 Patent Application Title |
Patent App Num. |
Date |
 Method and system for identifying a potential lead failure in an implantable medical device | 20130150913 | 20130613 |
 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... |
| Handling improper device data in implantable devices | 20130150914 | 20130613 |
 A system and method for handling data received from an implantable medical device (IMD) is provided. The method includes communicating a device parameter value of an IMD device parameter from the IMD to an external device and determining, at the external device, that the communicated device parameter value is at an improper value. Additionally, in response to the determining that the communicated device parameter value is at an improper value, automatically performing at least one of re-programming the IMD device parameter with a selected substitute device parameter value, ignoring, or purging non-programmable data.
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| Implantable device header and method | 20130150915 | 20130613 |
 Systems and methods for implantable medical devices and headers are described. In an example, an implantable medical device includes a device container including an electronic module within the device container. A header core includes an electronic connection feature electrically coupled to the electronic module within the device container, the electronic connection feature configured to engage with a lead. In some examples, the header core includes a tag holder configured to locate an identification tag in a selected position with respect to the header core. In some examples, the header core includes an antenna attachment feature configured to locate an antenna in a selected position with respect to the header core. A header shell is disposed around the header core and attached to the device container.
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| Implantable device header and method | 20130150916 | 20130613 |
 Systems and methods for implantable medical devices and headers are described. In an example, an implantable medical device includes a device container including an electronic module within the device container. A modular header core includes a first core module including a first bore hole portion of a first bore hole, the first bore hole portion configured to couple a first electrical component with the electronic module. A second core module includes a second bore hole portion of a second bore hole different than the first bore hole, the second bore hole portion configured to couple a second electrical component with the electronic module. The first core module is detachably engaged with the second core module. A header shell is disposed around the modular header core and... |
| Implantable device header and method | 20130150917 | 20130613 |
 Systems and methods for implantable medical devices and headers are described. In an example, an implantable medical device includes a device container including an electronic module within the device container. A header is coupled to the device container. The header includes a header core including a conductive member electrically coupled to the electronic module within the device container. A header shell is disposed around the header core and attached to the device container. An antenna is coupled to the header core and electrically coupled to the electronic module. A first portion of the header is proximate the antenna. The first portion includes a first dielectric constant that is lower than a second dielectric constant of a second portion of the header.
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| Remote control for implantable medical device | 20130150925 | 20130613 |
| A system and method for modifying the parameters of an implantable medical device includes an implantable medical device that communicates with a remote control device that, in turn, communicates through the browser of a computer or any other device capable of using mark-up language protocol. The computer optionally communicates with other computers and/or devices through a network.
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| Implantable device header and method | 20130150937 | 20130613 |
| Systems and methods for implantable medical devices and headers are described. In an example, an implantable medical device includes a device container including an electronic module within the device container. A header core includes a bore hole portion and at least two electronic connection features disposed within the bore hole portion. The bore hole portion includes at least one cavity configured to allow placement of at least one of the electronic connection features within the bore hole portion. The at least two electronic connection features are electrically coupled to the electronic module within the device container. The header core is configured to allow location of the at least two electronic connection features in a selected configuration within the bore hole portion. A header shell is disposed... |
| Fabricating an implantable medical device from an amorphous or very low crystallinity polymer construct | 20130134623 | 20130530 |
| Methods of fabricating a polymeric implantable device with improved fracture toughness through annealing, nucleating agents, or both are disclosed herein. A polymeric construct that is completely amorphous or that has a very low crystallinity is annealed with no or substantially no crystal growth to increase nucleation density. Alternatively, the polymer construct includes nucleating agent. The crystallinity of the polymer construct is increased with a high nucleation density through an increase in temperature, deformation, or both. An implantable medical device, such as a stent, can be fabricated from the polymer construct after the increase in crystallinity.
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| Welding method including continuous wave welding and pulse welding for component of an implatable medical device | 20130136979 | 20130530 |
| A component of an implantable medical device may include a first member, a second member, and a composite seam weld formed between the first member and the second member. In some examples, the composite seam weld includes a continuous wave (CW)-welded portion formed using CW welding and a pulse-welded portion formed using pulsed welding. A first end of the pulse-welded portion may partially overlap a first end of the CW-welded portion and may be offset from the first end of the CW-welded portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal orientation of the first end of the CW-welded portion. Techniques for forming composite seam welds are also described.
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| Off-line sensing method and its applications in detecting undersensing, oversensing, and noise | 20130138004 | 20130530 |
| A system and method for performing independent, off-line evaluation of event sensing for collected electrograms, comprising: sensing an electrogram using an implantable medical device (IMD); determining locations of heart beats on at least one channel of the electrogram using a multi-pass process, resulting in a group of multi-pass beat locations; storing the electrogram and device-identified beat locations in a memory location; and retrieving the electrogram and device-identified beat locations from the memory location. The multi-pass process determines locations of heart beats on at least a first channel of the electrogram. The device-identified group of beat locations are then compared to the multi-pass group of beat locations identified using the multi-pass method. Based on the comparing step, oversensing of beats, undersensing of beats, or noise from the... |
| Recommended replacement time based on user selection | 20130138166 | 20130530 |
| Systems and techniques that enable a user to selectively extend the time prior to providing an indication of power source depletion, e.g., allow an extended the recommended replacement time (RRT) prior to providing an elective replacement indication (ERI), are described. The user provides input, which may indicate an acceptable level of implantable medical device performance, e.g., that lesser performance for a period between a default RRT and an extended RRT is acceptable. In response to the input, the time until providing an RRT/ERI notification, or some other indication of depletion of the implantable medical device power source, may be extended.
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| Activity-responsive pacing | 20130138171 | 20130530 |
| An implantable medical device is connectable to or comprises an activity sensor and determines a current activity level of a subject based on a sensor signal from the activity sensor. A time period during which the current activity level of the subject has exceeded a threshold level is also determined. A pulse generator controller controls a pulse generator to generate pacing pulses to be applied to the subject's heart at a pacing rate that is determined based on the current activity level and the length of the time period of activity at a level exceeding the threshold level.
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| Medical device for bone implant and method for producing such a device | 20130138212 | 20130530 |
| A bone implantable medical device made from a biocompatible material, preferably comprising titanic or zirconia, has at least a portion of its surface modified to facilitate improved integration with bone. The implantable device may incorporate a surface infused with osteoinductive agent and/or may incorporate holes loaded with a therapeutic agent. The infused surface and/or the holes may be patterned to determine the distribution of and amount of osteoinductive agent and/or therapeutic agent incorporated. The rate of release or elution profile of the therapeutic agent may be controlled. Methods for producing such a bone implantable medical device are also disclosed and employ the use of ion beam irradiation, preferably gas cluster ion beam irradiation for improving bone integration.
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| Medical device for bone implant and method for producing such a device | 20130138213 | 20130530 |
| A method of modifying a surface of implantable medical device provides coating at least a first portion of the surface of the medical device with a therapeutic agent to form a coated surface region; and irradiating at least a portion of the coated surface region with a gas cluster ion beam infusing the therapeutic agent into the at least a portion of the coated surface region.
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| Clock synchronization in an implantable medical device system | 20130138991 | 20130530 |
| This disclosure is directed to the synchronization of clocks of a secondary implantable medical device (IMD) to a clock of a primary IMD. The secondary IMD includes a communications clock. The communications clock may be synchronized based on at least one received communications pulse. The secondary IMD further includes a general purpose clock different than the communications clock. The general purpose clock may be synchronized based on at least one received power pulse. The communications clock may also be synchronized based on the at least one received power pulse.
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| Lead assembly for implantable microstimulator | 20130125395 | 20130523 |
| A lead assembly for a small implantable medical device (a.k.a. micro device 10) provides means to attach a remote electrode to microdevice, which means inhibit fluid ingress when microdevice is not attached to lead assembly. Microdevices may provide either or both tissue stimulation and sensing. Known microdevices include spaced apart electrodes on the outer surface of the microdevice. Lead assembly includes an insulated lead including a proximal end and a distal end, with at least one conductor therebetween: at least one electrode at the distal end of the lead and electrically connected to the at least one conductor, and a connector attached to the proximal end of the lead and adapted to be removably connectable to microdevice. Connector includes at least one contact to electrically connect... |
| Implantable medical device with fractal antenna | 20130131752 | 20130523 |
| An apparatus and method for enabling an implanted fractal antenna for radio frequency communications between an implantable medical device and an external device. The fractal antenna may be disposed within or outside of a header assembly of the device housing. Various examples include a three dimensional patterned cylinder usable as a tissue anchor or stent. In another embodiment the antenna may be cast, molded, stamped, punched, milled, laser cut, etched or other methods to form a fractal pattern in conductive media. In another embodiment the antenna may be formed of a printed circuit board (PCB) either with or without an included ground reference plane. In another embodiment the antenna may be formed in a fractal pattern and then wrapped around a part of the implantable device.
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| Coatings for implantable devices comprising poly(hydroxy-alkanoates) and diacid linkages | 20130123422 | 20130516 |
| Coatings for an implantable medical device and a method of fabricating thereof are disclosed, the coatings include block-polymers comprising at least one poly(hydroxyacid) or poly(hydroxy-alkanoate) block, at least one block of a biologically compatible polymer and at least one type of linking moiety.
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| Leadless implantable medical device with dual chamber sensing functionality | 20130123872 | 20130516 |
| 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.
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| 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 | 20130123876 | 20130516 |
| 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.
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| External charger for an implantable medical device system having a coil for communication and charging | 20130123881 | 20130516 |
| Disclosed in an improved medical implantable device system including an improved external charger that is able to communicate with an external controller and IPG using the communication protocol (e.g., FSK) used to implement communications between the external controller and the implant. The external controller as modified uses its charging coil to charge the implant, and also to communicate with the other devices in the system. As such, the external charger is provided with transceiver circuitry operating in accordance with the protocol, and also includes tuning circuitry to tune the coil as necessary for communications or charging. Communication or charging access to the charging coil in the external charger is time multiplexed. The disclosed system allows charging information to be provided to the user interface of the... |
| Coatings for implantable devices comprising poly(hydroxy-alkanoates) and diacid linkages | 20130116380 | 20130509 |
| Coatings for an implantable medical device and a method of fabricating thereof are disclosed, the coatings including block-polymers comprising at least one poly(hydroxyacid) or poly(hydroxy-alkanoate) block, at least one block of a biologically compatible polymer and at least one type of linking moiety.
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| Establishing secure communication between an implantable medical device and an external device | 20130108046 | 20130502 |
| Establishing secure communication between an implantable medical device and an external device includes: accessing, at the implantable medical device, biological data; utilizing the biological data, at the implantable medical device, to generate a public cryptographic key; and utilizing the public cryptographic key, at the implantable medical device, to generate a private cryptographic key.
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| Communication between external devices and implantable medical devices | 20130110008 | 20130502 |
| In general, the techniques of this disclosure are directed to communication between an implantable medical device (IMD) and an external device. In some examples, the external device transmits a signal that includes a communication key. One or more sensors of the IMD sense the signal that includes the communication key, and the IMD uses the communication key for coding the communication between the IMD and the external device. The one or more sensors that sensed the signal may also sense one or more patient characteristics.
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| Ischemia detection | 20130110187 | 20130502 |
| An implantable medical device comprises a connector connectable to an implantable oxygen sensor configured to generate a sensor signal representative of oxygen concentration in coronary sinus blood in a subject's heart. An ischemia detector is connected to the connector and configured to detect an ischemic event in the heart if the sensor signal indicates a temporary decrease in oxygen concentration in the coronary sinus blood below a normal level followed by a temporary increase in oxygen concentration in the coronary sinus blood above the normal level.
