| Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120109038 | OSMOTIC DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DIURETIC THERAPY - Embodiments of the invention are related to devices and methods for modulating renal function, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of modulating renal function in a patient including implanting an occlusive device in the patient, the occlusive device comprising a semi-permeable membrane and configured to expand or contract based on the passage of a fluid across the semi-permeable membrane. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120078064 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRIORITIZING MEDICAL CONDITIONS - A system for ordering and prioritizing multiple health disorders for automated remote patient care is presented. A database maintains information for an individual patient by organizing monitoring sets in a database, and measures relating to patient information previously recorded and derived on a substantially continuous basis into a monitoring set in the database. A server retrieving and processing the monitoring includes a comparison module comparing stored measures from each of the monitoring sets to other stored measures from another of the monitoring sets with both stored measures relating to the same type of patient information, and an analysis module ordering each patient status change in temporal sequence and categorizing health disorder candidates by quantifiable physiological measures, and identifying the health disorder candidate having the pathophysiology substantially corresponding to the patient status changes which occurred substantially least recently as the index disorder. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120035486 | DRUG TITRATION UTILIZING AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A method of monitoring patient status is disclosed. Electrical signals are received from one or more implanted sensors of a cardiac rhythm management device. Two or more index values are calculated from the electrical signals. A composite index is determined from the two or more index values, and a status notification associated with the composite index is provided. In a system for monitoring patient status, a processor is configured to receive electrical signals from an implanted cardiac rhythm management device, calculate two or more index values from the electrical signals, and determine a composite index from the two or more index values. The system incorporates a memory that is in communication with the processor and an interface in communication with the processor, where the interface is configured to communicate a status notification associated with the composite index. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120010678 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TREATMENT OF NEUROCARDIOGENIC SYNCOPE - A method and apparatus for treating or preventing neurocardiogenic syncope is disclosed. Upon detection of bradycardia or a drop in blood pressure indicating the onset of syncope, electrostimulation pulses are delivered during the heart's refractory period. The pulses are non-excitatory but increase myocardial contractility and thereby increase cardiac output. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20110301473 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSESSING CARDIAC PERFORMANCE THROUGH CARDIAC VIBRATION MONITORING - A system and method for assessing cardiac performance through cardiac vibration monitoring is described. Cardiac vibration measures are directly collected through an implantable medical device. Cardiac events including at least one first heart sound reflected by the cardiac vibration measures are identified. The first heart sound is correlated to cardiac dimensional measures relative to performance of an intrathoracic pressure maneuver. The cardiac dimensional measures are grouped into at least one measures set corresponding to a temporal phase of the intrathoracic pressure maneuver. The at least one cardiac dimensional measures set is evaluated against a cardiac dimensional trend for the corresponding intrathoracic pressure maneuver temporal phase to represent cardiac performance. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110282409 | PROGRAMMING AMBULATORY OPTIMIZATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CARDIAC RHYTHM MANAGEMENT - A system and method for cardiac rhythm management using a programmable cardiac rhythm management device is described, wherein the method includes storing parameter interaction constraints between different programmable parameters, storing programmable parameters for the device, wherein each programmable parameter has a predefined set of possible values, wherein one programmable parameter is a delay value, and calculating initial seed values for user-set delay range input fields, wherein the seed values do not violate any parameter interaction constraints and maximize the difference between ends of the user-set delay range, wherein the user-set delay range provides the outer limits of a programmed delay value. The method further includes presenting an input screen to the user on a user display device, wherein the input screen comprises user-set delay range input fields containing the initial seed values. The method further includes receiving values from a user for the user-set delay range, collecting patient data including ambulatory patient data, and determining a recommended delay value based on the ambulatory patient data. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110224563 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING AND MONITORING CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE - A system and method for providing diagnosis and monitoring of congestive heart failure for use in automated patient care is described. At least one recorded physiological measure is compared to at least one other recorded physiological measure on a substantially regular basis to quantify a change in patient pathophysiological status for equivalent patient information. An absence, an onset, a progression, a regression, and a status quo of congestive heart failure is evaluated dependent upon the change in patient pathophysiological status. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110200194 | AMBULATORY REPEATER FOR USE IN AUTOMATED PATIENT CARE - An ambulatory repeater for use in automated patient care is presented. A local memory store includes a cryptographic key, sensitive information, and physiological measures. The cryptographic key is uniquely assigned to the implantable medical device prior to implant of the implantable medical device into a patient. The sensitive information is preencrypted under the cryptographic key and physiological measures are measured by the implantable medical device. An authentication module is in receipt of the cryptographic key. A permissions module confirms authorization of an external data processing device against the cryptographic key. A decryption module decrypts the sensitive information with the cryptographic key into decrypted information. A processor is operatively coupled to the local memory store. A communications module exchanges the decrypted information and the physiological measures with the external data processing device over a wireless interface contingent upon the authorization confirmation. An internal power supply supplies power to the foregoing components. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110172548 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING AND MONITORING CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE - A system for diagnosing and monitoring congestive heart failure for automated remote patient care is presented. A database stores a plurality of monitoring sets relating to patient information recorded on a substantially continuous basis. A server retrieving and processing the monitoring sets includes a comparison module determining patient status changes by comparing at least one recorded measure from one of the monitoring sets to at least one other recorded measure from another of the monitoring sets with both recorded measures relating to a type of patient information, and an analysis module testing each patient status change for one of an absence, an onset, a progression, a regression, and a status quo of congestive heart failure against a predetermined indicator threshold corresponding to a type of patient information as the recorded measures. The indicator threshold corresponds to a quantifiable physiological measure of a pathophysiology indicative of congestive heart failure. Hysteresis parameters may be used as a temporally-defined threshold for changes in pathophysiology. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110145588 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO AUTHORIZE RESTRICTED FUNCTIONALITY - Embodiments of the invention are related to medical systems and methods for controlling authorization of restricted functionality, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes a medical system including an external medical device programmer comprising control circuitry and a wireless communications module for sending instructions selected from a set of instructions wirelessly to a specific implanted medical device. In an embodiment, the external medical device programmer can be configured to initiate a transfer of verifying data to a remote key authority requesting permission if the user input directs delivery of restricted instructions to the specific implanted medical device, the verifying data including information regarding the specific implanted medical device. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110106555 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SYNERGISTIC ALERT CONDITION PROCESSING IN AN AUTOMATED PATIENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A system and method for providing synergistic alert condition processing in an automated patient management system is presented. An alert condition is classified along a continuum that includes adverse outcome potential versus medical intervention impact potential. The alert condition is managed by assigning a disposition based on relative placement of the alert condition along the continuum. An alert notification is communicated over a selectable mode of communications and is conditioned upon the assigned disposition being actionable. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110084714 | Induced Current Measurement Systems And Methods - In an embodiment, the invention includes a measurement system for measuring induced currents within an implantable medical device undergoing magnetic resonance imaging. The measurement system can include a resistor connected in series with a conductive loop and electronic circuitry configured to generate a signal representative of a voltage differential across the resistor. In some embodiments, the measurement system includes a fiber optic cable configured to transmit the signal away from the area subject to magnetic resonance imaging. In some embodiments, the measurement system includes a transmitter to wirelessly transmit the signal away from the area subject to magnetic resonance imaging. In an embodiment, the invention can include an implantable medical device including a measurement system for measuring induced currents. In an embodiment, the invention can include a method of measuring an induced current in an implantable medical device undergoing magnetic resonance imaging. Other embodiments are described herein. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110077541 | Methods and Systems for Characterizing Cardiac Signal Morphology Using K-Fit Analysis - A system and method for automatically analyzing a cardiac signal, including the step of providing an episode database on a computer storage medium including a plurality of episode data records of one or more patients. Each episode data record includes a cardiac signal from at least one data-generating device. The method also includes the step of selecting one or more of the N beats to be one or more beat templates, for at least a first cardiac signal having N beats. Another step is determining a value K for the cardiac signal using a computer system where K beat templates can represent all the N beats in the cardiac signal. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110046493 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING BASELINE DATA FOR AUTOMATED MANAGEMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR PRESSURE - A system and method for generating baseline data for automated management of cardiovascular pressure is disclosed. Collected device measures are accumulated to record raw physiometry for a patient, wherein the patient is regularly monitored by an implantable medical device, beginning with an initial observation period. Derived device measures are generated to provide derivative physiometry determined at least in part from the collected device measures. A patient status indicator is determined by analyzing the collected and derived device measures to diagnose a pathophysiology indicative of an absence, onset, progression, regression, and status quo in cardiovascular pressure, wherein the collected and derived device measures and the patient status indicator originating from the initial observation period include baseline data. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110045030 | CROSSLINKABLE POLYISOBUTYLENE-BASED POLYMERS AND MEDICAL DEVICES CONTAINING THE SAME - The present invention pertains to crosslinkable and crosslinked polyisobutylene-based polymers, to compositions that contain such polymers, and to medical devices that are formed using such polymers. According to one aspect, the present invention pertains to crosslinkable and crosslinked compositions that comprise a copolymer that comprises a polyisobutylene segment and two or more reactive groups. According to another aspect, the present invention pertains to medical devices that contain such compositions. According to another aspect, the present invention pertains to methods of making medical devices using such compositions. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110040159 | Implantable Medical Device With Antenna - An implantable medical device for use in a patient management system is described including a housing, a first communications unit, and a second communications unit. The first communications unit can establish a first communications link within short range telemetry communication range of an external local device. The second communications unit can establish a second communications link over a pervasive wireless communications network with a remote computer. A pervasive wireless communications network can include a cell phone network. The device further includes an antenna that is configured to be operatively connected to both the first and second communications units. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110004277 | System and Method for Managing Locally-Initiated Medical Device Interrogation - A system and method for managing locally-initiated medical device interrogation is presented. An interface is provided over which to retrieve patient data recorded and transiently staged by a medical device monitoring physiological measures of a patient. The patient data is periodically retrieved by interfacing to and interrogating the medical device per a pre-defined schedule through the interface. Further retrieval of the patient data is permitted independent of the pre-defined schedule. The system stores remotely-specifiable criteria specified by a caregiver and controls patient-initiated patient data retrieval in accordance with the criteria. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20100328062 | Repeater Providing Data Exchange with a Medical Device for Remote Patient Care and Method Thereof - A repeater providing data exchange with a medical device for remote patient care and method thereof are provided. The repeater includes a transmission device configured to send the data over a wireless medium to a data repository and a processing device configured to detect conditions in respect of an associated communication medium that could affect data exchange, where the processing device is configured to send the data based at least in part on the conditions. The processing device is further configured to analyze the data from the medical device to detect a problem with the medical device. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100318156 | HEADER ASSEMBLIES FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - Embodiments of the invention are related to header assemblies for implantable medical devices, amongst other things. In an embodiment the invention includes a medical device including a header assembly housing. The header assembly housing can include a dielectric material, the header assembly housing can define a port aperture for receiving a connector pin of a stimulation lead. The port aperture can have a first end and a second end and a reflective insert disposed within the header assembly housing proximate to the second end. The reflective insert can be configured to enhance the view of the second end from outside of the header assembly housing. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100318155 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROGRAMMING IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods for programming implantable medical devices, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of programming an implantable medical device. The method can include gathering parameter data representing a set of previously programmed parameter values from a plurality of implanted medical devices. The method can further include performing association analysis on the parameter data to form a set of association rules. The method can further include suggesting parameter choices to a system user regarding a specific patient based on the set of association rules. In an embodiment, the invention can include a medical system including a server configured to perform association analysis on a set of data representing previously programmed parameter values from a plurality of implanted medical devices to derive a set of association rules. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100318151 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING NOISE IN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - Embodiments of the invention are related to managing noise in sensed signals in implantable medical devices, amongst other things. In an embodiment the invention includes a method for processing electrical signals obtained from a patient including gathering a first set of electrical signals using an implantable medical device, filtering to provide a second set of electrical signals, the second set including frequencies above a threshold frequency, and estimating the amount of noise present in the first set of electrical signals based on the magnitude of the second set. In an embodiment, the invention includes a medical device configured to gather a first set of electrical signals, filter the first set to provide a second set of electrical signals including frequencies above a threshold frequency, and estimate the amount of noise present in the first set based on the magnitude of the second set. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100312301 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING CARDIOVASCULAR PRESSURE - A method for modulating one or more functions of an implanted medical device is disclosed. The method includes measuring a cardiovascular pressure of a patient; evaluating the cardiovascular pressure based on one or more characteristics of a cardiac cycle of the patient at the time the pressure was measured; and modulating one or more functions of the device based on the pressure. Also disclosed is a method for assessing a cardiovascular pressure of a patient with an implanted medical device that includes detecting one or more characteristics of a cardiac cycle of the patient's heart; detecting the cardiovascular pressure of the patient; classifying the cardiovascular pressure based on one or more characteristics of the cardiac cycle of the patient's heart; and displaying the cardiovascular pressure along with the classification. Also disclosed is a system for collection and display of a cardiovascular pressure of a patient. