| Patent Number |
Title Of Patent |
Date Issued |
| 7381215 |
System and method for determining an effectiveness of a ventricular pacing protocol for an impla |
June 3, 2008 |
| An implantable medical device operates to promote intrinsic ventricular depolarization according to a pacing protocol. The medical device monitors the number of attempts made to promote intrinsic conduction in comparison with the number of successful cardiac cycles to determine an ef |
| 7381180 |
Implantable devices and methods for treating fecal incontinence |
June 3, 2008 |
| In general, the invention is directed to treatment of fecal incontinence by the implantation of one or more bulking prostheses proximate to an anal sphincter. These bulking prostheses, which may include biocompatible hydrogel, are inserted into the tissue near the anus through a small |
| 7377940 |
Implantable prosthesis |
May 27, 2008 |
| An annuloplasty band comprising a sheath, and a generally arcuate stiffening element disposed within the sheath. The stiffening element extends from a first end to a second end, and preferably includes eyelets at its first and second ends adapted to receive sutures to secure the annu |
| 7374547 |
Delivery device for an acidity monitoring system |
May 20, 2008 |
| The invention is directed to techniques for delivering a capsule for sensing acidity to a location along the esophagus via a delivery device that detects pressure variations to identify a lower esophageal sphincter (LES). More specifically, the distal end of a probe of the delivery d |
| 7373206 |
Failsafe programming of implantable medical devices |
May 13, 2008 |
| A watchdog unit receives stay-alive signals from a programming device during programming of an implantable medical device. The watchdog unit maintains a watchdog timer, and resets the timer upon receipt of each stay-alive signal. If the watchdog timer expires, the watchdog unit chang |
| 7373195 |
Ion sensor for long term use in complex medium |
May 13, 2008 |
| Devices and methods for measuring a target ion concentration uses an electrode pair. The pair includes a working electrode and a reference electrode. The working and reference electrodes are ion-selective electrodes (ISEs). The reference ISE can include a sodium ISE. The ISE pair int |
| 7371259 |
Annuloplasty band and method |
May 13, 2008 |
| An annuloplasty band comprising a sheath, and a generally arcuate stiffening element disposed within the sheath. The stiffening element extends from a first end to a second end, and preferably includes eyelets at its first and second ends adapted to receive sutures to secure the annu |
| 7369894 |
Method, system and device for treating disorders of the pelvic floor by electrical stimulation o |
May 6, 2008 |
| Described are implantable devices and methods for treating various disorders of the pelvic floor by means of electrical stimulation of tissue volumes at two or more locations adjacent sacral nerves or portions thereof, and/or pudendal nerves of portions thereof. Two or more electrica |
| 7369893 |
Method and apparatus for identifying lead-related conditions using prediction and detection crit |
May 6, 2008 |
| A method for delivering therapy in a medical device that includes a two-tiered approach of determining the presence of a lead-related condition, and determining, in response to a lead-related condition being present, the presence of oversensing. Deliver of therapy by the medical devi |
| 7369892 |
Ischemic heart disease detection |
May 6, 2008 |
| An implantable medical device system for detecting cardiac conditions such the long-term ischemic heart disease, an occlusion of a coronary artery by a thrombus or an impending as a myocardial infarction. The implantable medical device (IMD) system includes a sensor that outputs a blood |
| 7369891 |
Rate control techniques for implantable pulse generator systems |
May 6, 2008 |
| The invention is directed to rate control techniques for implantable pulse generator (IPG) systems. The techniques make use of a plurality of timing intervals that may replace conventional rate control and allow "double-pacing" pulses to be delivered in certain instances. For example, |
| 7367984 |
Methods and apparatus for sizing fresh donor heart valves |
May 6, 2008 |
| A fresh donor tissue valve isolation annulus size comprising a handle and trigger or crank knob manipulated by the user moves a movable probe into proximity with a stationary probe so that the probes can be inserted into the tissue valve lumen. The user releases the trigger or crank, and |
| 7367972 |
Ablation system |
May 6, 2008 |
| A system for creating lesions and assessing their completeness or transmurality. Assessment of transmurality of a lesion is accomplished by monitoring the impedance of the tissue to be ablated. Rather than attempting to detect a desired drop or a desired increase impedance, completen |
| 7367956 |
Patient sensory response evaluation for neuromodulation efficacy rating |
May 6, 2008 |
| The invention is directed to a technique for rating neuromodulation efficacy based on evaluation of the response of the patient to sensory stimuli with and without delivery of neuromodulation therapy. In addition, the invention may provide a system capable of delivering sensory stimu |
| 7367951 |
System and method for detecting cardiovascular health conditions using hemodynamic pressure wave |
May 6, 2008 |
| A cardiovascular analysis system and method includes an implantable medical device with a sensor positioned to sense a hemodynamic pressure over time. The implantable medical device generates hemodynamic pressure waveform data based upon the hemodynamic pressure sensed. A processor a |
| 7366572 |
Controlling therapy based on sleep quality |
April 29, 2008 |
| 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 qu |
| 7366570 |
Method and a system for using implanted medical device data for accessing therapies |
April 29, 2008 |
| A method and system facilitates the access by a patient of implanted medical device related data for patient participation in their own clinical care and therapy. In an example embodiment, the method includes establishing a communications link between an implanted medical device and |