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| Method to assess hemodynamic performance during cardiac resynchronization therapy optimization using admittance waveforms and derivatives | 20130110188 | 20130502 |
| An implantable medical device and associated method to determine an optimal control parameter setting for controlling a cardiac therapy that includes a therapy delivery module to deliver cardiac pacing signals at a plurality of pacing rates, and an admittance measurement module to determine admittance signals associated with each of the plurality of pacing rates. A control unit determines metrics of hemodynamic performance corresponding to each of the plurality of pacing rates in response to the determined admittance signals, identifies pacing rates of the plurality of pacing rates as rejected rates in response to the determined metrics of hemodynamic performance, and determines a pacing rate of the plurality of pacing rates as an optimal rate for delivering the cardiac therapy in response to the identified pacing rates.
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| Method to assess hemodynamic performance during cardiac resynchronization therapy optimization using admittance waveforms and derivatives | 20130110190 | 20130502 |
| An implantable medical device and associated method to determine an optimal control parameter setting for controlling a cardiac therapy that includes a plurality of electrodes, a therapy module to deliver cardiac pacing signals between the plurality of electrodes at a plurality of pacing rates, an admittance measurement module to determine admittance signals associated with each of the plurality of pacing rates, and a control unit to determine, for each pacing rate of the plurality of pacing rates, intervals between admittance signals associated with the pacing rate, compare the determined intervals, and determine a pacing rate of the plurality of pacing rates as an optimal rate for delivering the cardiac therapy in response to the determined intervals.
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| Mult-element acoustic recharging system | 20130110192 | 20130502 |
| An acoustic energy delivery system for delivering acoustic energy to an implantable medical device (“IMD”). The system includes an IMD having a power source and an energy delivery device. The energy delivery device includes a controller and an array of ultrasonic elements electrically coupled to the controller and configured to deliver acoustic energy to the IMD. Methods of delivering acoustic energy to an IMD are also disclosed.
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| Neurostimulator system, apparatus, and method | 20130110195 | 20130502 |
| An apparatus (10) for applying stimulation therapy to a patient includes an implantable medical device (20) and a remote controller (50) for inductively powering the medical device and communicating with the medical device. The remote controller (50) includes a feedback portion (220) for helping to establish a communication link between the remote controller and the implantable medical device (20).
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| Managing a multi-function coil in an implantable medical device using an optical switch | 20130110203 | 20130502 |
| Combination charging and telemetry circuit for use within an implantable medical device uses a single coil for both charging and telemetry that is controlled via the use of an opto-switch. One or more capacitors are used to tune the coil to different frequencies for receiving power from an external device and for the telemetry of information to and from an external device. The opto-switch is coupled to the resonant circuit, but because its input is electrically decoupled from its output, it easy to control.
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| Temporary implantable medical device | 20110015736 | 20110120 |
| A temporarily implantable medical device is disclosed. Said device is implantable in a predetermined body portion to be treated; wherein said device comprises (a) a reversibly implantable elongated continuous strip of a predetermined shape having a biocompatible surface; said strip having a distal end within the body of a patient and a proximal end located adjacent to the subcutaneous tissue of said body portion to be treated; and, (b) a cannula having a least one exposed portion located at said subcutaneous tissue of said body portion to be treated, accommodating at least a portion of said proximal end of said strip; said cannula comprises sealing means adapted to seal said cannula.
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| Copolymer-bioceramic composite implantable medical devices | 20110015726 | 20110120 |
| Methods and devices relating to polymer-bioceramic composite implantable medical devices are disclosed. The bioceramic comprises calcium sulfate.
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| Architectures for an implantable medical device system | 20110015705 | 20110120 |
| An improved architecture for an implantable medical device such as an implantable pulse generator (IPG) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the various functional blocks for the IPG are incorporated into a signal integrated circuit (IC). Each of the functional blocks communicate with each other, and with other off-chip devices if necessary, via a centralized bus governed by a communication protocol. To communicate with the bus and to adhere to the protocol, each circuit block includes bus interface circuitry adherent with that protocol. Because each block complies with the protocol, any given block can easily be modified or upgraded without affecting the design of the other blocks, facilitating debugging and upgrading of the IPG circuitry. Moreover, because the centralized bus can be taken off the integrated circuit,... |
| Remote pace detection in an implantable medical device | 20110015703 | 20110120 |
| A system embodiment for stimulating a neural target comprises a neural stimulator, a pace detector, and a controller. The neural stimulator is electrically connected to at least one electrode, and is configured to deliver a neural stimulation signal through the at least one electrode to stimulate the neural target. The pace detector is configured to use at least one electrode to sense cardiac activity and distinguish paced cardiac activity in the sensed cardiac activity from non-paced cardiac activity in the sensed cardiac activity. The controller is configured to control a programmed neural stimulation therapy using the neural stimulator and using detected paced cardiac activity as an input for the neural stimulation therapy.
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| Remote sensing in an implantable medical device | 20110015702 | 20110120 |
| An embodiment uses an accelerometer to sense heart sounds, and determines heart rate info nation using the sensed heart sounds. An embodiment uses an accelerometer to sense respiratory activity. An embodiment delivers a programmed neural stimulation therapy with a programmed duty cycle, where the programmed duty cycle includes a stimulation ON portion followed by a stimulation OFF portion. An electrode electrically connected to the implanted neural stimulation device is used to remotely detect cardiac activity. The remotely detected cardiac activity is used to detect heart rate information during the stimulation ON portion and to detect heart rate information during the stimulation OFF portion. The detected heart rate information and/or the detected respiration information are used to control a neural stimulation therapy performed by the neural stimulator... |
| Enhanced patient programming security for remote programming via paired communication / imd access via custom hardware | 20110015693 | 20110120 |
| A system and method for enhanced patient programming security for remote programming via paired communication/implantable medical device access via custom hardware. The system comprises an implantable medical device capable of telemetric communication with an external device. The implantable medical device may be paired to a remote monitoring device. The implantable medical device and/or the remote monitoring device challenge other devices to provide information for authentication and/or authorization. The information may be information about the implantable medical device, information about the remote monitoring device, information about the patient, or heuristic information. The information may be stored in an electronic medical records system.
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| Sealing of an implantable medical device | 20110015686 | 20110120 |
| A method of adhering a protective layer applied to a substrate region of an implantable medical device (IMD) to form a covered substrate region. The method includes obtaining the IMD, depositing an intermediate layer on a portion of the substrate region of the IMD such that the intermediate layer binds to the portion of the substrate region to create a modified substrate region, and depositing the protective layer after depositing the intermediate layer onto the intermediate layer and adhering the protective layer to the intermediate layer. In an embodiment of the present invention, this method enhances the sealing characteristics of the protective layer by, for example, reducing the likelihood of delamination of the protective layer from the IMD relative to IMDs prepared by certain other methods.
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| Connector assembly with internal seals and manufacturing method | 20110014807 | 20110120 |
| An implantable medical device connector assembly and method of manufacture include a molded, insulative shell having a first inner surface forming a connector bore, an outer surface defining a fill port for receiving an adhesive, and a second inner surface defining a channel extending from the fill port to the first inner surface forming the connector bore; one or more conductive members positioned along the connector bore; and sealing members positioned between the conductive members. An adhesive is disposed in the channel and seals the outer surface of the sealing member to the inner surface forming the connector bore.
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| Rapamycin reservoir eluting stent | 20110009953 | 20110113 |
| Implantable medical devices may be utilized to locally delivery one or more drugs or therapeutic agents to treat a wide variety of conditions, including the treatment of the biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the implantable medical device. These therapeutic agents may be released under controlled and directional conditions from a stent so that the one or more therapeutic agents reach the correct target area, for example, the surrounding tissue.
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| implantable medical lead and method for manufacture thereof | 20110009938 | 20110113 |
| An implantable medical lead for implantation in a patient which has at least one electrical conductor connected to at least one electrode and/or sensor of said lead. The at least one conductor is arranged within a continuous sheet of a polymer material. A distal portion of the lead is adapted to be located in or at a heart of said patient and a proximal portion of said lead is connectable to an implantable medical device and arranged such that, when connected to the device, at least a part of the proximal portion of the sheet is placed in close proximity to said medical device. At least the proximal portion of the polymer sheet material is processed in at least a first heat process stage such that... |
| Method and system for identifying a potential lead failure in an implantable medical device | 20110009918 | 20110113 |
| 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... |
| Capacitor-integrated feedthrough assembly with improved grounding for an implantable medical device | 20110009917 | 20110113 |
| A feedthrough assembly for use with implantable medical devices having a shield structure, the feedthrough assembly engaging with the remainder of the associated implantable medical device to form a seal with the medical device to inhibit unwanted gas, liquid, or solid exchange into or from the device. One or more feedthrough wires extend through the feedthrough assembly to facilitate transceiving of the electrical signals with one or more implantable patient leads. The feedthrough assembly is connected to a mechanical support which houses one or more filtering capacitors that are configured to filter and remove undesired frequencies from the electrical signals received via the feedthrough wires before the signals reach the electrical circuitry inside the implantable medical device. The mechanical support may further include an isolation structure... |
| Implantable site with screen engaging in the septum | 20110009833 | 20110113 |
| The invention relates to an implantable medical device designed for the injection and/or removal of a fluid substance into and/or from a human or animal body, said device comprising a housing (2) provided with a chamber (3) that extends between a first end and a second end and that is delimited by a side wall (6) which joins said first end to said second end, said side wall (6) having at least a first puncture zone (10) and a second puncture zone (11), said device comprising a non-pierceable screen (13), said device being characterized in that the side wall (6) is formed in one piece, and in that a portion of the non-pierceable screen (13) is inserted into a blind seat (14) formed within the thickness... |
| Thermal treatment of an implantable medical device | 20110008529 | 20110113 |
| A method of manufacturing an implantable medical device, such as a drug eluting stent, is disclosed. The method includes subjecting an implantable medical device that includes a polymer to a thermal condition. The thermal condition can result in reduction of the rate of release of an active agent from the device subsequent to the implantation of the device and/or improve the mechanical properties of a polymeric coating on the device.
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| Fatigue-resistant stent | 20110004294 | 20110106 |
| A fatigue-resistant implantable medical device. The fatigue-resistant implantable medical device includes a tubular stent. The tubular stent can have a laser-cut length and a shape-set length that is either longer or shorter than the laser-cut length. Such stents will tend to return to their laser-cut length when they are compressed for delivery. A stent that is shape-set longer than its laser-cut/delivery length that is deployed in a vessel that is shortened for stent delivery will tend to return to its shape-set length when the vessel returns to its neutral (i.e., elongated) length. Likewise, a stent that is shape-set shorter than its laser-cut/delivery length that is deployed in a vessel that is elongated for stent delivery will tend to return to its shape-set length when the vessel... |
| System and method for cardiac lead | 20110004286 | 20110106 |
| An implantable medical device (IMD) can include implantable pulse generator (IPG) devices, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD), cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator devices, neurostimulators or combinations thereof. The IMD can also include a cardiac lead assembly in communication with the body assembly to transmit the at least one electrical signal to an anatomical structure. The cardiac lead assembly can include a first sleeve, which can have a distal end, a proximal end, and a surface therebetween. The surface can define a plurality of annular ribs along the distal end and can have a channel defined between each pair of adjacent ribs. An electrode can be coupled to the surface of the first sleeve adjacent to the distal end such that at least one channel is fillable with an adhesive... |
| System and method for cardiac lead | 20110004285 | 20110106 |
| An implantable medical device (IMD) can include implantable pulse generator (IPG) devices, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD), cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator devices, neurostimulators or combinations thereof. In one example, the IMD can include a body assembly, which can provide at least one electrical signal corresponding to a therapy. The IMD can also include a cardiac lead assembly, which can have a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion of the cardiac lead assembly can be in communication with the body assembly to receive the therapy and the distal portion can be adapted to be coupled to an anatomical structure to transmit the at least one electrical signal to the anatomical structure. The proximal portion of the cardiac lead assembly can have a first stiffness and the... |
| Implantable medical device connector | 20110004279 | 20110106 |
| Disclosed is an implantable medical device including a connector block that allows varied lead configurations to be used with a single connector block and implantable medical device assembly. The connector block is configured with one or more lead insertion lumens that are open at both ends, such that each end of the lead insertion lumen may receive a separate lead. The circuitry within the implantable medical device is configured to allow the delivery of electrical pulses from a pulse generator within the implantable medical device to two separate leads, or to a single lead (with a plug positioned within the opposite, open end of the insertion lumen), inserted within a single lead insertion lumen.
