components are disclosed.
Abstract:
An implantable medical device such as a defibrillator is described. The device includes an hermetically sealed housing containing a flat electrolytic capacitor and an energy source such as a battery. The battery is connected to the capacitor and provides charge thereto. The capacitor stores the charge at a relatively high voltage. The charge stored in the capacitor is discharged through a defibrillation lead to a site on or in the heart when fibrillation of the heart is detected by the implantable medical device. Methods of making and using the implantable medical device, the capacitor, and their various components are disclosed.
Abstract:
An optical window assembly for use in implantable medical devices includes a generally U-shaped ferrule having a strain relief channel to accommodate residual stresses remaining in the ferrule after welding the ferrule to the housing of an implantable medical device. The assembly may be used to transmit optical energy and/or electrically insulate a feedthrough. The assembly can be mounted in a window opening in a housing. The ferrule can include a ferrule body forming a lens opening, the ferrule body having a generally U-shaped cross-section with an inner leg, an outer leg, and a strain relief channel in the ferrule body between the inner leg and the outer leg. A lens is mounted in the lens opening of the ferrule. The ferrule can also include a lens flange on the inner leg of the ferrule body, a support flange on the outer leg of the ferrule body, and/or a braze stop to control flow of the braze. The ferrule and housing can be constructed of titanium. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing the optical window assemblies and implantable medical devices including the optical window assemblies.
Abstract:
A hermetically sealed implantable medical device is provided with a multi-pin arrangement including selected glass to metal or ceramic to metal seals for a feedthrough of the compression seal or matched seal type.
Abstract:
A method of making a high reliability electrical connection in an implantable medical device. The electrical conductors may include metals such as niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, platinum, titanium, nickel and alloys thereof. The electrical conductors are resistance welded by establishing contact between the conductor pair, providing a protective atmosphere around the contacting pair, and applying electrical energy to the contacting pair to cause fusion while maintaining the protective atmosphere.
Abstract:
A lithium halide button cell formed of simplified sub-assemblies including one such subassembly in which molten cathode material is poured into a retaining ring and allowed to solidify therein before incorporation into the cell.
Abstract:
A medical electrical lead having a polyurethane outer sheath and one or more coiled metal conductors. The metal conductors are optimized for use in conjunction with a polyurethane sheath and are provided with a barrier coating of a biocompatible metal. The conductors may additionally be provided with an outer, insulative coating.
Abstract:
A hermetic, leak-proof, corrosion resistant electrical feedthrough especially for use with implantable pulse generators. The feedthrough includes a titanium or niobium ferrule, an alumina insulator with a niobium braze area thereon positioned within the ferrule and sealed to the ferrule by a braze of gold at the braze area, electrical lead wires of niobium, tantalum, tungsten, molybdenum or alloys thereof extending through corresponding openings in the insulator, and a body of fusible glass joining and sealing each lead wire to the insulator.
Abstract:
An enclosure for electronics, particularly adapted for implantation in the human body. The enclosure is provided with at least one transparent wall allowing it to be used in applications requiring light emission or light detection such as reflectance oximeters. The mechanical elements of the enclosure are particularly adapted to facilitate the use of welding to provide a hermetic seal for the enclosure.