Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100082087 | IMPLANTABLE LEAD/ELECTRODE DELIVERY MEASUREMENT AND FEEDBACK SYSTEM - A lead implantation system with an introducer, a lead configured to engage with the introducer such that the introducer can convey the lead to a desired internal target location, and at least one sensor. The sensor is adapted to generate an indicator of desired engagement of the system with the desired target tissue location prior to engagement of the lead with the target tissue. Also a method of implanting an implantable patient lead including advancing a lead implantation assembly towards a desired target location along an introduction axis and monitoring at least one indicator of lead implantation assembly position along the lead introduction axis. At least one indicator can be generated by the lead implantation assembly. Advancing of the lead introduction assembly can be halted when the monitoring indicates contact with the desired target tissue. The patient lead can then be advanced towards the target tissue and fixed to the target tissue. | 04-01-2010 |
20100114236 | HYBRID BATTERY SYSTEM WITH BIOELECTRIC CELL FOR IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC THERAPY DEVICE - A system and method for powering an implantable cardiac therapy device (ICTD) via a hybrid battery system. The hybrid battery is comprised of a low voltage and low current bioelectric cell, a high voltage and high current rechargeable cell, and a charging means. Via the charging means, the bioelectric cell maintains the rechargeable cell at or near full power. The rechargeable cell is configured to power some or all operations of the ICTD. Some ICTD operations may be powered directly by the bioelectric cell. The rechargeable cell is further configured to be charged via a continuous charging process, reducing the complexity of the charging circuitry. In an embodiment, at least the bioelectric cell is external to the ICTD, enabling easy replacement of this power source. In an embodiment, a consumable anode of the bioelectric cell is external to the ICTD, enabling replacement of the power source by replacing only the anode. | 05-06-2010 |
20100125305 | USE OF IMPEDANCE TO ASSESS ELECTRODE LOCATIONS - A process for determining whether the location of a stimulation electrode meets a selected heart performance criteria includes providing stimulation to the heart through the electrode and obtaining an impedance measurement during stimulation delivery using an impedance sensing vector formed by electrodes that do not include the stimulation electrode. The impedance measurements are processed, either alone or in combination with an electrogram, also obtained during stimulation, to obtain a measure of hemodynamic performance. | 05-20-2010 |
20100331921 | NEUROSTIMULATION DEVICE AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING SAME - A stimulation device that includes a housing, a neuro lead configured to be coupled to the housing and to be located proximate to a neurostimulation site of interest, a neuro pulse generator, in the housing, configured to generate multi-polar neuro modulation (NM) pulses for delivery by the lead to the neuromodulation site of interest and the neuro pulse generator generating the NM pulses utilizing a waveform, with the frequency components of the ICMD compatible waveform in a range of 0 to 225 Hz having substantially limited NM energy content to avoid interference with sensing operation of the ICMD. A method for managing a neuromodulation (NM) device to avoid interference with an implantable medical device (ICMD) providing an ICMD having electrodes configured based on ICMD sensing parameters that define an ICMD sensing frequency range, providing an NM device having NM electrodes to be located proximate a region of interest, the NM electrodes delivering NM pulses based on NM pulse parameters, setting at least one NM pulse parameter in a manner that limits an amount of NM energy content that propagates beyond an active area surrounding the site of interest within the ICMD sensing frequency range. | 12-30-2010 |
20110009918 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING A POTENTIAL LEAD FAILURE IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A method for detecting potential failures by a lead of an implantable medical device is provided. The method includes sensing a first signal over a first channel between a first combination of electrodes on the lead and sensing a second signal from a second channel between a second combination of electrodes on the lead. The method determines whether at least one of the first and second signals is representative of a potential failure in the lead and identifies a failure and the electrode associated with the failure based on which of the first and second sensed signals is representative of the potential failure. Optionally, when the first and second sensed signals are both representative of the potential failure, the method further includes determining whether the first and second sensed signals are correlated with one another. When the first and second sensed signals are correlated, the method declares an electrode common to both of the first and second combinations to be associated with the failure. | 01-13-2011 |