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| External device for an implantable medical system having accessible contraindication information | 20110004275 | 20110106 |
| Disclosed is a remote controller for an implantable medical device having stored contraindication information, which includes information which a patient or clinician might wish to review when assessing the compatibility of a given therapeutic or diagnostic technique or activity with the patient's implant. The stored contraindication information is available through a display of the remote controller or via a wired, wireless, or portable drive connection with an external device. By storing contraindication information with the implant's remote controller, patient and clinician can more easily determine the safety of a particular therapeutic or diagnostic technique or physical activity with the patient's implant, perhaps without the need to contact the manufacturer's service representative.
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| Medical device packaging system | 20110004265 | 20110106 |
| A system, comprising a sterilizable package; an implantable medical device placed inside the sterilizable package; and an electrical interface electrically coupled to the implantable medical device and extending from inside the sterilizable package to outside the sterilizable package. In various embodiments, the interface may include package contacts electrically coupled to electrode terminals on the implantable medical device, patient terminals and conductors extending between the package contacts and the patient terminals.
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| Data-driven pattern detection of implantable medical device data | 20110004263 | 20110106 |
| Detecting patterns in sensed implantable medical device (IMD) data is described. One implementation involves an IMD that includes a data-driven pattern detection network embodied on the IMD to detect a pattern from sensed patient data. The IMD also includes one or more algorithms embodied on the IMD to utilize the pattern to effect patient therapy.
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| Implantable medical device including mechanical stress sensor | 20110004124 | 20110106 |
| Systems and techniques for determining in vivo mechanical load exerted on an implanted medical device (IMD) are described. The IMD or a device that has a substantially similar form factor as the IMD includes at least one mechanical stress sensor mechanically coupled to a housing or a component within the housing. In some examples, a patient parameter is determined based on a signal indicative of the in vivo mechanical load exerted on the IMD. In addition, in some examples, a processor determines whether a transient or cumulative mechanical load exerted on an IMD exceeded a predetermined threshold. A processor may additionally or alternatively determine whether a pattern in the mechanical loading of the IMD indicates a diversion from a manufacturing, shipping, storage or other handling process.
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| Detection of hypovolemia using implantable medical device | 20110004109 | 20110106 |
| An implantable medical device receives a physiological signal indicative of circulatory blood volume and detects hypovolemia from that physiological signal. In one embodiment, an implantable pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) senses a PAP signal, and the implantable medical device detects hypovolemia from the PAP signal.
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| Thermal treatment of an implantable medical device | 20110003068 | 20110106 |
| A method of manufacturing an implantable medical device, such as a drug eluting stent, is disclosed. The method includes subjecting an implantable medical device that includes a polymer to a thermal condition. The thermal condition can result in reduction of the rate of release of an active agent from the device subsequent to the implantation of the device and/or improve the mechanical properties of a polymeric coating on the device.
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| Miniature hermetically sealed rfid microelectronic chip connected to a biocompatible rfid antenna for use in conjunction with an aimd | 20110001610 | 20110106 |
| An implantable radio frequency identification (RFID) tag includes a hermetically sealed biocompatible container, an RFID microelectronics chip is disposed within the container, and a biocompatible antenna extends from the RFID microelectronic chip and exteriorly of the container. In an exemplary embodiment the container comprises a housing for an active implantable medical device (AIMD). In another exemplary embodiment the RFID tag is associated with an AIMD. The AIMD may comprise a lead system. The RFID tag may be disposed within a non-hermetically sealed portion of the AIMD, such a header block, and may include information pertaining to the AIMD. Another exemplary embodiment may include a sensor conductively coupled to the RFID microelectronics chip. The sensor may be disposed exterior of or within the container. The sensor measures... |
| Thermal treatment of an implantable medical device | 20110001271 | 20110106 |
| A method of manufacturing an implantable medical device, such as a drug eluting stent, is disclosed. The method includes subjecting an implantable medical device that includes a polymer to a thermal condition. The thermal condition can result in reduction of the rate of release of an active agent from the device subsequent to the implantation of the device and/or improve the mechanical properties of a polymeric coating on the device.
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| Co-fired metal and ceramic composite feedthrough assemblies for use at least in implantable medical devices and methods for making the same | 20110000699 | 20110106 |
| A hermetic interconnect for medical devices is disclosed. In one embodiment, the interconnect includes platinum leads co-fired between alumina substrates to form a monolithic composite that is subsequently bonded into a titanium alloy flange. Both methodology for forming these interconnects as well as specific geometries and compositions are disclosed. Interconnects formed in this fashion enable significant reductions in overall size of the interconnect relative to the number of feedthrough leads as well as substantial improvements in robustness versus currently available technology.
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| Implantable medical device | 20100331957 | 20101230 |
| The invention provides an implantable medical device comprising a fibrous polymer body comprising a plurality of electrospun poly(urethane) fibers, a support filament wrapped around the body, an outer layer around the filament for adhering the filament to the body, the outer layer comprising a plurality of electrospun poly(urethane) fibers, and a polymer primer coating at least the fibers of the body. The polymer primer comprises poly(lactide) and is attached to a heparin residue through a link.
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| Implantable medical devices | 20100331954 | 20101230 |
| A medical device includes a balloon catheter having an expandable member, e.g., an inflatable balloon, at its distal end and a stent or other endoprosthesis. The stent is, for example, an apertured tubular member formed of a polymer and is assembled about the balloon. The stent has an initial diameter for delivery into the body and can be expanded to a larger diameter by inflating the balloon.
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| Shape memory alloy articles with improved fatigue performance and methods therefore | 20100331946 | 20101230 |
| Articles made of shape memory alloys having improved fatigue performance and to methods of treating articles formed from shape memory alloy materials by pre-straining the articles (or desired portions of the articles) in a controlled manner so that the resultant articles exhibit improved fatigue performance. The shape memory articles are preferably medical devices, more preferably implantable medical devices. They are most preferably devices of nitinol shape memory alloy, most particularly that is superelastic at normal body temperature. The pre-straining method of the present invention as performed on such articles includes the controlled introduction of non-recoverable tensile strains greater than about 0.20% at the surface of a desired portion of a shape memory alloy article. Controlled pre-straining operations are performed on the shape-set nitinol metal to achieve... |
| Methods of application of coatings composed of hydrophobic, high glass transition polymers with tunable drug release rates | 20090326645 | 20091231 |
| The present invention relates to methods of applying a drug—polymer coating layer onto an implantable medical device or another substrate, and the use of a choice of solvents to adjust the release of the drug from the coating. The drug to polymer ratio is about 1:1 to 1:3 on a mass basis. The polymer and the drug are hydrophobic.
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| Implantable medical devices fabricated from radiopaque polymers with high fracture toughness | 20090326642 | 20091231 |
| Medical devices, such as stents, fabricated from a polymer including degradable polymer segments joined by di-urethane linkages with radiopaque functional groups chemically bonded to the polymer are disclosed.
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| Lead delivery device and method | 20090326631 | 20091231 |
| A lead delivery apparatus includes an electrically conductive lead for an implantable medical device, a delivery shaft for delivering the lead to a target site, a fixator and a pulley structure. A flexible member is coupled to the delivery shaft and the lead and engages the pulley structure such that pulling a first portion of the flexible member moves the lead to the target site.
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| Systems and methods for interacting with an implantable medical device | 20090326610 | 20091231 |
| An interactive implantable medical device system includes an implantable medical device and a network-enabled external device capable of bi-directional communication and interaction with the implantable medical device. The external device is programmed to interact with other similarly-enabled devices. The system facilitates improved patient care by eliminating unnecessary geographic limitations on implantable medical device interrogation and programming, and by allowing patients, physicians, and other users to access medical records, history, and information and to receive status and care-related alerts and messages anywhere there is access to a communications network.
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| Lead integrity testing during suspected tachyarrhythmias | 20090326600 | 20091231 |
| Techniques for performing a lead integrity test during a suspected tachyarrhythmia are described. An implantable medical device (IMD) may perform the test prior to delivering a therapeutic shock to treat the suspected tachyarrhythmia and, in some cases, may withhold the shock based on the test. In some examples, the IMD measures an impedance of a lead a plurality of times during the suspected tachyarrhythmia. In some examples, the IMD measures the impedance a plurality of times between two sensed events of the suspected tachyarrhythmia. The IMD or another device may determine a variability of, or otherwise compare, the measured impedances to evaluate the integrity of the lead. Instead of or in addition to withholding a shock, the IMD or another device may change a sensing or... |
| Calibration of impedance monitoring of respiratory volumes using thoracic d.c. impedance | 20090326599 | 20091231 |
| A system includes an implantable medical device that includes a trans-thoracic impedance measurement circuit providing a trans-thoracic impedance signal of a subject. A controller is coupled to the trans-thoracic impedance circuit. The controller extracts a respiration signal from the trans-thoracic impedance signal, measures a breathing volume of the subject using the amplitude of the respiration signal and a breathing volume calibration factor, computes an adjusted breathing volume calibration factor using a reference baseline value of the trans-thoracic impedance and a measured baseline value of the trans-thoracic impedance, and computes a calibrated breathing volume using the adjusted breathing volume calibration factor.
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| Solar cell for implantable medical device | 20090326597 | 20091231 |
| An implantable medical device includes a solar cell configured to provide energy to recharge a power source such as a battery. The power source is coupled to a control circuit of the medical device and provides power to the circuit. The solar cell may be coupled to the power source via a wire and may be distanced from a housing of the medical device. The solar cell may also be attached to the housing or may be disposed in the housing. The medical device may be implanted in the body of a host such that a surface of the solar cell is provided under a layer of skin of the host. The translucent property of skin allows the solar cell to receive light or infrared radiation... |
| Method of cutting tissue using a laser | 20090326524 | 20091231 |
| A method of cutting tissue for use as an implantable medical device employs a laser cutting system. The laser cutting system is computer controlled and includes a laser combined with a motion system. The laser precisely cuts segments out of source tissue according to predetermined pattern as designated by the computer. The cutting energy of the laser is selected so that the cut edges of the tissue segments are fused, melted or welded to discourage delamination or fraying, but communication of thermal energy into the segment beyond the edge is minimized to avoid damaging the tissue adjacent the edge.
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| Polyester implantable medical device with controlled in vivo biodegradability | 20090324670 | 20091231 |
| This invention relates to blends of high, optionally medium, and low molecular weight polyesters where at least the low molecular weight polyester is substituted with an acidic moiety, the biodegradation of the blends being controllable by selection of the mean molecular weigh of each fraction, the quantity of each fraction in the blend and the amount and pKa of the acidic moiety(ies).