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100280841 | Adjudication of Arrhythmia Episode Data Systems and Methods - A system and method for automatically adjudicating arrhythmia episode information is described, and includes an episode database having episode data regarding a plurality of different arrhythmia episodes and an adjudication processor configured to output characterization data characterizing the input episode data. The characterization data includes an arrhythmia classification. The system further includes an episode processor configured to process the characterization data and episode data, provide at least one report on the characterization data related to a plurality of the different arrhythmia episodes, and provide at least one programming recommendation or at least one alert. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100274309 | HOUSINGS FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES AND METHODS FOR FORMING HOUSINGS - Described herein is an implantable medical device and methods for making a device that includes a metal housing a molding process. In one embodiment, the housing includes a header attachment element extends from the housing. In another embodiment, the implantable medical device includes a header attachment surface comprising one or more header retaining features configured to secure a connector header to the header attachment surface. In another embodiment, the housing includes one or more structural elements extending from and integrally molded with the interior surface of the first or second portions of the housing. Also disclosed are methods of making the implantable medical device. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100274230 | Axial-Force Limiting Torque Wrench for Use with Implantable Medical Devices - Embodiments of the invention are related to tools for coupling leads to header assemblies for implantable medical devices, amongst other things. A wrench is configured so that if an axial force exceeding a first threshold is applied to a handle housing, then the housing handle will rotate with respect to a shaft. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100204744 | Osmometric Heart Monitoring Device and Methods - Embodiments of the invention are related to monitoring devices and methods with osmometric sensors, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes an implantable heart failure monitoring system including an implantable osmometric sensor configured to generate a signal corresponding to osmotic strength of a bodily fluid, the osmometric sensor comprising a rigid wall member defining an enclosed volume resisting deformation, the rigid wall member comprising a semi-permeable membrane; a signaling element comprising a first pressure sensor; and a second pressure sensor. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100185063 | System and Method for Providing Voice Feedback for Automated Remote Patient Care - A system for providing feedback to an individual patient for automated remote patient care is presented. A medical device having a sensor for monitoring physiological measures of an individual patient regularly records a set of measures. A database collects the collected measures set, the identified collected device measures set, and the quality of life measures set into a patient care record for the individual patient. A server periodically receives the identified collected device measures set and the quality of life measures set from the medical device, and analyzes the identified collected device measures set, the quality of life measures set, and the collected device measures sets in the patient care record relative to other collected device measures sets stored in the database to determine a patient status indicator. The server further sends automated feedback to the patient based at least in part on the patient status indicator, wherein the automated feedback includes an interpretation of the patient status indicator and related health care information. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100106036 | ARRYTHMIA ADJUDICATION AND THERAPY TRAINING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A system and method for presenting arrhythmia episode information to a user are described. An episode database has episode data regarding a plurality of different arrhythmia episodes generated from a plurality of data-generating devices. A user interface is configured to display the episode data for one of the arrhythmia episodes and receive characterization data from the user characterizing the displayed episode data. An adjudication database has adjudication conclusions associated with the arrhythmia episodes in the episode database. The system further includes an adjudication processor, configured to process characterization data relative to the adjudication database. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100102950 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A SYNERGISTIC ALERT CONDITION PROCESSING IN AN AUTOMATED PATIENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A system and method for providing synergistic alert condition processing in an automated patient management system is presented. An alert condition is classified along a continuum that includes adverse outcome potential versus medical intervention impact potential. The alert condition is managed by assigning a disposition based on relative placement of the alert condition along the continuum. An alert notification is communicated over a selectable mode of communications and is conditioned upon the assigned disposition being actionable. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100088539 | System and Method for Providing Fault Tolerant Processing in an Implantable Medical Device - Embodiments herein generally relate to implantable medical devices and, specifically, to a system and method for providing fault tolerant processing in an implantable medical device. In an embodiment a system for providing fault tolerant processing in an implantable medical device is provided. The system can include an implantable medical device comprising a processor and memory store configured to execute a plurality of threads, temporal and spatial constraints assigned to one or more of the threads, and a kernel. The kernel can include a scheduler and a thread monitor configured to monitor execution of threads against the temporal and spatial constraints, and further configured to issue a response upon violation of either of the constraints by one of the plurality of threads. In an embodiment a method for providing fault tolerant processing in an implantable medical device is provided. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100087885 | BIOSORBABLE BATTERY AND RELATED METHODS - Embodiments of the invention are related to biosorbable batteries, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes a biosorbable battery assembly including an anode, a cathode, and a biosorbable separation element. The anode can include an anode material, wherein electrochemical oxidation of the anode material results in the formation of reaction products that are substantially non-toxic. The cathode can include a cathode material, wherein electrochemical reduction of the cathode material results in the formation of reaction products that are substantially non-toxic, the cathode material having a larger standard reduction potential than the material of the anode. The biosorbable separation element can be disposed between the anode and the cathode and can be configured to provide electrical insulation between the anode and the cathode. In an embodiment, the invention includes a medical device system including an implanted medical device and a biosorbable battery in electrical communication with the implanted medical device. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100076538 | STYRENE-ISOBUTYLENE COPOLYMERS AND MEDICAL DEVICES CONTAINING THE SAME - In accordance with various aspects of the invention, copolymers comprising styrene and isobutylene monomers are used in the construction of implantable and insertable medical devices for electrical stimulation, including, for example, electronic signal generating components and electrical leads for such devices. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100069991 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HIGHLY SAFE ADJUSTMENT OF DEVICE PARAMETERS - A system and method of programming a cardiac rhythm management device (CRM device) using an external programming device are described, where the user is presented with a list of highly-safe parameter adjustments. Input is received from the user selecting one or more of the highly-safe parameter adjustments. A programming session is initiated wherein the programming device establishes communication with the CRM device, and transmits the selected one or more highly-safe parameter adjustment to the CRM device. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100069986 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INCREASING PACING OUTPUT AFTER EXTERNAL HIGH-ENERGY ELECTRICAL SHOCK - Embodiments of the invention are related to implantable medical devices and methods for increasing pacing output after an external electrical shock, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes a medical device including a shock detection circuit; and a pacing output circuit in communication with the shock detection circuit. The pacing output circuit can be configured to generate pacing pulses. The pacing output circuit can be configured to increase the amplitude of the pacing pulses and/or increase the pulse width of the pacing pulses in response to the shock detection circuit detecting a defibrillation or cardioversion shock delivered by an external device. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100042177 | PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT AND ADAPTATION OF AN ACOUSTIC COMMUNICATION LINK - Systems and methods for adapting the performance of an acoustic communication link with an implantable medical device (IMD) are disclosed. An illustrative method includes initiating an acoustic link with the IMD, measuring an initial performance of the acoustic link, determining whether the initial performance of the acoustic link is adequate, adjusting an operating parameter related to the acoustic link in the event the initial performance of the acoustic link is inadequate, measuring a performance of the acoustic link in response to the adjusted operating parameter, and setting the operating parameter to a prior setting if the measured performance of the acoustic link does not improve in response to the adjusted operating parameter. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100036448 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING RATE RESPONSIVE PACING - Embodiments of the invention are related to medical systems and methods that can be used to control features of implanted medical devices, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes a medical system including an external medical device. The external medical device including a video output and a processor in communication with the video output. The system can be configured to display information through the video output as a graph, the graph comprising data representing pacing rates of an implantable device as a function of activity level over time. The system can further be configured to accept user input through direct manipulation of the graph. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100023104 | POLYISOBUTYLENE URETHANE, UREA AND URETHANE/UREA COPOLYMERS AND MEDICAL DEVICES CONTAINING THE SAME - The present invention pertains to polyisobutylene urethane, urea and urethane/urea copolymers, to methods of making such copolymers and to medical devices that contain such polymers. According to certain aspects of the invention, polyisobutylene urethane, urea and urethane/urea copolymers are provided, which comprise a polyisobutylene segment, an additional polymeric segment that is not a polyisobutylene segment, and a segment comprising a residue of a diisocyanate. According to other aspects of the invention, polyisobutylene urethane, urea and urethane/urea copolymers are provided, which comprise a polyisobutylene segment and end groups that comprise alkyl-, alkenyl- or alkynyl-chain-containing end groups. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100016920 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COLLECTING PATIENT EVENT INFORMATION - A method of and system for collecting patient event information from a cardiac rhythm management system (CRM system) is described, where the CRM system includes a cardiac rhythm management device (CRM device) and an external interface device. The method includes the steps of initiating a transmission session wherein the interface device communicates with the CRM device, prompting a user of the CRM system to select a reason for the transmission session, inputting the selected reason for the transmission session to the interface device, and storing the selected reason for the transmission session and timestamp information for the transmission session. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20090326609 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MONITORING THE ACOUSTIC COUPLING OF MEDICAL DEVICES - Systems and methods for monitoring the acoustic coupling of medical devices is disclosed. An illustrative system for monitoring the acoustic coupling of an acoustic transducer attached to a patient's body includes a signal generator adapted to supply an electrical signal to the transducer, a circuit configured to measure at least one electrical parameter of the transducer, and a processor adapted to evaluate the degree of acoustic coupling of the transducer to the body based on the measured electrical signal. The processor can measure the frequency response of the acoustic transducer to the electrical signal, a time domain response of the acoustic transducer to the electrical signal, or a combination of both. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090326077 | POLYISOBUTYLENE URETHANE, UREA AND URETHANE/UREA COPOLYMERS AND MEDICAL DEVICES CONTAINING THE SAME - The present invention pertains to polyisobutylene urethane, urea and urethane/urea copolymers, to methods of making such copolymers and to medical devices that contain such polymers. According to certain aspects of the invention, polyisobutylene urethane, urea and urethane/urea copolymers are provided, which comprise a polyisobutylene segment, an additional polymeric segment that is not a polyisobutylene segment, and a segment comprising a residue of a diisocyanate. According to other aspects of the invention, polyisobutylene urethane, urea and urethane/urea copolymers are provided, which comprise a polyisobutylene segment and end groups that comprise alkyl-, alkenyl- or alkynyl-chain-containing end groups. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090312650 | IMPLANTABLE PRESSURE SENSOR WITH AUTOMATIC MEASUREMENT AND STORAGE CAPABILITIES - Methods for activating implantable medical devices within a patient's body are disclosed. An illustrative method includes activating an implantable medical device from a low-power state to an awake state in response to a scheduled time event, sensing one or more pressure measurements within the body, computing an average pressure measurement based on the sensed pressure measurements, storing the average pressure measurement within a memory of the implantable medical device, and then returning the device to the low-power state. A triggering event such as the detection of patient activity or motion can also be used to activate the implantable medical device between the low-power state and an active state. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090287263 | MEDICAL DEVICE WITH LIQUID FILLED HOUSING - Embodiments of the invention are related to medical devices filled with a liquid composition, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes a hermetically sealed housing defining an interior volume, a component module disposed within the interior volume, the component module comprising a circuit board, the component module displacing a portion of the interior volume. A liquid composition can be disposed within the housing, the liquid composition filling at least 80% of the interior volume not displaced by the component module. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090281608 | MEDICAL LEAD COIL CONDUCTOR WITH SPACER ELEMENT - Medical electrical leads equipped with spacer elements and configured for use during medical procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are disclosed. An illustrative medical electrical lead includes a proximal connector, an insulated lead body including at least one electrode, a helically coiled conductor wire, and a helically coiled spacer element interstitially disposed between adjacent turns of the conductor wire. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090278696 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ENHANCED WEIGHT ALERT NOTIFICATION DURING AUTOMATED PATIENT MANAGEMENT - A system and method for providing enhanced weight alert notification during automated patient management is presented. A plurality of weight measurements in an automated patient environment from a weight monitoring device for a patient during an observation period is remotely obtained. A raw baseline weight for the patient is determined based on a function of the weight measurements. Irregularities in the weight measurements are identified. The raw baseline weight is processed into a baseline weight by application of a correction coefficient to the irregularities. Weight remotely measured in the automated patient environment for the patient on a substantially regular basis is obtained. Changes in the weight are identified by periodic comparison to the baseline weight. An alert notification is generated in response to the change in weight. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090254915 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING FAULT RESILIENT PROCESSING IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A system and method for providing fault resilient processing in an implantable medical device is provided. A processor and memory store are provided in an implantable medical device. Separate times on the processor are scheduled to a plurality of processes. Separate memory spaces in the memory store are managed by exclusively associating one such separate memory space with each of the processes. Data is selectively validated prior to exchange from one of the processes to another of the processes during execution in the separate processor times. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090254137 | Temperature Based Systems and Methods for Tachycardia Discrimination and Therapy - Embodiments of the invention are related to an implantable medical system, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes a processor, an electrical sensor, and a temperature sensor. The processor is configured to monitor myocardial electrical activity with input from the electrical sensor; identify myocardial electrical activity indicative of an arrhythmia, measure temperature of blood in the coronary venous system with input from the temperature sensor; determine if the arrhythmia is hemodynamically stable or hemodynamically unstable based on the temperature of blood in the coronary venous system, and initiate high-voltage shock therapy if the arrhythmia is hemodynamically unstable. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090254135 | HIGH-ENERGY ANTI-TACHYCARDIA THERAPY - Embodiments of the invention are related to medical devices and methods for delivery high-energy anti-tachycardia therapy to a subject, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes a medical device including a controller module configured to administer a plurality of electrical pulses to a patient in response to a detected tachycardia, the electrical pulses comprising an amplitude of greater than 3 Volts and less than 40 Volts, the controller configured to modulate the amplitude of the electrical pulses. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of treating a tachyarrhythmia including administering a first series of electrical pulses to a patient with an implantable medical device, the electrical pulses including an amplitude of greater than 8 Volts and less than 40 Volts, the first series of electrical pulses having an interval of less than about 600 ms in between individual pulses. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090222056 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING ATRIAL ARRHYTHMIA BURDEN - A system and method for determining atrial arrhythmia burden is provided. Consecutive sets of parametric data regularly obtained from an implantable medical device through remote interrogation are centrally maintained. An atrial arrhythmia burden is determined. A cumulative atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT) duration is identified for each atrial arrhythmia episode recorded in the parametric data over a fixed look back period. One of an AT mode switch time and maximum atrial tachyarrhythmia AT duration are evaluated respectively subject to the duration between the consecutive sets being of sufficient length and a change having occurred to the maximum AT duration. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090221885 | Optical Window Assembly for Implantable Medical Device - Embodiments of the invention are related to optical window assemblies for implantable medical devices, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes an optical window assembly for a medical device. The assembly can include a ferrule defining an aperture and a spacer ring disposed within the aperture. The assembly can also include an optical window coupled to the metal ferrule and the spacer ring. In an embodiment, the invention includes an implantable medical device including a housing and an optical window assembly coupled to the housing. In an embodiment, the invention can include a method of manufacturing a medical device. The method can include brazing a spacer ring to a metal ferrule, coupling an optical window to the spacer ring and the metal ferrule with a bonding glass material, depositing a chemical sensing element over the optical window, and coupling a porous cover layer to the spacer ring and the ferrule with an adhesive. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090216297 | TELEMETRY DOUBLE BUFFERING AND OVERSAMPLING FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - This document discusses, among other things, a communication circuit for an IMD comprising a radio frequency (RF) modulator to modulate and demodulate IMD data signals, first and second serial buffer registers to store received demodulated data and to store transmit data for modulation and configured to operate according to a first clock signal, and a parallel buffer register to receive data in parallel from the first and second serial buffer registers and configured to operate according to a second clock signal that is slower than the first clock signal. The communication circuit also includes a telemetry control circuit configured to, when in the receive mode, alternate between serially receiving data into the first serial buffer register while the parallel buffer receives data from the second serial buffer register, and serially receiving data into the second serial buffer register while the parallel buffer receives data from the first serial buffer. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090210798 | MEDIA PRESENTATION FOR USE WITH IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for determining a media presentation to present to a user using at least one of information received from an implantable medical device or information received from the user. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090204170 | WIRELESS TISSUE ELECTROSTIMULATION - A wireless electrostimulation system can comprise a wireless energy transmission source, and an implantable cardiovascular wireless electrostimulation node. A receiver circuit comprising an inductive antenna can be configured to capture magnetic energy to generate a tissue electrostimulation. A tissue electrostimulation circuit, coupled to the receiver circuit, can be configured to deliver energy captured by the receiver circuit as a tissue electrostimulation waveform. Delivery of tissue electrostimulation can be initiated by a therapy control unit. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090192574 | ANTENNA FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An apparatus and method for enabling far-field radio-frequency communications with an implantable medical device in which an antenna is embedded within a dielectric compartment of the device. A helical antenna may be employed to save space while still permitting far-field telemetry over a desired range of frequencies. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090192560 | CONFIGURABLE INTERMITTENT PACING THERAPY - This document discusses, among other things, an apparatus comprising at least one implantable cardiac depolarization sensing circuit, an electrical stimulation circuit, and a pacing mode controller. The implantable cardiac depolarization sensing circuit is configured to obtain a sensed depolarization signal from a ventricle and the electrical stimulation circuit is configured to provide pacing electrical stimulation energy to at least one implantable ventricular electrode. The pacing mode controller delivers pacing therapy according to a first pacing mode that is a normal operating mode, and delivers pacing therapy according to second and third pacing modes. The second and third pacing modes increase mechanical stress on at least a particular portion of the ventricle as compared to the pacing therapy delivered during the first pacing mode. The pacing mode controller alternates between the second and third pacing modes when switched from the normal operating mode to a stress augmentation mode. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090177110 | IMPEDANCE MEASUREMENT AND DEMODULATION USING IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - An implantable medical device performs impedance measurement and demodulation, such as for obtaining lead impedance measurements, or thoracic impedance measurements, such as for extracting respiration, cardiac stroke, or fluid status information. A 4-point FIR filter demodulator can be used to demodulate a two-phase current excitation waveform. The demodulator can also be used to measure noise for triggering a noise response. Among other things, an increased excitation current level can be used when noise is deemed to be present. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090171414 | INTERROGATION OF STORED DATA IN IMPLANTABLE DEVICES - A system and method is provided for receiving user input to perform an initial interrogation of an implantable medical device (IMD) using an external device. The initial interrogation commences a communication session between the IMD and the external device. During the initial interrogation, first data is transferred from the IMD to the external device and displayed at the external device. The first data comprises device configuration data of the IMD. During the initial interrogation, background transfer of second data from the IMD to the external device is initiated during or after the display of first data, without requiring a user request for the second data. The second data comprises historical physiological episode data. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090171412 | HANDLING IMPROPER DEVICE DATA IN IMPLANTABLE DEVICES - A system and method for handling data received from an implantable medical device (IMD) is provided. The method includes communicating a device parameter value of an IMD device parameter from the IMD to an external device and determining, at the external device, that the communicated device parameter value is at an improper value. Additionally, in response to the determining that the communicated device parameter value is at an improper value, automatically performing at least one of re-programming the IMD device parameter with a selected substitute device parameter value, ignoring, or purging non-programmable data. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090171409 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICE WITH VOLTAGE DELAY TEST - An implantable medical device (IMD), such as a defibrillator, performs a capacitor reform or other temporary high current mode, such as to maintain efficacy of a battery or a high voltage defibrillation energy storage capacitor in spite of non-use. Before performing the capacitor reform or other high current mode, a voltage delay test can be performed. A voltage delay can be declared when an initial battery voltage measurement is less than a later battery voltage measurement during a loaded condition such as the charging of the capacitor. If a voltage delay is present, the capacitor reform or other temporary high current mode is enabled, otherwise, the capacitor reform or other temporary high current mode is inhibited. This saves energy, increasing the life of the IMD before explant. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090171406 | ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTING SCAFFOLDS FOR CELL-BASED PACING - The invention provides a biological electrode including a first biocompatible polymer, an electrically conducting biocompatible polymer and mammalian donor cells and an electrical stimulation system for delivering electrical stimulation into target tissue including target cells. The system includes a biological electrode including an electrically conductive polymeric matrix and mammalian donor cells embedded in the electrically conductive polymeric matrix. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090157146 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH HALL SENSOR - An operating mode of an implantable medical device can be selected using at least one of a current or a voltage provided in response to a magnetic field sensed using a Hall effect sensor. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090157144 | Phased Deactivation of Functionality in Implantable Medical Device Systems - Embodiments of the invention are related to systems for interfacing with implantable medical devices, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes an external medical system including a processor and a telemetry circuit in communication with the processor, the processor configured to communicate with an implanted medical device. The system can be configured to query a system user after a first period of time in which indicators of system use are not detected. The system can be further configured to deactivate one or more data transmission features of the implanted medical device after a second period of time in which one or more indicators of system use are not detected. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090157137 | Vector Configuration Detection and Corrective Response Systems and Methods - In one aspect a system includes an external communication device configured to interrogate a pulse generator, an external programmer device communicatively coupled to the external communication device; the external programmer device configured to receive a listing of valid electrode pairs from the pulse generator through the external communication device, the external programmer device configured to prevent a pacing, sensing, or shocking vector from being programmed by the user if a pair of electrodes needed for the vector are not included within the listing of valid electrode pairs. In another aspect a system includes an implantable medical device configured to detect the presence or absence of electrodes on an implanted stimulation lead coupled to the implantable medical device and to generate a valid electrode pair listing, the implantable medical device configured to compare the programmed electrode pairs with the valid electrode pair listing and to execute a corrective action procedure if one or more of the programmed electrode pairs are not included within the valid electrode pair listing. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090157133 | SUPRAVENTRICULAR TACHY SENSING VECTOR - A system includes a pulse generator including a can electrode and a lead couplable to the pulse generator, the lead including a distal coil electrode and a proximal coil electrode, wherein both of the coil electrodes are electrically uncoupled from the can electrode such that a unipolar sensing vector is provided between at least one of the coil electrodes and the can electrode. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090157128 | SENSING THRESHOLD CONTROL TO LIMIT AMPLITUDE TRACKING - A depolarization sensing threshold can be determined using an amplitude-limited portion of a cardiac signal received using an implantable medical device. One or more cardiac depolarizations can be detected using the cardiac signal and the depolarization sensing threshold. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090157127 | TELEMETRY DURING SAFETY MODE OPERATION - This document discusses, among other things, n implantable device comprising a communication circuit configured to communicate with an external device, a logic circuit communicatively coupled to the communication circuit, and a processor, communicatively coupled to the logic circuit and the communication circuit. The processor is configured to communicate information with the external device, via the communication circuit and the logic circuit, using a set of communication messages. While in a device safety mode, the processor is held in an inactive state and the logic circuit is configured to communicate with the external device using a subset of the set of communication messages. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090157126 | ANTI-TACHYARRHYTHMIA SYSTEM WITH SELECTIVELY ACTIVATED DETECTION ENHANCEMENTS - A cardiac rhythm management (CRM) system includes an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and an external system. The ICD detects a tachyarrhythmia episode and classifies the detected tachyarrhythmia episode using none, one, or more of detection enhancements selected according to a selection command including a classification mode. The detection enhancements are each an algorithm for detecting and analyzing one or more indications of a type of the detected tachyarrhythmia episode. The external system allows a user to select the classification mode from a plurality of available classification modes each using none, one, or more of the detection enhancements. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090156957 | PAINLESS NON-STIMULATING LEAD IMPEDANCE MEASUREMENT - This document discusses, among other things, an apparatus comprising, a plurality of electrodes configured to deliver defibrillation countershock energy to a subject, an impedance measurement circuit communicatively coupled to the electrodes and configured to measure the impedance between any two of the electrodes using a non-stimulating excitation signal, and a controller communicatively coupled to the impedance measurement circuit and configured to calculate the impedance of a shock vector, wherein the shock vector includes a first electrode and a second electrode electrically connected together, and a third electrode, and wherein the controller calculates the impedance using measured impedances between the three electrodes when none of them are electrically connected. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090156909 | System For Contextual Display of Data From an Implantable Medical Device - Embodiments of the invention are related to data management systems, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes a video output and a processor in communication with the video output, wherein the video output and the processor are configured to display information regarding a patient in a first format and a second format through the video output simultaneously, the first format comprising a graphical formal and the second format comprising a textual format, the information displayed in the first format divided into a plurality of phases, wherein the system is configured to automatically change the information displayed in the second format based on user selection of one of the plurality of phases. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090149934 | IMPLANTABLE LEAD WITH SHIELDING - Medical device leads with magnetic shielding and methods of shielding medical device leads from magnetic fields during medical procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are described. An illustrative implantable medical device includes a lead including a lead conductor having a length and a helically coiled ribbon shield radially surrounding the lead conductor along at least a portion of the length of the lead. The ribbon shield can include one or more inner ribbon conductors and/or one or more outer ribbon conductors. The outer ribbon conductor can have a variable width (e.g., a necked-down configuration, an arrowhead configuration, or an undulating configuration) along the length of the lead. In some cases, the helically coiled ribbon has a variable pitch along the length of the lead that may be the same as or different from that of the lead conductor pitch. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090149933 | IMPLANTABLE LEAD HAVING A VARIABLE COIL CONDUCTOR PITCH - Systems and methods for shielding implantable leads from magnetic fields during medical procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are described. In various embodiments, the lead includes an inner conductor that is helically shaped and radially surrounded, at least in part, by one or more outer shielding conductors. The pitch of the inner conductor, and in some cases also the outer conductor, can be varied (e.g., continuously or at certain points) along the length of the lead, forming a plurality of high impedance points along the length of the lead which result in the dissipation of electromagnetic energy at an interrogation frequency of a magnetic resonance imaging device (e.g., 64 MHz, 128 MHz, or the like). In some embodiments, the variance in the pitch of the inner conductor follows a sinusoidal function, a modified square-wave function, or some other repeating pattern. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090149907 | AV DELAY FEATURES - An atrial event and a ventricular event can be received, and an atrioventricular (AV) delay can be provided using information about the atrial and ventricular events. The AV delay can be increased after a first condition is satisfied to allow a heart to regain intrinsic control of ventricular activation, and changed after a second condition is satisfied to allow the heart to remain in intrinsic control of ventricular activation. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090149905 | CONFIGURATION OF PACING OUTPUT CHANNELS - During auto-threshold, autocapture, or other evoked response sensing, post-pace artifact is reduced by using a smaller coupling capacitor value than what is used when not in such an evoked response sensing configuration. This can be accomplished by borrowing another capacitor for use as the coupling capacitor. The borrowed capacitor can be a backup pacing capacitor from the same or a different pacing channel. The borrowed capacitor can also be a coupling capacitor from a different pacing channel. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090149904 | LV UNIPOLAR SENSING OR PACING VECTOR - An implantable medical device configured to deliver a defibrillation energy to a heart can sense a left ventricular activation using information received from a unipolar sensing or pacing vector defined between a left ventricle and an internal thoracic location external to a heart. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090149719 | System And Method For Performing Remote Patient Risk Assessment Through A Visual Analog Scale - A system and method for integrating qualitative assessment into remote patient management through a visual analog scale is provided. A query is associated to a physiological condition. A visual analog scale includes a linear gradient and, at each end, descriptors for a range of subjective and continuous responses to the query. Assessment data for a patient is obtained. A medical device of the patient is interrogated and stored data is received. The query is displayed with the visual analog scale. An answer to the query includes a point selected between the ends of and along the linear gradient. A distance of the point from one end of the linear gradient is determined. The distance is quantified as a fixed value in proportion to the distance. A risk to the patient is assessed. The stored data and the fixed value are analyzed against the physiological condition to represent patient wellness. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090143833 | DISABLE FOR ATRIOVENTRICULAR DELAY ADJUSTMENT - An apparatus comprises an electrical stimulation circuit, a ventricular sensing circuit, a ventricular sensing timer, and an atrial pacing timer. The ventricular sensing circuit detects an intrinsic ventricular tachyarrhythmia depolarization. The ventricular sensing timer initiates timing of a lowest tachy rate (LTR) zone interval and also a ventricular pace interval that is calculated using a lower rate limit (LRL). The atrial pacing timer calculates an atrial pace interval to follow the intrinsic ventricular depolarization using the ventricular pace interval less a paced atrioventricular (AV) delay interval, delays generation of the atrial pace until after expiration of the LTR zone interval by decreasing the paced AV delay interval when the calculated atrial pace interval is within the LTR zone interval, and disables decreasing of the paced AV delay interval when the LRL interval less the paced AV delay interval at the LRL is less than the LTR zone interval. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090138058 | MRI OPERATION MODES FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - One embodiment of the present invention relates to an implantable medical device (“IMD”) that can be programmed from one operational mode to another operational mode when in the presence of electro-magnetic interference (“EMI”). In accordance with this particular embodiment, the IMD includes a communication interface for receiving communication signals from an external device, such as a command to switch the IMD from a first operation mode to a second operation mode. The IMD further includes a processor in electrical communication with the communication interface, which is operable to switch or reprogram the IMD from the first operation mode to the second operation mode upon receiving a command to do so. In addition, the IMD includes a timer operable to measure a time period from when the processor switches the IMD to the second operation mode. In accordance with this aspect of the invention, the processor is in electrical communication with the timer, and is further operable to switch the IMD from the second operation mode back to the first operation mode when the measured time period reaches a predetermined time period. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090132061 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECOVERING FROM TRANSIENT FAULTS IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A system and method is disclosed for system fault recovery by an implantable medical device which employs a global fault response. The system enables the device to consistently recover from transient faults while maintaining a history of the reason for the device fault. Upon detection of a fault, the primary controller of the device signals a reset controller which then issues a reset command. All sub-systems of the primary device controller are then reset together rather than resetting individual sub-systems independently to ensure deterministic behavior. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090132000 | Method and apparatus for monitoring heart failure patients with cardiopulmonary comorbidities - A system receives signals indicative of cardiopulmonary conditions sensed by a plurality of sensors and provides for monitoring and automated differential diagnosis of the cardiopulmonary conditions based on the signals. Cardiogenic pulmonary edema is detected based on one or more signals sensed by implantable sensors. If the cardiogenic pulmonary edema is not detected, obstructive pulmonary disease and restrictive pulmonary disease are each detected based on a forced vital capacity (FVC) parameter and a forced expiratory volume (FEV) parameter measured from a respiratory signal sensed by an implantable or non-implantable sensor. In one embodiment, an implantable medical device senses signals indicative of the cardiopulmonary conditions, and an external system detects the cardiopulmonary conditions based on these signals by executing an automatic detection algorithm. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090125076 | SYSTEM FOR NEURAL THERAPY - This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for calculating a neural stimulation energy at an external patient management (EPM) system using received information about a chemical characteristic indicative of a physiological state of a subject. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124875 | Implantable Creatinine Sensor and Related Methods - Embodiments of the invention are related to implantable creatinine sensors and related methods, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes an implantable creatinine sensor including a sensing element. The sensing element can include a creatinine deiminase enzyme covalently bound to a substrate and a pH-indicating compound in ionic communication with the creatinine deiminase enzyme. The implantable creatinine sensor can also include an optical excitation assembly configured to illuminate the sensing element and an optical detection assembly configured to receive light from the sensing element. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090118781 | THERAPY-SELECTION METHODS FOR IMPLANTABLE HEART MONITORS - An implantable heart-monitoring device comprising one or more leads for sensing electrical signals of a patient's heart a therapy circuit for delivering pharmaceuticals to the patient; and a monitoring circuit coupled to the one or more leads and to the therapy circuit, the monitoring circuit for monitoring heart activity of the patient through one or more of the leads, the monitoring circuit operable to: determine a minimum interval from a set of two or more intervals based on sensed heart activity, determine a range parameter based on a difference between a first subset and second subset of the intervals, determine a dispersion parameter quantifying dispersion of a subset of the intervals, and to determine an assessment value for the set of intervals, based on the minimum interval, the range parameter, the dispersion index. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090118630 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIA CLASSIFICATION USING SAMPLE ENTROPY - An implantable medical device includes an arrhythmia detection and classification system that classifies an arrhythmia episode based on an irregularity parameter and/or a complexity parameter. The arrhythmia episode is detected from a cardiac signal. The irregularity parameter is indicative of the degree of cycle length irregularity of the cardiac signal and the complexity parameter is indicative of the degree of morphological complexity of the cardiac signal. One example of the irregularity parameter is an irregularity sample entropy, or a parameter related to the irregularity sample entropy, computed to indicate the cycle length irregularity. One example of the complexity parameter is a complexity sample entropy, or a parameter related to the complexity sample entropy, computed to indicate the morphological complexity. In one embodiment, the detected arrhythmia episode is classified using both the irregularity parameter and the complexity parameter. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090105554 | ADVANCED PATIENT MANAGEMENT FOR IDENTIFYING, DISPLAYING AND ASSISTING WITH CORRELATING HEALTH-RELATED DATA - Systems, devices and methods for identifying, displaying and assisting in correlating health-related data. One aspect is a programmable device having machine executable instructions for performing a method for use in correlating data to manage a patient's health. In various embodiments, data related to the patient's health is acquired. The acquired data includes one or more trended health-related parameters, and at least one of one or more predetermined health-related events and one or more health-related alerts. Correlations are identified. The one or more trended health-related parameters and the at least one of the one or more predetermined health-related events and the one or more health-related alerts establish a causal relationship between the acquired data and the patient's health. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090099616 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONCURRENT ATRIO-VENTRICULAR ANTI-TACHYCARDIA PACING - An implantable medical device delivers anti-tachyarrhythmia therapies including anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP). If a detected tachyarrhythmia is classified as a type suitable for treatment using ATP, the implantable medical device selects one of an atrial ATP (A-ATP) mode, a ventricular ATP (V-ATP) mode, and a concurrent atrio-ventricular ATP (concurrent AV-ATP) mode according to the characteristics of the detected tachyarrhythmia. The concurrent ATP mode is an ATP mode during which the atrial pacing pulses and the ventricular pacing pulses are delivered concurrently. In one embodiment, the concurrent AV-ATP mode includes a synchronized atrio-ventricular ATP (synchronized AV-ATP) mode during which atrial and ventricular pacing pulses are delivered synchronously and an independent atrio-ventricular ATP (independent AV-ATP) mode during which atrial and ventricular pacing pulses are delivered concurrently but timed independently. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090088827 | Lead assembly providing sensing or stimulation of spaced-apart myocardial contact areas - Lead assemblies and methods for sensing or stimulating a first myocardial contact area and a second myocardial contact area when implanted are discussed. A lead assembly includes a lead body having at least one preformed biased portion at an intermediate portion thereof and an unbiased portion disposed between the biased portion and the distal end thereof. A first electrode is located at the preformed biased portion and is arranged to provide sensing or stimulation to the first myocardial contact area. A second electrode is located on the lead body distal to, and spaced apart from, the first electrode and is arranged to provide sensing or stimulation to a distinct second myocardial contact area spaced apart from the first myocardial contact area. In an example, the lead assembly includes a second preformed biased portion at the distal end of the lead body. In another example, the lead assembly includes additional electrodes. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090088815 | PROACTIVE INTERACTIVE LIMITS OVERRIDE FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE USER INTERFACE - This document discusses, among other things, an external device that includes a communication circuit, a programming interface including a display, and a processor. The processor includes a parameter analyzer to apply a rule to a combination of operating parameter values of the IMD to determine operating parameter interaction. The display includes a first warning that is displayed when the parameter analyzer determines that a combination of operating parameter values entered via the programming interface is not allowed, and a second warning that is displayed when the parameter analyzer determines that a combination of operating parameters values entered via the programming interface is allowable but not recommended. The processor is configured to program the operating parameter values associated with the second warning into the IMD only after a user acknowledgement of the second warning is received from a user via the programming interface. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090082838 | LEFT-VENTRICULAR LEAD FIXATION DEVICE IN CORONARY VEINS - Methods for medical lead fixation in coronary veins according to embodiments of the present invention include advancing a lead body into a branch vessel of a coronary vein, inserting a fixation line and expandable anchor structure through the lead body, past a distal end of the lead body, and into the branch vessel, engaging a wall of the branch vessel with the expandable anchor structure, and coupling the fixation line with the lead body. Apparatus for medical lead fixation in a coronary vein according to embodiments of the present invention include a lead body having one or more electrodes, a fixation line, an expandable anchor structure coupled to the fixation line, the fixation line and anchor structure deployable through the lead body into the branch vessel, and a means for coupling the lead body to the fixation line. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090082827 | HINGED ANCHORS FOR WIRELESS PACING ELECTRODES - A hinged anchor for a medical device electrode is disclosed. In one embodiment, the hinged anchor has a hinged portion and an anchor portion. The hinged portion can have a first configuration forming a first angle and a second configuration forming a second angle. The second angle can be a sharper angle than the first angle, and the hinged portion can be predisposed to assume the second configuration. The hinged anchor can be disposed on a control module of a leadless microstimulator device. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090082825 | CLOSED-LOOP CONTROL OF INTERMITTENT EXCITATORY CARDIAC STIMULATION FOR THERAPEUTIC EFFECT - A device and method for delivering electrical stimulation to the heart in order to improve cardiac function in heart failure patients. The stimulation is delivered as high-output pacing in which the stimulation is excitatory and also of sufficient energy to augment myocardial contractility. In order to provide a consistent hemodynamic response, the high-output pacing is optimized by delivering it using different parameter sets, evaluating the hemodynamic response thereto as reflected by one or more measured physiological variables, and selecting the parameter set with the best hemodynamic response. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090082824 | METHOD FOR EXCLUSION OF ECTOPIC EVENTS FROM HEART RATE VARIABILITY METRICS - Heart rate variability metrics are derived from the intervals between successive heart beats, referred to as BB intervals. A method implementable by an implantable cardiac device for excluding BB intervals due to ectopic beats based on a function of preceding BB intervals is presented. It is desirable to remove such BB intervals from a BB interval time series used to calculate a heart rate variability metric. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090082823 | Variable shortening of AV delay for treatment of cardiac disease - An implantable pacing device for delivering ventricular pacing may be configured to intermittently and variably reduce the AV delay interval used in an atrial triggered pacing mode in a manner that simulates exercise. The device may be programmed to intermittently switch to and from a variably shortened AV delay mode according to defined entry and exit conditions. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090082781 | Implantable ultrasound system for maintaining vessel patency and perfusion - An apparatus comprising an implantable acoustic transducer, an acoustic transducer interface circuit communicatively coupled to the acoustic transducer, and a controller circuit communicatively coupled to the acoustic transducer interface circuit. The controller is configured to, in response to receiving an indication of a patient condition associated with a development of a blood vessel obstruction, initiate delivery of acoustic energy that mitigates the blood vessel obstruction. Other systems and methods are described. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090076576 | MEDICAL DEVICE HAVING A GLASS COATING AND METHOD THEREFOR - A medical device having at least one glass coating between a first and second component. The glass coating forms a portion of a strong, hydrothermally stable joint between components or provides insulation, or tailors an impedance and/or capacitance of an electrode. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090076570 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TEMPORARY PROGRAMMING FOR IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICES - A system and method for temporary programming of an implantable medical device. The system and method include a repeater uploading temporary programming and instructions to a temporary memory of the device and then instructing the device to operate according to the temporary instructions. If during a first time period, the device is not in continuous periodic communication with the repeater, the device automatically reverts to operation under the normal operating instructions. At the end of the first time period, the caregiver or the patient may decide to revert to the normal programming. During a second time period, the device operates according to the temporary programming unless the caregiver or the patient instructs the device to revert to the normal programming, or the device fails to receive a periodic continuation signal from the repeater. Adverse health affects to the patient may also trigger the device to revert to the normal programming during either the first or second time period. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090076563 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING IRREGULAR VENTRICULAR CONTRACTIONS SUCH AS DURING ATRIAL ARRHYTHMIA - A cardiac rhythm management system is capable of treating irregular ventricular heart contractions, such as during atrial tachyarrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. A first indicated pacing interval is computed based at least partially on a most recent V-V interval duration between ventricular beats and a previous value of the first indicated pacing interval. Pacing therapy is provided based on either the first indicated pacing interval or also based on a second indicated pacing interval, such as a sensor-indicated pacing interval. A weighted averager such as an infinite impulse response (IIR) filter adjusts the first indicated pacing interval for sensed beats and differently adjusts the first indicated pacing interval for paced beats. The system regularizes ventricular rhythms by pacing the ventricle, but inhibits pacing when the ventricular rhythms are stable. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090076561 | Systems and methods for avoiding neural stimulation habituation - An embodiment relates to a method for delivering a vagal stimulation therapy to a vagus nerve, including delivering a neural stimulation signal to non-selectively stimulate both afferent axons and efferent axons in the vagus nerve according to a predetermined schedule for the vagal stimulation therapy, and selecting a value for at least one parameter for the predetermined schedule for the vagal stimulation therapy to control the neural stimulation therapy to avoid physiological habituation to the vagal stimulation therapy. The parameter(s) include at least one parameter selected from the group of parameters consisting of a predetermined therapy duration parameter for a predetermined therapy period, and a predetermined intermittent neural stimulation parameter associated with on/off timing for the intermittent neural stimulation parameter. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090076353 | IMPLANTABLE ELECTRO-OPTICAL SENSOR - Embodiments of the invention are related to electro-optical implantable sensors, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes an implantable medical device including a housing defining an interior volume, the housing comprising a housing wall and defining an aperture. The implantable medical device can include an optical sensor assembly coupled to the housing wall. The optical sensor assembly can occlude the aperture in the housing wall. The optical sensor assembly can include an electro-optical module including an optical excitation assembly and an optical detection assembly. The optical sensor assembly can also include a chemical sensing element configured to detect a physiological analyte by exhibiting a change in optical properties. An optical window can be disposed between the electro-optical module and the chemical sensing element. The optical window can be configured to allow the transmission of light between the electro-optical module and the chemical sensing element. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090069855 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MINIMIZING POST-INFARCT VENTRICULAR REMODELING - A cardiac rhythm management device is configured to deliver pre-excitation pacing to one or more sites in proximity to an infarcted region of the ventricular myocardium. The pre-excitation pacing in conjunction with counterpulsation therapy serves to either prevent or minimize post-infarct remodeling. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090069720 | Logging daily average metabolic activity using a motion sensor - An implantable activity detector can detect metabolic stress levels, which can be normalized, such as to identify times of activities such as walking and running or to identify trends such as a decrease in metabolic activity. The data can be derived from different sources such as an accelerometer and pedometer. This data can be compared to independently specifiable thresholds, such as to trigger an alert or responsive therapy, or to display one or more trends. The information can also be combined with other congestive heart failure (CHF) indications. The alert can notify the patient or a caregiver, such as via remote monitoring. Metabolic activity data from one or more of the activity detectors can be used to establish a model of metabolic stress, to which further activity data can be compared for identifying periods of increased or decreased metabolic stress. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090069708 | HISTOGRAM-BASED THORACIC IMPEDANCE MONITORING - Systems and methods for monitoring pulmonary edema or other thoracic fluid status in a subject use thoracic impedance histogram information. An internal or external processor circuit receives the thoracic impedance histogram information and uses it to compute and provide a lung fluid status indication. The thoracic impedance histogram information can include a count, mean or median of a histogram bin or subrange of bins within the histogram range. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090062895 | MEDICAL DEVICE ELECTRODES INCLUDING NANOSTRUCTURES - Electrodes for tissue stimulation and sensing can comprise a support with nanostructures disposed on the support. Pairs of the electrodes can be placed in close proximity to one another. When electrical energy is supplied to the electrodes, an electrical field (and possibly an electrical current) can be established between the nanostructures on the electrodes. The nanostructures may have cells disposed thereon, for example myocardial cells, myocardial progenitor cells, neural cells and/or stem cells. In addition, the electrodes can be arranged in arrays. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090062894 | MEDICAL DEVICE ELECTRODES HAVING CELLS DISPOSED ON NANOSTRUCTURES - Electrodes for tissue stimulation and sensing can comprise a support with nanostructures disposed on the support. Pairs of the electrodes can be placed in close proximity to one another. When electrical energy is supplied to the electrodes, an electrical field (and possibly an electrical current) can be established between the nanostructures on the electrodes. The nanostructures may have cells disposed thereon, for example myocardial cells, myocardial progenitor cells, neural cells and/or stem cells. In addition, the electrodes can be arranged in arrays. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090062882 | Method and apparatus for inspiratory muscle stimulation using implantable device - An inspiratory muscle stimulation system uses an implantable medical device to deliver stimulation to control diaphragmatic contractions for slower and deeper breathing, thereby conditioning and strengthening inspiratory muscles. In various embodiments, respiratory and/or cardiac performance are monitored for controlling parameters of the stimulation. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090059472 | METHOD FOR INTERCONNECTING ANODES AND CATHODES IN A FLAT CAPACITOR - A method includes connecting together one or more anode connection members of one or more anode foils and one or more cathode connection members of one or more cathode foils and electrically isolating the one or more anode foils from the one or more cathode foils. A capacitor stack includes a plurality of cathode layers having cathode connection members and a plurality of anode layers having anode connection members. The anode connection members are connected to the cathode connection members and configured such that the anode layers can be electrically separated from the cathode layers by cutting only the anode connection members or the cathode connection members. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090054960 | IMPLANTABLE LEADS WITH TOPOGRAPHIC FEATURES FOR CELLULAR MODULATION AND RELATED METHODS - Embodiments of the invention are related to leads with topographic surface features and related methods, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes an implantable lead including a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end, the lead body including an outer layer defining a lumen, the lead body further including a first electrical conductor disposed within the lumen of the outer layer. The implantable lead can further include a first electrode coupled to the lead body, the electrode in electrical communication with the first electrical conductor. The implantable lead can also include a cellular modulation segment on the external surface of the lead body, the cellular modulation segment comprising topographic surface features configured to modulate cellular responses. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090054954 | Optical depolarization of cardiac tissue - The invention provides a cardiac rhythm management system for stimulating a heart having photosensitive tissue, vectors useful to photosensitize cells expressing the vectors, and methods for light induced depolarization of cells. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090054943 | Methods and apparatus to treat and prevent atrial tachyarrhythmias - The invention provides a cardiac rhythm management system which includes a tachyarrhythmia detection and classification circuit programmed to detect and classify a tachyarrhythmia, a biologic therapy delivery device configured to deliver or regulate an expression cassette suitable for terminating or preventing atrial fibrillation (AF), and a control circuit coupled to the tachyarrhythmia detection and classification circuit and the biologic therapy delivery device. Also provided is an implantable medical device for use in a body having a cardiovascular system, which includes an implantable device body including at least a cardiovascular portion configured to be in the cardiovascular system, and an expression cassette incorporated into the cardiovascular portion of the implantable device body, the expression cassette selected to express a gene product that terminates or prevents AF. Further provided are methods which employ particular expression cassettes to prevent, inhibit or treat AF. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090054883 | Systems and devices for photoablation - The invention provides a catheter for optical ablation of tissue in a living body, the catheter including: a distal end; a proximal end; an elongate catheter body coupled between the distal end and the proximal end; a light emission device at the distal end and configured to emit an ablation light having characteristics selected to regulate an optically regulatable transcription control element operably linked to a nucleic acid sequence for a gene product, the expression of which gene product in cells directly or indirectly kills cells; and a projection control mechanism coupled to the light emission device and configured to control an effectively illuminated area where the optically regulatable transcription control element is effectively regulatable by the ablation light projected from the light emission device. Also provided is a system which includes the catheter, and methods to prevent, inhibit or treat AF which employ an expression cassette and/or one or more selected wavelengths of light. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090054828 | Systems for transient conduction control - The invention provides a system coupled to a heart having a right atrium (RA) and an atrioventricular (AV) node, which includes an implantable gene regulatory signal delivery device configured to deliver a light to a target site in the heart to transiently control an aberrant cardiac electrical conduction, the light having characteristics suitable for regulating a transcription control element; and an implantable medical device communicatively coupled to the implantable gene regulatory signal delivery device, the implantable medical device including: an atrial fibrillation (AF) detector configured to detect AF; and a control circuit configured to initiate an emission of the light from the implantable gene regulatory signal delivery device in response to the detection of AF. Also provided are methods to transiently control aberrant AV conduction or transiently control cardiac arrhythmias, which employ expression cassettes. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090048652 | MEDICAL DEVICE HAVING PLASMA POLYMERIZED COATING AND METHOD THEREFOR - A medical device having at least one plasma polymerized coating allowing for a first component to be coupled with a second component. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090048646 | ON-DEMAND RETRANSMISSION OF DATA WITH AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - This document discloses, among other things, a telemetry system for requesting and receiving redundant data. A synchronization frame transmitted by an external device includes an echo code. The implantable device responds to the synchronization frame by sending real time data and echo data selected as a function of the echo code. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090048641 | BAROREFLEX STIMULATION TO TREAT ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION - An aspect of the present subject relates to an implantable medical system. An embodiment of the system includes a baroreflex stimulator, a myocardial infarction detector, and a controller. The baroreflex stimulator applies a baroreflex stimulation signal through an electrode. The myocardial infarction detector detects an event indicative of myocardial infarction. The controller is connected to the baroreflex stimulator and to the myocardial infarction detector, and is adapted to apply a baroreflex therapy in response to a detected event indicative of myocardial infarction. Other aspects are provided herein. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090048637 | CLOSED LOOP IMPEDANCE-BASED CARDIAC RESYNCHRONIZATION THERAPY SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS - This document discusses, among other things, systems, devices, and methods measure an impedance and, in response, adjust an atrioventricular (AV) delay or other cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) parameter that synchronizes left and right ventricular contractions. A first example uses parameterizes a first ventricular volume against a second ventricular volume during a cardiac cycle, using a loop area to create a synchronization fraction (SF). The CRT parameter is adjusted in closed-loop fashion to increase the SF. A second example measures a septal-freewall phase difference (PD), and adjusts a CRT parameter to decrease the PD. A third example measures a peak-to-peak volume or maximum rate of change in ventricular volume, and adjusts a CRT parameter to increase the peak-to-peak volume or maximum rate of change in the ventricular volume. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090048503 | GLYCEMIC CONTROL MONITORING USING IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An apparatus for monitoring a patient's blood glucose level. The apparatus includes an implantable medical device having a controller and an implantable heart sounds sensor configured to transmit signals to the controller of the implantable medical device. The controller is configured to determine if a patient is hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic based on the signals from the heart sounds sensor. A method is also disclosed that includes sensing the patient's heart sounds, determining the amplitude of the S2 heart sound, determining the length of the interval from the S1 heart sound to the S2 | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090044404 | Method for connecting electrodes having apertures - One embodiment includes a method that includes positioning a first substantially planar electrode including material defining a first aperture into a capacitor stack in alignment with a second substantially planar electrode such that a first non-aperture portion of the second substantially planar electrode at least partially overlays the first aperture and joining the first substantially planar electrode to the second substantially planar electrode proximal the material defining the first aperture and the first non-aperture portion of the second substantially planar electrode. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090043355 | SYSTEM FOR EVALUATING PERFORMANCE OF AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A system evaluates the performance of an implantable medical device, such as by using a remote external server and a user interface and stored historical physiological data of a population of congestive heart failure (CHF) patients. A processor is coupled to a patient data storage device to apply multiple algorithm variations against the same implantable physiological data from the patient to produce corresponding resulting CHF indicators. The user interface includes a display that is configured to display to a user information allowing comparison between the resulting CHF indicators from the multiple algorithm variations. The display also includes a population data selector to permit the user to select physiological data from a population that includes a different set of one or more patients or physiological data collected over a period of time from the patient. This permits optimization of an algorithm parameter or selection of a best performing algorithm. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090043350 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING REFRACTORY PERIODS IN A CARDIAC RHYTHM MANAGEMENT DEVICE WITH BIVENTRICULAR SENSING - A method and system for managing refractory periods in a cardiac rhythm management device configured for biventricular or biatrial sensing. Refractory periods for each channel of the pacemaker are provided by interval timers that are triggered by sensed or paced events in order to prevent misinterpretation of sensing signals. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090043348 | INTERMITTENT STRESS AUGMENTATION PACING FOR CARDIOPROTECTIVE EFFECT - A device and method for delivering electrical stimulation to the heart in a manner which provides a protective effect is disclosed. The protective effect is produced by configuring a cardiac pacing device to intermittently switch from a normal operating mode to a stress augmentation mode in which the spatial pattern of lo depolarization is varied to thereby subject a particular region or regions of the ventricular myocardium to increased mechanical stress. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090043289 | DRUG TITRATION UTILIZING AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A method for titrating a drug to provide a medical therapy to a patient. The method includes the steps of providing an implantable medical device having a controller, providing one or more implantable sensors configured to sense physical parameters of the patient and configured to transmit signals to the controller. The method further includes the step of receiving signals from the one or more sensors at the controller. The method additionally includes processing the received signals to determine at least two cardiopulmonary characteristics of the patient. The method also includes determining a composite index based on the at least two cardiopulmonary characteristics. In addition, the method includes generating a signal based on the composite index. Medical device systems are also disclosed. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090036942 | Method and system for identifying and displaying groups of cardiac arrhythmic episodes - A medical device system that receives cardiac data representing a plurality of stored arrhythmic episodes, and analyzing the cardiac data to identify and display a subset of stored arrhythmic episodes as a function of user-specified episode criteria. The medical device system presents a query window on an interactive display in order to receive user-specified episode criteria via one or more input fields. The medical device displays only those episodes matching the episode criteria such as arrhythmia type, zone of detection, date of occurrence and average heart rate in beats per minute (BPM). | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090036940 | HYPERTENSION DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY USING PRESSURE SENSOR - An example relates to a method for sensing a pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and providing a sensed PAP signal, detecting an abnormal blood pressure (BP) condition using information from the sensed PAP signal, delivering a pacing energy to a heart, and automatically altering at least one pacing characteristic in response to the detected abnormal BP condition. The detecting an abnormal BP condition can include detecting various forms of hypertension or hypotension. The automatically altering the at least one pacing characteristic can include automatically altering at least one of a pacing rate, a pacing waveform, an atriventricular (AV) delay, an interventricular (VV) delay, a pacing mode, or a pacing site. The method can also include delivering vagal nerve stimulation and automatically altering the vagal nerve stimulation in response to the detected abnormal BP condition. The detecting the abnormal BP condition can also include using a sensed auxiliary physiological parameter. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090036938 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EXTERNAL COUNTERPULSATION THERAPY - An improved system for delivering external counterpulsation therapy is described. The system employs muscle stimulation transducers such as cutaneous electrodes in order to stimulate skeletal muscle and/or vascular smooth muscle in synchronization with the cardiac cycle in a manner that increases the fluid pressure within veins and/or arteries during cardiac diastole. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090036777 | USING ACOUSTIC ENERGY TO COMPUTE A LUNG EDEMA FLUID STATUS INDICATION - Systems and methods for monitoring lung edema fluid status, such as monitoring the presence or absence of pulmonary edema, in a subject using information about responsive acoustic energy echoes from a lung are described. The system comprises, among other things, an implantable device including an acoustic transducer configured to emit acoustic energy to a lung and to receive one or more responsive acoustic energy echoes from a lung. In an example, the implantable device includes a cardiac function management device having an acoustic window in a body thereof. In another example, the implantable device includes one or more subcutaneous leads. An implantable or external processor circuit is configured to receive information about the acoustic energy echoes to compute and provide a lung edema fluid status indication; such information may include an increased number or special pattern of acoustic energy echoes received or a decreased time between successively received echoes. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090030331 | LEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING A TETHERED SENSOR AND METHODS RELATED THERETO - A lead assembly includes a lead body and a tether coupled thereto. The tether includes at least one sensor, such as a pressure sensor. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090025459 | IMPLANTABLE VISCOSITY MONITORING DEVICE AND METHOD THEREFOR - An apparatus includes an implantable acoustic viscosity sensor configured to acoustically obtain a viscosity signal indicative of a viscosity of a fluid in contact with the viscosity sensor. A viscosity measurement circuit produces a viscosity measurement from the viscosity signal. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090025207 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AN IMPLANTABLE PULSE GENERATOR WITH A STACKED BATTERY AND CAPACITOR - The present subject matter includes one embodiment of an apparatus, comprising: a battery including a plurality of flat battery layers disposed in a battery case, the battery case having a planar battery surface which has a battery perimeter; and a capacitor including a plurality of flat capacitor layers disposed in a capacitor case, the capacitor case having a planar capacitor surface which has a capacitor perimeter, the capacitor stacked with the battery such that the planar battery surface and the planar capacitor surface are adjacent, with the capacitor perimeter and the battery perimeter substantially coextensive; a hermetically sealed implantable housing having a first shell and a lid mated to the first shell at a first opening, the first opening sized for passage of the battery, the capacitor, and the programmable electronics, wherein the battery and the capacitor are disposed in the hermetically sealed implantable housing. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090024197 | ELUTION CONTROL VIA GEOMETRIC FEATURES OF AN IMPLANTABLE SUBSTANCE MATRIX - A cardiac lead that is adapted and configured to elute a therapeutic agent to treat the surrounding tissue at a target location within a patient's heart is described. The cardiac lead includes a drug eluting member having a predetermined number of macroscopic surface features formed on its exterior surface. The macroscopic surface features allow the elution rate to be controlled and/or increased without the need for modifying the amount of therapeutic agent in the drug eluting member. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090024194 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LOCAL VASOACTIVE RESPONSE USING TEMPERATURE MODULATION - Disclosed herein, among other things, is a device for providing a localized vasomodulation of a vessel. According to an embodiment, the device includes a thermal element configured to conduct thermal energy between the thermal element and a desired region of the vessel wall to elicit the localized vasomodulation of the vessel at the desired region. The device also includes a controller operationally connected to the thermal element. The controller is adapted to control the conduction of thermal energy between the thermal element and the desired region of the vessel wall to control the localized vasomodulation of the vessel at the desired region. In various embodiments, a sensor connected to the device provides feedback to the controller. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090024177 | Osmometric Heart Monitoring Device and Methods - Embodiments of the invention are related to monitoring devices and methods with osmometric sensors, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes an implantable heart failure monitoring system including an osmometric sensor, the osmometric sensor configured to generate a signal corresponding to the osmotic strength of a bodily fluid, and a controller in communication with the osmometric sensor, the controller configured to receive and process the signal corresponding to the osmotic strength of a bodily fluid. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090024047 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR RESPIRATION THERAPY - Embodiments of the invention are related to devices and methods for respiration therapy, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes a system for providing respiration therapy to a patient, including an implantable device comprising a chronically implanted respiration sensor, the respiration sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of respiration rate of the patient; and an external interface device in communication with the implantable device, the external interface device comprising an output device and configured to deliver respiration therapy to the patient, the respiration therapy comprising one or more breathing prompts generated by the output device. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for providing respiration therapy to a patient. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of monitoring a heart failure patient for decompensation events. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090024005 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING WELLNESS BASED ON DECUBITUS POSTURE - An example method includes monitoring a first posture including a first lateral decubitus posture (LDP), recording a first LDP record based on the first LDP, computing a first posture trend based on the first LDP record and determining and providing a wellness indication based on the first posture trend. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090018461 | Method and apparatus for third heart sound detection - A cardiac rhythm management system includes a heart sound detector providing for detection of the third heart sounds (S | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090018404 | Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy Testing Utilizing an Implantable Medical Device - A test system and method for cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy that incorporates an implanted medical device. One aspect of the invention relates to a system for performing cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) testing in a diabetic patient having an implantable medical device (IMD) that includes a plurality of implantable physiological sensors and that is configured to transmit a wireless signal corresponding to a sensed physiological activity and to receive wireless signals. The system further includes one or more non-implantable physiological sensors, where the non-implantable physiological sensors are each configured to transmit a signal corresponding to a sensed physiological parameter, and a monitor device having a patient interface. The monitor device is configured to interface with a patient, including directing the patient to answer health related questions and use one or more of the non-implantable physiological sensors. The monitor device is also configured to receive signals, including signals from the IMD and the non-implantable physiological sensors. The system is configured to provide an indication of the presence or progression of CAN. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090012574 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH TEMPERATURE MEASURING AND STORING CAPABILITY - An implantable medical device such as a cardiac pacemaker or implantable cardioverter/defibrillator with the capability of storing body temperature measurements taken periodically and/or when triggered by particular events. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090012444 | Osmotic Devices and Methods for Diuretic Therapy - Embodiments of the invention are related to devices and methods for modulating renal function, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes an implantable occlusive device including a wall member defining an enclosed volume, the wall member can include a semi-permeable membrane. The device can also include a solution comprising a solvent and a solute disposed within the enclosed volume of the wall member. The semi-permeable membrane can be permeable to the solvent and impermeable to the solute. The enclosed volume can be configured to expand and contract in response to changes in the osmolality of a bodily fluid. The device can include a positioning member configured to maintain the position of the implantable occlusive device relative to a lengthwise axis of a lymphatic vessel. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of modulating renal function in a patient including implanting an occlusive device in the patient, the occlusive device comprising a semi-permeable membrane and configured to expand or contract based on the passage of a fluid across the semi-permeable membrane. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090012416 | MONITORING LUNG FLUID STATUS USING THE CARDIAC COMPONENT OF A THORACIC IMPEDANCE-INDICATING SIGNAL - This patent document describes, among other things, systems and methods for monitoring lung fluid status, such as monitoring the presence or absence of pulmonary edema, in a subject using information about the cardiac impedance-indicating component of a measured impedance-indicating signal. In various examples, an amplitude or contribution change over multiple cardiac cycles of the cardiac impedance-indicating component is used to compute and provide a lung status indication. In various examples, a decreasing amplitude or contribution trend of the cardiac impedance-indicating component signifies an increasing amount of fluid in the subject's lungs, as a greater portion of an injected thoracic impedance measurement current formerly traversing the heart is rerouted through the lung due to the less resistance path created by the fluid accumulation therein. In another example, measurements of the impedance-indicating signal, and thus the cardiac impedance-indicating component, are taken at one or a combination of end-inspiration or end-expiration. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090005829 | Measurement of Cardiac Performance Wtih Movement Sensors and Related Methods - Embodiments of the invention are related to implantable devices including movement sensors and related methods for measuring cardiac performance, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes an implantable electrical stimulation lead. The electrical stimulation lead can include a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end and a sheath defining a central lumen. The lead body can further include an electrical conductor disposed within the central lumen of the sheath. The stimulation lead can further include a stimulation electrode positioned at the distal end of the lead body, the stimulation electrode in electrical communication with the electrical conductor. The electrical stimulation lead can include an flexion sensor coupled to the lead body, the movement sensor configured to generate a signal in response to movement of the lead body. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of monitoring the condition of a heart failure patient. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of treating unstable arrhythmia in a patient. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090005826 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIA CLASSIFICATION USING TEMPLATE BAND-BASED MORPHOLOGY ANALYSIS - An implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (ICD) includes a tachyarrhythmia detection and classification system that classifies tachyarrhythmias based on a morphological analysis of arrhythmic waveforms and a template waveform. Correlation coefficients each computed between morphological features of an arrhythmic waveform and morphological features of the template waveform provide for the basis for classifying the tachyarrhythmia. In one embodiment, a correlation analysis takes into account the uncertainty associated with the production of the template waveform by using a template band that includes confidence intervals. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090005697 | DETECTION OF CONGESTION FROM MONITORING PATIENT RESPONSE TO A RECUMBENT POSITION - Systems and methods obtain information that allows detection of whether a patient suffers from congestion by monitoring a response of the patient to a recumbent position of the patient's body. The patient may be monitored to determine a respiration pattern for a non-recumbent position such as standing and a respiration pattern for a recumbent position such as lying down. The two patterns may be compared, either by a processing device or a physician, to determine a difference in the two respiration patterns. Furthermore, the congestion may be inferred from detecting an amount of time that the patient spends in a recumbent position or from detecting the recumbent angle that the patient obtains, either of which is presumed to indicate whether a recumbent position presents discomfort to the patient due to the presence of congestion. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090002922 | Method and apparatus for providing flexible partially etched capacitor electrode interconnect - The present subject matter includes a capacitor stack disposed in a case, the capacitor stack including one or more substantially planar electrode layers. The one or more substantially planar electrode layers have an etched surface, an unetched surface, and a grade bordering the etched surface and the unetched surface. Also, the present subject matter includes a lid conforming sealingly connected to the material defining the first aperture. Additionally, the present subject matter includes a feedthrough assembly connected to the capacitor stack and passing through the feedthrough hole and sealingly connected to the material defining the feedthrough hole. In the present subject matter, the one or more substantially planar electrode layers are made by printing a curable resin mask onto the one or more substantially planar electrode layers and etching the layers, the curable resin mask defining the grade and adapted to resist etching. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090000090 | METHOD FOR INSULATIVE FILM FOR CAPACITOR COMPONENTS - The present subject matter includes an apparatus including a capacitor stack, including at least one substantially planar anode layer arranged in stacked alignment adjacent at least one substantially planar cathode layer, with at least one separator layer disposed therebetween. In this embodiment, the present subject matter includes at least one conformed film at least partially enveloping the capacitor stack in a bound state and adapted to electrically isolate the capacitor stack. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20080319513 | NEURAL STIMULATION WITH RESPIRATORY RHYTHM MANAGEMENT - A system embodiment comprises at least one respiration sensor, a neural stimulation therapy delivery module, and a controller. The respiration sensor is adapted for use in monitoring respiration of the patient. The neural stimulation therapy delivery module is adapted to generate a neural stimulation signal for use in stimulating the autonomic neural target of the patient for the chronic neural stimulation therapy. The controller is adapted to receive a respiration signal from the at least one respiration sensor indicative of the patient's respiration, and adapted to control the neural stimulation therapy delivery module using a respiratory variability measurement derived using the respiration signal. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080319494 | System and method for preventing recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia - A system and method for providing pacing pulses after a cardioversion/defibrillation shock, where the pacing pulses have a pacing rate at an initial value. The pacing rate is decreased from the initial value until at least one intrinsic cardiac contraction is detected. In one embodiment, the pacing rate is decreased by a set amount after pacing a set number of cardiac cycles. Providing the set number of pacing pulses and decreasing the pacing rate by the set amount is then repeated until at least one intrinsic cardiac contraction is detected. An intrinsic cardiac rate is then determined from the at least one intrinsic cardiac contraction. The pacing rate is then increased and maintained to be above (i.e., greater than) the intrinsic cardiac rate. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080312541 | Daytime/nighttime respiration rate monitoring - A device and method can monitor or trend a patient's respiration rate measurements according to the time of day. The device, which may be implantable or external, collects and classifies respiration rate measurements over time. The trended information about particular classes of respiration rate measurements is then communicated to a remote external device, which in turn provides an indication of heart failure decompensation. Examples of classes of respiration rate measurements include a daily maximum respiration rate value, a daily minimum respiration rate value, a daily maximum respiration rate variability value, a daily minimum respiration rate variability value, and a daily central respiration rate value. These respiration rate measurements can be further classified into daytime or nighttime respiration rate measurements. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080307621 | Method of Sealing a capacitor fill port - An apparatus comprising a capacitor stack, including one or more substantially planar anode layers, and one or more substantially planar cathode layers. Additionally, the capacitor has a case having a first opening and a second opening, the first opening sized for passage of the capacitor stack, and a cover substantially conforming to the first opening and sealingly connected to the first opening. Also, the capacitor includes a plate substantially conforming to the second opening and sealingly connected to the second opening, the plate defining an aperture. Additionally, the capacitor includes a plug substantially conforming to the aperture in the plate, the plug sealingly connected to the plate. The capacitor stack is disposed in the case, and the terminal is in electrical connection with the case and at least one capacitor electrode. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080306569 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING BATTERY STATUS OF IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A battery monitoring system monitors status of a battery in an implantable medical device by comparing a measured battery status trend to a calculated battery status trend. The measured battery status trend is a trend of measured parameter values each indicative of an actual state of depletion of the battery. The calculated battery status trend is a trend of calculated parameter values each indicative of an expected state of depletion of the battery. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080306568 | Identifying heart failure patients suitable for resynchronization therapy using QRS complex width from an intracardiac electrogram - Methods and systems are disclosed for determining whether a patient is a responder to cardiac resynchronization therapy. The beginning and ending of the intrinsic ventricular depolarization are determined through signals measured from one or more electrodes implanted in the patient's heart. An interval between the beginning and ending of the intrinsic ventricular depolarization is computed and is compared to a threshold. The threshold may be determined empirically. The pacing parameters of a heart stimulation device, such as a pacemaker, may then be configured, for example, by setting the paced atrio-ventricular delay based on whether the patient responds positively to cardiac resynchronization therapy. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080306564 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SHORT-TERM HEART RATE VARIABILITY MONITORING AND DIAGNOSTICS - A diagnostic system monitors autonomic using short term heart rate variability (STHRV). Some examples apply a therapy that is adjusted based on wellness indicator. A wellness indicator is a measure of the STHRV produced to indicate a patient's cardiac condition. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080294212 | Trending of systolic murmur intensity for monitoring cardiac disease with implantable device - Described is an implantable device configured to monitor for changes in the intensity and/or duration of a systolic murmur such as mitral regurgitation by means of an acoustic sensor. Such changes may be taken to indicate a change in a patient's heart failure status. Upon detection of a worsening in the patient's heart failure statue, the device may be programmed to alert clinical personnel over a patient management network and/or make appropriate adjustments to pacing therapy. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080294060 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DISEASE DETECTION, MONITORING AND/OR MANAGEMENT - Embodiments of the invention are related to methods and devices for respiratory or cardiac disease detection, monitoring, and/or management. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of calculating a pulmonary function parameter of a subject. The method can include obtaining a first signal indicative of lung volume change during breathing from a first sensor, obtaining a second signal indicative of distending pressure from a second sensor, and calculating the pulmonary function parameter based on the first signal and the second signal. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of monitoring pulmonary or cardiac disease status. In an embodiment, the invention includes an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device can include a first sensor configured to produce a first signal indicative of lung volume change during breathing, a second sensor configured to produce a second signal indicative of intrapleural pressure, and a processor configured to calculate lung compliance or pulmonary resistance based on the first signal and the second signal. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080293168 | Method and system of tape automated bonding - A tape automated bonding (TAB) structure which includes a flex tape having a conductive lead pattern formed thereon. The conductive lead pattern includes a plurality of leads configured to form an inner lead bond (ILB) portion of the TAB structure. At least one of the plurality of leads is internally routed and has a contact exposed interior to the ILB portion of the TAB structure. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080288039 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FIXATING TRANSVENOUSLY IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICES - A transvenously implantable medical device (TIMD) includes an electrical lead and a control module. The electrical lead includes one or more electrodes and is adapted for transvenous implantation. The electrical lead is also pre-biased to expand from a collapsed state to an expanded state to mechanically engage an internal wall of a blood vessel. The control module is secured to and in electrical communication with the electrical lead. The control module includes a signal management component and a power component disposed in a housing adapted for implantation into the blood vessel. The control module is adapted for at least one of stimulating and sensing a physiologic response using the one or more electrodes of the electrical lead. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080288030 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REGULATING BLOOD VOLUME USING VOLUME RECEPTOR STIMULATION - A system delivers stimulation to volume receptors in the cardiovascular system to induce diuresis in a patient suffering volume overload. The system senses a volume signal indicative of a level of fluid retention in the patient's body and controls the delivery of the stimulation using the volume signal. In various embodiments, the stimulation includes one or more of electrical stimulation, which delivers electrical pulses to the volume receptors, and mechanical stimulation, which physically stretches the volume receptors. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080288028 | VARIABLE ANTENNA MATCHING NETWORK FOR AN IMPLANTABLE ANTENNA - An implantable medical device can include an implantable antenna for communication with external devices or other internal devices. Changes in the patient's body position, weight, composition or other factors may change the efficiency of the implantable antenna and hinder communication. The disclosed circuit can calculate a value for a matching network for an implantable telemetry circuit to decrease an impedance difference between the implantable telemetry circuit and the implantable antenna or increase or maximize a communication power transfer value associated with the implantable medical device. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080288016 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR STIMULATING NEURAL TARGETS - Disclosed herein, among other things, is a method for stimulating neural targets in the vicinity of a human ear. According to an embodiment, a device is clipped on a patient ear lobe, the device including a neural stimulation electrode. A neural stimulation signal is applied to the electrode to transcutaneously stimulate neural targets in the vicinity of the ear lobe, according to an embodiment. A physiological parameter is sensed using a sensor connected to the device. According to an embodiment, the neural stimulation signal is adjusted in response to the sensed parameter. The method is used is a variety of treatment regimens, including anti-hypertensive and cardiac improvement therapy. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080288012 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CARDIAC RHYTHM MANAGEMENT WITH SYNCHRONIZED PACING PROTECTION PERIOD - A device and method for cardiac rhythm management in which a heart chamber is paced in accordance with a pacing mode that employs sense signals from the opposite chamber. A protection period triggered by the sensing of intrinsic activity in the paced chamber is used to inhibit pacing without otherwise disturbing the pacing algorithm. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080286324 | MEDIA AND DEVICES FOR COLD STORAGE OF THERAPEUTIC CELLS - The invention provides a composition for cold storage of cells which includes a population of isolated stem cells, a cell medium, and isolated trophic factors, as well as devices having a plurality of the trophic factors. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080283066 | DELIVERY DEVICE FOR IMPLANTABLE SENSORS - A delivery system for an implantable medical device including a tether retaining feature having a bore. The system includes a connector having a top surface, a bottom surface, a rail extending in a proximal direction from the connector, and an aperture sized to receive the tether retaining feature and reduce movement of the connector with respect to the implantable medical device in a plane parallel to the aperture. A tether is sized to fit within the bore of the tether retaining feature. The tether acts against the top surface of the connector to retain the bottom surface of the connector proximal to the implantable medical device when the tether is located within the bore of the tether retaining feature. A method for delivering an implantable medical device including a tether retaining feature. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080281372 | NEURAL STIMULATION SYSTEM ANALYZER - Various embodiments relate to a device to analyze an implantable neural stimulation system that includes an implantable neural stimulation lead for an implantable neural stimulator to be implanted into a patient. Various device embodiments comprise an external housing, a pacing circuit in the housing, and a sensing circuit in the housing. The pacing circuit is adapted to deliver a test neural stimulation signal. At least one test lead cable is adapted to electrically connect the pacing circuit and the implantable neural stimulation lead to enable the test neural stimulation signal to be delivered to a neural target through the test lead cable and the implantable neural stimulation lead. At least one physiological sensor is adapted to sense a physiological response to stimulation of the neural target. At least one sensor cable is adapted to electrically connect the sensing circuit and the at least one physiological sensor. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080281370 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HEART FAILURE INDICATION BASED ON HEART RATE, ONSET AND TACHYARRHYTHMIA - An indication of an actual or potential heart failure condition is computed. One example includes monitoring a first heart rate preceding a first onset of a first sinus tachyarrhythmia episode. Upon detecting the first sinus tachyarrhythmia episode, the indication is automatically provided using information about the first heart rate and how quickly the first onset occurs. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080281367 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO DETERMINE HEMODYNAMIC TOLERABILITY - An implantable medical device detects a tachyarrhythmia of a heart. During the detected tachyarrhythmia, the device determines a local myocardial impedance. Using the local myocardial impedance, the device determines whether there is sufficient perfusion to the heart. The device can then either deliver a less aggressive device therapy in response to the detected tachyarrhythmia when there is sufficient perfusion to the heart, or deliver a more aggressive device therapy in response to the detected tachyarrhythmia when there is insufficient perfusion to the heart. The perfusion information can also be used to alter tachyarrhythmia detection or classification. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080281305 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RELIEVING ANGINA SYMPTOMS USING LIGHT - An implantable medical device includes a light emitting circuit incorporated into an intravascular stent. The light emitting circuit emits a light to an ischemic region. The light has characteristics suitable for reliving the angina symptoms associated with ischemia. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080275523 | Ring connector for implantable medical devices - An electrical contact for use in the header assembly of an implantable tissue stimulator includes a metal housing having a base and a sidewall where the opening in the base is adapted to receive the terminal of a medical lead therethrough. An electrical contact support member is welded to the edge of the sidewall and affixed to the support member are a plurality of spring members that are tangent to an imaginary circle whose diameter is slightly less than the outside diameter of the lead terminal contact rings. When the contacts are axially aligned in the device header, the terminal of an electrical lead may be longitudinally inserted into the header to establish electrical contact with device feedthrough wires that are joined to the electrical contacts in the header. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080275350 | SYSTEM FOR ANCHORING AN IMPLANTABLE SENSOR IN A VESSEL - A system and a method of disposing a second sensor module overlying a first sensor module system is described. A first assembly including an expandable anchor and a sensor module is at least partially overlapped by a second assembly including an expandable anchor and a sensor module. If necessary or desired, the functions of the second sensor module can replace the functions of the first sensor module. The sensor module may include a blood pressure sensor. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080269827 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING A HISTOGRAM OF CARDIAC EVENTS - Systems, devices and methods are provided for displaying statistical distributions of cardiac events. A device embodiment comprises circuitry adapted to communicate with a medical device that is adapted to acquire data regarding cardiac events occurring at two or more cardiac sites, and display means for displaying a histogram of the data as two or more statistical distributions for the two or more cardiac sites. The histogram includes a number of histogram bins. At least one of the histogram bins includes both a representation for at least a portion of a statistical distribution of a cardiac event for a first cardiac site and a representation for at least a portion of a statistical distribution of a cardiac event for a second cardiac site. Other embodiments are provided herein. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080269824 | System and method for timing synchronized pacing - A device and method for cardiac rhythm management in which a heart chamber is paced in accordance with sense signals from the opposite chamber or other distant cardiac site. The method is particularly useful in delivering cardiac resynchronization therapy. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080269622 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR DETECTION OF CONTEXT WHEN ADDRESSING A MEDICAL CONDITION OF A PATIENT - Methods and devices detect context related to a patient when monitoring a physiological condition of the patient and/or when applying one or more modes of therapy. The context may be a patient context such as posture or an environmental context such as ambient conditions. The context may be used in various ways in relation to the physiological measurement, such as to control when the physiological measurements are made, to appropriately flag physiological measurements, to be recorded in association with the physiological measurements, and/or to correct the physiological measurements based on a reference context. A device such as a beacon transmitter is used in detecting the context and a measurement device such as an implantable cardiovascular device is used to capture the physiological measurements. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080262587 | EXTENDABLE AND RETRACTABLE LEAD HAVING A SNAP-FIT TERMINAL CONNECTOR - A lead having an extendable and retractable fixation mechanism has a rotating terminal pin at the terminal end which rotates the fixation mechanism at the distal end. As the terminal pin is rotated, the fixation mechanism is extended or retracted from the distal end of the lead. A threaded collar allows for the fixation mechanism to smoothly extend and retract from the lead, and allows for a 1:1 turn ratio between the terminal pin and the fixation mechanism. A fluoroscopic ring disposed at the distal end of the lead provides information during the implantation process. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080262559 | Method and apparatus for adjusting the sensing threshold of a cardiac rhythm management device - A method and apparatus for automatically adjusting the sensing threshold of cardiac rhythm management devices. The invention is particularly suited for implementation in devices such as implantable cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter/defibrillators. A method and apparatus are provided in which a noise level and signal level for a sensing channel are determined for each cardiac cycle with the sensing threshold of the channel being adjusted in accordance therewith. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080262558 | PATIENT CHARACTERISTIC BASED ADAPTIVE ANTI-TACHY PACING PROGRAMMING - A system including at least one implantable sensor circuit adapted to produce an electrical sensor signal related to one or more physiologic cardiovascular events of a subject, a therapy circuit configured to provide anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) therapy, and a controller. The controller includes a tachyarrhythmia detection circuit and an efficacy circuit. The tachyarrhythmia detection circuit is configured to detect a tachyarrhythmia episode in the subject using the electrical sensor signal, and to determine whether the tachyarrhythmia episode is of a type that is treatable with ATP. The efficacy circuit is configured to estimate an efficacy of a currently configured ATP therapy for the subject, and the controller is configured to alter a delivery regimen of the currently configured ATP therapy when the estimated ATP therapy efficacy is deemed insufficient. Other systems and methods are described. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080262368 | HEART SOUND TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method provide heart sound tracking, including an input circuit, configured to receive heart sound information, and a heart sound recognition circuit. The heart sound recognition circuit can be coupled to the input circuit and can be configured to recognize, within a particular heart sound of a particular heart sound waveform, a first intra heart sound energy indication and a corresponding first intra heart sound time indication using the heart sound information from the particular heart sound waveform and the heart sound information from at least one other heart sound waveform. The particular heart sound can include at least a portion of one of S1, S2, S3, and S4. Further, the first intra heart sound energy indication and the corresponding first intra heart sound time indication can correspond to the at least a portion of one of S1, S2, S3, and S4, respectively. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080255628 | REVERSE PACING-MODE SWITCH - A device comprises a cardiac contraction sensing circuit, a timer circuit, an electrical stimulation circuit, and a controller. The timer circuit provides a time duration of an atrial-atrial interval between successive atrial contractions, a ventricular-ventricular interval between successive ventricular contractions, and an atrial-ventricular (A-V) interval between an atrial contraction and a same cardiac cycle ventricular contraction. The controller includes an event detection module and a pacing module. The event detection module is configured for determining whether A-V block events are sustained over multiple cardiac cycles. The pacing module is configured for providing pacing therapy according to a primary pacing mode that includes AAI(R) mode with independent VVI backup mode, and for switching the pacing therapy to a secondary pacing mode if A-V block events are sustained over multiple cardiac cycles. Other devices and methods are described. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080255626 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE CONFIGURED AS A PEDOMETER - This document discusses, among other things, a system including an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device includes a control circuit and a motion sensing device. The motion sensing device is coupled to the control circuit, and the motion sensing device is configured to transmit signals to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to identify one or more steps of a patient using the motion sensing device signal. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080249586 | CARDIOPULMONARY FUNCTIONAL STATUS ASSESSMENT VIA METABOLIC RESPONSE DETECTION BY IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC DEVICE - An implantable cardiac device is configured and programmed to assess a patient's cardiopulmonary function by evaluating the patient's minute ventilation response. Such evaluation may be performed by computing a minute ventilation response slope, defined as the ratio of an incremental change in minute ventilation to an incremental change in measured activity level. The minute ventilation response slope may then be compared with a normal range to assess the patient's functional status. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080249584 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CARDIOSYMPATHETIC INHIBITION - Described herein are methods and devices that utilize electrical neural stimulation for inhibiting cardiosympathetic activity in order to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death. In one embodiment, one or more stimulating electrodes are disposed near the left stellate ganglion. An implantable pulse generator delivers neural stimulation to the electrodes in a manner that inhibits activity of the ganglionic tissue. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080249581 | PAIN FREE DEFIBRILLATION THRESHOLD ESTIMATION - This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for painlessly calculating an estimated defibrillation threshold, such as by using an implantable medical device and a controller. The estimated defibrillation threshold can be calculated using a delivered first energy to a first thoracic location, an electric field detected at a second thoracic location, and an electric field detected between a third thoracic location and a fourth thoracic location. The estimated defibrillation threshold represents an energy that, when delivered at the first thoracic location, can create an electric field strength in a target region of the heart that meets or exceeds a target electric field strength. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080249433 | THORACIC IMPEDANCE DETECTION WITH BLOOD RESISTIVITY COMPENSATION - This document discusses, among other things, a cardiac rhythm management device or other implantable medical device that uses thoracic impedance to determine how much fluid is present in the thorax, such as for detecting or predicting congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, hypotension, or the like. The thoracic fluid amount determined from the thoracic impedance is compensated for changes in blood resistivity, which may result from changes in hematocrit level or other factors. The blood-resistivity-compensated thoracic fluid amount can be stored in the device or transmitted to an external device for storage or display. The blood-resistivity-compensated thoracic fluid amount can also be used to adjust a cardiac pacing, cardiac resynchronization, or other cardiac rhythm management or other therapy to the patient. This document also discusses applications of the devices and methods for predicting or indicating anemia. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080243212 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THERMAL NEUROINHIBITION - Disclosed herein, among other things, is system for thermal neuroinhibition. According to an embodiment, the system includes at least one implantable fluid-filled conduit adapted to be placed adjacent to a neural target. The system also includes an implantable housing including a power source, a heat pump deriving power from the source and connected to the conduit, and a controller within the housing. The controller is connected to the heat pump, and is adapted to control the heat pump to effect fluid flow in the conduit to cool the neural target using electromechanical refrigeration to reversibly inhibit neural activity as part of a medical treatment. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080243201 | PACER WITH COMBINED DEFIBRILLATOR TAILORED FOR BRADYCARDIA PATIENTS - A combination pacer/defibrillator is tailored for bradycardia patients. In one example, its shock-delivery specificity exceeds its sensitivity to shockable ventricular tachyarrhythmias. In another example, its specificity exceeds 95%, or 99%, or even 99.5%. Sensitivity is programmed to a high desired sensitivity value, but only if it can be done without decreasing the specificity below the desired specificity threshold value. This can be conceptualized as “avoiding at all costs” delivering false shocks, even at the expense of failing to deliver a shock to a treatable ventricular tachyarrhythmia. Specificity enhancements include, among other things, inhibiting shock delivery when the patient is breathing or not supine, using multiple channels or a high rate VT/VF detection threshold. The present pacer/defibrillator device could potentially save the lives of bradyarrhythmia patients who are not presently clinically indicated for a defibrillator/pacer, but who have an increased risk of sudden cardiac death due to one or more risk factors. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080243016 | Pulmonary Artery Pressure Signals And Methods of Using - Embodiments of the invention are related to methods and systems for using a pulmonary artery pressure signal to detect and/or monitor physiological parameters, physiological status, and aspects of disorders and diseases, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of measuring a pulmonary function parameter of a patient. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of detecting a sleeping disorder. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of tracking sleep characteristics of a patient. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080243007 | Pulmonary Artery Pressure Signals And Methods of Using - Embodiments of the invention are related to methods and systems for using a pulmonary artery pressure signal to detect and/or monitor physiological parameters, physiological status, and aspects of disorders and diseases, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for detecting pulmonary symptoms of a disorder. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for detecting a pathological change to a tissue, structure, or fluid volume in or around the lung. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for detecting a disorder affecting airflow. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080234792 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSVENOUS LEAD IMPLANTATION - Some embodiments relate to a method of implanting a cardiac lead. An expansion module is implanted in a target region within vasculature, the target region being defined by a portion of a brachiocephalic vein and a portion of a corresponding subclavian vein. The expansion module is transitioned from a collapsed state to an expanded state within the target region to contact the vasculature. A cardiac lead is implanted through the expansion module, the cardiac lead defining an intermediate section corresponding to the target region. The intermediate section of the cardiac lead includes a surface treatment adapted to reduce at least one of cell proliferation, thrombosis, fibrosis, and inflammation at the target region. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080234784 | Method and apparatus for operating a diversity antenna system for communicating with implantable medical device - A far-field radio frequency (RF) telemetry system for communicating with an implantable medical device includes a diversity antenna system. Multi-frame messages each including multiple outgoing data frames are transmitted to the implantable medical device. In response, the implantable medical device transmits response data frames each following one or more of the outgoing data frames, according to a predetermined communication protocol. An antenna control circuit selects an antenna of the diversity antenna system for transmitting the outgoing data frames and/or receiving the response data frames based the quality of signal reception associated with the response data frames. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080234774 | CLOSED-LOOP CONTROL OF CARDIOPROTECTIVE PRE-EXCITATION PACING - Cardioprotective pre-excitation pacing may be applied to stress or de-stress a particular myocardial region delivering of pacing pulses in a manner that causes a dyssynchronous contraction. Such dyssynchronous contractions are responsible for the desired cardioprotective effects of pre-excitation pacing but may also be hazardous. Described herein is a method and system that uses measures of ventricular dyssynchrony or a patient's physiological response to ventricular dyssynchrony to control the delivery of cardioprotective pre-excitation pacing in closed-loop fashion. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080234772 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MYOCARDIAL STRESS REDISTRIBUTION - Methods and devices are described for delivering electrical stimulation to the heart in a manner that advantageously redistributes myocardial stress during systole for therapeutic purposes in the treatment of, for example, post-MI and HF patients. Pre-excitation pacing may be applied to deliberately de-stress a particular myocardial region that may be expected to undergo deleterious remodeling, such an the area around a myocardial infarct or a hypertrophying region or to deliberately stress a region remote from the pre-excitation pacing site in order to exert a cardioprotective conditioning effect, similar to the beneficial effects of exercise. Pre-excitation pacing may be advantageously combined with inotropic electrical stimulation applied to the stressed region. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080234556 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SENSING RESPIRATORY ACTIVITIES USING SENSOR IN LYMPHATIC SYSTEM - A respiratory monitoring system includes an implantable lymphatic sensor configured to be placed in a lymphatic vessel, such as the thoracic duct or a vessel branching from the thoracic duct, near the diaphragm. The implantable lymphatic sensor senses a signal indicative of respiratory activities. Examples of the signal include a diaphragmatic activity signal indicative of movement of the diaphragm and a transthoracic impedance signal indicative of pulmonary volume. In one embodiment, the respiratory monitoring system is incorporated into a cardiac rhythm management system that controls cardiac therapy delivery using the signal sensed by the implantable lymphatic sensor. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080228252 | LEAD AND APPARATUS FOR STIMULATION OF THE CARDIAC PLEXUS - A medical electrical lead adapted to stimulate a patient's cardiac plexus includes a flexible distal portion having a surface adapted to conform to an outer surface of an aortic region generally associated with the cardiac plexus. The distal portion can have one or more elongate members. Alternatively, the distal portion can have a generally planar portion. The distal portion is flexible such that it can be furled or otherwise compacted such that it can be delivered to a target stimulation site using a guide catheter or other delivery tool, such as a cannula. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080228237 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE TELEMETRY WITH HOP-ON-ERROR FREQUENCY HOPPING - A telemetry system for data transmission between an implantable medical device and an external system includes a plurality of channels each representing a frequency band within a predetermined frequency range. The data transmission is performed using at least one active channel at any instant. Channel hopping is performed upon detecting an interruption of communication, such that a scan is performed through an array of channels selected from the plurality of channels. If a data frame is not successfully transmitted, it is repeatedly re-transmitted using the current and/or the next active channels until its transmission becomes successful. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080228194 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENDOSCOPIC ACCESS TO THE VAGUS NERVE - An apparatus for performing a minimally-invasive surgical procedure in the vagus nerve region includes a cannula, an endoscopic dissection tool and a cradle assembly slideably disposed in a cannula lumen. The cradle assembly includes a C-ring, an electrode cuff disposed over an exterior surface of the C-ring, and a deployment device. The electrode cuff is adapted to wrap around the target nerve region or nerve branch to be stimulated when deployed from the C-ring using the deployment device. A method of performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure is also described. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080221638 | MRI Compatible Implantable Medical Devices and Methods - An implantable medical device configured to be compatible with the environment inside an MRI machine. The implantable medical device includes a housing constructed of an electrically conductive material and pulse generation circuitry within the housing for generating electrical voltage pulses. The implantable medical device further includes a first conductor that is configured to transmit the electrical voltage pulses from the pulse generation circuitry to a patient's cardiac tissue and a second conductor that is configured to provide an electrically conductive path from the patient's cardiac tissue back to the pulse generation circuitry. The implantable medical device further includes a selectively interruptible electrically conductive path connecting the pulse generation circuitry with the housing. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080221636 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CLOSED-LOOP INTERMITTENT CARDIAC STRESS AUGMENTATION PACING - A cardiac pacing system controls the progression of a cardiac disorder such as heart failure by delivering cardiac pacing to create or augment regional stress in the heart. The cardiac pacing is delivered intermittently, such as on a periodic basis, according to a cardiac stress augmentation pacing sequence that includes alternating pacing and non-pacing periods. One or more physiological signals are monitored for closed-loop control of the cardiac pacing using baseline characteristics of the cardiac disorder, acute cardiac stress created by the cardiac pacing, and/or risk associated with the cardiac pacing. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080221629 | Lamination of Lithium Battery Elements for Implantable Medical Devices - A method includes the step of providing a sheet of lithium and a sheet of substrate material. The method further includes the step of pressing the sheet of lithium and the sheet of substrate material together in a die, the die having at least one surface that includes a plurality of force concentrating features configured to create regions of relatively higher pressure and regions of relatively lower pressure in at least one of the sheet of lithium and the sheet of substrate material. In another embodiment, a method includes the steps of providing a sheet of lithium material and a substrate material, and applying force to the sheet of lithium and the sheet of substrate material to form a plurality of protrusions on at least one of the sheet of lithium and the sheet of substrate material. The method includes the further step of pressing at least a portion of the sheet of lithium to the substrate material with sufficient force to at least partially deform the protrusions. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080218989 | THIN FILM DEPOSITION AS AN ACTIVE CONDUCTOR AND METHOD THERFOR - A method includes populating components in a cavity of a substrate, disposing a polymer over the components and within the cavity. The polymer is cured and a thin film is formed on the polymer. In addition, a method includes forming an EMI shield within a medical device by depositing a thin film of metal on a surface within the medical device. The thin film of metal, of gold, aluminum, or copper, is formed by vapor deposition or sputtering. An apparatus includes a first substrate assembly including a first substrate having a cavity. A first set of electronic components are disposed within the cavity, and a first polymer is disposed over the first set of components. Deposited on an outer surface of the first polymer by vapor deposition is a thin film of metal. The thin film of metal is electrically coupled with a ground. A second substrate assembly including a second substrate is coupled with the first substrate assembly. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080208292 | Method and apparatus for communication between a handheld programmer and an implantable medical device - Systems and methods for telemetric communication between a handheld programmer and an implantable medical device are disclosed. A preferred embodiment comprises a user-friendly, color, touch-sensitive screen that allows the user to visually observe and control the handheld's operation. The handheld further comprises an internal and/or external analytical means to provide robust analytical capabilities. Some embodiments of a system disclosed herein can be configured as a component of an Advanced Patient Management System that helps better monitor, predict and manage chronic diseases. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080208276 | Induced Current Measurement Systems And Methods - In an embodiment, the invention includes a measurement system for measuring induced currents within an implantable medical device undergoing magnetic resonance imaging. The measurement system can include a resistor connected in series with a conductive loop and electronic circuitry configured to generate a signal representative of a voltage differential across the resistor. In some embodiments, the measurement system includes a fiber optic cable configured to transmit the signal away from the area subject to magnetic resonance imaging. In some embodiments, the measurement system includes a transmitter to wirelessly transmit the signal away from the area subject to magnetic resonance imaging. In an embodiment, the invention can include an implantable medical device including a measurement system for measuring induced currents. In an embodiment, the invention can include a method of measuring an induced current in an implantable medical device undergoing magnetic resonance imaging. Other embodiments are described herein. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080208271 | High Frequency Stimulation for Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation - The invention relates to methods and devices for treating and/or preventing atrial fibrillation. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of treating and/or preventing atrial fibrillation including applying an oscillating electrical stimulus to a tissue of a patient, the oscillating electrical stimulus sufficient to block transmission of electrical signals through the tissue. In an embodiment, the invention includes an implantable medical device including a stimulator configured to generate an oscillating electrical stimulus at a frequency and amplitude sufficient to block transmission of electrical signals through a tissue, a stimulation electrode in communication with the stimulator, the stimulation electrode configured to deliver the oscillating electrical stimulus to the tissue, and control circuitry in communication with the stimulator, the control circuitry configured to selectively deliver the oscillating electrical stimulus to treat and/or prevent atrial fibrillation. Other embodiments are also described herein. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080208270 | HIGH VOLTAGE CAPACITOR ROUTE WITH INTEGRATED FAILURE POINT - An implantable medical device may have a circuit failure mode. The disclosed circuit may have an integrated failure point designed to fail prior to those portions of the circuit. The integrated failure point may include a narrowed portion of a high voltage lead and a grounded lead having a narrow gap separating the grounded lead from the narrowed portion of the high voltage lead. During a high stress fault condition the narrowed portion of the high voltage lead acts as a fuse, forming a vaporized cloud of metal, which shorts current in the high voltage lead across the narrow gap to the grounded lead, thus protecting the remaining portion of the circuit from the high stress condition. | 08-28-2008 |
