| PACESETTER, INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20150341785 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING A SECURED CONNECTION BETWEEN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE AND AN EXTERNAL DEVICE - A system and method are provided for initiating a secured bi-directional communication session with an implantable medical device. The system and method include configuring a pulse generator (PG) device and an external device to establish a communication link there between through a wireless protocol with a defined bonding procedure. The system and method also include transmitting a static identification and dynamic seed from the PG device through a dedicated advertisement channel to the external device and generating a passkey from a pre-defined algorithm based on the dynamic seed and a static identification. Further, the system and method include starting the defined bonding procedure. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150335898 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SIMULTANEOUS BURST AND TONIC STIMULATION - A system and method for simultaneous burst and tonic stimulation of nerve tissue is provided. The system and method includes providing a lead with at least one stimulation electrode configured to be implanted at a target position proximate to nerve tissue of interest. The system and method further includes coupling the lead to an implantable pulse generator (IPG). The IPG generates current pulses that are delivered through blocking capacitors to the stimulation electrodes. The system and method further provides programming the IPG to deliver a first series of current pulses configured as a tonic stimulation waveform to the stimulation electrodes and to deliver a second series of current pulses configured as a burst stimulation waveform to the stimulation electrodes. The tonic and burst stimulation waveforms each include at least two current pulses with different amplitude polarities. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150335894 | COMMUNICATIONS SCHEME FOR DISTRIBUTED LEADLESS IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES ENABLING MODE SWITCHING - A distributed leadless implantable system is provided that comprises first and second leadless implantable medical devices (LIMD) configured to be implanted entirely within first and second chambers of the heart. Each of the first and second LIMDs comprises a housing having a proximal end configured to engage local tissue of interest in a local chamber, electrodes located along the housing and cardiac sensing circuitry configured to detect intrinsic and paced cardiac events occurring in a near field associated with the local chamber. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150317448 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO AUTOMATICALLY ASSIGN MAP POINTS TO ANATOMICAL SEGMENTS AND DETERMINE MECHANICAL ACTIVATION TIME - A method and system are provided for assigning map points to anatomical segments of a heart. The method and system utilize an intravascular mapping tool configured to be inserted into at least one of the endocardial or epicardial space. The mapping tool is maneuvered to select locations proximate to surfaces of the heart, while collecting map points at the select locations to form a ROI data set. The method and system store the ROI data set in a data storage and defines apical, basal and circumferential landmarks within the ROI data set. The method and system automatically calculate circumferential and longitudinal segment boundaries, associated with wall segments of the heart, based on the apical, basal and circumferential landmarks. The method and system automatically assign segment identifiers (IDs) to the map points based on locations of the map points relative to the circumferential and longitudinal boundaries, the segment IDs associated with wall segments of the heart. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150313511 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO CHARACTERIZE MOTION DATA BASED ON NEIGHBORING MAP POINTS - A method and system are provided for characterizing motion data. The method and system obtain point specific (PS) motion data for a plurality of map points. The PS motion data indicates an amount of motion that occurred at the corresponding map point on a wall of the heart during at least one cardiac cycle. The method and system, calculate mechanical activation times (MAT) for the map points, identifying a group of neighbor map points for a current map point, and modifying the MAT corresponding to the current map point based on the MATs corresponding to at least a portion of the group of neighboring map points. Further, the method and system repeat the identifying and modifying operations for at least a subset of the map points. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150313510 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISPLAYING A THREE DIMENSIONAL VISUALIZATION OF CARDIAC MOTION - A method and system for displaying a three dimensional visualization of cardiac motion. The method and system obtain point specific (PS) motion data for a plurality of map points. The PS motion data indicates an amount of motion that occurred at the corresponding map point on a wall of the heart during at least one cardiac cycle. The method and system determine three dimensional (3D) positions of the map points during the cardiac cycle based on the PS motion data and select a set of 3D positions based on a frame rate. The method and system further generate 3D visualizations for each selected set of 3D positions. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150313480 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CALCULATING STRAIN FROM CHARACTERIZATION DATA OF A CARDIAC CHAMBER - A method and system is provided for calculating a strain from characterization motion data. The method and system utilize an intravascular mapping tool configured to be inserted into at least one of the endocardial or epicardial space. The mapping tool is maneuvered to select locations proximate to surfaces of the heart, while collecting map points at the select locations to form a point cloud data set during at least one cardiac cycle. The method and system further include automatically assigning segment identifiers (IDs) to the map points based on a position of the map point within the point cloud data set. The method and system further select a first and second reference from a group of map points. Further, the method and system calculate a linear strain based on an instantaneous distance and a reference distance between the first and second references. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150290455 | PROTECTIVE PATCH FOR PROTECTING THE IMPLANT SITE OF A TRIAL NEUROSTIMULATION LEAD - A protective patch or bandage is provided for use with an implantable trial neurostimulation lead for implant within a patient. In one example, the lead is routed through the patch to a trial neurostimulation generator. In another example, the patch includes an internal electrical connector for connecting the trial neurostimulation lead to a connection line from the trial neurostimulation generator. In either case, the patch is sealed over an implant site to protect and hygienically isolate the site. A central chamber of the patch is provided to hold medical gauze and to further hold a coiled portion of the neurostimulation lead. In some examples, the patient can shower while wearing the protective patch. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150283379 | SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION THERAPY - A system and method for performing deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy are provided. The method and system include pre-operatively acquiring at least one pre-operative image of the brain with at least one imaging sub-system and determining a location of a Nucleus Basalis of Meynert (NBM) for therapy in the at least one pre-operative image, and intra-operatively acquiring at least one intra-operative image of the brain after obtaining an access opening through the skull. The method and system further provide performing surgical planning based on the pre-operative image in the intra-operative image, advancing a lead having DBS electrodes on the lead to a target position proximate to or within the NBM area, and coupling the lead to an implantable pulse generator (IPG) configured to deliver DBS pulses through the DBS electrodes to the NBM. Further, the IPG is configured to deliver DBS pulses for treating symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease. | 10-08-2015 |
| 20150273215 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ASSESSMENT OF PAIN AND OTHER PARAMETERS DURING TRIAL NEUROSTIMULATION - Techniques are provided for use with a trial neurostimulation device having a lead for implant within a patient. In one example, neurostimulation is delivered using the lead while an indication of patient pain is detected. Various functions of the trial device are then controlled in response to patient pain, such as by adjusting neurostimulation control parameters to improve pain reduction, recording diagnostic information representative of patient pain or transmitting such parameters to a separate external instrument for analysis. In this manner, patient pain is automatically detected to provide objective feedback as to the efficacy of trial neurostimulation. Various embodiments of flexible trial neurostimulation device patches are described herein, including patches that are adhesively mounted over the point of entry of the trial lead into the patient, thus providing a comfortable patch that hygienically isolates the point of entry of the lead. | 10-01-2015 |
| 20150265843 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING WITH AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A method for operating an implantable medical device (IMD) implanted within a patient may include scanning for a wakeup request signal from an external programmer over a first frequency band at a first power level, switching to communication over a second frequency band at a second power level after the IMD detects the wakeup request signal, wherein the switching operation initiates an initial data exchange session during a common connected time period between the IMD and the external programmer, and cycling between the first and second power levels during the common connected time period based on whether data is being exchanged between the external programmer and the IMD. | 09-24-2015 |
| 20150265180 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION - A method for performing deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy may include determining a location of a target area of a brain, forming a burr hole through a skull of a patient based on the location the target area, positioning one or more reference members on or within the brain through the burr hole, and acquiring at least one image of the brain having the one or more reference members with at least one imaging sub-system. | 09-24-2015 |
| 20150255858 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A DUAL BAND ANTENNA FOR AN INTERNAL MEDICAL DEVICE - A dual band antenna mounted to a case of an implantable medical device (IMD) for implant within a patient is provided. The dual band antenna includes a first antenna sub-structure (FAS) and a second antenna sub-structure (SAS) each separately tuned to match a corresponding first and second resonant frequency, by adjusting at least one of relative lengths of the FAS and SAS, a capacitance of the FAS, a location of the SAS relative to the FAS and a cross-sectional area of conducting elements forming the components of the antenna. The FAS is formed as an inverted E-shaped antenna having three branches. The first branch of the antenna is capacitive, a second branch provides a radio frequency signal feed and a third branch provides a shunt to ground. The SAS is formed as a mono-pole antenna that is formed integral with, and extends from, the FAS. | 09-10-2015 |
| 20150251003 | NEUROSTIMULATION LEADS HAVING NON-PLANAR CONTOURS AND METHODS INCLUDING THE SAME - A neurostimulation (NS) lead configured to provide NS therapy to nervous tissue. The NS lead includes a lead body having an active side and a posterior side that face in generally opposite directions. The NS lead includes an array of electrodes provided on the active side and configured to face the nervous tissue and provide the NS therapy to the nervous tissue. The NS lead also includes a non-planar contour formed in the active side. The non-planar contour includes a plurality of slopes that form a morphological feature. The morphological feature is one of a projection or a depression that extends along a designated path on the active side. | 09-10-2015 |
| 20150238768 | AUTOMATIC CAPTURE VERIFICATION WITHIN LEADLESS IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - In one example, a leadless implantable medical device (LIMD) generates a cathodal stimulation pulse with anodal recharge for delivery to patient heart tissues using the tip electrode and the anode electrode. The LIMD then verifies capture of the cathodal stimulation pulse and, if capture is not verified, delivers a cathodal backup stimulation pulse with anodal recharge using the tip electrode and the anode electrode. Automatic capture verification is thereby provided within an LIMD to allow for a reduction in the magnitude of stimulation pulses and to extend the lifetime of the device. In one particular example, the anode is a middle portion of a cylindrical case with a surface area sufficient to prevent anodal stimulation. Other portions of the case are coated with an electrically insulating material to render those portions substantially electrically inert. A voltage halver may be used to further reduce power consumption. | 08-27-2015 |
| 20150211145 | METHOD FOR MAKING ELECTRODE FOILS HAVING REDUCED PARTICLE DETACHMENT AND REDUCED LEAKAGE CURRENT - Electrode foils suitable for use in electrolytic capacitors, including those having multiple configurations, have improved strength, reduced brittleness, and increased capacitance compared to conventional anode foils for electrolytic capacitors. Exemplary methods of manufacturing an anode foil suitable for use in an electrolytic capacitor include forming a pattern of etch resist on a surface of a substrate; etching a first area of the surface substantially enclosed by the pattern and a second area in intervals between the pattern to form tunnels in first and second areas of the surface; and removing the resist material revealing a non-etched frame. The resist material may be deposited, for example, by ink-jet printing, stamping or screen printing. Additionally, an etch resist pattern may be used to form strength lines on the substrate surface. | 07-30-2015 |
| 20150202432 | ELECTRODE STRUCTURE FOR DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION - An electrode structure is incorporated into an implantable lead for deep brain stimulation. The electrode structure comprises multiple radial electrode elements. The radial electrode elements of the electrode structure are separated by holes (e.g., slots) and held together by end rings of the electrode structure. The electrode elements are separated from one another at a later stage of a manufacturing process through the use of centerless grinding that removes the end rings. | 07-23-2015 |
| 20150196766 | WIRELESS CLOSED-LOOP AND SYSTEM TO DETECT AND TREAT SLEEP APNEA - A wireless implantable system is provided that is externally powered and comprises of a closed-loop feedback for treating both patients with obstructive and central sleep apnea. A method is provided for treating sleep apnea using an implantable device. The method comprises sensing an inspiration (IN) signal representative of inspiration experienced by a patient from a respiratory surrogate signal and sensing a respiratory effort (RE) signal representative of an amount of effort exerted by the patient during respiration. The method also comprises analyzing the inspiration signal relative to an IN baseline, that corresponds to normal respiratory behavior, to identify an IN indicator, analyzing the RE signal relative to an RE baseline, that corresponds to a normal amount of respiratory exerted by the patient, to identify an RE indicator, declaring a central sleep apnea (CSA) state or an obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) state based on the IN and RE indicators, and delivering at least one of a CSA therapy when the CSA state is declared or an OSA therapy when the OSA state is declared. | 07-16-2015 |
| 20150179348 | METHOD OF NANO-PATTERNING A FOIL SURCE - A method for patterning a metal substrate includes a series of surface treatments to control tunnel initiation at a micron or sub-micron level. In particular, the series of surface treatments include forming a hydration layer which acts as a mask while etching the surface of the metal substrate. The hydration layer mask enables control of the tunnel initiation on a micron or sub-micron level because the etching does not undercut the interface between the metal substrate and the hydration layer. As a result, the tunnels can be initiated in an orthogonal direction and closer together, thereby increasing the tunnel density. | 06-25-2015 |