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| Poly(ester-amide) and poly(amide) coatings for implantable medical devices for controlled release of a protein or peptide and a hydrophobic drug | 20090324672 | 20091231 |
| This invention is generally related to coatings for implantable medical devices, such as drug delivery vascular stents. The coating includes a drug reservoir layer above the outer surface of the device body, the drug reservoir layer with a peptide or protein, a hydrophobic drug, and a polymer with a weight average molecular weight between about 10,000 to about 150,000 Daltons. A preferred polymer is a poly(ester amide) polymer.
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| Medical devices made from polymers with end group modification for improved thermal stability | 20090319036 | 20091224 |
| Implantable medical devices and methods of forming thereof made from polymers with end groups providing improved thermal stability are disclosed. Implantable medical devices made from such polymers including stabilizing agents are additionally disclosed.
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| Bioabsorbable polymeric stent with improved structural and molecular weight integrity | 20090319031 | 20091224 |
| Various embodiments of the present invention include implantable medical devices such as stents manufactured from polymers, and more particularly, biodegradable polymers including biodegradable polyesters. Other embodiments include methods of fabricating implantable medical devices from polymers. The devices and methods utilize one or more stabilizers, where each stabilizer may be chosen from the following categories: free radical scavengers, peroxide decomposers, catalyst deactivators, water scavengers, and metal scavengers.
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| Expandable tip delivery system for endoluminal prosthesis | 20090319019 | 20091224 |
| An improved delivery system for an implantable medical device includes a retention sheath for an implantable medical device. The retention sheath includes a central lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the retention sheath, and a tapered portion disposed at a distal end of the retention sheath. The tapered portion of the retention sheath includes a first layer made of a low-friction material. The first layer may be movable from a compressed, folded configuration in an initial position, to a substantially uncompressed and unfolded configuration in a deployment position. The retention sheath also includes a second layer made of an expandable material. The second layer is disposed radially outward of and in contact with the first layer, and the second layer is... |
| Method and apparatus for controlling anti-tachyarrhythmia therapy using hemodynamic tolerability | 20090318985 | 20091224 |
| A cardiac rhythm management system identifies a relationship between one or more hemodynamic parameters sensed from a patient and levels of hemodynamic tolerability of the patient. The identified relationship allows an implantable medical device to control delivery of anti-tachyarrhythmia therapy using the patient's hemodynamic tolerability during a detected tachyarrhythmia episode, in addition to classifying the detected tachyarrhythmia episode by its type and origin.
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| Medical device | 20090318886 | 20091224 |
| An implantable medical device can be configured to directly or indirectly release nitric oxide during its insertion in a patient. Such a device can reduce the amount of time required for implantation as well as reduce or prevent damage to the region surrounding the implanted device.
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| Dielectric fluid filled active implantable medical devices | 20090312835 | 20091217 |
| Active implantable medical devices (AIMDs) are backfilled with a dielectric fluid to increase the volts per mil dielectric breakdown strength between internal circuit elements. In a method for backfilling the AIMD with dielectric fluid, substantially all air and moisture is evacuated from the AIMD housing prior to backfilling the AIMD housing with a dielectric fluid having a dielectric breakdown strength greater than air, nitrogen or helium. The AIMD is constructed to accommodate volumetric expansion or contraction of the dielectric fluid due to changes of pressure or temperature of the dielectric fluid to maintain integrity of the AIMD.
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| Implantable medical device | 20090312821 | 20091217 |
| Implantable medical device (10) having control unit (20) connected to bidirectional wireless interface (18) and magnetic interface (16). Bidirectional wireless interface configured for bidirectional wireless data transmission via alternating electric field between medical device and an external device and may assume at least one OFF and one ON state, whereby wireless data transmission is possible only in ON state and function interface requires little or no energy in OFF state. Magnetic interface configured to constantly receive control signals transmitted via an alternating magnetic field from the external device. Magnetic interface configured to receive/process a data transmission start signal, such that magnetic interface or control unit generates a wireless interface activation. The bidirectional wireless interface is at least indirectly connected to the magnetic interface and is configured... |
| Battery depth of discharge in an implantable device | 20090312809 | 20091217 |
| Systems and methods for determining depth of discharge for implantable device batteries are provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for determining depth of discharge for a battery in an implantable medical device. Voltage recovery of the battery is measured subsequent to a predetermined event. Measured voltage recovery data is stored in a database adapted to store data for one or more devices. Measured voltage recovery data is compared with stored voltage recovery data to determine battery depth of discharge. According to various embodiments, battery capacity consumed is measured using a coulometer and using a capacity-by-voltage device. Measured battery capacity consumed is combined with measured voltage recovery data using a predetermined weighted average, and the combined data is stored in the database. The... |
| Rotational detachment mechanism | 20090312748 | 20091217 |
| A handle for use with an implantable medical device deployment system that guides and deploys the medical device at a target location within a body vessel. The handle includes a rotatable member, rotation of which causes movement of a control member of the deployment system in an axial direction. An actuator in a handle may include a threaded portion which has at least two different pitch sizes.
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| Implantable pressure sensor with automatic measurement and storage capabilities | 20090312650 | 20091217 |
| Methods for activating implantable medical devices within a patient's body are disclosed. An illustrative method includes activating an implantable medical device from a low-power state to an awake state in response to a scheduled time event, sensing one or more pressure measurements within the body, computing an average pressure measurement based on the sensed pressure measurements, storing the average pressure measurement within a memory of the implantable medical device, and then returning the device to the low-power state. A triggering event such as the detection of patient activity or motion can also be used to activate the implantable medical device between the low-power state and an active state.
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| Antithrombotic coating for drug eluting medical devices | 20090311299 | 20091217 |
| Medical devices, and in particular implantable medical devices, may be coated to minimize or substantially eliminate a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. The medical devices may be coated with any number of biocompatible materials. Therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may be mixed with the biocompatible materials and affixed to at least a portion of the medical device. These therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may also further reduce a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. In addition, these therapeutic drugs, agents and/or compounds may be utilized to promote healing, including the formation of blood clots. Various materials and coating methodologies may be utilized to maintain the drugs, agents or compounds on the... |
| Implantable medical device electrical lead conductor insulation and process for forming | 20090306752 | 20091210 |
| An implantable medical device that includes a lead body extending from a proximal end to a distal end, a plurality of conductors extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the lead body, and an insulative layer formed of a hydrolytically stable polyimide material surrounding the plurality of conductors. In one embodiment, the hydrolytically stable polyimide material is an Si polyimide material.
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| Recognition of implantable medical device | 20090306742 | 20091210 |
| Controlling the interaction between an external device and an implanted device, including a method of controlling interaction between an external device and an implanted device, the method including at least the steps of: establishing communications between the implanted device and the external device; the external device determining an identification of the implant and comparing the identification with identifications in a stored list; if the device matches one of said identifications, then using a corresponding set of operating parameters to interact with said implant; and otherwise, not interacting with said device.
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| Controlling therapy based on sleep quality | 20090306740 | 20091210 |
| A medical device, such as an implantable medical device (IMD), determines values for one or more metrics that indicate the quality of a patient's sleep, and controls delivery of a therapy based on the sleep quality metric values. For example, the medical device may compare a sleep quality metric value with one or more threshold values, and adjust the therapy based on the comparison. In some embodiments, the medical device adjusts the intensity of therapy based on the comparison, e.g., increases the therapy intensity when the comparison indicates that the patient's sleep quality is poor. In some embodiments, the medical device automatically selects one of a plurality of therapy parameter set available for use in delivering therapy based on a comparison sleep quality metric values associated... |
| System, apparatus, and methods for evaluating medical device performance | 20090301182 | 20091210 |
| Systems, apparatuses, and methods for evaluating medical device performance are provided. A corresponding method may include deploying an implantable medical device into an apparatus for evaluating performance of an implantable medical device. The apparatus may include a support structure and simulated tissue operatively associated with the support structure. The method may further include manipulating the support structure and/or the simulated tissue to simulate physiological forces on the implantable device.
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| Reducing bioabsorbtion time of polymer coated implantable medical devices using polymer blends | 20090299464 | 20091203 |
| Described herein is a system and method for reducing the risk of late thrombosis associated with drug eluting stent therapy. The stents described herein have polymeric blend coatings that can be tailored to have specific degradation times once implanted into the vasculature. The polymeric blends can have at least two polymers with different weight average molecular weights, thereby giving them degradation times that can tailored depending on the weight average molecular weights of the various polymers in the blend. The coatings can have bioactive agents dispersed on or within them which can be eluted in sync with the degradation time of the blended polymeric coating.
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| Indication of coupling between medical devices | 20090299438 | 20091203 |
| Techniques for providing an indication of coupling between medical devices are disclosed. For example, when a programming device and a telemetry module are coupled, the telemetry module provides a first indication, and the programming device provides a second indication substantially similar to the first indication. The indications may be, for example, colors, and different indications may signify communication with different implantable medical devices, programming different therapies, or use of different applications of the programming device.
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| Systems and methods for determining inter-atrial conduction delays using multi-pole left ventricular pacing/sensing leads | 20090299423 | 20091203 |
| Techniques are provided for use by a pacemaker or other implantable medical device for estimating optimal atrio-ventricular pacing delays within a patient. The inter-atrial conduction delays (IACDs) are determined based, at least in part, on atrial far-field (AFF) signals sensed using a multi-pole left ventricular (LV) lead, such as an LV lead implanted via the coronary sinus (CS) with a plurality of electrodes. In one example, for intrinsic atrial events, the IACD is equal to the interval from the beginning of a P-wave detected via a right atrial lead and the end (or peak) of an AFF event detected via a left atrial ring electrode of a CS/LV lead. For paced atrial events, the IACD is instead equal to the interval from the A-pulse to the... |
| Evaluation of implantable medical device sensing integrity based on evoked signals | 20090299421 | 20091203 |
| The disclosure describes techniques for evaluating sensing integrity of an implantable medical device (IMD) based on sensing of evoked signals. Sensing integrity may provide an indication of reliability of implantable leads associated with an IMD. The sensed signals may be signals that are evoked by tissue in response to delivery of electrical stimulation. The techniques may involve evaluation of sensing integrity based on sensing of evoked cardiac potentials generated in response to cardiac stimulation, such as pacing pulses. Signals evoked in response to electrical stimulation may be measured and trended to permit analysis of evoked signals over time. Lead integrity may be inferred from sensing integrity. By analyzing evoked signals, sensing integrity may be evaluated without sensing intrinsic events. Evaluation of sensing integrity can facilitate analysis... |
| Implantation of implantable medical device | 20090299380 | 20091203 |
| In general, the invention is directed to strategies pertaining to implantation of an implantable medical device between a scalp and a skull of the patient. The invention pertains to collection of data such as data pertaining to the skull of the patient, the scalp of the patient, the vascular structure or neurological structures in the head of the patient, and the like. The data may be in the form of images, such as images generated by X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, CT-scan and fluoroscopy. A surgeon can use the collected data to determine, for example, whether the patient is a candidate for a cranial implantation, whether the patient's skull and scalp can support the implantation, what configuration of device should be implanted, where the device should be... |
| Method and system for irradiation of a drug eluting implantable medical device | 20080317939 | 20081225 |
| A method and system for modifying a drug delivery polymeric substrate for an implantable device, such as a stent, is disclosed.
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| Treatment of implantable medical devices resistant to calcification | 20080319166 | 20081225 |
| The invention also relates to the treated protein-based implant obtained at the end of this method.