20110060394 | MRI RF REJECTION MODULE FOR IMPLANTABLE LEAD - A high Q self-resonant inductor and method for manufacturing the same is disclosed herein for use in an implantable medical lead. The method of manufacture includes depositing a first conductive material over an elongated ceramic member and removing portions of the conductive material to leave a continuous helical metallic pattern on an elongated ceramic structure. The helical metallic pattern has a first terminal end located at a proximal end of the elongated ceramic member and a second terminal end located at a distal end of the ceramic member. The method also includes covering the helical metallic pattern with a ceramic material to form a first ceramic layer and forming vias in the ceramic material. At least one electrode is coupled to the helical metallic pattern through the vias in the ceramic material. | 03-10-2011 |
20110098546 | ASSESSING MEDICAL CONDITIONS BASED ON VENOUS OXYGEN SATURATION AND HEMATOCRIT INFORMATION - Methods for assessing, diagnosing and treating medical conditions using SvO | 04-28-2011 |
20110202105 | BIOELECTRIC BATTERY FOR IMPLANTABLE DEVICE APPLICATIONS - A bioelectric battery may be used to power implantable devices. The bioelectric battery may have an anode electrode and a cathode electrode separated by an insulating member comprising a tube having a first end and a second end, wherein said anode is inserted into said first end of said tube and said cathode surrounds said tube such that the tube provides a support for the cathode electrode. The bioelectric battery may also have a membrane surrounding the cathode to reduce tissue encapsulation. Alternatively, an anode electrode, a cathode electrode surrounding the cathode electrode, a permeable membrane surrounding the cathode electrode. An electrolyte is disposed within the permeable membrane and a mesh surrounds the permeable membrane. In an alternative embodiment, a pacemaker housing acts as a cathode electrode for a bioelectric battery and an anode electrode is attached to the housing with an insulative adhesive. | 08-18-2011 |
20130085489 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING RENAL DENERVATION VERIFICATION - A renal denervation feedback method is described that performs a baseline measurement of renal nerve plexus electrical activity at a renal vessel; denervates at least some tissue proximate the renal vessel after performing the baseline measurement; performs a post-denervation measurement of renal nerve plexus electrical activity at the renal vessel, after the denervating; and assesses denervation of the renal vessel based on a comparison of the baseline measurement and the post-denervation measurement of renal nerve plexus electrical activity at the renal vessel. | 04-04-2013 |
20130110127 | MULTI-PIECE DUAL-CHAMBER LEADLESS INTRA-CARDIAC MEDICAL DEVICE AND METHOD OF IMPLANTING SAME | 05-02-2013 |
20130110219 | UNITARY DUAL-CHAMBER LEADLESS INTRA-CARDIAC MEDICAL DEVICE AND METHOD OF IMPLANTING SAME | 05-02-2013 |
20130116529 | LEADLESS INTRA-CARDIAC MEDICAL DEVICE WITH BUILT-IN TELEMETRY SYSTEM - A leadless intra-cardiac medical device is configured to be implanted entirely within a heart of a patient. The device includes an intra-cardiac extension and a housing. The intra-cardiac extension includes a loop body having at least one loop segment retaining at least one coil group that is configured to one or both of receive and transmit radio frequency (RF) energy, wherein the loop body is configured to extend into a first chamber of the heart. The housing is in electrical communication within the loop body, and includes a transceiver, control logic and an energy source. The housing is configured to be securely attached to an interior wall portion of a second chamber of the heart, wherein the transceiver is configured to communicate with an external device through the RF energy. | 05-09-2013 |
20130116738 | SINGLE CHAMBER LEADLESS INTRA-CARDIAC MEDICAL DEVICE WITH DUAL-CHAMBER FUNCTIONALITY - A leadless intra-cardiac medical device (LIMD) includes a housing configured to be implanted entirely within a single local chamber of the heart. | 05-09-2013 |
20130116740 | SINGLE-CHAMBER LEADLESS INTRA-CARDIAC MEDICAL DEVICE WITH DUAL-CHAMBER FUNCTIONALITY AND SHAPED STABILIZATION INTRA-CARDIAC EXTENSION - A leadless intra-cardiac medical device (LIMD) configured to be implanted entirely within a heart of a patient includes a housing configured to be securely attached to an interior wall portion of a chamber of the heart, and a stabilizing intra-cardiac (IC) device extension connected to the housing. The stabilizing IC device extension may include a stabilizer arm, and/or an appendage arm, or an elongated body or a loop member configured to be passively secured within the heart. | 05-09-2013 |
20130116741 | DUAL-CHAMBER LEADLESS INTRA-CARDIAC MEDICAL DEVICE WITH INTRA-CARDIAC EXTENSION - A leadless intra-cardiac medical device includes a housing that is configured to be implanted entirely within a single local chamber of the heart. A first electrode is provided on the housing at a first position such that when the housing is implanted in the local chamber, the first electrode engages the local wall tissue at a local activation site within the conduction network of the local chamber. An intra-cardiac extension is coupled to the housing and configured to extend from the local chamber into an adjacent chamber of the heart. A stabilization arm of the intra-cardiac extension engages the adjacent chamber. A second electrode on the intra-cardiac extension engages distal wall tissue at a distal activation site within the conduction network of the adjacent chamber. | 05-09-2013 |
