Abstract:
A modular multi-channel inline connector system that connects an implanted electrode within a body of an organism, such as the human body, with a device located external to or implanted within the body. The modular multi-channel inline system comprises of a first lead operatively connected to the implanted electrode and to a first connector portion. A second lead is operatively connected to a second connector portion and operatively connected to the device. One of the first and second connector portions comprises a male connector and the other of the first and second connector portions comprises a female connector. The first and second connector portions are arranged to connect with each other and to be operatively located embedded within the body.
Abstract:
A device is disclosed that includes an external unit configured to communicate with an implant unit beneath the skin of a subject and an indicator associated with the external unit. The indicator is configured to produce an indicator signal when the external unit is within a predetermined range of the implant unit. In addition, the indicator may be configured to vary the indicator signal according to a distance between the external unit and the implant unit. Furthermore, a method of locating an external unit with respect to an implant unit is disclosed that includes detecting a distance between the external unit and the implanted unit located beneath the skin of a subject, producing an indicator signal when the external unit is within a predetermined range of the implant unit, and varying the indicator signal as a function of a distance between the external unit and the implant unit.
Abstract:
Per the disclosure subcutaneously implantable medical devices (IMDs) with rate responsive implantable pulse generator (IPG) capability that also include dual patient activity sensors are adaptively controlled. One of the activity sensors uses multiple electrodes adapted to acquire electrocardiographic signals and signals from non-cardiac muscle tissue (myopotentially-based signals). The signals from the electrode-based activity sensor are used to confirm and/or override the patient-activity sensor signals from the other non-myopotentially-based patient activity sensor. The electrodes are directly mechanically coupled to the housing of the IMD and electrically coupled to circuitry that filters, processes, and interprets both the patient activity sensor signals.
Abstract:
Methods and devices are provided for activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) using electrical energy. In general, the methods and devices can facilitate activation of BAT to increase thermogenesis. The BAT can be activated by applying an electrical signal thereto that can be configured to target sympathetic nerves that can directly innervate the BAT. The electrical signal can be configured to target the sympathetic nerves using fiber diameter selectivity. In other words, the electrical signal can be configured to activate nerve fibers having a first diameter without activating nerve fibers having diameters different than the first diameter. Sympathetic nerves include postganglionic unmyelinated, small diameter fibers, while parasympathetic nerves that can directly innervate BAT include preganglionic myelinated, larger diameter fibers. The electrical signal can be configured to target and activate the postganglionic unmyelinated, small diameter fibers without activating the preganglionic myelinated, larger diameter fibers.
Abstract:
An implantable medical electrical lead having an elongate lead body having a proximal end and a distal portion. A plurality of defibrillation electrodes coupled to the distal portion is included, the plurality of electrodes being transitionable from a first configuration in which the defibrillation electrodes are biased in an expanded configuration to a second configuration in which the defibrillation electrodes are in a collapsed configuration. A joint slideably disposed around a portion of the lead body is included, at least a portion of the plurality of defibrillation electrodes being coupled to the joint
Abstract:
Implant tools and techniques for implanting implantable medical leads or other implantable components in extracardiovascular locations, such as substernal locations, are described. In one example, the present application provides an implant tool for implanting a medical lead comprises a handle and a shaft. The shaft includes a proximal segment that is permanently coupled to the handle and a distal segment that is detachably coupled to the proximal segment. The distal segment includes a proximal end configured to couple to the proximal segment, a distal end, and a lumen extending an entire length of the distal segment from the proximal end to the distal end. In some instances, the implant tool may be part of a delivery system that includes a puncturing tool having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is sharp, such as a syringe coupled to a needle.
Abstract:
A cardiac pacing system having a pulse generator for generating therapeutic electric pulses, a lead electrically coupled with the pulse generator having an electrode, a first sensor configured to monitor a physiological characteristic of a patient, a second sensor configured to monitor a second physiological characteristic of a patient and a controller. The controller can determine a pacing vector based on variables including a signal received from the second sensor, and cause the pulse generator to deliver the therapeutic electrical pulses according to the determined pacing vector. The controller can also modify pacing characteristics based on variables including a signal received from the second sensor.
Abstract:
An implantable head-mounted, radiofrequency (RF) coupled, unibody peripheral neurostimulation system is provided for implantation in the head for the purpose of treating chronic head pain, including migraine. The system may include an implantable pulse generator (IPG) from which multiple stimulating leads may extend sufficient to allow for adequate stimulation over multiple regions of the head, preferably including the frontal, parietal and occipital regions. A lead may include an extended body, along which may be disposed a plurality of surface metal electrodes (SME), which may be subdivided into a plurality of electrode arrays. A plurality of internal metal wires may run a portion of its length and connect the IPG's internal circuit to the SME. The IPG may include an RF receiver coil and an application specific integrated circuit. The IPG may be capable of functional connection to an external RF unit for purposes that may include power, diagnostics, and programming.
Abstract:
A lead assembly includes an electrical stimulation lead with a lead body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, a longitudinal length, and an outer surface. At least one electrode is disposed along the distal portion of the lead body. At least one terminal is disposed along the proximal portion of the lead body. At least one lead conductor electrically couples the at least one electrode to the at least one terminal. An anchoring arrangement is configured and arranged to reduce undesired movement of the lead relative to a patient when the lead is inserted into the patient. The anchoring arrangement includes at least one helical member attached to, and projecting outwardly from, the outer surface of the lead. The at least one helical member extends along at least 30% of the longitudinal length of the lead and makes at least one full coil around the lead.
Abstract:
A cardiac pacing system that includes an implantable pulse generator and electrical leads that include a lead body portion having a distal end and a proximal end, a connector configured to electrically connect the proximal end of the lead body to the pulse generator, and at least one electrode disposed at the distal end of the lead body for delivering electrical stimulation to a patient's heart, wherein the distal end of the lead body is configured to terminate within the mediastinum of the thoracic cavity of the patient, proximate to the heart.