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| Method of using a highly porous self-cohered web material | 20080319367 | 20081225 |
| The present invention is directed to methods of using implantable bioabsorbable non-woven self-cohered web materials having high degrees of porosity, particularly at anastomotic sites. The web materials can be formed into a variety of shapes and forms suitable for use as implantable medical devices or components thereof.
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| Architectures for an implantable medical device system | 20080319497 | 20081225 |
| An improved architecture for an implantable medical device such as an implantable pulse generator (IPG) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the various functional blocks for the IPG are incorporated into a signal integrated circuit (IC). Each of the functional blocks communicate with each other, and with other off-chip devices if necessary, via a centralized bus governed by a communication protocol. To communicate with the bus and to adhere to the protocol, each circuit block includes bus interface circuitry adherent with that protocol. Because each block complies with the protocol, any given block can easily be modified or upgraded without affecting the design of the other blocks, facilitating debugging and upgrading of the IPG circuitry. Moreover, because the centralized bus can be taken off the integrated circuit,... |
| Bipolar lead containing hv and lv signal capability | 20080319503 | 20081225 |
| An implantable medical device system includes a medical electrical lead having a connector assembly and a connector bore for receiving the lead connector assembly. The lead includes a distal portion having a first outer diameter and a distal sealing member, an intermediate portion having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, and a connector pin extending from the intermediate portion, the connector pin having an outer diameter corresponding to a DF-1 standard.
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| Intracorporeal pressure measurement devices and methods | 20080312553 | 20081218 |
| The invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for the measurement of a pressure within a body that is adjusted to compensate for variations in local atmospheric pressure. A pressure measurement system can include an implantable target pressure sensor, an implantable internal reference pressure sensor located remotely from the target pressure sensor, an external reference pressure sensor configured to transmit a telemetric signal that is indicative of the local atmospheric pressure, and at least one condition indicator. The implantable medical device system further includes a controller configured to determine a correlation factor based on a signal from the implantable reference pressure sensor and the signal from the external reference pressure sensor.
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| Implantable medical device with polymer-polymer interfaces and methods of manufacture and use | 20080312707 | 20081218 |
| An implantable stimulator that includes a housing, a first plastic component, and a second plastic component, where the first and second plastic components form a polymer-polymer interface. A light absorbing metal layer is disposed over at least a portion of the interface and an electronic subassembly is disposed within the housing. The first and second plastic components can be welded together by irradiating the light absorbing metal layer which converts the light to heat.
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| Multi-element acoustic recharging system | 20080312720 | 20081218 |
| An acoustic energy delivery system for delivering acoustic energy to an implantable medical device (“IMD”). The system includes an IMD having a power source and an energy delivery device. The energy delivery device includes a controller and an array of ultrasonic elements electrically coupled to the controller and configured to deliver acoustic energy to the IMD. Methods of delivering acoustic energy to an IMD are also disclosed.
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| Connector for an implantable medical device | 20080303728 | 20081211 |
| A connector assembly for an implantable medical device with hardware components placed in established physical locations within the polymer of the connector, and a method of making the assembly. One embodiment includes a method that involves forming a first shot, coupling at least one hardware component to the first shot to form a subassembly, placing the subassembly between a set of opposing areas of a mold, moving at least one of the areas of the set of opposed areas of the mold to constrain the subassembly within the mold, and introducing a second shot over at least a portion of the subassembly to form the connector.
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| Medical diagnostic and treatment platform using near-field wireless communication of information within a patient's body | 20080306359 | 20081211 |
| The present invention provides implantable systems that communicate wirelessly with each other using a unique format that enables devices configurations and applications heretofore not possible. Embodiments of the present invention provide communication apparatuses and methods for exchanging information with implantable medical devices. In some embodiments, two implantable devices communicate with each other using quasi-electrostatic signal transmission in a long wavelength/low frequency electromagnetic band, with the patient's body acting as a conductive medium.
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| Optical sensor confidence algorithm | 20080306390 | 20081211 |
| An implantable medical device system including an optical sensor monitors for the presence of overgrowth on the sensor by sensing light scattered by a measurement volume, the sensed light corresponding to a first wavelength, and deriving an overgrowth metric in response to the sensed light. The overgrowth metric is correlated to the presence of overgrowth on the sensor and is compared to a predetermined threshold. The presence of overgrowth on or near the sensor is detected in response to the overgrowth metric crossing the threshold.
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| Medical device | 20080306565 | 20081211 |
| In an implantable medical device and a method and computer-readable medium for operating the medical device to detect a condition of a heart of a patient, activity level of a patient and acoustic energy in a patient are sensed, and acoustic signals are generated that are indicative of heart sounds of the patient over predetermined periods of a cardiac cycle during successive cardiac cycles. A signal corresponding to a first sound is extracted from the sensed acoustic signal of a cardiac cycle. A relation is calculated between a first signal corresponding to the first heart sound in a first activity range, and a second signal corresponding to the first heart sound in a second predetermined activity level range. The calculated relation is compared with at least... |
| Implantable medical device with heart condition detection | 20080306566 | 20081211 |
| A method for detecting a condition of a heart of a patient using an implantable medical device including the steps of sensing acoustic signals indicative of heart sounds of the heart of the patient; extracting signals corresponding to a first heart sound (S1) and a second heart sound (S2) from sensed signals; calculating an energy value corresponding to a signal corresponding to the first heart sound (S1) and an energy value corresponding to the second heart sound (S2); calculating a relation between the energy value corresponding to the first heart sound and the energy value corresponding to the second heart sound for successive cardiac cycles; and using at least one relation to detect the condition or a change of the condition. A medical device for determining... |
| Method and apparatus for monitoring battery status of implantable medical device | 20080306569 | 20081211 |
| A battery monitoring system monitors status of a battery in an implantable medical device by comparing a measured battery status trend to a calculated battery status trend. The measured battery status trend is a trend of measured parameter values each indicative of an actual state of depletion of the battery. The calculated battery status trend is a trend of calculated parameter values each indicative of an expected state of depletion of the battery.
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| Drug loaded implantable medical device | 20080306579 | 20081211 |
| A drug eluting implantable device includes an exterior surface on the device and at least one recess formed in the exterior surface. The device further include at least one sidewall protruding from the exterior surface adjacent the at least one recess defining a channel with the recess into which the drug may be loaded, the sidewall including a perpendicular portion substantially perpendicular to the exterior surface and the sidewall further including a parallel portion extending from the perpendicular portion, the parallel portion extending from the perpendicular portion at an angle greater than about 90 degrees as measured with reference to the exterior surface
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| Implantable medical devices with elastomeric copolymer coatings | 20080306582 | 20081211 |
| Implantable medical devices with elastomeric copolymer coatings are disclosed.
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| Implantable medical devices for local and regional treatment | 20080306584 | 20081211 |
| Implantable medical devices adapted to erodibly release delivery media for local and regional treatment are disclosed.
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| Implantable medical devices with elastomeric block copolymer coatings | 20080306591 | 20081211 |
| Implantable medical devices with elastomeric block copolymer coatings are disclosed.
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| Elastomeric copolymer coatings for implantable medical devices | 20080306592 | 20081211 |
| Implantable medical devices with elastomeric copolymer coatings are disclosed.
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| Method and apparatus for detecting noise in an implantable medical device | 20080300497 | 20081204 |
| An implantable medical device and associated method monitor a physiological signal for sensing physiological events and detecting a physiological condition in response to the sensed physiological events. The device senses a first event from the physiological signal, senses a noise signal in the physiological signal and senses a next event from the physiological signal wherein the first event and the next event define a signal interval. The signal interval is declared as a noisy interval in response to the sensed noise signal.
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| Implantable medical devices evaluating thorax impedance | 20080300504 | 20081204 |
| Implantable medical device with an impedance determination unit with constant current/voltage source having current feed terminals connected to electrodes for intracorporal placement which generates measuring current pulses having constant current/voltage, for causing a current through a body via intracorporally placed electrodes, a measuring unit for measuring voltage/current strength of voltage/current fed through body, an impedance value determination unit connected to the current/voltage source and adapted to determine an impedance value for each measuring current pulse, and an impedance measuring control and evaluation unit connected to the impedance determination unit which controls the unit and evaluates a sequence of consecutive impedance values, the impedance determination unit further adapted to determine at least intrathoracic and intracardiac impedance values for same period of time, the intrathoracic values sampled with... |
| Voiding event identification based on patient input | 20080300651 | 20081204 |
| An implantable medical device (IMD) is configured to operate as an automatic voiding diary for logging urinary and/or fecal voiding events. The IMD detects urinary and/or fecal voiding events and generates data that identifies detected events as voluntary or involuntary events. In particular, the IMD generates the identification data based on a patient defined action. In one embodiment, the patient defined action is the patient tapping on the skin located above the IMD. The IMD may generate the identification data based on one or more characteristics of the tapping, e.g., the number, frequency, duration, or pattern of taps. The IMD may also generate the identification data based on a lack of input during a specific range of time after a detected voiding event. In some embodiments,... |
| Implantable medical device with integrated antenna system | 20080300658 | 20081204 |
| The present invention is related to active implantable medical devices comprising an antenna and a band diplexer connected to said antenna. The band diplexer comprises first filter means for a first signal to be transmitted and/or received in a first RF band and second filter means for a second signal to be transmitted and/or received in a second RF band. A method of bidirectional wireless communication is disclosed between an active implantable medical device and an external device, comprising the steps of: communicating unidirectionally from the external device to the implantable medical device over a first wireless link in a first RF band in the MI near-field and communicating unidirectionally from the implantable medical device to the external device over a second wireless link in a... |
| Implantable medical device which may be controlled from central station | 20080300659 | 20081204 |
| An implantable medical device (IMD) comprises a transmitting/receiving (T/R) device for transmitting medical data sensed from a patient to, and for receiving control signals from, a medical expert (a human medical professional and/or a computerized expert system) at a remote location; an electronic medical treatment device for treating the patient in response to control signals applied thereto; and a sensor circuit, having a sensor circuit output, for producing sensor circuit output signal(s) representing medical data sensed from the patient. The IMD also includes logic device which analyzes the sensor circuit output signal(s) to detect a medical abnormality which requires notification of the medical expert at the remote location, and generates notification signal(s) if required. T/R device transmits the notification signal(s) as well as signal(s) representing a... |
| Method and apparatus for placing a coronary sinus/cardiac vein pacing and defibrillation lead with adjustable electrode spacing | 20080300664 | 20081204 |
| A medical electrical lead, which may be useful in coupling an implantable medical device, is comprised of a first and second lead. The first lead has a first electrode coupled adjacent a distal end portion thereof. The distal end portion of the first lead is anchorable in the coronary sinus of a patient. The second lead is coupled with and moveable along the first lead. The second lead has a second electrode located thereon wherein the position of the first and second electrodes may be varied relative to one another by movement of the second lead along the first lead. A rubber tip holds the relative position of each electrode.
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| In situ trapping and delivery of agent by a stent having trans-strut depots | 20080300669 | 20081204 |
| A method of delivering an agent into a bodily lumen, the method comprising: implanting an implantable medical device into a treatment site of a lumen, the device having an abluminal face and a luminal face, wherein the device includes depots that extend from an open end at a luminal face to an open end at an abluminal face; and introducing an agent into the open end of the depots at the luminal face such that the agent is delivered to the treatment site through the open end at the abluminal face.