20130123872 | LEADLESS IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH DUAL CHAMBER SENSING FUNCTIONALITY - A leadless implantable medical device (LIMD) is provided with dual chamber sensing functionality, without leads, despite the fact that the entire device is located in one chamber. In one embodiment, the LIMD senses local activity in the right atrium (RA) and local activity in the right ventricle (RV), even though it is entirely located in the RA. The sensing electrodes enable sensing in different chambers of the heart while reducing cross talk interference and thus provide accurate tracking of myocardial contraction in multiple chambers. | 05-16-2013 |
20130138006 | SINGLE CHAMBER LEADLESS INTRA-CARDIAC MEDICAL DEVICE HAVING DUAL CHAMBER SENSING WITH SIGNAL DISCRIMINATION - A leadless intra-cardiac medical device (LIMD) includes multiple electrodes that allow for stimulation and sensing of the right ventricle (RV) and sensing of the right atrium (RA), even though it is entirely located in the RV. The LIMD includes a housing having a proximal end configured to engage local tissue in the local chamber and electrodes located at multiple locations along the housing. Sensing circuitry is configured to define a far field (FF) channel between a first combination of the electrodes to sense FF signals occurring in the adjacent chamber. The sensing circuitry is configured to define a near field (NF) channel between a second combination of the electrodes to sense NF signals occurring in the local chamber. A controller is configured to analyze the NF and FF signals to determine whether the NF and FF signals collectively indicate that a validated event of interest occurred in the adjacent chamber. | 05-30-2013 |
20130150913 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING A POTENTIAL LEAD FAILURE IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A method for detecting potential failures by a lead of an implantable medical device is provided. The method includes sensing a first signal over a first channel between a first combination of electrodes on the lead and sensing a second signal from a second channel between a second combination of electrodes on the lead. The method determines whether at least one of the first and second signals is representative of a potential failure in the lead and identifies a failure and the electrode associated with the failure based on which of the first and second sensed signals is representative of the potential failure. Optionally, when the first and second sensed signals are both representative of the potential failure, the method further includes determining whether the first and second sensed signals are correlated with one another. When the first and second sensed signals are correlated, the method declares an electrode common to both of the first and second combinations to be associated with the failure. | 06-13-2013 |
20130193947 | POWER CONVERTER - A high voltage resonant step-up convertor converts a lower voltage signal to a higher voltage signal. The converter may be used, for example, to supply power via electromagnetic coupling to an implantable medical device. In some embodiments, a power converter comprises a driver circuit and a resonant circuit. The resonant circuit generates a high voltage output signal at a selected frequency. The driver circuit is controlled by a low voltage signal and periodically generates a higher frequency signal (e.g., approximately twice the selected frequency) to drive the resonant circuit. In some embodiments, the driver circuit comprises another resonant circuit and a switching circuit. The switching circuit periodically pumps current to the other resonant circuit and isolates the two resonant circuits. The other resonant circuit periodically pumps current to the output resonant circuit. | 08-01-2013 |
20130238056 | RF-POWERED COMMUNICATION FOR IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - A communication circuit of an implantable device is coupled to a power source (e.g., including a battery) upon receipt of a radiofrequency (RF) signal at the implantable device. A circuit that controls whether the communication circuit is to be coupled to the power source obtains its power from the received RF signal. Thus, the implantable device is able to perform RF signal monitoring (e.g., RF “sniffing”) without using battery power. Battery power is then used for subsequent communication operations after it has been determined that the implantable device is receiving RF signals (e.g., from a verified external device). | 09-12-2013 |
20130238085 | SILVER NANOPARTICLE ANTIMICROBIAL COATING FOR LONG-TERM AND SHORT-TERM INFECTION RESISTANCE - Disclosed herein is an implantable medical device including an antimicrobial layer. The antimicrobial layer may include a first distinct size of silver nanoparticles, a second distinct size of silver nanoparticles, and a third distinct size of silver nanoparticles. The antimicrobial layer extends over a surface of the implantable medical device, and, in some instances, the surface of the implantable medical device may serve as a substrate on which the antimicrobial layer is deposited. | 09-12-2013 |