| 7366561 |
Robotic trajectory guide |
April 29, 2008 |
| A surgical alignment device is shown that is controlled remotely through the use of an actuator, where the actuator in turn controls at least one local adjustment device. The alignment device is suited for neurosurgery, although it is not exclusively limited to neurosurgery. The alignmen |
| 7365134 |
Compounds containing silicon-containing groups, medical devices, and methods |
April 29, 2008 |
| Compounds that include silicon-containing groups, and optionally urethane groups, urea groups, or combinations thereof (i.e., polyurethanes, polyureas, or polyurethane-ureas), as well as materials and methods for making such compounds. |
| 7364579 |
Fluid-assisted electrosurgical device |
April 29, 2008 |
| An electrocautery device is disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the electrocautery electrode/tip is provided with a hollow, conductive tube terminating at its distal end in a ball point type tip. Fluid, preferably conductive fluid, is applied to the proximal en |
| 7364578 |
System and method of performing an electrosurgical procedure |
April 29, 2008 |
| A system and method of making a lesion on living tissue including providing an electrosurgical system, determining a desired lesion depth, selecting a power setting, and applying electrical energy to the living tissue. The system includes an instrument having an electrode at a distal |
| 7363089 |
Method of use of implantable percutaneous stimulation lead |
April 22, 2008 |
| A percutaneous neurological stimulation lead has at least a first lead body and a second lead body that interlock during implantation using interlocking elements. The first lead body has at least one first detail on the first lead body distal end that is configured to engage at least |
| 7363087 |
Compact conformal antenna for a medical telemetry system |
April 22, 2008 |
| A telemetry component according to an embodiment of the invention, such as a programmer or a monitor for an implantable medical device ("IMD"), includes at least one radio frequency ("RF") antenna that is configured to accommodate far-field telemetry between the telemetry component and |
| 7363078 |
Intracardiac polarization signal stabilization |
April 22, 2008 |
| Polarization signals, which represent voltages measured at a pacemaker electrode, are not constant and may drift. Polarization signal drift, which often precedes undesirable pace polarization artifacts, is more significant when the pacemaker is inhibited from providing an electrical |
| 7359837 |
Peak data retention of signal data in an implantable medical device |
April 15, 2008 |
| Methods and apparatus for storing data records associated with an extreme value are disclosed. Signal data is stored in a first buffer of a set of buffers. If a local extreme value for the first buffer exceeds a global extreme value, signal data is stored in a second buffer of the set of |
| 7356369 |
Z-axis assembly of medical device programmer |
April 8, 2008 |
| 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. |
| 7353059 |
Medical device with low EMI leakage |
April 1, 2008 |
| A medical device is configured to attenuate emission of electromagnetic radiation and comprises a housing, a circuit assembly mounted in the housing, and a panel coupled to the housing and to the circuit assembly. The panel comprises a first conductive region on an interior surface of |
| 7349740 |
Myocardial stimulation |
March 25, 2008 |
| In general, the invention is directed to methods for electrically stimulating transplanted biological material, such as transplanted cells, to improve the performance of the heart during systole. In particular, the invention is directed to devices and techniques for stimulating biolo |
| 7349618 |
Optical feedthrough assembly for use in implantable medical device |
March 25, 2008 |
| An optical feedthrough assembly is provided that is configured to be disposed through the canister of an implantable medical device. The optical feedthrough assembly comprises a ferrule having an aperture therethrough and an inner surface therethrough. An optical fiber passes through |
| 7348097 |
Insulative feed through assembly for electrochemical devices |
March 25, 2008 |
| An insulative feedthrough receives an electrical lead therethrough and includes a ferrule having fist and second open ends and an interior surface. At least one polymeric guide member is positioned substantially within the first end of the ferrule and has an aperture therethrough for |
| 7347858 |
Method and system for treatment of atrial tachyarrhythmias |
March 25, 2008 |
| A method and system for ablating tissue to provide a desired set of lesions. The system includes an ablation apparatus having an elongated shapeable section carrying a mechanism such as an electrode for applying ablation energy along the shapeable section. The shapeable section inclu |
| 7345607 |
Implantable medical device with adjustable sigma-delta analog-to-digital conversion clock rate |
March 18, 2008 |
| An implantable medical device, such as a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator, uses digital signal processing channels to process sensed time varying signals representing cardiac activity. Each digital signal processing channels includes a sigma-Delta analog-to-digital |
| 7344543 |
Method and apparatus for epicardial left atrial appendage isolation in patients with atrial fibr |
March 18, 2008 |
| A catheter apparatus is provided for isolation of the left atrial appendage (LAA) having a catheter shaft, a probe disposed within the catheter shaft, and a control mechanism coupled to both the catheter shaft and the probe. The catheter shaft includes a main body with a distal tip s |
| 7343206 |
Implantable medical lead and system, and method of use thereof |
March 11, 2008 |
| Implantable medical leads, lead assemblies, and methods for implanting the leads into the human body, for example, for use within the epidural spaces of the spinal column to manage pain. A stylet lumen extends within the lead between a side-wall stylet entrance port and a lead distal |