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| Devices and methods for disease detection, monitoring and/or management | 20080294060 | 20081127 |
| Embodiments of the invention are related to methods and devices for respiratory or cardiac disease detection, monitoring, and/or management. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of calculating a pulmonary function parameter of a subject. The method can include obtaining a first signal indicative of lung volume change during breathing from a first sensor, obtaining a second signal indicative of distending pressure from a second sensor, and calculating the pulmonary function parameter based on the first signal and the second signal. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of monitoring pulmonary or cardiac disease status. In an embodiment, the invention includes an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device can include a first sensor configured to produce a first signal indicative of lung volume... |
| Housing for implantable medical device | 20080294207 | 20081127 |
| An implantable medical device includes a housing having frame with one or more openings. The openings of the frame are covered with a thin metallic foil that is welded to the frame to provide a hermetic seal. Non-conductive members may be placed in or about the openings to provide a backing or structural support for the metallic foil. By decreasing the mass of conductive material capable of forming eddy currents, improved recharge or telemetry performance may be realized.
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| Implantable medical device with therapy control | 20080294213 | 20081127 |
| A method for operating an implantable medical device to obtain substantially synchronized closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves based on sensed heart sounds includes sensing an acoustic energy; producing signals indicative of heart sounds of the heart of the patient over predetermined periods of a cardiac cycle during successive cardiac cycles; calculating a pulse width of such a signal; and iteratively controlling a delivery of the ventricular pacing pulses based on calculated pulse widths of successive heart sound signals to identify an RV interval or VV interval that causes a substantially synchronized closure of the mitral and tricuspid valve. A medical device for optimizing an RV interval or VV interval based on sensed heart sounds implements such a method and a computer readable medium encoded... |
| Medical device | 20080294214 | 20081127 |
| A method for operating an implantable medical device to control a stimulation therapy includes the steps of: sensing an acoustic energy; producing acoustic signals indicative of heart sounds of the heart of the patient over predetermined periods of a cardiac cycle during successive cardiac cycles; extracting a signal corresponding to a first heart sound (S1) from a measured acoustic signal; calculating an energy value corresponding to the extracted signal; storing the energy value corresponding to the first heart sound; and initiating an optimization procedure, the optimization procedure comprising the steps of: iteratively controlling a delivery of the pacing pulses based on successive energy values corresponding to successive first heart sound signals and determining an optimal PV interval or AV interval with respect to the energy values.... |
| Communications network for distributed sensing and therapy in biomedical applications | 20070299480 | 20071227 |
| An implantable medical device system is provided with multiple medical devices implanted in a patient's body and a wireless mesh communication network providing multiple communication pathways between the multiple medical devices. A communication pathway between a first and a second implanted device of the multiple medical devices can comprise one or more of the other implanted multiple medical devices.
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| Polymer composite stent with polymer particles | 20070299504 | 20071227 |
| Polymer composite implantable medical devices, such as stents, and methods of manufacturing such devices are disclosed.
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| Device with nanocomposite coating for controlled drug release | 20070299518 | 20071227 |
| An implantable medical device including a nanocomposite coating deposited on at least a portion of a surface of at least one structural element of the device to provide a controlled release of a bioactive agent in one or more dosages is described. The nanocomposite coating includes a matrix, a bioactive agent and inorganic particles. The inorganic particles respond to a stimulus, preferably by generating heat. The response of the particles to the stimulus causes the matrix of the nanocomposite coating to undergo a volume change by, for example, contracting or swelling, thereby releasing at least a portion of the bioactive agent. A method of providing a controlled release of a bioactive agent from a nanocomposite coating on an implantable medical device is described. A method for... |
| Ease of use tissue repair patch | 20070299538 | 20071227 |
| An implantable medical device is disclosed having a tissue repair material with two sides and an outer perimeter and a cuff formed from the outer perimeter to overlap onto a side of the tissue repair material. The device may be used with a removable support member.
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| Implantable medical devices and methods for making the same | 20070292470 | 20071220 |
| Disclosed herein are polymeric implantable medical devices and methods for making the same. Specifically, disclosed are polymeric implantable medical devices produced through the use of solvent casting methods.
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| Pressed powder pellet battery electrode system | 20070292600 | 20071220 |
| A method of manufacturing a pressed powder electrode for an electrochemical power source for use with an implantable medical device is provided. The method includes surrounding a current collector with layered sections of electrode powder. The method also includes compacting the electrode powder against the current collector from opposite sides to form an electrode pellet using springs having spring constants calculated to relieve a gap difference in equal strokes from each side. The resulting electrode pellet includes a substantially centered collector. According to various embodiments, compacting the electrode powder includes compacting using at least two springs on opposite sides of the current collector. Compacting the electrode powder includes using at least one forced air supply to compact the powder, according to various embodiments. Other aspects and... |
| Connector assembly for an implantable medical device and process for making | 20070293099 | 20071220 |
| A connector circuit assembly for use in an implantable medical device, and a method of making the assembly that includes a core portion formed of a thermoplastic material using either an injection molding process or a machining process. This core portion is adapted to be fitted with at least one electrically-conductive circuit component such as a connector member, a set-screw block, or a conductive jumper member. In one embodiment of the invention, the core portion includes multiple receptacles or other spaces that are adapted to be loaded with the various circuit components. The core assembly is positioned into a second-shot mold assembly, and a second thermoplastic material is injected into the mold so that the second thermoplastic material extends over and adheres to the core portion... |
| Alert predictive of degredation of a patient's clinical status for an active implantable medical device as for pacing, resynchronization, defibrillation and/or cardioversion | 20070293736 | 20071220 |
| An active implantable medical device, notably for pacing, resynchronization, defibrillation and/or cardioversion of the heart, or for diagnosis of a patient's condition, able to produce a predictive alert in response to a detected degradation of the patient's clinical status. The device measures and analyses (56) a parameter representative of the patient's metabolic needs, such as minute ventilation (MV), and a physical activity parameter, such as acceleration (G). It further diagnoses heart failure by evaluating an index of the patient's clinical status through applying a set of status criteria (S1, S2). It further measures and analyzes (56) a hemodynamic parameter such as endocardial acceleration (PEA) or intracardiac impedance, representative of the patient's myocardium contractility. An index of cardiac contractility is created and evaluated through applying a set... |
| System and method for evaluating a patient status for use in heart failure assessment | 20070293740 | 20071220 |
| A system and method for evaluating a patient status from sampled physiometry for use in heart failure assessment is provided. Physiological measures are stored, including at least one of direct measures regularly recorded on a substantially continuous basis by an implantable medical device for a patient and measures derived from the direct measures. At least one of those of the physiological measures, which each relate to a same type of physiometry, and those of the physiological measures, which each relate to a different type of physiometry are sampled. A status for the patient is determined through analysis of the sampled physiological measures assembled from a plurality of recordation points. The sampled physiological measures are evaluated. Trends that are indicated by the patient status, which might affect... |
| System and method for processing voice feedback in conjunction with heart failure assessment | 20070293772 | 20071220 |
| A system and method for providing voice feedback from sampled physiometry and self-evaluation in conjunction with heart failure assessment is presented. Physiological measures including direct measures recorded by an implantable medical device and measures derived from the direct measures are stored. Voice feedback spoken as speech is recorded contemporaneous to the recordation of the physiological measures and is quantified into quality of life measures by normalizing the speech against a voice grammar and speech vocabulary. Those of the physiological measures, which relate to a same type of physiometry and to a different type of physiometry, are sampled. A status is determined through analysis of those sampled measures assembled from recordation points and those quality of life measures spoken. Trends that are indicated, which might affect cardiac... |
| Method and apparatus for detecting non-sustaining ventricular tachyarrhythmia | 20070293894 | 20071220 |
| An implantable medical device controls an anti-tachyarrhythmia therapy by detecting a tachyarrhythmia episode from a cardiac signal and analyzing the detected tachyarrhythmia episode in a tachyarrhythmia detection and analysis process to determine whether the anti-tachyarrhythmia therapy needs to be delivered. The tachyarrhythmia detection and classification process includes detection of inhibitory events each indicating that the tachyarrhythmia episode is of a type not to be treated by the anti-tachyarrhythmia therapy or that the tachyarrhythmia episode is not sustaining. The detection of each of the inhibitory events causes the tachyarrhythmia detection and classification process to be restarted or extended, or the delivery of the anti-tachyarrhythmia therapy to be withheld.
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| System and method for ventricular interval smoothing following a premature ventricular contraction | 20070293899 | 20071220 |
| An implantable medical device includes cardiac pacing functions. In order to reduce ventricular pacing, various modes are employed that tolerate missed ventricular beats, provide backup pacing and maintain overall AV synchrony. Upon the occurrence of a PVC, A-A timing is modified so that resultant V-V intervals are appropriate and ventricular pacing is avoided.
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| Patient programmer for implantable devices | 20070293914 | 20071220 |
| The invention is a system and method for detecting the status of a rechargeable battery included within an implantable medical device. The medical device can incorporate a status indicator which signals the user concerning the battery status, e.g., low battery level. The signal may be audible or it may arise from an electrical stimulation that is perceptually distinguished from the operative, therapeutic stimulation. The external programmer may also incorporate a second battery status indicator that is visual, audible, or physically felt. Battery status data may be conveyed on visual displays on the external programmer by uploading this information from the medical device using a bidirectional telemetry link. Such battery status data are helpful to the user to indicate when the battery should be recharged and to... |
| Synthesis of high surface area nanocrystalline materials useful in battery applications | 20070286796 | 20071213 |
| An improved mixed metal oxide material suitable for use in electrochemical cells is provided. The mixed metal oxide material generally exhibits high surface area and pore volume than conventionally manufactured materials thereby imparting improved electrochemical performance. Batteries manufactured using the mixed metal oxide material are particularly suited for use in implantable medical devices.
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| Tissue-adhesive materials | 20070286891 | 20071213 |
| This invention related to a tissue-adhesive sheet comprising a homogeneous, preformed and cross-linked matrix formed from one or more polymers, and having at least one surface that, in use, is exposed, at least one of said one or more polymers being a synthetic polymer and having appendant functional groups of a first form, cross-linking of said matrix being via a proportion of said functional groups of the first form, and the remainder of said functional groups of the first form being free. The sheet is particularly useful as a tissue adhesive and sealant, and is intended for topical application to internal and external surfaces of the body for therapeutic reasons. The invention further relates to sheets comprising a scaffold material, three-dimensional articles formed from similar material... |
| Band stop filter employing a capacitor and an inductor tank circuit to enhance mri compatibility of active implantable medical devices | 20070288058 | 20071213 |
| A band stop filter is provided for a lead wire of an active implantable medical device (AIMD). The band stop filter includes a capacitor in parallel with an inductor. The parallel capacitor and inductor are placed in series with the implantable lead wire of the AIMD, wherein values of capacitance and inductance are selected such that the band stop filter is resonant at a selected frequency. The Q of the inductor may be relatively maximized and the Q of the capacitor may be relatively minimized to reduce the overall Q of the band stop filter to attenuate current flow through the implantable lead wire along a range of selected frequencies. In a preferred form, the band stop filter is integrated into a TIP and/or RING electrode... |
| Systems for enabling telemetry in an implantable medical device | 20070288065 | 20071213 |
| A system for enabling telemetry in implantable medical devices is provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to an implantable medical device having radio-frequency telemetry capabilities. The device includes a housing and electronic circuitry contained within the housing. The device also includes an antenna connected to the electronic circuitry, the antenna having a helical portion and a whip portion, the whip portion separate from a feed conductor and adapted to enhance a radiation pattern of the antenna. According to various embodiments, the antenna and circuitry are adapted to facilitate transmission and reception of modulated radio-frequency energy at a specified carrier frequency. At least a portion of the antenna is embedded in a dielectric compartment, according to various embodiments. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.