20130296661 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPLANTING A PHYSIOLOGIC SENSOR ASSEMBLY - An implantable physiologic sensor assembly is configured to be implanted within a patient. The assembly includes a module that houses an internal operative chamber, and a flexible pressure-detecting member connected to the module. The module and the pressure-detecting member are separated before implantation into the patient. At least a first end of the pressure-detecting member is configured to be inserted into an artery of the patient and a second end of the pressure-detecting member is connected to the module. The module is configured to be subcutaneously positioned within the patient. | 11-07-2013 |
20130325081 | LEADLESS INTRA-CARDIAC MEDICAL DEVICE WITH DUAL CHAMBER SENSING THROUGH ELECTRICAL AND/OR MECHANICAL SENSING - A leadless intra-cardiac medical device senses cardiac activity from multiple chambers and applies cardiac stimulation to at least one cardiac chamber and/or generates a cardiac diagnostic indication. The leadless device may be implanted in a local cardiac chamber (e.g., the right ventricle) and detect near-field signals from that chamber as well as far-field signals from an adjacent chamber (e.g., the right atrium). | 12-05-2013 |
20130345770 | LEADLESS INTRA-CARDIAC MEDICAL DEVICE WITH REDUCED NUMBER OF FEED-THRUS - A leadless implantable medical device (LIMD) includes a housing formed from a battery and an end cap. A proximal end of the end cap forms an LIMD proximal end and a distal end of the battery case forms an LIMD distal end. A non-conductive coupler mechanically secures a terminal end of the battery case to a mating end of the end cap, while maintaining the battery case and end cap electrically separated. A first electrode projects from the proximal end of the end cap. An intra-cardiac (IC) device extension projects from the distal end of the battery case. The extension includes a second electrode that is electrically connected to the battery case. The second electrode is located remote from the LIMD distal end. An electronics module is located within an internal cavity of the end cap and communicates with the first and second electrodes. | 12-26-2013 |
20140005605 | USE OF QUORUM SENSING INHIBITORS AND BIOFILM DISPERSING AGENTS FOR CONTROLLING BIOFILM-ASSOCIATED IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE RELATED INFECTIONS | 01-02-2014 |
20140018818 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF IMPLANTING A MEDICAL DEVICE - A system for implanting an implantable medical device (IMD) within a patient may include a main handle assembly having proximal and distal ends, a device-connection control handle connected to the proximal end of the main handle assembly, an introducer connected to the distal end of the main handle assembly, and a connection tool extending from the introducer. The connection tool may include a device-engaging member configured to change at least one of shape or orientation to selectively connect to and disconnect from the IMD. The device-connection control handle may be operatively connected to the device-engaging member and the device-connection control handle may be configured to manipulate the device-engaging member between connected and disconnected states by changing the at least one of the shape or orientation. | 01-16-2014 |
20140114387 | CHATTER-FREE ACTIVE FIXATION LEAD - An implantable therapy lead includes a tubular body, an obturator, and a helical anchor electrode. The obturator is displaceably supported on a distal end of the tubular body between a recessed position and an extended position. When the obturator is in the extended position, the extreme distal tip of the tissue penetrating point of the helical anchor electrode contacts an outer surface of the obturator in a manner that prevents the extreme distal tip from being capable of tissue penetration significant enough to allow the helical anchor electrode to be screwed into the heart tissue. When the obturator is in the recessed position, the extreme distal tip no longer contacts the outer surface of the obturator and the extreme distal tip is positioned relative to the outer surface of the obturator so as to allow the extreme distal tip to penetrate the heart tissue. | 04-24-2014 |
20140120240 | SILVER NANOPARTICLE ANTIMICROBIAL COATING FOR LONG-TERM AND SHORT-TERM INFECTION RESISTANCE - Disclosed herein is an implantable medical device including an antimicrobial layer. The antimicrobial layer may include a first distinct size of silver nanoparticles, a second distinct size of silver nanoparticles, and a third distinct size of silver nanoparticles. The antimicrobial layer extends over a surface of the implantable medical device, and, in some instances, the surface of the implantable medical device may serve as a substrate on which the antimicrobial layer is deposited. | 05-01-2014 |
20140172034 | INTRA-CARDIAC IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH IC DEVICE EXTENSION FOR LV PACING/SENSING - An assembly is provided for introducing a device within a heart of a patient. The assembly is comprised of a sheath having at least one internal passage. An intra-cardiac implantable medical device (IIMD) is retained within the at least one internal passage, wherein the IIMD is configured to be discharged from a distal end of the sheath. The IIMD has a housing with a first active fixation member configured to anchor the IIMD at a first implant location within a local chamber of the heart. | 06-19-2014 |
