Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080208028 | System and Method for Measuring Bioelectrical Signals of a User - The invention relates to a system and method for measuring bioelectrical signals of a user. Furthermore the invention relates to a computer program for measuring bioelectrical signals of a user. In order to provide a technique for measuring bioelectrical signals with reduced motion artefacts a new method is provided, comprising the steps of determining the displacement of an electrode, the electrode being adapted for measuring a bioelectrical signal, and adjusting the position of said electrode depending on the determined displacement. The present invention can be used in any system for measuring bioelectrical signals, which uses electrodes, e.g. in any ECG measurement system. With the reduction of artefacts according to the present invention the performance of all those systems can be substantially increased. | 08-28-2008 |
20080249391 | Chronic in-vivo neurotransmitter sensor - Carbon-coated ceramic based electrode arrays having a ceramic substrate patterned with multiple recording sites are provided. Potentiostat devices having said carbon-coated ceramic based electrodes, and methods of use, are also provided. Certain embodiments of the present inventive articles, devices, and methods are especially suited for detection and/or measurement of electroactive species. | 10-09-2008 |
20080249392 | CATHETER WITH ABLATION NEEDLE AND MAPPING ASSEMBLY - The invention is directed to a catheter that creates enhanced lesions using a needle electrode and can simultaneously map electrical activity at a plurality of points using an enhanced mapping assembly. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body having at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. A needle control handle is provided at the proximal end of the catheter body. A needle electrode assembly extends through the catheter body and needle control handle and has a proximal end attached to the needle control handle and a distal end within the distal end of the catheter body. A mapping assembly is mounted at the distal end of the catheter body and comprises at least two flexible spines. Each spine has a proximal end attached at the distal end of the catheter body and a free distal end. Each spine carries at least one electrode. The distal end of the needle electrode assembly is extendable past the proximal end of the mapping assembly upon manipulation of the needle control handle. | 10-09-2008 |
20080255439 | Microfabricated Neural Probes and Methods of Making Same - An embodiment of the invention provides a neural probe ( | 10-16-2008 |
20080255440 | Method of Forming a Sterilized Sensor Package and a Sterilized Sensor Package - A sensor package is provided comprising an implantable sensor having an electrode area and an electric contact area, the package comprising a shielding packaging enclosing at least the electrode area of the sensor while exposing the electric contact area. The sensor package fascilitates handling of the implantable sensor and provides for the possibility of sterilising the electric contact area leaving the electrode area protected. | 10-16-2008 |
20080255441 | Add-On For Invasive Probe - An invasive probe assembly including an invasive probe having a surface area and a tool carrier removably mounted on the invasive probe, including a substrate having an area smaller than 25% of the surface area of the probe and at least one tool mounted on the substrate. The layout of the substrate or of one or more of the at least one tool is optionally substantially different in different sectors of the circumference of the probe. | 10-16-2008 |
20080275326 | SENSOR FOR MONITORING A CONDITION OF A PATIENT - A sensor may include a substrate having a sensing portion defining a sensor thereon and a circuit mounting portion defining at least one electrically conductive pad that is electrically connected to the sensor. The sensor may be configured to produce a signal indicative of a condition of the patient. An anisotropic medium may be disposed on the circuit mounting portion and may be electrically conductive in a direction through the medium and electrically insulating in directions along the medium. An electrical circuit may be mechanically mounted to the circuit mounting portion of the first substrate via the anisotropic medium with at least one electrically conductive terminal juxtaposed over the at least one electrically conductive pad. The anisotropic medium may establish local electrical contact between the at least one electrically conductive terminal and the at least one electrically conductive pad. | 11-06-2008 |
20080319297 | Electrode catheter positioning system - A system for determining a position of a catheter is provided. An electrode is on a catheter. A plurality of reference electrodes are provided. Each of the plurality of reference electrodes are configured to transmit or receive a signal to or from the electrode, respectively. A processor is operable to determine a position of the catheter as a function of an electrical characteristic based on the signals. The plurality of reference electrodes are not positioned on or in a body surface along three mutually orthogonal axes. | 12-25-2008 |
20090036765 | Needle Electrode with Displaceable Cover and Method of Using Said Needle Electrode - A needle electrode ( | 02-05-2009 |