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| Multi-antenna for an implantable medical device | 20070288066 | 20071213 |
| A system for enabling telemetry in implantable medical devices is provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to an implantable medical device having radio-frequency telemetry capabilities. The device includes a housing and electronic circuitry contained within the housing. The device also includes an array of antennas connected to the electronic circuitry. According to various embodiments, the array and circuitry are adapted to facilitate far-field transmission and reception of modulated radio-frequency energy at one or more specified carrier frequencies. Individual antenna elements in the array are connected simultaneously or in a mutually exclusive manner to electronic circuitry having a single transmit/receive antenna port using a switch, according to various embodiments. Individual antenna element geometries are sized to optimize individual antennas each for a different range of operating... |
| Medical device programmer with selective disablement of display during telemetry | 20070288068 | 20071213 |
| In general, the invention is directed to a patient programmer for an implantable medical device. The patient programmer may include one or more of a variety of features that may enhance performance, support mobility and compactness, or promote patient convenience.
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| Ambulatory repeater for use in automated patient care | 20070288069 | 20071213 |
| An ambulatory repeater for use in automated patient care is presented. A local memory store includes a cryptographic key, sensitive information, and physiological measures. The cryptographic key is uniquely assigned to the implantable medical device prior to implant of the implantable medical device into a patient. The sensitive information is preencrypted under the cryptographic key and physiological measures are measured by the implantable medical device. An authentication module is in receipt of the cryptographic key. A permissions module confirms authorization of an external data processing device against the cryptographic key. A decryption module decrypts the sensitive information with the cryptographic key into decrypted information. A processor is operatively coupled to the local memory store. A communications module exchanges the decrypted information and the physiological measures with... |
| Implantable medical devices made from polymer-bioceramic composite | 20070278720 | 20071206 |
| Methods and devices relating to polymer-bioceramic composite implantable medical devices are disclosed.
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| Coatings for implantable medical devices for controlled release of a hydrophilic drug and a hydrophobic drug | 20070280991 | 20071206 |
| Provided herein is a coating that includes cRGD for endothelial cells and methods of making and using the same.
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| Coating a workpiece using a metering device and workpieces coated with this metering device | 20070281072 | 20071206 |
| The present invention is directed to methods, processes, and systems for selectively coating portions of a workpiece as well as to workpieces that have themselves been coated in accord with the invention. Under methods and processes of the invention, a target surface of a workpiece may be positioned in contact with a roller to coat a target surface of the workpiece. In some embodiments, the roller may also be positioned in contact with a metering device during portions or all of the treating and coating process. The workpiece may be an implantable medical device and the coating may include therapeutic, the workpiece may be other devices as well.
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| Method and apparatus for neural stimulation via the lymphatic system | 20070282376 | 20071206 |
| An implantable neural stimulation system includes an implantable medical device having a neural stimulation circuit and at least one implantable lead configured to allow one or more stimulation electrodes to be placed in one or more lymphatic vessels of a patient, such as the patient's thoracic duct and/or vessels branching from the thoracic duct. Neural stimulation pulses are delivered from the implantable medical device to one or more target regions adjacent to the thoracic duct or the vessels branching from the thoracic duct through the one or more stimulation electrodes.
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| Detecting ventricular noise artifacts in an active implantable medical device for pacing, resynchronization and/or defibrillation of the heart | 20070282379 | 20071206 |
| Sensing ventricular noise artifacts in an active implantable medical device for pacing, resynchronization and/or defibrillation of the heart. This device concerns sensing heart rhythm through an endocardial electrode collecting the depolarization potentials, and detecting the myocardium contractions through an endocardial acceleration sensor. The device searches for ventricular noise artifacts (X, Y) by correlating the signals representative of successive ventricular and atrial depolarizations (P, R) with the signals representative of successive acceleration peaks (PEA I). In case of a lack of correlation, a signal of suspicion of ventricular noise is delivered, which temporarily modifies the sensing sensitivity (S) of the sensing circuit.
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| Method and apparatus for closed-loop control of anti-tachyarrhythmia pacing using hemodynamic sensor | 20070282381 | 20071206 |
| A cardiac rhythm management (CRM) system includes an implantable medical device that delivers anti-tachyarrhythmia therapies including anti-tachyarrhythmia pacing (ATP) and a hemodynamic sensor that senses a hemodynamic signal. The implantable medical device includes a hemodynamic sensor-controlled closed-loop ATP system that uses the hemodynamic signal for ATP capture verification. When ATP pulses are delivered according to a selected ATP protocol to terminate a tachyarrhythmia episode, the implantable medical device performs the ATP capture verification by detecting an effective cardiac contraction from the hemodynamic signal. The ATP protocol is adjusted using an outcome of the ATP capture verification.
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| Lockout connector arrangement for implantable medical device | 20070282385 | 20071206 |
| A lockout connector arrangement for implantable medical devices having at least one port for receiving a non-cardiac lead connector selectively permits only certain electrical leads to be connected to the implantable medical device. A lead connector pin of a non-cardiac lead connector is specially designed to be larger than a DF-1 lead connector pin, but smaller than an IS-1 lead connector pin. A corresponding header of implantable pulse generator has a connector port for a non-cardiac lead with a proximal-most portion that is larger than the DF-1 lead connector pin, but smaller than the IS-1 lead connector pin; and otherwise generally consistent with the other dimensions of an ISO standard IS-1 pacemaker lead connector.
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| Method and apparatus for gastrointestinal stimulation via the lymphatic system | 20070282386 | 20071206 |
| An implantable gastrointestinal (GI) stimulation system includes an implantable medical device and at least one stimulus delivery device configured to be placed in one or more lymphatic vessels of a patient, such as the patient's thoracic duct and/or vessels branching from the thoracic duct. In one embodiment, the implantable medical device includes a GI stimulation circuit to deliver electrical stimulation pulses to one or more target regions adjacent to a lymphatic vessel through the stimulus delivery device. In one embodiment, to control obesity, the electrical stimulation pulses are delivered to the organs and/or nerves of the GI tract to create a sensation of satiety and/or to expedite food movement through the GI tract.
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| Implantable medical devices with multiple transducers | 20070282397 | 20071206 |
| The present invention relates to implantable medical devices for improving sound perception by individuals with severe to profound hearing loss or tinnitus. In particular, the present invention provides methods and devices for stimulating structures of the ear via multiple signal transducers.
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| Cryptographic authentication for telemetry with an implantable medical device | 20070282398 | 20071206 |
| Integrity of a wirelessly telemetered message communicated between an implantable medical device and an external programmer is authenticated by encoding the message. The message is encrypted based on a random number or time stamp and a secret key. The message is authenticated by encryption and decryption or by executing a hash function.
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| Implantable medical device with mri and gradient field induced capture detection methods | 20060293591 | 20061228 |
| An implantable medical device is provided having a telemetry circuit antenna; a lead having an elongated body for carrying a conductor extending from a proximal connector to a distal electrode; a circuit for measuring voltage induced on the telemetry circuit antenna and generating an antenna voltage signal corresponding to the measured voltage on the antenna; a circuit for measuring voltage induced on the lead conductor and generating a lead voltage signal corresponding to the measured voltage on the lead; and processing circuitry for receiving the antenna voltage signal and the lead voltage signal and for generating an MRI detection signal if the antenna voltage signal and the lead voltage signal meet an MRI detection requirement. The device further includes control circuitry for providing a safeguard response... |
| Implantable medical device with cover and method | 20060293625 | 20061228 |
| An attachment mechanism for a surgically implantable medical device includes one or more fasteners which may be simultaneously moved from an undeployed position to a deployed position by operation of an integral actuator. The attachment mechanism may be configured to be deactuated, and the fasteners simultaneously moved from a deployed position to an undeployed position, allowing removal or repositioning of the medical device. An applier includes a locator for detachably holding the implantable medical device, locating it at the desired position, and actuating the attachment mechanism. The applier is configured to undeploy the attachment mechanism the implantable medical device can be detached from the body tissue.
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| Applier for implantable medical device | 20060293626 | 20061228 |
| An attachment mechanism for a surgically implantable medical device includes one or more fasteners which may be simultaneously moved from an undeployed position to a deployed position by operation of an integral actuator. The attachment mechanism may be configured to be deactuated, and the fasteners simultaneously moved from a deployed position to an undeployed position, allowing removal or repositioning of the medical device. An applier includes a locator for detachably holding the implantable medical device, locating it at the desired position, and actuating the attachment mechanism. The applier is configured to undeploy the attachment mechanism the implantable medical device can be detached from the body tissue.
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| Applier with safety for implantable medical device | 20060293627 | 20061228 |
| An attachment mechanism for a surgically implantable medical device includes one or more fasteners which may be simultaneously moved from an undeployed position to a deployed position by operation of an integral actuator. The attachment mechanism may be configured to be deactuated, and the fasteners simultaneously moved from a deployed position to an undeployed position, allowing removal or repositioning of the medical device. An applier includes a locator for detachably holding the implantable medical device, locating it at the desired position, and actuating the attachment mechanism. The applier is configured to undeploy the attachment mechanism the implantable medical device can be detached from the body tissue.
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| Implantable medical device with indicator | 20060293628 | 20061228 |
| An attachment mechanism for a surgically implantable medical device includes one or more fasteners which may be simultaneously moved from an undeployed position to a deployed position by operation of an integral actuator. The attachment mechanism may be configured to be deactuated, and the fasteners simultaneously moved from a deployed position to an undeployed position, allowing removal or repositioning of the medical device. An applier includes a locator for detachably holding the implantable medical device, locating it at the desired position, and actuating the attachment mechanism. The applier is configured to undeploy the attachment mechanism the implantable medical device can be detached from the body tissue.
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| Active implantable medical device with biventricular pacing and automatic optimization of pacing configuration | 20060293715 | 20061228 |
| An active implantable medical device with biventricular pacing and automatic optimization of pacing configuration. The device collects and analyzes an endocardial acceleration signal (EA), and searches for an optimal pacing configuration based upon a performance index derived from at least one value relating to one and/or the other of the two endocardial acceleration peaks (PEA 1, PEA 11) over a given heart cycle. Optimization search operates through a scanning of a parameter, e.g., atrio-ventricular delay, and calculation of the surface area underneath the characteristic of the peak amplitude as a function of the scanned parameter (atrioventricular delay).
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| Method of coating implantable medical devices | 20060286287 | 20061221 |
| A method of coating a medical device, such as a stent is provided. The method can include forming a polymer layer containing a drug on the device, applying a polymer melt free from any solvents to the polymer layer to form a topcoat layer, wherein the during the application of the polymer melt the migration of the drug from the polymer layer is prevented or significantly minimized.
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| Methods for data retention in an implantable medical device | 20060287691 | 20061221 |
| Methods for storing data records associated with a medical monitoring event in a data structure. An implanted device obtains data and stores the data in the data record in a first data structure that is age-based. Before an oldest data record is lost, the oldest data record may be stored in a second data structure that is priority index-based. The priority index may be determined by a severity level and may be further determined by associated factors. The implanted device may organize, off-load, report, and/or display a plurality of data records based on an associated priority index. Additionally, the implanted device may select a subset or composite of physiologic channels from the available physiologic channels based on a selection criterion.
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| Implantable medical device telemetry processor | 20060287694 | 20061221 |
| An implantable medical device with a main processor also has a telemetry processor to perform some telemetry processing functions resulting under some circumstances in reducing demands on the main processor, conserving energy, increasing telemetry processing speed, and many other advantages. A wide variety of implantable medical devices can be configured with a telemetry processor including neuro stimulators, pacemakers, defibrillators, drug delivery pumps, diagnostic recorders, and cochlear implants. The telemetry processor includes control logic, a data decoder, a receive buffer, a data encoder, and a transmit buffer. Methods of receiving messages and transmitting messages with a telemetry processor are also disclosed.