| 20150148868 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR ESTABLISHING A COMMUNICATION SESSION BETWEEN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE AND AN EXTERNAL DEVICE - A method is provided for establishing a communication session with an implantable medical device (“IMD”). The method includes configuring an IMD and an external device to communicate with one another through a protocol that utilizes a dedicated advertisement channel. The IMD periodically transmitting advertisement notices over the dedicated advertisement channel according to the protocol. The advertisement notices being transmitted periodically at an advertisement period over multiple cycles. The method further includes repeatedly scanning the advertisement channel, by the external device, for select scanning intervals in search of the advertisement notices, the scanning operation being repeated periodically at a scan period over the multiple cycles. The advertisement period and the scan period are independent of one another such that the advertisement and scan periods at least partially overlap intermittently after a number of cycles. When the external device detects one of the advertisement notices, the method includes establishing a communications link between the external device and the IMD. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150142010 | NEUROSTIMULATION LEADS HAVING TWO-DIMENSIONAL ARRAYS - A neurostimulation lead including an elongated lead body having a distal end and a proximal base. The lead body may have an elastic property such that the lead body is capable of flexing between different geometries. The lead may also include electrodes positioned along the lead body. The lead body may be configured to be straightened into a substantially linear geometry for delivering the lead body into an epidural space and may be biased such that the lead body is configured to have a wave-like geometry when disposed within the epidural space. The lead body may form first and second lateral segments that are joined by a corresponding linking portion when in the wave-like geometry. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150134023 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SELECTING LV PACING SITE IN A MULTIPOLAR LV LEAD - A method and system for selecting at least one left ventricular (LV) pacing site for an implantable medical device equipped for cardiac stimulus pacing using a multi-pole LV lead are provided. The method and system include sensing LV activation events at multiple LV sensing sites. The arrival times of the LV activation events for corresponding LV sensing sites are measured. The method and system further include calculating differences between the arrival times for combinations of the LV sensing sites to obtain inter-site arrival delays between the combinations of the LV sensing sites. When at least one of the inter-site arrival delays exceeds a threshold, the method and system include designating the LV sensing site from the corresponding combination that has a later arrival time as a first LV pacing site from which to deliver LV pacing pulses using the implantable medical device. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150119966 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CHARACTERIZING STIMULUS SITES AND PROVIDING IMPLANT GUIDANCE - A method and system for characterizing an accessibility of potential left ventricular stimulus sites in connection with surgical planning for transvenous implant of a cardiac medical lead in or near a heart of a patient are provided. The method and system include obtaining image data representative of a coronary venous system for the heart of the patient to receive the lead. The method and system generate a venous map, based on the image data, representative of venous pathways for the heart of the patient. The method and system analyze the venous map to identify pathway features of interest (PFOI) within at least one select region of the venous pathways. The method and system assign scores to the PFOI based on at least one of predetermined feature-complexity relations or physician-entered complexity updates. The method and system display treatment planning information to a user based on the scores. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150112414 | MEDICAL DEVICE LEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING INTEGRATED PRESSURE-RESISTING MEMBER - A medical device configured to be secured to an individual may include a housing containing one or more electrical components, and one or more leads electrically connected to the housing. Each lead may include an insulating jacket that surrounds a central core including one or more conductors, and at least one pressure-resisting member integrally formed with one or both of the insulating jacket or the central core. The pressure-resisting member is configured to resist one or more forces exerted into the central core. For example, the pressure-resisting member may include one or more of a suture-anchoring member or a lead-strengthening member. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150094784 | IMPLANTABLE STIMULATION DEVICES, AND METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR USE THEREWITH, THAT AUTOMATICALLY ADJUST STIMULATION PARAMETERS TO IMPROVE PRELOAD IN AN HF PATIENT - Methods, systems and devices described herein can be used for automatically adjusting one or more cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) pacing parameters (and more generally stimulation parameters), to achieve a long term reduction in left ventricular (LV) diastolic pressure (and more generally, preload) of a heart failure (HF) patient. A reduction in LV diastolic pressure is indicative of a reduction in preload (the force of blood the fills the left ventricle), which is typically indicative of an improvement in a patient's HF condition. In accordance with certain embodiments, when a set of stimulation parameters is tested, the set is tested for a period that is sufficiently long enough to allow the patient's compensatory mechanisms to react to the set of stimulation parameters and achieve a substantially steady-state LV diastolic pressure corresponding to the using the set of stimulation parameters. Such techniques are believed to provide better results than achieved using acute hemodynamic optimization techniques. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150077168 | LEVEL SHIFTING CIRCUIT - A level shifter shifts the level of an input signal from a second voltage domain to a first voltage domain. To accommodate different input signal levels (e.g., including sub-threshold input signal levels) that may arise due to changes in the supply voltage for the second voltage domain, current for a latch circuit of the level shifter is limited based on the supply voltage for the second voltage domain. In this way, a drive circuit of the level shifter that controls the latch circuit based on the input signal is able to initiate a change of state of the latch circuit over a wide range of input signal levels. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150073287 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CHARACTERIZING CHAMBER SPECIFIC FUNCTION - A method and system are provided for characterizing chamber specific function. The method and system comprise collecting cardiac signals associated with asynchronous timing between first and second chambers of the heart; collecting dynamic impedance (DI) data along a chamber-specific function (CSF) vector to form a DI data set, the DI data set collected during a collection window that is temporally aligned based on a timing feature of interest (FOI); repeating the collection operations over multiple cardiac cycles (CC) to obtain an ensemble of DI data sets; and combining the ensemble of DI data sets to form a composite DI data set that is coupled to a chamber functional mechanic of interest (FMOI) associated with the first chamber and decoupled from functional mechanics associated with the second chamber; and analyzing the composite DI data set to obtain a CSF indicator associated with the chamber FMOI of the first chamber. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150065897 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING FLUID STATUS BASED ON A DYNAMIC IMPEDANCE SURROGATE FOR CENTRAL VENOUS PRESSURE - A method and system are provided for determining fluid status with a central venous system of a heart. Dynamic impedance (DI) data and static impedance (SI) data are collected over multiple cardiac cycles (CC) for a persistent time period of interest (POI). The DI and SI data are collected along a central venous (CV) vector that extends through a superior vena cava (SVC). The DI and SI data are analyzed to obtain DI long-term variation (LTV) information and SI LTV information, respectively, and to detect whether the DI LTV information and the SI LTV information include decreasing persistent trends in the DI and SI data. When decreasing persistent trends are detected in the DI and SI data, an overload output is generated to indicate that the heart is experiencing a volume overload state. The DI and SI data represent a surrogate for central venous pressure. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150057717 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE THROUGH RADIO FREQUENCY SIGNALS - An implantable medical device (IMD) may include a communication module, a therapy control module, a firmware control module, and a service application. The communication module is configured to wirelessly communicate over an RF link with an external device. The therapy control module is configured to deliver therapy to the patient, and may include a reprogrammable therapy logic circuit configured to operate the therapy control module in a reprogrammable mode of operation, and base-therapy state machine (BTSM) logic circuit configured to operate the therapy control module in a base therapy mode of operation. The firmware control module may include CPU and a memory. The service application may be stored in the memory. The firmware control module is configured to launch the service application, and the BTSM logic circuit provides a base level of sensing and pacing therapy while the communications module in parallel maintains the RF link with the external device. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150057716 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ANALYZING VALVE RELATED TIMING AND MONITORING HEART FAILURE - A method and system are provided to analyze valve related timing and monitor heart failure. The method and system comprise collecting cardiac signals associated with an atrial chamber of interest; collecting dynamic impedance (DI) data along an atria-function focused (AFF) vector to form a DI data set, the DI data set including information corresponding to a mechanical function (MF) of a valve associated with the atrial chamber of interest; identifying, from the cardiac signals, an intra-atrial conduction timing (IACT) associated with the atrial chamber of interest; estimating an MF landmark at which the mechanical function of the valve occurs based on the DI data set; analyzing a timing delay between the MF landmark and the IACT; and adjusting a therapy, based on the timing delay, to encourage atrial contribution to ventricular filling. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150051661 | Method and System for Validating Local Capture in Multisite Pacing Delivery - A method for use with an implantable system including a lead having multiple electrodes implantable proximate to a patient's left ventricular (LV) chamber includes simultaneously delivering pacing pulses over corresponding pacing vectors defined by electrodes proximate to the LV chamber. The method includes recording evoked responses responsive to the pacing pulses that are measured over separate corresponding sensing channels. The method also includes comparing the evoked responses to a template that represents local capture of a local LV tissue region along one or more of the corresponding pacing vectors. The comparison is used to determine whether the pacing pulses achieved local capture along the corresponding pacing vectors. At least one of the pacing pulses or pacing vectors are updated based on the comparison of the evoked responses to the template in order to determine a local capture threshold for the corresponding pacing vectors. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150032175 | IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC STIMULATION DEVICES, AND METHODS OF USE THEREWITH, THAT USE ASSIGNABLE PACE RETURN CAPACITORS - Described herein are implantable cardiac stimulation devices, and methods for use therewith. A pacing channel of such a device includes a pace output terminal, a pulse generator and at least two pace return electrode terminals. The pace output terminal is coupleable to an electrode for use as an anode. The pulse generator is configured to selectively output an electrical stimulation pulse to the pace output terminal. Each of the pace return electrode terminals is coupleable to a separate one of at least two further electrodes for use as a cathode. Switching circuitry selectively couples any one of the pace return electrode terminals of the pacing channel to the pace return capacitor of the pacing channel at a time, thereby enabling the pace return capacitor to be shared by at least two of the pace return electrode terminals of the pacing channel. Additional embodiments are also disclosed herein. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20140358195 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES, AND METHODS OF USE THEREWITH, THAT USE A SAME COIL FOR RECEIVING BOTH COMMUNICATION AND POWER SIGNALS - Implantable medical devices (IMDs), and methods for use therewith, use a same coil for receiving communication and power signals. An IMD, which is configured to operate in a charge or power mode and in a communication mode, includes a coil, power circuitry and communication circuitry. The coil includes first and second terminals and an intermediate tap therebetween. The power circuitry is coupled, during the charge or power mode, to a first portion of the coil extending between the first and second terminals of the coil. The communication circuitry is coupled to a second portion of the coil extending between the first terminal and the intermediate tap of the coil. A third portion of the coil, extending between the intermediate tap and the second terminal of the coil, is decoupled from the power circuitry during the communication mode, which prevents current from flowing through the third portion of the coil. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140350630 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EVALUATING DIASTOLIC FUNCTION BASED ON CARDIOGENIC IMPEDANCE USING AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Diastolic function is monitored within a patient based on dynamic cardiogenic impedance as measured by a pacemaker or other implantable medical device. In one example, the device uses ventricular cardiogenic impedance values to detect E-wave parameters representative of passive filling of the ventricles. Atrial cardiogenic impedance values are used to detect A-wave parameters representative of active filling of the ventricles. Diastolic function is then assessed or evaluated based on the E-wave and A-wave parameters. Various functions of the implantable device are then controlled based on the assessment of diastolic function, such as by adjusting atrioventricular delay parameters to improve diastolic function. In some examples, the detection of E- and A-wave parameters is achieved by aligning impedance signals to atrial activation, and separately to ventricular activation, during asynchronous VOO pacing or while artificially inducing a 2:1 block. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140350623 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ELECTRICAL STIMULATION BASED ON LOWEST OPERABLE VOLTAGE MULTIPLIER FOR USE WITH IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Techniques are provided for use with implantable devices equipped with programmable voltage multipliers (including voltage dividers.) Candidate pulse widths are determined for selected voltage multipliers and stimulation vectors. Each candidate pulse width corresponds to a lowest pulse energy sufficient to achieve capture within the tissues of the patient (subject to a safety margin) using the selected vector and using the corresponding voltage multiplier. As such, a candidate pulse width represents a preferred or optimal pulse width, at least insofar as energy consumption is concerned. However, depending upon the capabilities of the device, the candidate pulse width might not be achievable. Accordingly, for each programmable vector, the system determines a lowest “operable” voltage multiplier sufficient to generate a pulse at a candidate pulse width subject to the capabilities of the device. The system then determines the corresponding current drain, and the vector achieving the lowest current drain at the lowest operable voltage multiplier is selected for the delivery of stimulation. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140336719 | METHOD FOR HEMODYNAMIC OPTIMIZATION USING PLETHYSMOGRAPHY - Time delays between a feature of a signal indicative of electrical activity of a patient's heart and a feature of a plethysmograph signal indicative of changes in arterial blood volume are used to arrange the operation of an implantable device, such as a pacemaker. Shorter time delays between the feature of the signal indicative of electrical activity of a patient's heart and the feature of the plethysmograph signal indicative of changes in arterial blood volume are indicative of larger cardiac stroke volumes. The time delay can be used to select a pacing site or combination of pacing sites and/or to select a pacing interval set. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140316480 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICE WITH RESPONSIVE VASCULAR AND CARDIAC CONTROLLERS - Exemplary methods are described for providing responsive vascular control with or without cardiac pacing. An implantable device with responsive vascular and cardiac controllers interprets physiological conditions and responds with an appropriate degree of vascular therapy applied as electrical pulses to a sympathetic nerve. In one implementation, an implantable device is programmed to deliver the vascular therapy in response to low blood pressure or orthostatic hypotension. The device may stimulate the greater splanchnic nerve, to effect therapeutic vasoconstriction. The vascular therapy is dynamically adjusted as the condition improves. In one implementation to benefit impaired physical mobility, vascular therapy comprises vasoconstriction and is timed to coincide with a recurring segment of the cardiac cycle. The vasoconstriction assists circulation and venous return in the lower limbs of inactive and bedridden individuals. In various implementations, cardiac pacing therapy that is synergistic with the vascular therapy may be added to augment treatment. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140309538 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING PHRENIC NERVE STIMULATION - An apparatus and method for detecting phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS) including computing a power spectral density (PSD) of spatial data of a sensor; determining two spectral magnitudes from the PSD; computing a ratio of the two spectral magnitudes; and comparing the ratio to a threshold to detect PNS. In one example, detecting PNS includes computing a PSD of spatial data of an externally placed sensor; determining a diaphragmatic spectral magnitude and a respiratory motion spectral magnitude from the PSD; and computing a ratio of the diaphragmatic spectral magnitude to the respiratory motion spectral magnitude to detect PNS. In one example, detecting PNS includes computing an oscillation amplitude of spatial data of a sensor; computing a baseline wander amplitude of the spatial data of the sensor; computing a ratio of the oscillation amplitude to the baseline wander amplitude; and comparing the ratio to a threshold to detect PNS. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140288551 | ERYTHROPOEITIN PRODUCTION BY ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - Described herein are methods, devices, and systems for treating human anemia. The methods, devices, and systems generally include monitoring a patients hemoglobin level and at least one of autonomic balance and inflammatory state to determine the etiology of the anemic state, modulating at least one of a sympathetic or parasympathetic nerve based on the cause of the anemia, monitoring for changes in the patients cardiac activity and state of inflammation, and hemoglobin level. An external neurostimulation system is describes, and well as a chronic implantable system. A method for treating a patient for anemia in conjunction with a renal denervation ablation catheter is also disclosed. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140277322 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEAD AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - An implantable medical lead may include a longitudinally extending body, an electrical conductor, an electrical component, and a weld. The longitudinally extending body includes a distal end and a proximal end. The electrical conductor extends through the body between the proximal end and the distal end. The electrical component is on the body and includes a sacrificial feature defined in a wall of the electrical component. The sacrificial feature includes a region that continues from the wall of the electrical component and a side that is isolated from the wall of the electrical component via a void defined in the wall of the electrical component. The weld is formed at least in part from at least a portion of the sacrificial feature. The weld operably couples the electrical component to the electrical conductor. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140277312 | MRI COMPATIBLE IMPLANTABLE LEAD - An implantable lead is provided that comprises a lead body configured to be implanted in a patient, the lead body having a distal end and a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal and proximal ends; a connector assembly provided at the proximal end of the lead body, the connector assembly configured to connect to an implantable medical device; an electrode provided along the lead body, the electrode configured to at least one of deliver stimulating pulses and sense electrical activity, the electrode having a length extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the electrode; a conductor cable located within the lead body and extending at least partially along a length of the lead body; and an connection node electrically connecting the cable to the electrode at an intermediate point along the length of the electrode. The connection node is disposed at a position intermediate between the proximal and distal ends of the electrode. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140277311 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEAD AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - An implantable medical lead includes a longitudinally extending body, an electrical conductor, an electrical component and a weld. The longitudinally extending body includes a distal end, a proximal end, and paddle region near the distal end. The electrical conductor extends through the body between the proximal end and the paddle region. The electrical component is on the paddle region and includes a sacrificial feature defined in a wall of the electrical component. The sacrificial feature includes a region that continues from the wall of the electrical component and a side that is isolated from the wall of the electrical component via a void defined in the wall of the electrical component. The weld is formed at least in part from at least a portion of the sacrificial feature. The weld operably couples the electrical component to the electrical conductor. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140277259 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A DISTRIBUTED VIRTUAL STIMULATION CATHODE FOR USE WITH AN IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM - Techniques are provided for controlling and delivering spinal cord stimulation (SCS) or other forms of neurostimulation. In one example, neurostimulation pulses are generated wherein successive pulses alternate in polarity so that a pair of electrodes alternate as cathodes. Each pulse has a cathodic amplitude sufficient to achieve cathodic capture of tissues adjacent the particular electrode used as the cathode for the pulse. The neurostimulation pulses are delivered to patient tissues using the electrodes to alternatingly capture tissues adjacent opposing electrodes via cathodic capture to achieve a distributed virtual stimulation cathode. Various pulse energy savings techniques are also set forth that exploit the distributed virtual stimulation cathode. | 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 |