20140172060 | METHOD OF IMPLANTING A SINGLE-CHAMBER LEADLESS INTRA-CARDIAC MEDICAL DEVICE WITH DUAL-CHAMBER FUNCTIONALITY AND SHAPED STABILIZATION INTRA-CARDIAC EXTENSION - A leadless intra-cardiac medical device (LIMD) is configured to be implanted entirely within a heart of a patient. The LIMD comprises a housing configured to be securely attached to an interior wall portion of a chamber of the heart, and a stabilizing intra-cardiac (IC) device extension connected to the housing. The stabilizing IC device extension may include a stabilizer arm, and/or an appendage arm, or an elongated body or a loop member configured to be passively secured within the heart. | 06-19-2014 |
20140277056 | MEDICAL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ACCESSING SPACE ALONG AN INTERIOR SURFACE OF AN ANATOMIC LAYER - Medical device including a lift tool having a distal end configured to removably engage an anatomic layer. The lift tool includes a shaft lumen that extends longitudinally through the lift tool and through the distal end. The shaft lumen is configured to receive an elongated insert device that is movable through the shaft lumen and through the distal end. The medical device also includes a locking mechanism that is coupled to the lift tool. The locking mechanism includes a locking member that is selectively movable with respect to the insert device between a released position and an engaged position. The locking member engages the insert device when in the engaged position to hold the insert device at a fixed position with respect to the lift tool and permits the insert device to move through the shaft lumen when in the released position. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277226 | EXTERNALLY-SECURED MEDICAL DEVICE - Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide an externally-secured medical device (ESMD) configured to be securely affixed to skin of a patient. The ESMD may include at least one pad configured to be directly secured to the skin of the patient. The pad(s) may include at least one electrode configured to direct therapeutic energy into the skin of the patient toward an internal organ. An adhesion component is provided on a patient-engaging surface of the at least one pad configured to securely affix the at least one pad in a persistent and enduring manner to the skin of the patient. The at least one pad is directly secured to the skin of the patient through the adhesion component. | 09-18-2014 |
20140288576 | METHOD OF IMPLANTING A UNITARY DUAL-CHAMBER LEADLESS INTRA-CARDIAC MEDICAL DEVICE - A method of implanting a leadless intra-cardiac medical device. An introducer assembly is introduced into one of an inferior vena cava or a superior vena cava of a heart and maneuvered into a first chamber of the heart. A housing is pushed out of a sheath of the introducer toward a first implant location within the first chamber, and the housing is anchored to the first implant location. The sheath is moved away from the anchored housing, and an electrode is urged to a distal end of the sheath due to the pushing, anchoring, and moving. The sheath is maneuvered to a second chamber of the heart, and the electrode is forced into a second implant location with the second chamber. The electrode is anchored to the second implant location. The sheath is moved away from the electrode after the anchoring, and the sheath is removed from the heart. | 09-25-2014 |
20150202431 | MULTI-PIECE DUAL-CHAMBER LEADLESS INTRA-CARDIAC MEDICAL DEVICE AND METHOD OF IMPLANTING SAME - A leadless intra-cardiac medical device (LIMD) includes an electrode assembly configured to be anchored within a first wall portion of a first chamber of a heart. The electrode assembly includes an electrode main body having a first securing helix, an electrode wire segment extending from the body, and a first segment-terminating contact positioned on the electrode wire segment. The device further includes a housing assembly configured to be anchored within a second wall portion of a second chamber of the heart. The housing assembly includes a body having a second securing helix, a housing wire segment extending from the body, and a second segment-terminating contact positioned on the housing wire segment. The device also includes a connector block that electrically connects the electrode wire segment to the housing wire segment by retaining the first and second segment-terminating contacts. | 07-23-2015 |
20160136440 | LEADLESS INTRA-CARDIAC MEDICAL DEVICE WITH BUILT-IN TELEMETRY SYSTEM - A leadless intra-cardiac medical device is configured to be implanted entirely within a heart of a patient. The device includes an intra-cardiac extension and a housing. The intra-cardiac extension includes a loop body having at least one loop segment retaining at least one coil group that is configured to one or both of receive and transmit radio frequency (RF) energy, wherein the loop body is configured to extend into a first chamber of the heart. The housing is in electrical communication within the loop body, and includes a transceiver, control logic and an energy source. The housing is configured to be securely attached to an interior wall portion of a second chamber of the heart, wherein the transceiver is configured to communicate with an external device through the RF energy. | 05-19-2016 |