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| Method of manufacturing an implantable polymeric medical device | 20060287715 | 20061221 |
| A polymeric tube is positioned on a polymeric mandrel and then laser cut to form an implantable medical device, such as a stent. The method reduces contamination of the inner surface of the stent, which would be caused if conventional glass or metal mandrels are used, while simultaneously reducing damage to the inner surface of the stent due to the shielding effect of the polymeric mandrel.
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| Apparatus and method for inserting an adjustable implantable genitourinary device | 20060281964 | 20061214 |
| An implantable medical device and method for adjustably restricting a selected body lumen such as a urethra or ureter of a patient to treat urinary incontinence or ureteral reflux. The device includes an adjustable element and a tubular elongate body, where the adjustable element includes a chamber and the tubular elongate body includes at least a first interior passageway which extends longitudinally in the tubular elongate body from a first opening at the proximal end to a second opening in fluid communication with the chamber. Fluid volume passed through the first passageway is used for adjustably expanding or contracting the adjustable element. The implantable medical device further includes a sheath and a sleeve, where the sheath includes a wall having an inner surface which defines a... |
| Method and apparatus for rate-dependent morphology-based cardiac arrhythmia classification | 20060281998 | 20061214 |
| An implantable medical device includes a tachyarrhythmia detection and classification system that classifies tachyarrhythmias based on a morphological analysis of template and arrhythmic waveforms. The morphological analysis takes effect of heart rate on the morphological characteristics of the template and arrhythmic waveforms into consideration. Correlation between morphological features of the template waveform and corresponding morphological features of an arrhythmic waveform provides for the basis for classifying the tachyarrhythmia. In one embodiment, corresponding morphological features are extracted from the template and arrhythmic waveforms at locations determined by the heart rate associated with a detected arrhythmia episode. In another embodiment, weighting factors each being a function of the heart rate are applied to the template and arrhythmic morphological features before a correlation coefficient is calculated.
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| Method and apparatus for cardiac arrhythmia classification using sample entropy | 20060281999 | 20061214 |
| An implantable medical device includes an arrhythmia detection and classification system that classifies an arrhythmia episode based on an irregularity parameter and/or a complexity parameter. The arrhythmia episode is detected from a cardiac signal. The irregularity parameter is indicative of the degree of cycle length irregularity of the cardiac signal and the complexity parameter is indicative of the degree of morphological complexity of the cardiac signal. One example of the irregularity parameter is an irregularity sample entropy, or a parameter related to the irregularity sample entropy, computed to indicate the cycle length irregularity. One example of the complexity parameter is a complexity sample entropy, or a parameter related to the complexity sample entropy, computed to indicate the morphological complexity. In one embodiment, the detected arrhythmia episode... |
| Ischemia detection using a heart sound sensor | 20060282000 | 20061214 |
| A system comprising an implantable medical device (IMD) includes an implantable heart sound sensor to produce an electrical signal representative of at least one heart sound. The heart sound is associated with mechanical activity of a patient's heart. Additionally, the IMD includes a heart sound sensor interface circuit coupled to the heart sound sensor to produce a heart sound signal, and a signal analyzer circuit coupled to the heart sound sensor interface circuit. The signal analyzer circuit measures a baseline heart sound signal, and deems that an ischemic event has occurred using, among other things, a measured subsequent change in the heart sound signal from the established baseline heart sound signal.
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| Implantable medical device feedthrough assembly having a coated conductor | 20060282126 | 20061214 |
| An electrical feedthrough for an implantable medical device (IMD) is provided that employs a feedthrough conductor having a non-platinum based inner core and one or more layers of a conductive coating to control oxide growth on the surface of the conductor. The coating permits soldering the feedthrough conductor to IMD electronics. The resulting feedthrough provides a substantial cost savings over feedthroughs employing a solid platinum or platinum-iridium conductor
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| System for neural control of respiration | 20060282131 | 20061214 |
| A system, device and method for neural control of respiration are provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to an implantable medical device for sensing and controlling respiration during incidence of central respiratory diseases. According to various embodiments, the device includes a sensing circuit to receive sensed signals representative of an incidence of a central respiratory disease. The device also includes a neural stimulator adapted to generate neural stimulation signals, and a controller to communicate with the sensing circuit and to control the neural stimulator to stimulate a desired neural target in response to the detection of the incidence of a central respiratory disease. In an embodiment, the device includes a plurality of sensors which are adapted to monitor physiological parameters to detect the incidence of... |
| Thin foam coating comprising discrete, closed-cell capsules | 20060275341 | 20061207 |
| This application relates to a thin foam coating comprising discrete, closed-cell capsules. The coating may be applied to an implantable medical device, such as a stent. The closed-cell capsules each having an outer polymeric shell and an inner liquid core containing the drug. The polymeric shells degrade in vivo to achieve controlled elution of the drug.
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| Implantable medical device with a dual power source | 20060276851 | 20061207 |
| An implantable medical device includes a control circuit for controlling the operation of the device and for obtaining physiological data from a patient in which the medical device is implanted. The implanted device also includes a communication circuit for transmitting the physiological data to an external device. A first power source is coupled to the control circuit and provides power to the control circuit. A second power source is coupled to the communication circuit and provides power to the communication circuit.
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| Medical device programmer with infrared communication | 20060276857 | 20061207 |
| In general, the invention is directed to a patient programmer for an implantable medical device. The patient programmer may include one or more of a variety of features that may enhance performance, support mobility and compactness, or promote patient convenience.
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| Dealloyed nanoporous stents | 20060276877 | 20061207 |
| The present invention relates generally to medical devices with therapy eluting components and methods for making same. More specifically, the invention relates to implantable medical devices having at least one porous layer, and methods for making such devices, and loading such devices with therapeutic agents. A mixture or alloy is placed on the surface of a medical device, then one component of the mixture or alloy is generally removed without generally removing the other components of the mixture or alloy. In some embodiments, a porous layer is adapted for bonding non-metallic coating, including drug eluting polymeric coatings. A porous layer may have a random pore structure or an oriented or directional grain porous structure. One embodiment of the invention relates to medical devices, including vascular stents,... |
| Dealloyed nanoporous stents | 20060276878 | 20061207 |
| The present invention relates generally to medical devices with therapy eluting components and methods for making same. More specifically, the invention relates to implantable medical devices having at least one porous layer, and methods for making such devices, and loading such devices with therapeutic agents. A mixture or alloy is placed on the surface of a medical device, then one component of the mixture or alloy is generally removed without generally removing the other components of the mixture or alloy. In some embodiments, a porous layer is adapted for bonding non-metallic coating, including drug eluting polymeric coatings. A porous layer may have a random pore structure or an oriented or directional grain porous structure. One embodiment of the invention relates to medical devices, including vascular stents,... |
| Medical devices having porous layers and methods for making the same | 20060276879 | 20061207 |
| The present invention relates generally to medical devices with therapy eluting components and methods for making same. More specifically, the invention relates to implantable medical devices having at least one porous layer, and methods for making such devices, and loading such devices with therapeutic agents. A mixture or alloy is placed on the surface of a medical device, then one component of the mixture or alloy is generally removed without generally removing the other components of the mixture or alloy.
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| Nanoporous stents with magnesium leaching | 20060276884 | 20061207 |
| The present invention relates generally to medical devices with therapy eluting components and methods for making same. More specifically, the invention relates to implantable medical devices having at least one porous layer, and methods for making such devices, and loading such devices with therapeutic agents. A mixture or alloy is placed on the surface of a medical device, then one component of the mixture or alloy is generally removed without generally removing the other components of the mixture or alloy. In some embodiments, a porous layer is adapted for bonding non-metallic coating, including drug eluting polymeric coatings. A porous layer may have a random pore structure or an oriented or directional grain porous structure. One embodiment of the invention relates to medical devices, including vascular stents,... |
| Nanoporous stents with improved radiolucency | 20060276885 | 20061207 |
| The present invention relates generally to medical devices with therapy eluting components and methods for making same. More specifically, the invention relates to implantable medical devices having at least one porous layer, and methods for making such devices, and loading such devices with therapeutic agents. A mixture or alloy is placed on the surface of a medical device, then one component of the mixture or alloy is generally removed without generally removing the other components of the mixture or alloy. In some embodiments, a porous layer is adapted for bonding non-metallic coating, including drug eluting polymeric coatings. A porous layer may have a random pore structure or an oriented or directional grain porous structure. One embodiment of the invention relates to medical devices, including vascular stents,... |
| Automated template generation algorithm for implantable device | 20060270937 | 20061130 |
| A method of generating a template in an implantable medical device for implantation within a patient, and a processor readable medium for performing the method, that includes generating a template from collected events corresponding to the patient, delaying the generation of the template for a first predetermined time period in response to the template not being generated within a predetermined number of collected events, determining whether the template is valid, and monitoring the template to determine whether the template is an accurate representation of the patient.
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| Intravascular device for axially stretching blood vessels | 20060271162 | 20061130 |
| Intravascular devices are provided for forming a vascular graft by axially distending a blood vessel to induce growth. These devices advantageously can be implanted via a catheter, thereby eliminating the need for a more invasive implantation procedure when the stretching is to be done in vivo. The implantable medical device for distending a blood vessel to induce axial growth of the blood vessel includes an intravascular stretching mechanism securable to an interior luminal surface of a blood vessel in vivo, and a means for operating the intravascular stretching mechanism in vivo to cause the vessel to stretch and grow axially. The stretching mechanism can include a pair of wires or stents that engage the blood vessel wall, and components of the stretching mechanism may include a... |
| Degradable medical device | 20060271168 | 20061130 |
| An implantable medical device is provided that degrades upon contact with body fluids so as to limit its residence time within the body. The device is formed of a porous corrodible metal to simultaneously provide high strength and an accelerated corrosion rate. The corrosion rate of a device formed of metal subject to self-dissolution or of a combination of metals subject to galvanic corrosion is accelerated by its porous structure. Coating the corrodible metallic device with a degradable polymer serves to delay the onset of corrosion of the underlying metallic structure.
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| Implantable medical device seeded with mammalian cells and methods of treatment | 20060263408 | 20061123 |
| The present invention relates to an implantable medical device containing a porous scaffold which is seeded with at least one mammalian cell other than immune cells and which is disposed within the device, which device is suitable for the treatment of a mammalian disease, more specifically, diabetes mellitus.
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| Multi-layer coating system and method | 20060263512 | 20061123 |
| A system and method for coating implantable medical devices so that they do not interfere with MR imaging are described. Using any of the coating processes well known to those skilled in the art, e.g., physical vapor deposition such as evaporation, sputtering, or cathode arc, or chemical vapor deposition, spraying, plasma polymerization, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition and the like, multiple sources, including at least one source of an electrically insulating material and at least one source of an electrically conducting material, are oriented and shielded so as to coat separate sections of the implantable medical device. The object being coated is then rotated so that overlapping spiral coatings of the materials from the different coating sources are produced on the object.
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| Squeeze-actuated catheter connector and method | 20060264911 | 20061123 |
| A connector for coupling medical tubing (e.g., a catheter) to an implantable medical device. The connector, in one embodiment, may include a retaining member surrounding an optional housing. The retaining member may have at least one locking finger that extends through at least one corresponding window in the housing and selectively engages a stem of the medical device to retain the end of the catheter relative thereto. Application of a compressive force applied to the retaining member may cause the locking finger(s) to withdraw from the stem and release the catheter.
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