| 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 |
| 20140276151 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OBTAINING SUBSTANTIALLY SIMULTANEOUS MULT-CHANNEL IMPEDANCE MEASUREMENTS AND RELATED APPLICATIONS - An implantable system includes terminals, a pulse generator, a sensing circuit, separate signal processing channels, and first, second and third multiplexers. The terminals are connected to electrodes via conductors of leads. Different subsets of the electrodes are used to define different electrical pulse delivery vectors, and different subsets of the electrodes are used to define different sensing vectors. The pulse generator produces electrical pulses, and the sensing circuit senses a signal indicative of an impedance associated with a selected sensing vector. The first multiplexer selectively connects outputs of the pulse generator to a selected one of the different electrical pulse delivery vectors at a time. The second multiplexer selectively connect inputs of the sensing circuit to a selected one of the different sensing vectors at a time. The third multiplexer selectively connects an output of the sensing circuit to one of the plurality of separate signal processing channels at a time. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276125 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CHARACTERIZING CARDIAC FUNCTION BASED ON DYNAMIC IMPEDANCE - A method and system are provided for characterizing cardiac function. The method and system comprise collecting cardiac signals associated with electrical or mechanical behavior of a heart over at least one cardiac cycle; identifying a timing feature of interest (FOI) from the cardiac signals; collecting dynamic impedance (DI) data over at least one cardiac cycle (CC), designated by the timing FOI, along at least one of i) a venous return (VR) vector or ii) a right ventricular function (RVF) vector; and analyzing at least one morphologic characteristic from the DI data based on at least one of i) a VR-DI correlation metric to obtain a VR indicator associated with the CC or ii) a RVF-DI correlation metric to obtain a RVF indicator associated with CC. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140276122 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR NEUROCARDIAC DIFFERENTIAL ANALYSIS OF ISCHEMIA AND MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION - A method and system for differential analysis of cardiac events are provided that include monitoring cardiac signals from a heart to detect deviations indicative of at least one of ischemia and myocardial infarction (MI). The method and system also monitor physiologic surrogate signals associated with pain to detect chest pain. Additionally, the method and system include characterizing a cardiac event exhibited by the heart based on whether the cardiac event occurs in a presence of at least one of the ischemia, IM, and chest pain. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140275916 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO DETERMINE HR, RR AND CLASSIFY CARDIAC RHYTHMS BASED ON ATRIAL IEGM AND ATRIAL PRESSURE SIGNALS - Systems, devices and methods described herein can be used to monitor and treat cardiovascular disease, and more specifically, can be used to determine heart rate (HR), determine respiration rate (RR) and classify cardiac rhythms based on atrial intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) and atrial pressure (AP) signals. The atrial IEGM and AP signals are subject to spectrum transforms to obtain an atrial IEGM frequency spectrum and an AP frequency spectrum. Based on peaks in the atrial IEGM and AP frequency spectrums measures of HR and RR are determined, and arrhythmias are detected and/or arrhythmia discrimination is performed. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140275827 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DERIVING EFFECTIVENESS OF MEDICAL TREATMENT OF A PATIENT - A method and system for deriving effectiveness of medical treatment of a patient are provided that include collecting patient state (PS) data from at least one of an implantable medical device (IMD) or an external medical device (EMD) over a collection interval. The collected PS data relates to a physiologic characteristic (PC) of the patient. The PS data is transferred to a database that is remote from the patient to form a patient state data (PSD) history. The patient undergoes a pivotal medical event (PME) during the collection interval. The PS data within the PSD history is analyzed before and after the PME to propose a treatment therapy (TT). Following delivery of the TT, the collecting and transferring operations are repeated to obtain post-treatment PS data and form a post-treatment PSD history. An effectiveness indicator (EI) of the TT is derived based on at least the post-treatment PSD history. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140257324 | TEMPORARY LEADLESS IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH INDWELLING RETRIEVAL MECHANISM - A method and system are provided for removing, from an implant chamber of a heart, a leadless implantable medical device (LIMD) having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end is configured to be actively secured to tissue in the implant chamber of the heart. The proximal end is configured to be coupled to a distal end of an indwelling retrieval mechanism (IRM). The IRM extends from the heart along a vessel, the IRM having a proximal end configured to be anchored at a temporary anchor site. The method comprises detaching the IRM from the anchor site, loading a retrieval tool over the proximal end of the IRM and along the body of the IRM. The retrieval tool has a lumen therein that receives the IRM as the retrieval tool re-enters the vessel, thereby allowing the retrieval tool to engage the LIMD. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140249404 | VASCULAR BRANCH CHARACTERIZATION - An apparatus and method for characterizing a region of interest (ROI) including measuring position and orientation data within the ROI; and generating a geometric data set to include one or more of: length, bifurcation location, angle and curvature characteristics of the ROI. Also, sequentially taking an image of a tool within the ROI; comparing tool dimensions with ROI dimensions; and estimating diameter, length, take-off angle, and/or tortuosity characteristics based on the comparisons. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140243920 | NEUROSTIMULATION CONTROLLED BY ASSESSMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK - Stimulation of a patient's nervous system is controlled based on cardiovascular risk assessment performed by an implantable medical device. For example, an implantable medical device may monitor cardiac electrical activity to detect changes in the ST segment. Upon detection of a certain change in the ST segment, the implantable medical device controls the application of spinal cord stimulation and/or other neurostimulation to cardiac-related sections of the patient's nervous system. In some embodiments, the implantable medical device communicates with a separate neurostimulation device to control the neurostimulation. In some embodiments, the implantable medical device delivers the neurostimulation. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140243917 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING IMPEDANCE DATA QUALITY IN THE PRESENCE OF PACING PULSES - An implantable medical device, comprised of at least one lead configured to be located proximate to a heart, the at least one lead including electrodes, at least a portion of the electrodes configured to sense cardiac activity. A therapy module configured to control delivery of pacing pulses in accordance with a therapy timing and based on the cardiac sensed activity sensed. Cardiac impedance (CI) sensor circuitry configured to be coupled to at least a first combination of the electrodes to sense cardiac impedance (CI), the CI sensor circuitry generating an impedance data stream associated with a corresponding CI sensing vector. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140236171 | METHODFOR THE IMPLANTATION OF ACTIVE FIXATION MEDICAL LEADS - A lead implantation tool is used for the implantation of active fixation medical leads. The tool may be configured to operably couple to a lead connector end of an implantable cardiac electrotherapy lead including an active fixation helix tip and wherein the lead connector end includes a contact pin proximally extending from the lead connector end. The tool may include a feature configured to couple to the contact pin and a first mechanism configured to convert linear movement into rotational movement of the contact pin relative to the lead connector end. The tool may further include a second mechanism that causes a stylet extending through the tool and into the contact pin to at least one of distally and proximally displace within the contact pin. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140221771 | Method and Implantable System for Blood-Glucose Concentration Monitoring Using Parallel Methodologies - In an implantable medical device for monitoring glucose concentration in the blood, a blood-glucose concentration analysis is performed using correlations of blood-glucose concentration with measures of metabolic oxygen consumption including oxymetric, and/or temperature. Analysis of electrocardiographic data is used in a parallel method to detect and/or confirm the onset and/or existence and/or extent of hypoglycemia and/or hyperglycemia. Blood-glucose concentration calculation is enhanced by using the combination of the oxygen metabolism analysis and electrocardiographic analysis. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140214110 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO MONITOR AND TREAT HEART FAILURE CONDITIONS - An implantable device monitors and treats heart failure, pulmonary edema, and hemodynamic conditions and in some cases applies therapy. In one implementation, the implantable device applies a high-frequency multi-phasic pulse waveform over multiple-vectors through tissue. The waveform has a duration less than the charging time constant of electrode-electrolyte interfaces in vivo to reduce intrusiveness while increasing sensitivity and specificity for trending parameters. The waveform can be multiplexed over multiple vectors and the results cross-correlated or subjected to probabilistic analysis or thresholding schemata to stage heart failure or pulmonary edema. In one implementation, a fractionation morphology of a sensed impedance waveform is used to trend intracardiac pressure to stage heart failure and to regulate cardiac resynchronization therapy. The waveform also provides unintrusive electrode integrity checks and 3-D impedancegrams. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140214108 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE VOLTAGE DIVIDER CIRCUIT FOR MITIGATING ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE - An RF protection circuit mitigates potentially adverse effects that may otherwise result from electromagnetic interference (e.g., due to MRI scanning of a patient having an implanted medical device). The RF protection circuit may comprise a voltage divider that is deployed across a pair of cardiac electrodes that are coupled to internal circuitry of the implantable medical device. Each leg of the voltage divider may be referenced to a ground of the internal circuit, whereby the different legs are deployed in parallel across different circuits of the internal circuitry. In this way, when an EMI-induced (e.g., MRI-induced) signal appears across the cardiac electrodes, the voltages appearing across these circuits and the currents flowing through these circuits may be reduced. The RF protection circuit may be used in an implantable medical device that employs a relatively low capacitance feedthrough to reduce EMI-induced (e.g., MRI-induced) current flow in a cardiac lead. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140213916 | WIRELESS MEMS LEFT ATRIAL PRESSURE SENSOR - Systems for monitoring left atrial pressure using implantable cardiac monitoring devices and, more specifically, to a left atrial pressure sensor implanted through a septal wall are presented herein. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140213915 | WIRELESS MEMS LEFT ATRIAL PRESSURE SENSOR - Systems for monitoring left atrial pressure using implantable cardiac monitoring devices and, more specifically, to a left atrial pressure sensor implanted through a septal wall are presented herein. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140213890 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GATHERING BODILY FLUID DYNAMIC PRESSURE MEASUREMENTS - An apparatus and method for gathering bodily fluid dynamic pressure measurements including placing a delivery tool in a region of interest (ROI), wherein the delivery tool includes a sensor, wherein the sensor is positioned in a substantially perpendicular direction to a flow direction of the ROI; measuring a sensor displacement for a time period; and determining a pressure measurement in the ROI using the sensor displacement. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140212734 | BATTERY STACK HAVING INTERLEAVED ANODE AND CATHODE - A cathode element is formed as a continuous single element with a plurality of cathode leaves connected by cathode bridges. An anode element is similarly formed as a continuous single element with a plurality of anode leaves connected by anode bridges. The cathode element and anode element can be aligned and interleaved at spaces between adjacent leaves. The resulting battery pre-stack can then be folded along its bridges in alternating directions to form a battery stack whose layers alternate between an anode and cathode, and which requires minimal components and minimal or no welds. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140200644 | 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. | 07-17-2014 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 20140172033 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING AND TREATING JUNCTIONAL RHYTHMS - An implantable medical device is provided for detecting transportless ventricular rhythm of a heart lacking atrial transport and comprises a housing, sensors configured to be located proximate to a heart, a sensing module to sense cardiac signals representative of a rhythm originating from the heart and a rhythm detection module. The rhythm detection module determines a change in AV association and identifies a potential ventricular complex with loss of atrial transport (VCLAT) based on the change in AV association. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140155966 | IMPLANTABLE LEAD WITH BODY PROFILE OPTIMIZED FOR IMPLANT ENVIRONMENT - Implementations described and claimed herein provide an implantable lead optimized for an implant environment and methods of manufacturing such implantable leads. The implantable lead includes an insulation layer having one or more transitions along a length of the insulation layer from a proximal end to a distal end. Each of the transitions is a seamless change from a section of the insulation layer having a set of performance characteristics to another section of the insulation layer having a different set of performance characteristics. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140155707 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS THAT MONITOR FOR AN IMPENDING MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION - Implantable systems, and methods for use therewith, are provided for monitoring for an impending myocardial infarction. A signal indicative of changes in arterial blood volume is obtained. Such a signal can be a photoplethysmography signal or an impedance plethysmography signal. For each of a plurality of periods of time, a metric indicative of the areas under the curve of the signal or number of inflections in the signal is determined. An impending myocardial infarction is monitored for based on changes in the metric indicative of the area under the curve of the signal or number of inflections in the signal, and an alert and/or therapy is triggered in response to an impending myocardial infarction being predicted. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140142449 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ANALYZING T-WAVE ALTERNANS - Embodiments of the present invention relate to implantable systems, and methods for use therein, that can detect T-wave alternans and analyze the detected alternans to provide information regarding cardiac instabilities and predict impending arrhythmias. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140142444 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USING PULMONARY ARTERY PRESSURE FROM AN IMPLANTABLE SENSOR TO DETECT MITRAL REGURGITATION AND OPTIMIZE PACING DELAYS - Techniques are provided for use with a pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) monitor having an implantable PAP sensor. In one example, a PAP signal is sensed that is representative of beat-by-beat variations in PAP occurring during individual cardiac cycles of the patient. The PAP monitor detects peaks within the PAP signal corresponding to valvular regurgitation within the heart, then detects mitral regurgitation (MR) based on the peaks. In other examples, the PAP monitor optimizes pacing parameters based on the PAP signal and corresponding electrical cardiac signals. Examples are provided where the PAP monitor is an external system and other examples are provided where the PAP monitor is a component of an implantable cardiac rhythm management device. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140142443 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EXPLOITING PULMONARY ARTERY PRESSURE OBTAINED FROM AN IMPLANTABLE SENSOR TO DETECT CARDIAC RHYTHM IRREGULARITIES - Techniques are provided for use with a pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) monitor having an implantable PAP sensor. In one example, a PAP signal is sensed that is representative of beat-by-beat variations in PAP occurring during individual cardiac cycles of the patient. The PAP monitor detects intervals within the signal corresponding to the durations of cardiac cycles, then detects cardiac rhythm irregularities based on the intervals. For example, the PAP monitor can detect and distinguish atrial fibrillation, ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia based on the stability of the intervals of the PAP signal along with other information such as ventricular rate. The PAP monitor can also detect and distinguish premature contractions based on durations of the intervals. Examples where the PAP monitor is a component of an implantable cardiac rhythm management device (CRMD) are also provided. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140142406 | GUIDED MYOCARDIAL SUBSTRATE CHARACTERIZATION AND INFARCT SCAR LOCATION - An apparatus and method for quantifying myocardial kinetics by positioning two sensors on a myocardial substrate site so that one sensor is directly opposing the other along a ventricular wall; tracking a relative displacement between the two sensors; and determining whether there is an infarct based on the tracked relative displacement. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140135860 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EARLY DETECTION OF LEAD BREACHES USING CROSS-LEAD IMPEDANCES DETECTED BY AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Techniques are provided for use with an implantable medical device for detecting breaches in lead insulation or other lead failures. In one example, bipolar impedance is measured along single-lead vectors (i.e. intra-lead vectors) of a right atrial (RA) lead and a right ventricular (RV) leads. Impedance is also measured along various cross-lead vectors (i.e. inter-lead vectors) between electrodes of the two leads. A derived impedance value is then determined from a combination of the measured impedance values, wherein the derived impedance is sensitive to a shunt impedance arising from a breach within the RV lead. A lead breach is then detected relatively early based on the derived impedance by detecting a significant deviation in derived impedance over time. Unipolar impedance measurements are used to confirm the breach. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140135645 | ACQUIRING NERVE ACTIVITY FROM CAROTID BODY AND/OR SINUS - An exemplary includes acquiring an electroneurogram of the right carotid sinus nerve or the left carotid sinus nerve, analyzing the electroneurogram for at least one of chemosensory information and barosensory information and calling for one or more therapeutic actions based at least in part on the analyzing. Therapeutic actions may aim to treat conditions such as sleep apnea, an increase in metabolic demand, hypoglycemia, hypertension, renal failure, and congestive heart failure. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. | 05-15-2014 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 20140114203 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OFF-LINE REPROGRAMMING OF IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE COMPONENTS TO REDUCE FALSE DETECTIONS OF CARDIAC EVENTS - Techniques are provided for use by implantable medical devices such as pacemakers or by external systems in communication with such devices. An intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) is sensed within a patient in which the device is implanted using a cardiac signal sensing system. Cardiac events of interest such as arrhythmias, premature atrial contractions (PACs), premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and pacemaker mediated tachycardias (PMTs) are detected within the patient using event detection systems and then portions of the IEGM representative of the events of interest are recorded in device memory. Subsequently, during an off-line or background analysis, the recorded IEGM data is retrieved and analyzed to identify false detections. In response to false detections, the cardiac signal sensing systems and/or the event detection systems of the implantable device are selectively adjusted or reprogrammed to reduce or eliminate any further false detections, including false-positives or false-negatives. Various adaptive reprogramming techniques are described. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140107723 | SINGLE-CHAMBER LEADLESS INTRA-CARDIAC MEDICAL DEVICE WITH DUAL-CHAMBER FUNCTIONALITY - A leadless implantable medical device (LIMD) comprises a housing configured to be implanted entirely within a single local ventricular chamber of the heart near a local apex region. A base on the housing is configured to be secured to tissue of interest, while a distal electrode is provided on the base and extends outward such that, when the device is implanted in the local chamber, the distal electrode is configured to engage the distal apex region at a distal activation site within the conduction network of the adjacent ventricular chamber. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140107720 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PACKED PACING USING BIFURCATED PACING PULSES OF OPPOSING POLARITY GENERATED BY AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Techniques are provided for use with implantable medical devices to deliver packed pacing using split or bifurcated pulses of opposing polarity in different cardiac cycles. In one example, packed single-phase pulses are delivered by the device during a first cardiac cycle that serve to stimulate heart tissue. During the next cardiac cycle, packed single-phase stimulation pulse of opposing polarity are delivered that serve to recharge the pacing capacitors and also serve to stimulate heart tissue. By separating the pulses into separate cardiac cycles, near simultaneous multisite packed stimulation can be achieved within each cardiac cycle while providing for charge balancing and without interfering with sensing. Non-packed pacing with bifurcated pulses is also described. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140107719 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR POSTEXTRASYSTOLIC POTENTIATION USING ANODIC AND CATHODIC PULSES GENERATED BY AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Techniques are provided for use with implantable medical devices to deliver paired or coupled postextrasystolic potentiation (PESP) pacing using split or bifurcated anodic and cathodic pulses. In a paired pacing example, a single-phase anodic pulse is delivered by the device that has sufficient amplitude to depolarize and contract myocardial tissue. During or just following a subsequent relative refractory period, a single-phase cathodic stimulation pulse is delivered that has sufficient amplitude to depolarize but not contract myocardial tissue, i.e., the cathodic pulse provides for PESP. In a coupled pacing example, the single-phase anodic pulse is delivered during or just following the relative refractory period of a first cardiac cycle; whereas the single-phase cathodic pulse is delivered during or immediately following the relative refractory period of the next consecutive cardiac cycle. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140100637 | ACTIVE REJECTION OF MRI GRADIENT SIGNALS IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Active rejection techniques are used to cancel MRI gradient signals in an implantable medical device. An active component placed in an input channel of the implantable medical device actively rejects MRI gradient signals received on the input channel. A sensing circuit that senses an external MRI gradient signal generates a control signal that controls the active component. For example, the control signal may be the inverse of the external MRI gradient signal. An active component that receives an input signal including a desired signal component (e.g., a cardiac signal) and an undesired MRI gradient signal component may thus use this control signal to reject the undesired MRI gradient signal component. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140100627 | LEADLESS INTRA-CARDIAC MEDICAL DEVICE WITH INTEGRATED L-C RESONANT CIRCUIT PRESSURE SENSOR - A leadless intra-cardiac medical device comprises an integrated L-C resonant circuit pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor comprises a passive sensor that measures pressure in response to an externally generated excitation signal. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor comprises an active sensor that measures pressure in response to an internally generated excitation signal. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140094890 | IMPLANTABLE THERAPY LEAD WITH CONDUCTOR CONFIGURATION ENHANCING ABRASION RESISTANCE - An implantable therapy lead employs electrical conductors configured to enhance the abrasion resistance of the lead. Specifically, conductors are configured to create a surface contact area with walls of a wall lumen of a tubular body that is greater than would otherwise be possible with traditional conductors that have a circular transverse cross-section. As a result, the abrasion pressure of the conductors against the lumen walls is decreased for the conductors disclosed herein as compared to that of traditional conductors. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140094889 | IMPLANTABLE THERAPY LEAD WITH CONDUCTOR CONFIGURATION ENHANCING ABRASION RESISTANCE - An implantable therapy lead employs electrical conductors configured to enhance the abrasion resistance of the lead. Specifically, conductors are configured to create a surface contact area with walls of a wall lumen of a tubular body that is greater than would otherwise be possible with traditional conductors that have a circular transverse cross-section. As a result, the abrasion pressure of the conductors against the lumen walls is decreased for the conductors disclosed herein as compared to that of traditional conductors. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140081364 | CRIMP TERMINATIONS FOR CONDUCTORS IN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEAD AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A method of manufacturing an implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The method may include: providing a lead body including a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode near the distal end; provide a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends; providing a crimp including a ribbon-like member and extending the ribbon-like member around the conductor; and mechanically and electrically connecting the ribbon-like member to the electrode. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140081162 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ST MORPHOLOGY DISCRIMINATION UTILIZING REFERENCE MORPHOLOGY TEMPLATES - Methods and systems are provided that utilize reference morphology templates as morphology based filters to reduce false or inappropriate ST episode detections when an ST shift episode is otherwise diagnosed. The methods and systems provide ST morphology discrimination. The methods and systems sense cardiac signals of a heart, obtain a reference morphology template based on at least one baseline cardiac signal associated with a normal physiology waveform, and identify a potential ST segment shift from the cardiac signals. The methods and systems compare the cardiac signals to the reference morphology template to derive a morphology indicator representing a degree to which the cardiac signals match the reference morphology template; and declare the potential ST segment shift to be an actual ST segment shift based on the morphology indicator. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140074209 | CRIMP TERMINATIONS FOR CONDUCTORS IN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEAD AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A method of manufacturing an implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The method may include: providing a lead body including a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode near the distal end; provide a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends; providing a crimp including a ribbon-like member and extending the ribbon-like member around the conductor; and mechanically and electrically connecting the ribbon-like member to the electrode. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140074208 | CRIMP TERMINATIONS FOR CONDUCTORS IN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEAD AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A method of manufacturing an implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The method may include: providing a lead body including a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode near the distal end; provide a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends; providing a crimp including a ribbon-like member and extending the ribbon-like member around the conductor; and mechanically and electrically connecting the ribbon-like member to the electrode. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140074207 | CRIMP TERMINATIONS FOR CONDUCTORS IN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEAD AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A method of manufacturing an implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The method may include: providing a lead body including a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode near the distal end; provide a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends; providing a crimp including a ribbon-like member and extending the ribbon-like member around the conductor; and mechanically and electrically connecting the ribbon-like member to the electrode. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140074206 | CRIMP TERMINATIONS FOR CONDUCTORS IN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEAD AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A method of manufacturing an implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The method may include: providing a lead body including a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode near the distal end; provide a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends; providing a crimp including a ribbon-like member and extending the ribbon-like member around the conductor; and mechanically and electrically connecting the ribbon-like member to the electrode. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140074205 | CRIMP TERMINATIONS FOR CONDUCTORS IN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEAD AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A method of manufacturing an implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The method may include: providing a lead body including a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode near the distal end; provide a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends; providing a crimp including a ribbon-like member and extending the ribbon-like member around the conductor; and mechanically and electrically connecting the ribbon-like member to the electrode. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140074204 | CRIMP TERMINATIONS FOR CONDUCTORS IN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEAD AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A method of manufacturing an implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The method may include: providing a lead body including a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode near the distal end; provide a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends; providing a crimp including a ribbon-like member and extending the ribbon-like member around the conductor; and mechanically and electrically connecting the ribbon-like member to the electrode. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140068934 | CRIMP TERMINATIONS FOR CONDUCTORS IN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEAD AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A method of manufacturing an implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The method may include: providing a lead body including a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode near the distal end; provide a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends; providing a crimp including a ribbon-like member and extending the ribbon-like member around the conductor; and mechanically and electrically connecting the ribbon-like member to the electrode. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140067033 | CRIMP TERMINATIONS FOR CONDUCTORS IN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEAD AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A method of manufacturing an implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The method may include: providing a lead body including a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode near the distal end; provide a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends; providing a crimp including a ribbon-like member and extending the ribbon-like member around the conductor; and mechanically and electrically connecting the ribbon-like member to the electrode. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140058278 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING ISCHEMIC EVENTS - Embodiments of the present invention relate to implantable systems, and method for use therein, that can detect myocardial ischemic events. In accordance with specific embodiments of the present invention, short-term fluctuations in cardiac intervals that follow premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are monitored. This allows myocardial ischemic events to be detected based on these monitored fluctuations. The cardiac intervals for which fluctuations are being monitored can be, for example, RR intervals. Alternatively, or additionally, short-term fluctuations in other types of cardiac intervals may be monitored. Such other cardiac intervals include, for example, PR intervals, PP intervals, QT intervals and RT intervals. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140052012 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SELECTIVELY UPDATING CARDIAC MORPHOLOGY DISCRIMINATION TEMPLATES FOR USE WITH IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - Techniques are provided for updating a morphology template used to discriminate abnormal cardiac rhythms. In one example, a non-weighted candidate morphology template is generated based on far-field R-wave morphology. A weighted candidate morphology template is generated based on an ensemble average of the non-weighted candidate morphology template and a previous (i.e. active) morphology template. The previous morphology template is then selectively updated based on a comparison of additional R-waves against both the non-weighted and the weighted candidate templates. Thereafter, abnormal cardiac rhythms such as ventricular tachycardia and supraventricular tachycardia are discriminated using the updated morphology template based on newly-detected far-field R-waves. These techniques provide a method for updating the morphology discrimination template in response to long-term changes in morphology due to cardiac remodeling or cardiac disease progression. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140039592 | LEAD SHAPED FOR STIMULATION AT THE BASE LEFT VENTRICLE - Disclosed herein are a variety of implantable medical leads for coupling to an implantable pulse generator and targeted stimulation of the lateral and posterior basal left ventricular region of a patient heart. As one example, the lead may include a tubular body including proximal section, an intermediate section and a distal section. The intermediate section biases into a generally S-shaped or sinusoidal-shaped configuration when the intermediate section is in a free or non-restricted state. The proximal section proximally extends from the intermediate section to a proximal end configured to electrically couple to the implantable pulse generator. The distal section biases into a generally straight linear shaped configuration when the distal section is in a free or non-restricted state. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140039333 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING MECHANICAL DYSSYNCHRONY AND STROKE VOLUME FOR USE WITH AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE EMPLOYING A MULTI-POLE LEFT VENTRICULAR LEAD - Techniques are provided for use with an implantable medical device for evaluating mechanical cardiac dyssynchrony based impedance (Z) measured along different vectors between an electrode in the right ventricle (RV) and various electrodes of a multi-pole left ventricle (LV) lead. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140039332 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISCRIMINATION OF VT AND SVT ARRHYTHMIAS - Methods and systems are provided for discriminating heart arrhythmias. The methods and systems include identifying an arrhythmia, recording a predetermined number of beats during the arrhythmia as a base arrhythmia (BA) beats; delivering anti-tachy pacing (ATP) therapy to at least one chamber of the heart. After delivering the ATP therapy, the methods and system record at least one return beat representing cardiac activity following the ATP therapy, determines whether the return beat originated in a reference chamber of the heart, compares a morphology of the return beat to a morphology of the BA beat; and declares a VT or SVT based on the comparing operation. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140039238 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING NEUROSTIMULATION OF ACUPUNCTURE SITES USING AN IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC RHYTHM MANAGEMENT DEVICE - Techniques are provided for use with an implantable cardiac rhythm management (CRMD) system equipped to deliver neurostimulation to acupuncture sites within anterior regions of the neck, thorax or abdomen of the patient. Parameters associated with the health of the patient are detected, such as parameters indicative of arrhythmia, heart failure and hypertension. | 02-06-2014 |
| 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 |
| 20140005605 | USE OF QUORUM SENSING INHIBITORS AND BIOFILM DISPERSING AGENTS FOR CONTROLLING BIOFILM-ASSOCIATED IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE RELATED INFECTIONS | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140002318 | INVERTED E ANTENNA WITH PARALLEL PLATE CAPACITOR FORMED ALONG AN ARM OF THE ANTENNA FOR USE WITH AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140002314 | INVERTED E ANTENNA WITH CAPACITANCE LOADING FOR USE WITH AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140000107 | METHODS OF MANUFACTURING AN IMPLANTABLE PULSE GENERATOR | 01-02-2014 |
| 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 |
| 20130338704 | CARDIAC ACCESS METHODS AND APPARATUS - A chamber or vasculature of a heart may be accessed via the pericardial space of the heart. Initially, the pericardial space may be accessed via a transmyocardial approach or a subxiphoid approach. A lead or other implantable apparatus may thus be routed into the pericardial space, through myocardial tissue and into the chamber or vasculature. The lead or other apparatus may be used to sense activity in or provide therapy to the heart. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130331900 | TRIGGERED MODE PACING FOR CARDIAC RESYNCHRONIZATION THERAPY - A triggered mode pacing system enables dual chamber sensing. The system also determines whether a cardiac event is initially sensed in a first cardiac chamber or a second cardiac chamber. The system then triggers an output to the second cardiac chamber in response to sensing the cardiac event in the first cardiac chamber when the cardiac event was determined to have been initially sensed in the first cardiac chamber. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130325083 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING NEUROSTIMULATION BASED ON REGIONAL CARDIAC PERFORMANCE FOR USE BY IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - Techniques are provided for controlling neurostimulation such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS) using a cardiac rhythm management device (CRMD). In various examples described herein, neurostimulation is delivered to a patient while regional cardiac performance of the heart of the patient is assessed by the CRMD. The delivery of further neurostimulation is adjusted or controlled based, at least in part, on the regional cardiac performance, preferably to enhance positive effects on the heart due to the neurostimulation or to mitigate any negative effects. Regional cardiac performance is assessed based on parameters derived from cardiogenic impedance signals detected along various vectors through the heart. | 12-05-2013 |
| 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 |
| 20130296960 | ELECTROMECHANICAL DELAY (EMD) MONITORING DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Implantable systems, and methods for use therewith, enable the monitoring of a patient's electromechanical delay (EMD) and arterial blood pressure. Paced cardiac events are caused by delivering sufficient pacing stimulation to cause capture. A cardiogenic impedance (CI) signal, indicative of cardiac contractile activity in response to the pacing stimulation being delivered, is obtained. One or more predetermined features of the CI signal are detected, and a value indicative of the patient's EMD is determined by determining a time between a delivered pacing stimulation and at least one of the detected one or more features of the CI signal. The value indicative of EMD can be used to more accurately determine metrics indicative of pulse arrival time (PAT), which can be used to estimate arterial blood pressure. | 11-07-2013 |
| 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 |
| 20130289650 | Neuromodulation for Hypertension Control - Neuromodulation for controlling hypertension and other cardio-renal disorders of a patient is disclosed. A neuromodulation device is configured to be delivered to a patient's body and to apply an electric activation to decrease renal sympathetic hyperactivity of the patient based on monitored blood pressure of the patient, substantially without thermal energization of the patient's body by applying the electric activation. The electric activation may also depend on monitored blood volume of the patient. A feedback control module may be used to provide feedback control information for adjusting the electric activation based on the monitored blood pressure and volume of the patient. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130289637 | ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE SHIELDING FOR USE WITH AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE INCORPORATING A RADIO TRANSCEIVER - The implantable medical device includes high-voltage components (such as defibrillation shock generation components) operative to generate high-voltage pulses for delivery to tissues of the patient while using the case or housing of the device as a stimulation electrode. The device also includes low-voltage Medical Implant Communication Service (MICS) or Medical Device Radiocommunications Service (MedRadio) components operative to generate low-power signals for communicating with an external device via radio frequencies while using the case as part of an antenna. A conductive noise shield is mounted within the case of the device and interposed between the high-voltage components and the case, with the shield configured to attenuate electrical interference between the high-voltage components and the case to facilitate radio-frequency communication between the low-voltage MICS/MedRadio components and the external device, which use the case as part of the antenna. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130282087 | IMPLANTABLE LEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING A PLURALITY OF INDUCTORS - In accordance with an embodiment, an implantable lead assembly is provided comprised of an elongated body including a distal end, a proximal end having a header connector portion for coupling the elongated body with an implantable medical device, and an intermediate segment located between the distal and proximal ends. An intermediate electrode is disposed at the intermediate segment along the elongated body. A conductor is disposed in the elongated body and electrically coupled with the header connector portion and the intermediate electrode. The conductor wound within the intermediate segment to form first and second inductive coils that are axially separated from each other by an inter-coil gap, wherein the first and second inductive coils have different self-resonant frequencies. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130274782 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PERICARDIAL ACCESS - Implementations described and claimed herein provide controlled access into the intra-pericardial space. In one implementation, a medical device comprises an outer sheath, an inner sheath, and a nose shaft. The outer sheath comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The inner sheath extends through the lumen of the outer sheath and comprises a distal portion adapted to pierce the pericardial sac. The nose shaft is adapted to displace relative to a distal edge of the distal portion of the inner sheath. Displacing the distal portion of the inner sheath relative to the outer sheath until the nose shaft displaces relative to the distal edge provides controlled penetration into the intra-pericardial space. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130261481 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ST SEGMENT STABILITY DISCRIMINATION DURING CARDIAC ISCHEMIA DETECTION FOR USE WITH IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - Techniques are provided for discriminating episodes of cardiac ischemia indicated based on shifts in ST segment elevation from false detections due to atrial fibrillation (AF) or other confounding factors such as premature ventricular contractions (PVCs.) In an example for use with a single-chamber device, in response to a possible ischemic event, the single-chamber device assesses ventricular stability based an examination of ventricular intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) signals. If the ventricular IEGM is unstable due to paroxysmal AF or frequent PVCs, the ischemic event is rejected as a false detection. Otherwise, the device responds to the event by, for example, generating warning signals, recording diagnostic data or controlling device therapy. The stability discrimination techniques are particularly advantageous for use within single-chamber devices that lack automatic mode switching but are also beneficial within at least some dual-chamber devices or multi-chamber systems. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130253352 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING A POTENTIAL LEAD FAILURE IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A method for detecting potential failures by an implantable medical lead is disclosed. The method includes sensing first, second and third signals between at least first and second combinations of electrodes, on the lead; determining whether at least one of the first, second and third 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, second and third 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. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130253351 | MONITORING VARIATION PATTERNS IN PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS ASSOCIATED WITH MYOCARDIAL INSTABILITY - A method of analyzing myocardial instability includes obtaining a physiological parameter representative of myocardial behavior over a set of cardiac cycles and determining reversal points in the physiological parameter over the set of cardiac cycles. The method also includes identifying myocardial instability based on the reversal points in the physiological parameter. A reversal point may correspond to a value of the physiological parameter, during a current cardiac cycle, that exceeds or is less than the values of the physiological parameter during prior and subsequent cardiac cycles. Optionally, the method includes calculating differences between values of the physiological parameter for consecutive cardiac cycles and detecting the reversal points when a current difference exceeds or is less than differences for prior and subsequent cardiac cycles. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130248496 | PRECISION RIBBON RESISTANCE WELDING SYSTEM - Disclosed herein is a resistance welding system for welding a ribbon to a bond site of a bond surface. The system includes a welding header, a bond header, a ribbon dispenser, a cutter, and a support surface. The welding header includes a resistance welding tip. The bond header includes a bond foot displaceable relative to the bond surface. The bond foot includes a welding aperture. The ribbon dispenser feeds the ribbon to the bond foot. The support surface is configured to support the bond surface. The bond foot is configured to press the ribbon against the bond site of the bond surface, which is thereby forced against the support surface. With the ribbon so pressed against the bond site, the system is configured to cause the welding tip to enter the welding aperture to resistance weld the ribbon to the bond site of the bond surface. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130241628 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMPLEMENTING AN SCR TOPOLOGY IN A HIGH VOLTAGE SWITCHING CIRCUIT - In accordance with an embodiment, a high voltage switching and control circuit for an implantable medical device (IMD) is provided that comprises a high voltage positive (HVP) node configured to receive a positive high voltage signal from a high energy storage source; and a high voltage negative (HVN) node configured to receive a negative high voltage signal from a high energy storage source. First and second output terminals are configured to be connected to electrodes for delivering high voltage energy. First and second Silicon Controlled Rectifiers (SCR) switches are connected to the HVP node, the first and second SCR switches connected to the first and second output terminals respectively, wherein the first and second SCR switches each include a Darlington transistor pair having a first transistor stage joined to a second stage transistor at a common collector node. | 09-19-2013 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 20130231727 | LEAD WITH BIOABSORBABLE METALLIC FIXATION STRUCTURE - In one embodiment, an implantable medical lead includes a lead connector end, a tubular body, at least one electrode and at least one fixation structure. The lead connector end is configured to couple to the implantable pulse generator. The tubular body extends distally from the lead connector end and includes a distal portion distally terminating in a distal end. The at least one electrode is located on the distal portion. The at least one fixation structure is located on the distal portion and includes a bioabsorbable metal. For example, the bioabsorbable metal may be iron, an iron alloy with 35% manganese, or a magnesium alloy. The bioabsorbable metal is configured such that the at least one fixation structure will last long enough at an implantation site so as to secure the distal portion of the tubular body in place via fibrotic tissue. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130231718 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE HAVING FEEDTHRU ASSEMBLY WITH HEADER SIDE BUNCHED CONDUCTOR ARRAY AND CAN SIDE LINEAR CONDUCTOR ARRAY - An implantable pulse generator includes a header, a can, a grouped array feedthru, and an inline array feedthru board. The feedthru includes a header side, a can side and a grouped array of feedthru wires extending through the feedthru. A first end of each feedthru wire is electrically coupled to a lead connector block. The inline array feedthru board includes a grouped array of first electrical contact holes and an inline array of conductor wires. The grouped array of first electrical contact holes receives therein second ends of the feedthru wires. The inline array of conductor wires projects from a side of the board opposite the feedthru. Each first electrical contact hole is in electrical communication with a respective conductor wire. Each conductor wire is in electrical contact with at least a portion of an electrical connection region of an electronic substrate housed within the can. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130218036 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS TO CORRELATE ARRHYTHMIC AND ISCHEMIC EVENTS - Systems and methods for determining whether there is a correlation between arrhythmias and myocardial ischemic episodes are provided. An implantable system (e.g., a monitor, pacemaker or ICD) is used to monitor for arrhythmias and to monitor for myocardial ischemic episodes. When such events are detected by the implantable system, the implantable system stores (e.g., in its memory) data indicative of the detected arrhythmias and data indicative of the detected myocardial ischemic episodes. Then, for each detected arrhythmia, a determination is made based on the data, whether there was a myocardial ischemic episode detected within a specified temporal proximity of (e.g., within a specified amount of time of) the arrhythmia. Where a myocardial ischemic episode occurred within the specified temporal proximity of an arrhythmia, data for the two events can be linked. Additionally, when a log of arrhythmias is displayed, for each arrhythmia there is an indication of whether a myocardial ischemic episode was detected within the specified temporal proximity of the arrhythmia. This abstract is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130218029 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSESSING RENAL ARTERY NERVE DENSITY - A system and method is described to map the renal artery prior to an ablation in order to a-priori identify the location of the sympathetic nerves. In specific embodiments, the nerve modulating energy may be electrical or optical. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130204312 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING PACING INDUCED DYSSYNCHRONY TO REDUCE ISCHEMIC INJURY USING AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Techniques are provided for use by an implantable medical device for optimizing the amount of ventricular dyssynchrony induced within a patient during protective pacing. In one example, the device analyzes intracardiac electrogram signals to detect an ischemic event within the heart. The device then delivers pacing stimulus in accordance with adjustable pacing parameters to induce ventricular dyssynchrony within the heart and adjusts the pacing parameters within a range of permissible values to achieve a preferred degree of ventricular dyssynchrony within the patient, so long as there is no significant reduction in left ventricular pumping functionality. Preferably, the pacing parameters are adjusted to maximize or otherwise optimize the degree of dyssynchrony induced within the patient. If a significant reduction in LV pumping functionality is detected, the dyssynchrony-inducing pacing is preferably suspended to avoid any deterioration in the condition of the heart. Techniques for detecting early onset of ischemia are also disclosed. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130204147 | Atrial Fibrillation Detection Based On Pulmonary Artery Pressure Data - Atrial fibrillation (AF) is detected based on pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) data. In some embodiments, PAP data generated by a PAP sensor device implanted in or near the pulmonary artery of a patient is processed to determine whether the patient is suffering from AF. In some aspects, detection of AF is based on identifying cycle-to-cycle variations of one or more parameters derived from the PAP data. | 08-08-2013 |