| 7342774 |
Advanced valve metal anodes with complex interior and surface features and methods for processin |
March 11, 2008 |
| The present invention generally relates to improved capacitors; in particular, the present invention provides advanced valve metal (AVM) anodes and methods for fabricating AVM anodes having complex surface and interior features for use in high energy density capacitors. Such anodes f |
| 7340300 |
Neurostimulation delivery during transurethral prostate treatment |
March 4, 2008 |
| In general, the invention provides a transurethral ablation device comprising an electrode for delivery of neurostimulation therapy to a patient to prevent or alleviate pain experienced during the course of a transurethral ablation procedure. The device may include a conductive ablat |
| 7338481 |
Slitting tool |
March 4, 2008 |
| A slitting tool for severing a tubular body includes a body portion, extending along a first axis, joined to a nose portion extending along a second axis, the second axis extending at an angle between approximately 5 degrees and approximately 90 degrees with respect to the first axis. |
| 7338434 |
Method and system for organ positioning and stabilization |
March 4, 2008 |
| This invention provides a heart positioning device, method and system for positioning, manipulating, holding, grasping, immobilizing and/or stabilizing a heart. The heart positioning device may include a suction head and a shaft with a means for remotely changing the position of the |
| 7337011 |
System and method for enhancing cardiac signal sensing by cardiac pacemakers through genetic tre |
February 26, 2008 |
| The present invention provides delivery systems for and methods of delivering ion channel protein genetic material to cardiac cells in areas adjacent to where an electrode is to be positioned in a patient's heart to improve or correct the signal to noise ratio of cardiac signals, such |
| 7337010 |
Medical device having lithium-ion battery |
February 26, 2008 |
| An exemplary embodiment relates to a medical device that includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for providing power to the medical device. The lithium-ion battery includes a positive electrode comprising a current collector, a first active material, and a second active material. |
| 7337001 |
Implantable medical device and method with a dual power source incorporating electrolyte additiv |
February 26, 2008 |
| 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 |
| 7336994 |
Control of atrial defibrillation therapy based on hemodynamic sensor feedback |
February 26, 2008 |
| Control of defibrillation therapy delivered by implantable medical devices (IMDs) using hemodynamic sensor feedback is disclosed. The hemodynamic sensor feedback allows for increased control over application of atrial defibrillation therapy. Specifically, the therapy is delivered when a |
| 7335530 |
Freeform substrates and devices |
February 26, 2008 |
| An implantable medical device substrate is free form cut to the shape of the interior of the device. The free form shape allows more efficient use of not only the interior space of the device but also of the substrate itself. Integrated circuit components are formed to fit the shape of t |
| 7335440 |
Lithium-limited anode subassembly with solid anode current collector and spacer |
February 26, 2008 |
| An anode subassembly for use in an implantable electrochemical cell includes a solid anode current collector and an alkali metal anode pressed onto the solid anode current collector such that the solid anode current collector is located on the outer side of the outermost winding of a |
| 7335334 |
Active air removal from an extracorporeal blood circuit |
February 26, 2008 |
| A disposable, integrated extracorporeal blood circuit employed during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery performs gas exchange, heat transfer, and microemboli filtering functions in a way as to conserve volume, to reduce setup and change out times, to eliminate a venous blood reservoir, and |
| 7335197 |
Transurethral needle ablation system with flexible catheter tip |
February 26, 2008 |
| A one-piece, single-use disposable device for transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) of prostate tissue to alleviate BPH is disclosed. The device may include a flexible catheter tip including a rigid core and a flexible tip. The device may also include a single use lockout to help ensu |
| 7334582 |
Electronic valve reader |
February 26, 2008 |
| The invention is directed toward a magnetic valve reader used as an indicator tool. The magnetic valve reader determines a location and an orientation for a magnetic indicator device to indicate a device setting of an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device includes |
| 7333855 |
Method and apparatus for determining oversensing in a medical device |
February 19, 2008 |
| A method and apparatus for determining oversensing in a medical device that includes sensing cardiac signals and detecting cardiac events via a first electrode configuration, determining the presence of an episode event in response to the detected cardiac events, and sensing the cardiac |
| 7331950 |
Apparatus for containing noise generated by a pneumatically powered surgical instrument and rela |
February 19, 2008 |
| A sound attenuating system is provided for pneumatically powered surgical instruments. In one aspect, the exhaust hose is formed of at least two dissimilar materials to impede the transmission of vibrations or audible noise. In an alternative form, the exhaust hose has proximal and dista |
| 7331948 |
Catheter and catheter fabrication method |
February 19, 2008 |
| A catheter is fabricated by joining a first catheter body segment, the first segment including a braided or coiled filament reinforcing layer contained within an outer layer, to a second catheter body segment by thermal fusion in a zone including an interface between the first segment |