| 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 |
| 20130190645 | ACQUIRING NERVE ACTIVITY FROM CAROTID BODY AND/OR SINUS - An exemplary includes acquiring an electroneurogram of the right carotid sinus nerve or the left carotid sinus nerve, analyzing the electroneurogram for at least one of chemosensory information and barosensory information and calling for one or more therapeutic actions based at least in part on the analyzing. Therapeutic actions may aim to treat conditions such as sleep apnea, an increase in metabolic demand, hypoglycemia, hypertension, renal failure, and congestive heart failure. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130184801 | LEAD SHAPED FOR STIMULATION AT THE BASE LEFT VENTRICLE - Disclosed herein are a variety of implantable medical leads for coupling to an implantable pulse generator and targeted stimulation of the lateral and posterior basal left ventricular region of a patient heart. As one example, the lead may include a tubular body including proximal section, an intermediate section and a distal section. The intermediate section biases into a generally S-shaped or sinusoidal-shaped configuration when the intermediate section is in a free or non-restricted state. The proximal section proximally extends from the intermediate section to a proximal end configured to electrically couple to the implantable pulse generator. The distal section biases into a generally straight linear shaped configuration when the distal section is in a free or non-restricted state. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130184777 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ASSESSING AND EXPLOITING CONCURRENT CATHODAL AND ANODAL CAPTURE USING AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Techniques are provided for use by an implantable medical device for assessing and controlling concurrent anodal/cathodal capture. In one example, the device delivers bipolar pacing stimulus while sensing a bipolar intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) and while adjusting a magnitude of the pacing stimulus. The device analyzes the bipolar IEGM signals to detect an indication of activation representative of concurrent anodal and cathodal capture. Preferably, the pulse magnitude is set relative to the anodal/cathodal capture threshold based upon clinician programming in response to the needs of the patient. In this manner, concurrent anodal and cathodal capture can be selectively activated or deactivated based on clinician instructions received from a device programmer or other external programming device. Techniques exploiting both bipolar and unipolar IEGM signals to assess and control concurrent anodal/cathodal capture are also described. Techniques for use with quad-pole leads to achieve dual-site or quad-site capture are also set forth. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130184545 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING PULMONARY CONGESTION BASED ON STROKE VOLUME USING AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Techniques are provided for detecting pulmonary congestion based on an increase in right ventricular (RV) stroke volume over left ventricular (LV) stroke volume. In one example, the device generates an index based on accumulated differences between RV stroke volume and LV stroke volume while RV stroke volume exceeds LV stroke volume, such that the index is indicative of an ongoing imbalance between RV and LV stroke volume. The index is compared to a suitable threshold to detect a severe imbalance indicative of pulmonary edema. Additionally, techniques are described for estimating RV and LV stroke volumes based on pulmonary artery pressure, left atrial pressure, aortic pressure, LV strain or on various intracardiac or extracardiac impedance measurements. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130178751 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE FOR MEASURING PRESSURE VIA AN L-C RESONANT CIRCUIT - An implantable medical device controls the excitation of and processes signals received from passive pressure sensor components of an implantable lead. The passive pressure sensor components include an inductor-capacitor (L-C) resonant circuit that has a resonant frequency that corresponds in some aspects to the pressure external to the implantable lead. The capacitive circuit portion of the resonant circuit may be flexible such that changes in pressure at the capacitive circuit cause changes in the capacitance of the capacitive circuit. Thus, changes in pressure at the pressure sensor are reflected by changes in the resonant frequency of the excited resonant circuit. The L-C resonant circuit is excited by a signal coupled to the L-C resonant circuit by the implantable medical device. In some embodiments, the implantable medical device receives such an excitation signal from an external device. In some embodiments, the implantable medical device generates the excitation signal. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130166000 | SETSCREW CONTACT FOR IMPLANTABLE PULSE GENERATOR - A header of an implantable medical pulse generator may include a lead connector end receiving receptacle for transmitting electrical pulses from the can to the lead through an electrically conductive setscrew contact in electrical communication with a terminal of the lead connector end. The setscrew contact includes a setscrew hole and a lead connector hole. The lead connector hole is aligned with the lead connector end receiving receptacle, and the setscrew hole includes a setscrew threadably received therein. Inner circumferential surfaces of the setscrew hole and lead connector hole are generally tangentially to each other such that a window is created by the overlap of the inner circumferential surfaces. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130165965 | PRESSURE TRANSDUCER EQUIPPED CARDIAC PLUG - Disclosed herein is a pressure sensing left atrial occluding implantable medical device. The implantable medical device includes a cardiac plug and a micro electro-mechanical system (“MEMS”). The cardiac plug includes an expandable lobe and an expandable disc proximal the lobe. The expandable lobe is configured to expand into an anchoring arrangement within the left atrial appendage. The expandable lobe is configured to expand into an occluding arrangement with the left atrial appendage. The MEMS is coupled to the cardiac plug proximal of the disc. The MEMS is configured to sense surrounding fluid pressure. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130165819 | System and method for controlling radio frequency scanning attributes of an implantable medical device - A method and system are provided for controlling radio frequency (RF) scanning attributes of an implantable medical device (IMD) that include configuring an IMD to establish an RF connection over a predetermined frequency band based on a scan attribute. The method and system may also include storing, in the IMD, predetermined first and second values for the scan attribute to define different first and second scan modes, respectively. The method and system may also include determining a posture state of a patient, in which the IMD is implanted, and switching between the predetermined first and second values for the scan attribute, based on the posture state determined, to cause the IMD to switch between the first and second scan modes. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130165802 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISCRIMINATING HYPERVOLEMIA, HYPOVOLEMIA AND EUVOLEMIA USING AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Techniques are provided for use by an implantable medical device or diagnostic sensor for detecting and discriminating euvolemia, hypervolemia and hypovolemia. In one example, the device detects a pressure signal within the patient representative of changes in cardiac pressure overall several cardiac cycles. The device generates separate time-domain and frequency-domain representations of the pressure signal and then discriminates among euvolemia, hypervolemia and hypovolemia within the patient based on an analysis of the time-domain and the frequency-domain representations of the signal. Depending upon the capabilities of the device, suitable warnings may be generated to alert the patient or caregiver. Diuretics or other medications can be titrated to address abnormal fluid conditions such as a fluid overload during hypervolemia. Techniques for detecting a pressure alternans pattern indicative of imminent decompensation are also described. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130165801 | PASSIVE PRESSURE SENSOR FOR IMPLANTABLE LEAD - A passive pressure sensor is used with an implantable lead to measure pressure within a patient's heart. In some embodiments, the passive pressure sensor is incorporated into an implantable lead. In other embodiments, the passive pressure sensor is incorporated into a device that is slid onto an implantable lead. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130158619 | MULTI-VENTRICULAR SITE TIMING OPTIMIZATION USING CARDIOGENIC IMPEDANCE - A method of calculating a timing delay for an implantable medical device based on cardiogenic impedance estimates cardiogenic impedance from a signal between a first electrode and a second electrode positioned in at least one chamber of a heart. The method also determines the timing delay based on the estimated cardiogenic impedance. | 06-20-2013 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 20130131759 | SHIELDING TELEMETRY COMMUNCIATIONS BETWEEN ACTIVE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES AND EXTERNAL INSTRUMENTS FROM HIGH POWER ELECTRICAL INTERFERERS - Disclosed herein is a shield for shielding a telemetry wand from electromagnetical interference capable of interfering with telemetry communications between the telemetry wand and an AIMD in a patient. The telemetry wand may include a first side that is configured to be placed against a patient, a second side generally opposite the first side, a lateral side between the first and second sides, a hole extending between the first and second sides, and a cable extending from the lateral side. The shield may include a shell including a wall that defines a volume and an opening in the shell. The volume may be configured to receive therein the telemetry wand such that the second and lateral sides of the telemetry wand face respective portions of the wall and the first side faces the opening in the shell. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130131527 | METHOD FOR GUIDING AND MONITORING INTRAPERICARDIAL LEAD POSITION FOR AN INTRAPERICARDIAL LEAD SYSTEM - A first cardiac signal associated with an activity of a first implant site of a heart during a cardiac cycle is sensed. A second cardiac signal is sensed using an intrapericardial lead located on an epicardial surface proximate a second implant site of the heart. The second cardiac signal is associated with an activity of the second implant site during the cardiac cycle. A timing delay between the activity of the first implant site and the activity of the second implant site is obtained and analyzed to determine if the intrapericardial lead location is appropriate. The preceding is repeated until an appropriate intrapericardial lead location is determined. Other measurements obtained during implant determine whether the intrapericardial lead location is at or near slow conduction zone and whether the intrapericardial lead is placed at the location having the greatest mechanical delay. Post implant measurements determine whether the intrapericardial lead has migrated. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130123876 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING INDUCTANCE AND CAPACITANCE VALUES FOR USE WITH LC FILTERS WITHIN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE LEADS TO REDUCE LEAD HEATING DURING MRI - Techniques are provided for configuring filters for reducing heating within pacing/sensing leads of a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator that might occur due to induced currents during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure or in the presence of other sources of strong radio frequency (RF) fields. In particular, techniques are provided for selecting inductors and capacitors for use in LC filters while taking into account the tolerances of the component devices, as well as the target impedance of the components and the particular RF frequencies to be filtered. | 05-16-2013 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 20130116583 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREDICTING AND CORROBORATING PULMONARY FLUID OVERLOADS USING AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Techniques are provided for corroborating a preliminary detection of pulmonary fluid overload within a patient made initially based on transthoracic impedance. In one example, corroborative parameters pertaining to hematocrit, device pocket fluid accumulations, heart rate variability (HRV) and mean atrial tachycardia/atrial fibrillation (AT/AF) times are evaluated to confirm the fluid overload. Techniques are also provided for generating proxies for evaluating hematocrit and device pocket fluid accumulation based on certain impedance measurements. Still further, techniques are provided for predicting a possible pulmonary fluid overload based on trends in HRV or mean AT/AF times. System and method examples are set forth herein. | 05-09-2013 |
| 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 |
| 20130110219 | UNITARY DUAL-CHAMBER LEADLESS INTRA-CARDIAC MEDICAL DEVICE AND METHOD OF IMPLANTING SAME | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130110205 | SPRING CONNECTOR FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130110204 | SPRING CONNECTOR FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130110127 | MULTI-PIECE DUAL-CHAMBER LEADLESS INTRA-CARDIAC MEDICAL DEVICE AND METHOD OF IMPLANTING SAME | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130103108 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO INCREASE STROKE VOLUME BY SYNCHRONIZING / MODULATING HEART RATE WITH ACTIVITY RATE - A method of synchronizing a heart rate with an activity rate of a patient includes determining the activity rate of the patient. The method also includes synchronizing a pacing pulse with a phase of the activity rate to improve a cardiac stroke volume of the patient. The synchronizing includes lowering the heart rate during down motion associated with the activity rate and increasing the heart rate during an up motion associated with the activity rate when a stride rate is slower than a target heart rate. | 04-25-2013 |
| 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 |
| 20130079836 | RF TRANSCEIVER HOPPING FOR COMMUNICATION WITH IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Dynamically switching between different external RF transceivers for communication with an implantable medical device maintains high communication quality in the face of interference, fading, detuning, or other adverse wireless communication conditions. Quality information associated with communications between an implantable medical device and different external devices is monitored to select one,of these external devices to conduct subsequent communication with the implantable medical device. This monitoring is conducted on a repeated basis such that communication is switched to a different RF transceiver whenever such an RF transceiver is able to achieve a higher quality communication than the currently selected RF transceiver. In some embodiments, RF transceivers are deployed in different devices. For example, one or more RF transceivers may be deployed at a portable programmer (e.g., in the form of a computer tablet) and one or more other RF transceivers may be deployed at an associated base station. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130073020 | HEADER EMBEDDED FILTER FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A filter circuit embedded into a header of an implantable medical device attenuates energy that may otherwise enter the implantable medical device. At MRI frequencies, the impedance of the filter circuit is much higher than the impedance of the feedthrough capacitor of the implantable medical device. Thus, MRI-induced current that would otherwise enter the implantable medical device is limited by the filter circuit. Consequently, localized device heating that may otherwise occur during MRI scanning is significantly reduced by operation of the filter circuit. In some implementations, the header embedded filter circuit is electrically isolated from the header housing. In this way, localized heating of the header housing also may be avoided. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130066399 | INTRA-PERICARDIAL MEDICAL DEVICE - An intra-pericardial medical device is provided that comprises a lead body having a proximal portion, a distal end portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the proximal portion and the distal end portions. An intra-pericardial medical device further includes the control logic housed with the lead body and an energy source housed within the lead body. A stimulus conductor is included and extends along the lead body. An electrode is joined to the stimulus conduct near the distal end portion, where the electrode configured to deliver stimulus pulses. A telemetry conductor is provided within the lead and extends from the proximal portion and along the intermediate portion of the lead body. The telemetry conductor is wound into a series of coil groups to form inductive loops for at least one of receiving and transmitting radio frequency (RF) energy. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130066222 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING FAR-FIELD OVERSENSING BASED ON SIGNALS SENSED BY THE PROXIMAL ELECTRODE OF A MULTIPOLAR LV LEAD - A device senses cardioelectrical signals using a right atrial (RA) lead, which might include far-field R-waves as well as near-field P-waves. The device concurrently senses events using a proximal electrode of an LV lead, which can sense both P-waves and R-waves as substantially near-field events. Suitable templates are then applied to the signals sensed via the proximal LV electrode to identify the origin of the signals (e.g. atrial vs. ventricular) so as to properly classify the corresponding events sensed in the RA as near-field or far-field events. In this manner, far-field oversensing is conveniently detected. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130066181 | IMPLANTABLE HEMODYNAMIC MONITOR AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH - Provided herein are implantable systems that include an implantable photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, which can be used to obtain an arterial PPG waveform. In an embodiment, a metric of a terminal portion of an arterial PPG waveform is determined, and a metric of an initial portion of the arterial PPG waveform is determined, and a surrogate of mean arterial pressure is determined based on the metric of the terminal portion and the metric of the initial portion. In another embodiment, a surrogate of diastolic pressure is determined based on a metric of a terminal portion of an arterial PPG waveform. In a further embodiment, a surrogate of cardiac afterload is determined based on a metric of a terminal portion of an arterial PPG waveform. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130060297 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING PAIRED PACING INTERPULSE INTERVALS TO REDUCE CONTRACTILITY DISEQUILIBRIUM USING AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Techniques are provided for use with implantable medical devices equipped to deliver paired postextrasystolic potentiation (PESP) pacing within a patient having an intact ventricle and a weakened ventricle. A first interpulse interval is determined for use with paired PESP pacing of the intact ventricle sufficient to achieve only relatively minimal potentiation within the intact ventricle. A second interpulse interval is determined for use with paired PESP pacing of the weakened ventricle sufficient to achieve relatively more significant potentiation within the weakened ventricle. Then, paired PESP pacing is delivered to the intact ventricle using the first interpulse interval while paired PESP is also delivered to the weakened ventricle using the second interpulse interval to reduce contractility disequilibrium within the heart caused by the weakened ventricle to achieve a matching of natural contractilities. In this manner, dual ventricular, independently timed, continuous PESP is provided. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130060296 | ACQUIRING NERVE ACTIVITY FROM CAROTID BODY AND/OR SINUS - An exemplary includes acquiring an electroneurogram of the right carotid sinus nerve or the left carotid sinus nerve, analyzing the electroneurogram for at least one of chemosensory information and barosensory information and calling for one or more therapeutic actions based at least in part on the analyzing. Therapeutic actions may aim to treat conditions such as sleep apnea, an increase in metabolic demand, hypoglycemia, hypertension, renal failure, and congestive heart failure. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130053919 | IMPLANTABLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING BNP LEVELS, HF AND MI - Methods for monitoring a patient's level of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and implantable cardiac systems capable of performing such methods, are provided. A ventricle is paced for a period of time to provoke a ventricular evoked response, and a ventricular intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) indicative of the ventricular evoked response is obtained. Based on the ventricular IEGM, there is a determination of at least one ventricular evoked response metric (e.g., ventricular evoked response peak-to-peak amplitude, ventricular evoked response area and/or ventricular evoked response maximum slope), and the patient's level of BNP is monitored based on determined ventricular evoked response metric(s). Based on the monitored level's of BNP, the patients heart failure (HF) condition and/or risks and/or occurrences of certain events (e.g., an acute HF exacerbation and/or an acute myocardial infarction) can be monitored. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130053913 | Method and System to Adjust Pacing Parameters Based on Systolic Interval Heart Sounds - A method is provided to determine pacing parameters for an implantable medical device (IMD) and collects heart sounds during the cardiac cycles. The method comprises changing a value for a pacing parameter between the cardiac cycles and analyzing a characteristic of interest from the heart sounds. The method comprises setting a desired value for the pacing parameter based on the characteristic of interest from the heart sounds. The system comprises inputs configured to be coupled to at least one lead having electrodes to sense intrinsic events and to deliver pacing pulses over cardiac cycles. The system has a sensor for collecting heart sounds during cardiac cycles and controller to control delivery of pacing pulses based on pacing parameters. The controller changes a value for at least one of the pacing parameters between the cardiac cycles and provides an analysis module to analyze a characteristic of interest from the heart sounds. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130053912 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ASSESSING HEART FAILURE AND CONTROLLING CARDIAC RESYNCHRONIZATION THERAPY USING HYBRID IMPEDANCE MEASUREMENT CONFIGURATIONS - Techniques are provided for use with an implantable medical device for detecting and assessing heart failure and for controlling cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) based on impedance signals obtained using hybrid impedance configurations. The hybrid configurations exploit right atrial (RA)-based impedance measurement vectors and/or left ventricular (LV)-based impedance measurement vectors. In one example, current is injected between the device case and a ring electrode in the right ventricle (RV) or RA. RA-based impedance values are measured along vectors between the device case and an RA electrode. LV-based impedance values are measured along vectors between the device case and one or more electrodes of the LV. Heart failure and other cardiac conditions are detected and tracked using the measured impedance values. CRT delay parameters are also optimized based impedance. In this manner, multiple hybrid impedance measurement configurations are exploited whereby different vectors are used to inject current and measure impedance. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130053714 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING AND CORRECTING ATRIAL UNDERSENSING - A method for operating an implantable medical device includes delivering a plurality of pacing pulses to an atria of a patient's heart and monitoring intrinsic atrial activity to detect intrinsic atrial contractions between one or more of the plurality of pacing pulses. The method further includes detecting atrial undersensing as a function of the detection of intrinsic atrial contractions. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130053713 | Convertible Monopole And Inverted-F Antenna Assembly For Use In A Medical Telemetry System - An antenna assembly is configured for use with an external device that is configured to wirelessly communicate with an implantable medical device (IMD). The antenna assembly may include an antenna member pivotally secured to a structure through a feed post, and a fixed tail fixed to the structure. The antenna member may be pivotal between a first orientation in which the antenna member electrically connects to the fixed tail, and a second orientation in which the antenna member is disconnected from the fixed tail. The antenna member and the fixed tail cooperatively operate in a first antenna mode when the antenna member is in the first orientation. The antenna member is configured to operate in a second antenna mode when the antenna member is in the second orientation. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130041274 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USE BY IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES FOR DETECTING AND DISCRIMINATING STROKE AND CARDIAC ISCHEMIA USING ELECTROCARDIAC SIGNALS - Techniques are provided for detecting and distinguishing stroke and cardiac ischemia based on electrocardiac signals. In one example, the device senses atrial and ventricular signals within the patient along a set of unipolar sensing vectors and identifies certain morphological features within the signals such as PR intervals, ST intervals, QT intervals, T-waves, etc. The device detects changes, if any, within the morphological features such as significant shifts in ST interval elevation or an inversion in T-wave shape, which are indicative of stroke or cardiac ischemia. By selectively comparing changes detected along different unipolar sensing vectors, the device distinguishes or discriminates stroke from cardiac ischemia within the patient. The discrimination may be corroborated using various physiological and hemodynamic parameters. In some examples, the device further identifies the location of the ischemia within the heart. In still other examples, the device detects cardiac ischemia occurring during stroke. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130035738 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING PACING PARAMETERS BASED ON REPOLARIZATION INDEX - Methods and systems are provided for determining pacing parameters for an implantable medical device (IMD). The methods and systems provide electrodes in the right atrium (RA), right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle (LV). The methods and systems sense RV cardiac signals and LV cardiac signals at an RV electrode and an LV electrode, respectively, over multiple cardiac cycles, to collect global activation information. The methods and systems identify a T-wave in the LV cardiac signal. The methods and systems calculate a repolarization index based at least in part on a timing of the T-wave identified in the LV cardiac signal. The methods and systems set at least one pacing parameter based on the repolarization index, wherein the at least one pacing parameter that is set represents at least one of an AV delay, an inter-ventricular interval and an intra-ventricular interval. Optionally, the methods and systems may deliver an RV pacing stimulus at the RV electrode such that the LV cardiac signal sensed thereafter includes the RV pacing stimulus followed by a T-wave. The methods and systems determine a waveform metric such as at least one of a QT interval, T-wave duration, and T-wave amplitude, and utilize the waveform metric to determine as the repolarization index. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130035737 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING PACING RELATED PARAMETERS - Pacing related timing is determined for an implantable medical device (IMD) by pacing at an RV pacing site, a first LV pacing site and a second LV pacing site in accordance with a first site, a second site and a third site pacing order, and further in accordance with a first inter-electrode pacing delay between pacing at the first site and pacing at the second site and a second inter-electrode pacing delay between pacing at the second site and pacing at the third site. At least one of a sensed event or a paced event is detected for at each of the second site and the third site. The first inter-electrode pacing delay and the second inter-electrode pacing delay are adjusted to avoid sensed events in favor of paced events at each of the second site and the third site. An atrio-ventricular delay may also be adjusted to avoid sensed events or lack of capture due to possible fusion at the first site, in favor of paced events at the first site. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130035736 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING PAIRED PACING BASED ON PATIENT ACTIVITY FOR USE WITH AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Techniques are provided for use with implantable medical devices equipped to deliver paired postextrasystolic potentiation (PESP) pacing to control the paired pacing rate based on changes in patient activity. In one example, the current activity level of the patient is detected during paired pacing using an accelerometer. The cardiac output level needed to maintain the current activity level of the patient is determined with reference to pre-stored lookup tables relating activity levels with corresponding minimum necessary cardiac output levels for the particular patient. The minimum paired pacing rate sufficient to achieve the cardiac output level is then determined based, e.g., on stroke volume derived from cardiogenic impedance signals. Paired pacing is then delivered at the minimum paired pacing rate sufficient to achieve the needed cardiac output, thereby assuring that the paired pacing rate is sufficient to meet the current physiological demands of the patient without consuming too much oxygen. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130030509 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEAD HAVING PASSIVE LOCK MECHANICAL BODY TERMINATIONS - Disclosed herein is an implantable medical lead configured to receive a stylet. The lead may include a tubular body and a structure. The tubular body may include a distal end and a proximal end. The body may be configured to receive the stylet. The structure longitudinally may extend through the body between the distal end and the proximal end. The structure may be anchored within the body such that a tensile force arising within the body by the stylet being extended through the body causes the tensile force to be substantially carried by the structure. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130025122 | METHOD OF ASSEMBLING AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEAD HAVING PASSIVE LOCK MECHANICAL BODY TERMINATIONS - Disclosed herein is a method of assembling an implantable medical lead configured to receive a stylet. The lead is provided with a tubular insulation layer, an electrode is disposed on the tubular insulation layer, an electrical conductor is routed through the tubular insulation layer, and a stylet stop is inserted into a distal end of the tubular insulation layer. The electrical conductor is directly and mechanically connected to the stylet stop and is in electrical communication with the electrode. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130021040 | CONNECTOR SLEEVE FOR A LEAD OF AN INTERNAL PULSE GENERATOR - Implementations of the present disclosure involve an internal pulse generator for administering electrotherapy via an implantable medical lead having a lead connector end on a proximal end of the lead. In addition, implementations involve testing of the medical lead at the proximal lead connector end to ensure proper placement of the lead, and an interface device for facilitating the connection of the proximal lead connector end to a testing device. The interface device may provide for one or more electrical connection points disposed on a connector sleeve. The connection points provide electrical communication between the lead connector end of the lead and one or more leads of a testing device in such a manner as to minimize potential damage to the lead connector end. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130012824 | CORONARY VENOUS SYSTEM PRESSURE SENSING - Disclose herein is a method of measuring pressures in a coronary sinus. In one embodiment, the method includes: introducing a distal portion of a lead or tool into the coronary sinus, wherein the distal portion includes first and second pressure sensors and at least one selectably expandable member; expanding the at least one expandable member such that the first and second sensors are isolated from each other within the coronary sinus; and taking pressure measurements with the first and second sensors when isolated from each other. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20120283809 | IMPLANTABLE LEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING A POSITION TRACKING SENSOR AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE LEAD ASSEMBLY - A lead assembly of an implantable medical device includes an elongated body, electrodes on the body, and a tracking sensor located in the body. The body extends between a connector end and a leading end and has conductors disposed in the body. The connector end of the body includes terminals coupled with the conductors. The electrodes disposed on the body can be located at or near an anatomy of interest in a patient and are conductively coupled with the terminals of the body by the conductors. The electrodes are configured to sense electric activity of the anatomy of interest and/or deliver stimulus pulses to the anatomy of interest. The tracking sensor is conductively coupled with the terminals of the body by the conductors. The tracking sensor generates an electric position signal representative of a position of the tracking sensor in the heart when the body is in the patient. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120265088 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING OPERATION OF A CARDIAC MEDICAL DEVICE - A cardiac monitoring system includes a communication subsystem, a comparison module, and a display module. The communication subsystem receives literal data from a cardiac medical device. The literal data includes cardiac signals and marker data. The cardiac signals represent electrical activity of a heart that is sensed by the medical device. The marker data represents one or more algorithms running on the medical device. The comparison module compares the cardiac signals and marker data to one or more heuristic rules to derive heuristic information about the cardiac signals and the marker data. The heuristic information represents a relationship among the cardiac signals and the marker data. The display module directs a display device to visually present the cardiac signals and a visual indicator representative of the heuristic information. The heuristic information can assist an operator, such as a physician, in changing one or more algorithms running on the medical device. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120253419 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPTIMIZING VENTRICULAR PACING BASED ON LEFT ATRIAL ELECTROMECHANICAL ACTIVATION DETECTED BY AN AV GROOVE ELECTRODE - Techniques are provided for use with an implantable cardiac stimulation device equipped with a multi-pole left ventricular (LV) lead having a proximal electrode implanted near an atrioventricular (AV) groove of the heart of the patient. A left atrial (LA) cardioelectrical event is sensed using the proximal electrode of the LV lead and a corresponding LA cardiomechanical event is also detected, either using an implantable sensor or an external detection system. The electromechanical activation delay between the LA cardioelectrical event and the corresponding LA cardiomechanical event is determined and then pacing delays are set based on the electromechanical activation delay for use in controlling pacing. The pacing delays can include, e.g., AV delays for use with biventricular cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) pacing. Other techniques described herein are directed to exploiting right atrial (RA) cardioelectrical events detected via an RA lead for the purposes of setting pacing delays. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120253359 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LEAD PLACEMENT OPTIMIZATION DURING LEAD IMPLANTATION - Disclosed herein is a method of optimizing the implantation of an implantable medical lead into a patient to optimize electrotherapy administered via the lead. The method includes: inserting the lead into the patient, the lead including a first electrode; providing a second electrode in the patient, wherein the second electrode is not part of the lead; generating an electrical vector between the first electrode and second electrode, the electrical vector being generated as the lead is being implanted; analyzing the electrical vector as the lead is being implanted; and optimizing the implantation of the lead based off of the analysis of the electrical vector to optimize electrotherapy administered via the lead. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120245657 | LEAD RETENTION SYSTEM FOR A PULSE GENERATOR - An implantable medical pulse generator is disclosed herein. The pulse generator is for administering electrotherapy via an implantable medical lead having a lead connector end on a proximal end of the lead. The pulse generator includes a can and a header coupled to the can. The header includes a first lead connector end receiving receptacle and a retainer configured to secure the lead connector end within the first receptacle. The retainer includes a member and a first collar, which is coaxially aligned with the first receptacle. The first collar includes an inner circumferential surface and a gap in the inner circumferential surface. The inner circumferential surface extends generally continuous and unbroken between a first face of the gap and a second face of the gap. The member is configured such that acting on the member causes a gap distance between the first face of the gap and second face of the gap to decrease, thereby reducing an inner circumferential diameter of the first collar. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120239104 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO CORRECT CONTRACTILITY BASED ON NON-HEART FAILURE FACTORS - A method is provided for trending heart failure based on heart contractility information comprises measuring cardiogenic impedance (CI) measurements along at least a first vector through a heart over a period of time. The method determines contractility estimates from the CI measurements, the contractility estimates relating to contractility of the heart. The method further obtains physiologic and/or surrogate signals representing estimates for or direct measurements of at least one of cardiac volume and pressure of the heart when the CI measurements were obtained. The method identifies correction factors based on the physiologic and/or surrogate signals and applies the correction factors to the contractility estimates to produce contractility trend values over the period of time. A system is provided for trending heart failure based on heart contractility information which comprises inputs to receive cardiogenic impedance (CI) measurements taken along at least a first vector through a heart over a period of time. The system includes a contractility module to determine contractility estimates from the CI measurements, the contractility estimates relating to contractility of the heart and a collection module to receive physiologic and/or surrogate signals representing estimates for or direct measurements of at least one of cardiac volume and pressure of the heart when the CI measurements were obtained. A factor module is also provided to identify correction factors based on the physiologic and/or surrogate signals and a correction module to apply the correction factors to the contractility estimates to produce contractility trend values over the period of time. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120239103 | INDIVIDUALLY ADAPTED CARDIAC ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SYNCHRONIZATION THERAPY - A method of determining pacing therapy for an individual patient including determining representative electromechanical physiologic characteristics for a plurality of normal patients having a range of anatomical dimensions and developing a plurality of normal templates. Each template indicates the representative electromechanical physiologic characteristics of a group of normal patients having similar anatomical dimensions. The method can include measuring the anatomical dimensions of a dysfunctional patient, matching the dysfunctional patient with a template for normal patients having similar anatomical dimensions as the dysfunctional patient, determining the physiologic characteristics for the dysfunctional patient, determining indicated correction factors corresponding to any differences between the dysfunctional patient's physiologic characteristics and those of the matched template, and adjusting therapy delivery by any indicated correction factors to stimulate the patient in a pattern more closely matched to the physiologic characteristics of the matched template. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120238968 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ACCESSING AN INTRAPERICARDIAL SPACE - A medical device is disclosed herein that is configured to engage and penetrate a pericardial sac. The device includes an outer tubular body, an inner tubular body, and a helical tissue engagement member. The outer tubular body includes a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending between the ends. The inner tubular body includes a proximal end and a distal end. The inner tubular body is located in the lumen of the outer tubular body. The proximal end of the inner tubular body is operably coupled to the proximal end of the outer tubular body. The distal end of the inner tubular body is extendable out of the distal end of the outer tubular body. The helical tissue engagement member is displaceable from a first position to a second position, the first position being in the lumen of the outer tubular body recessed relative to the distal end of the outer tubular body, and the second position extending out of the distal end of the outer tubular body. The helical tissue engagement member is also rotatable relative to the outer tubular body. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120226140 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOTE MONITORING OF SIGNALS SENSED BY AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE DURING AN MRI - Systems and methods are provided for allowing an implantable medical device, such as pacemaker, to properly sense electrophysiological signals and hemodynamic signals within a patient during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure. Systems and methods are also provided for allowing the implantable medical device to transmit the sensed data to an external monitoring system during the MRI procedure so that attending medical personnel can closely monitor the health of the patient and the operation of the implantable device during the MRI. These improvements provide the attending personnel with information needed to determine whether the MRI should be suspended in response to induced tachyarrhythmias or other adverse conditions within the patient. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120221069 | Systems and Methods for Activating and Controlling Impedance-Based Detection Systems of Implantable Medical Devices - Techniques are provided for use with implantable medical devices for addressing encapsulation effects, particularly in the detection of cardiac decompensation events such as heart failure (HF) or cardiogenic pulmonary edema (PE.) In one example, during an acute interval following device implant, cardiac decompensation is detected using heart rate variability (HRV), ventricular evoked response (ER) or various other non-impedance-based parameters that are insensitive to component encapsulation effects. During the subsequent chronic interval, decompensation is detected using intracardiac or transthoracic impedance signals. In another example, the degree of maturation of encapsulation of implanted components is assessed using impedance frequency-response measurements or based on the frequency bandwidth of heart sounds or other physiological signals. In this manner, impedance-based HF/PE detection systems can be activated as soon as component encapsulation has matured, without necessarily waiting until completion of a preset post-implant maturation interval, often set to forty-five days or more. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120221066 | Systems and Methods for Activating and Controlling Impedance-Based Detection Systems of Implantable Medical Devices - Techniques are provided for use with implantable medical devices for addressing encapsulation effects, particularly in the detection of cardiac decompensation events such as heart failure (HF) or cardiogenic pulmonary edema (PE.) In one example, during an acute interval following device implant, cardiac decompensation is detected using heart rate variability (HRV), ventricular evoked response (ER) or various other non-impedance-based parameters that are insensitive to component encapsulation effects. During the subsequent chronic interval, decompensation is detected using intracardiac or transthoracic impedance signals. In another example, the degree of maturation of encapsulation of implanted components is assessed using impedance frequency-response measurements or based on the frequency bandwidth of heart sounds or other physiological signals. In this manner, impedance-based HF/PE detection systems can be activated as soon as component encapsulation has matured, without necessarily waiting until completion of a preset post-implant maturation interval, often set to forty-five days or more. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120215288 | RF TRAPEZOIDAL CAPACITOR BASED EMI FEEDTHRU FILTER ASSEMBLY - A multi-layer capacitor includes a first capacitor layer and a second capacitor layer adjacent and substantially parallel to the first capacitor layer. The second capacitor layer has a surface area that is less than the surface area of the first capacitor layer. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120215275 | IMPLANTABLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH FOR MONITORING AND MODIFYING ARTERIAL BLOOD PRESSURE WITHOUT REQUIRING AN INTRAVASCULAR PRESSURE TRANSDUCER - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to implantable systems, and methods for use therewith, that monitor and modify a patient's arterial blood pressure without requiring an intravascular pressure transducer. In accordance with an embodiment, for each of a plurality of periods of time, there is a determination one or more metrics indicative of pulse arrival time (PAT), each of which are indicative of how long it takes for the left ventricle to generate a pressure pulsation that travels from the patient's aorta to a location remote from the patient's aorta. Based on the one or more metrics indicative of PAT, the patient's arterial blood pressure is estimated. Changes in the arterial blood pressure are monitored over time. Additionally, the patient's arterial blood pressure can be modified by initiating and/or adjusting pacing and/or other therapy based on the estimates of the patient's arterial blood pressure and/or monitored changes therein. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120215274 | ACCELEROMETER ENHANCED IMPLANTABLE CARDIO-DEVICE - An implantable medical device (“IMD”) processes and analyzes valuable clinical information regarding cardiac performance. A database or correlator is pre-customized to the specific patient, by correlating signals received by a remote accelerometer associated with heart movements with accurate heart sounds recorded from a microphone to provide a more effective and customized basis for estimating heart sound. The information is then used to better control an implantable medical device. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120215271 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISCONNECTING ELECTRODES OF LEADS OF IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES DURING AN MRI TO REDUCE LEAD HEATING - Systems and methods are provided for reducing heating within pacing/sensing leads of a pacemaker or implantable, cardioverter-defibrillator that occurs due to induced loop currents during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure, or in the presence of other sources of strong radio frequency (RF) fields. For example, bipolar coaxial leads are described herein wherein the ring conductor of the lead is disconnected from the ring electrode in response to detection of MRI fields so as to convert the ring conductor into an RF shield for shielding the inner tip conductor of the lead so as to reduce the strength of loop currents induced therein and hence reduce tip heating. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120215117 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ESTIMATING CENTRAL ARTERIAL BLOOD PRESSURE OF A PATIENT - In specific embodiments, a method for estimating a patient's central arterial blood pressure (CBP) for use with an implantable system, comprises (a) using an implanted sensor at a first site to obtain a first signal indicative of changes in arterial blood volume at the first site, the first site being along one or more peripheral arterial structures of the patient, (b) using an implanted sensor at a second site to obtain a second signal indicative of changes in arterial blood volume at the second site, the second site being a distance from the first site downstream along an arterial path of the peripheral arterial structure of the patient, and (c) using implanted electrodes to obtain a signal indicative of electrical activity of the patient's heart. The method further comprises (d) determining a time t | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120209345 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING OCCURRENCES OF ATRIAL ARRHYTHMIAS - A method for reducing occurrences of atrial arrhythmias includes obtaining measures indicative of atrial pressure of a patient, and monitoring for a change in the measures indicative of atrial pressure that is indicative of an increased vulnerability to an atrial arrhythmia. In response to detecting the change in the measures indicative of atrial pressure that is indicative of the increased vulnerability to an atrial arrhythmia, pacing therapy that is adapted to reduce atrial pressure and thereby reduce vulnerability to an atrial arrhythmia is selectively delivered. Additionally, or alternatively, pacing therapy is adjusted to reduce atrial pressure and thereby reduce vulnerability to an atrial arrhythmia. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120203090 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRACKING STROKE VOLUME USING HYBRID IMPEDANCE CONFIGURATIONS EMPLOYING A MULTI-POLE IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC LEAD - Techniques are provided for use with an implantable medical device for assessing stroke volume or related cardiac function parameters such as cardiac output based on impedance signals obtained using hybrid impedance configurations that exploit a multi-pole cardiac pacing/sensing lead implanted near the left ventricle. In one example, current is injected between a large and stable reference electrode and a ring electrode in the RV. The reference electrode may be, e.g., a coil electrode implanted within the superior vena cava (SVC). Impedance values are measured along a set of different sensing vectors between the reference electrode and each of the electrodes of the multi-pole LV lead. Stroke volume is then estimated and tracked within the patient using the impedance values. In this manner, a hybrid impedance detection configuration is exploited whereby one vector is used to inject current and other vectors are used to measure impedance. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120197149 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISTINGUISHING AMONG CARDIAC ISCHEMIA, HYPOGLYCEMIA AND HYPERGLYCEMIA USING AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Techniques are described for detecting ischemia, hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia based on intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) signals. Ischemia is detected based on a shortening of the interval between the QRS complex and the end of a T-wave (QTmax), alone or in combination with a change in ST segment elevation. Alternatively, ischemia is detected based on a change in ST segment elevation combined with minimal change in the interval between the QRS complex and the end of the T-wave (QTend). Hypoglycemia is detected based on a change in ST segment elevation along with a lengthening of either QTmax or QTend. Hyperglycemia is detected based on a change in ST segment elevation along with minimal change in QTmax and in QTend. By exploiting QTmax and QTend in combination with ST segment elevation, changes in ST segment elevation caused by hypo/hyperglycemia can be properly distinguished from changes caused by ischemia. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120197141 | IMPLANTABLE ECHO DOPPLER FLOW SENSOR FOR MONITORING OF HEMODYNAMICS - Systems, devices and methods of monitoring blood flow velocity are disclosed herein. For example, one method of monitoring blood flow velocity includes: locating a blood flow velocity sensor near the ostium in the coronary sinus; and sensing towards a portion of the aorta. A second example method includes: locating a blood flow velocity sensor in a vein; and sensing towards an adjacent artery. A third example method includes: locating a blood flow velocity sensor near the tricuspid valve; and sensing towards a tricuspid valve annulus. A fourth example method includes: locating a blood flow velocity sensor right ventricular outflow tract; and sensing towards a portion of the aorta. A fifth example method includes: locating a blood flow velocity sensor in the great cardiac vein; and sensing towards a left anterior descending artery. A sixth example method includes: locating a blood flow velocity sensor in the right atrial appendage; and sensing towards a portion of the aorta. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120191154 | System and Method for ATP Treatment Utilizing Multi-Electrode Left Ventricular Lead - An implantable medical device includes a lead configured to be located proximate to the left ventricle (LV) of the heart, the lead including multiple LV electrodes to sense cardiac activity at multiple LV sensing sites. The a detection module to detect an arrhythmia that represents at least one of a tachycardia and fibrillation based at least in part on the cardiac activity sensed at the multiple LV sensing sites. The ATP therapy module to identify at least one of an ATP configuration or an ATP therapy site based on the cardiac sensed activity at the LV sensing sites, the ATP therapy module to control delivery of antitachycardia pacing (ATP) therapy at the ATP therapy site. The ATP therapy module delivers a stimulus to electrodes at one or more of an LV site, right ventricular (RV) site and right atrial (RA) site, the detection module to sense evoked responses at the LV sensing sites, the ATP therapy module to designate the ATP therapy site to include at least the LV sensing site with a shortest activation time relative to the one or more LV site, RV site and RA site where the stimulus is delivered. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120190991 | System and Method for Detecting a Clinically-Significant Pulmonary Fluid Accumulation Using an Implantable Medical Device - Techniques are provided for detecting a clinically-significant pulmonary fluid accumulation within a patient using a pacemaker or other implantable medical device. Briefly, the device detects left atrial pressure (LAP) within the patient and tracks changes in the LAP values over time that are indicative of possible pulmonary fluid accumulation within the patient. The device determines whether the changes in LAP values are sufficiently elevated and prolonged to warrant clinical intervention using, e.g., a predictor model-based technique. If the fluid accumulation is clinically significant, the device then generates warning signals, records diagnostics, controls therapy and/or titrates diuretics. False positive detections of pulmonary edema due to transients in LAP are avoided with this technique. Pulmonary artery pressure (PAP)-based techniques are also described. | 07-26-2012 |