20090082655 | MEDICAL ELECTRICAL LEADS AND CONDUCTOR ASSEMBLIES THEREOF - A conductor assembly for a medical electrical lead includes a web and plurality of conductors. The web includes a plurality of longitudinally extending elements, or sidewalls, each of which define a longitudinally extending lumen, and a plurality of longitudinally extending connectors, each of which join a pair of adjacent sidewalls. Each of the plurality of conductors extends within a corresponding lumen, and each may include an insulative jacket. If each conductor includes an insulative jacket, the jacket is preferably formed from one or more of the following materials: PEEK, PVDF and polysulfone. One or more of the connectors of the web may be flexible to allow for a connected separation, or a gap between adjacent sidewalls; and one or more of these connectors may further include a discrete wall section adapted to facilitate widening of the corresponding gap. Preferably the conductor assembly is coiled for incorporation into the lead. | 03-26-2009 |
20090088618 | System and Method for Manufacturing a Swallowable Sensor Device - Methods and systems for manufacturing a swallowable sensor device are disclosed. Such a method includes mechanically coupling a plurality of internal components, wherein the plurality of internal components includes a printed circuit board having a plurality of projections extending radially outward. A cavity is filled with a potting material, and the mechanically coupled components are inserted into the cavity. The cavity may be pre-filled with the potting material, or may be filled after the mechanically coupled components have been inserted therein. A distal end of each projection abuts against a wall of the cavity thereby preventing the potting material from covering each distal end. The cavity is sealed with a cap causing the potting material to harden within the sealed cavity to form a housing of the swallowable sensor device, wherein the distal end of each projection is exposed to an external environment of the swallowable sensor device. | 04-02-2009 |
20090099440 | REDUCTION OF RF INDUCED TISSUE HEATING USING DISCRETE WINDING PATTERNS - The present invention provides, among other things, a medical device having an elongated body and an electrically conductive coil wrapped around the elongated body and covering at least a lengthwise portion of the body. The coil includes a pattern of insulated and non-insulated portions. | 04-16-2009 |
20090124880 | REMOVABLE ENERGY SOURCE FOR SENSOR GUIDEWIRE - A transmitter unit with a detachable energy source is provided for a sensor guidewire. The transmitter unit is adapted to be connected to a proximal end of a sensor guidewire provided, at its distal end, with a sensor to measure a physiological parameter inside a patient. In some embodiments, the transmitter unit is adapted to wirelessly communicate by a communication signal with a communication unit, arranged in connection with an external device, in order to transfer measured physiological data to the external device. The detachable energy source can be a battery pack provided with connecting electrical connecting surfaces. Preferably, the connection is protected from penetrating fluids by a protective seal. | 05-14-2009 |
20090177070 | CATHETER TIP ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING SAME - An electrode assembly for a sensor catheter tip includes a first electrode and a second electrode each having a central axis. The two electrodes are axially aligned and spaced apart along the axis. Each of the first and second electrodes comprises a contact aperture spaced from the center axis, and a contact. element positioned within each of the contact apertures. The center axis of each of the first and second electrodes is substantially aligned, and the contact elements corresponding to each of the first and second electrodes are offset, thereby providing staggered contact points for each respective electrode. | 07-09-2009 |
20090192381 | Minimally Invasive Physiologic Parameter Recorder and Introducer System - An implantable monitoring device includes a flexible lead body that includes at least one sensing element. The device also includes a rigid main body connected to the flexible lead body at an attachment point. The rigid main body is generally centered about a longitudinal axis defined by the flexible lead body when the lead body is unflexed. The device further includes a measurement circuit, which is housed within the rigid main body and electrically coupled to the at least one sensing element of the flexible lead body and at least another sensing element on an outside surface of the rigid main body. The measurement circuit is configured to measure a potential difference between the at least one sensing element of the flexible lead body and the at least another sensing element of the main body. | 07-30-2009 |
20090203983 | MULTI-FUNCTIONAL BURR HOLE ASSEMBLY - A burr hole assembly for use in neurosurgery. In one aspect, the burr hole assembly comprises a burr hole portion and one or more sensors, such as EEG sensors, temperature sensors, intracranial pressure sensors, or motion sensors. In certain embodiments, an input/output unit, which may include a multiplexer, provides a coupling between the sensors and a brain stimulation system which operates in cooperation with the burr hole assembly. In another aspect, the burr hole assembly comprises a burr hole portion and a rotation mechanism which operates in cooperation with an electrode lead. In certain embodiments, the burr hole assembly includes a control system for controlling the rotation mechanism. Also disclosed are systems comprising a burr hole assembly and various components of a brain stimulation system, such as pulse generators, electrode leads, lead extension, or external control systems. | 08-13-2009 |
20090221894 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE VESSEL LOCATION - The present invention is related to a blood vessel locator and a method for locating blood vessels. In one or more embodiments, the locator comprises at least one filiform element, a sensor device and a display. The filiform elements are connected to the sensor device, which is arranged to detect a parameter indicative of the presence of a blood vessel and connected to a display, and the display is arranged to give an indication of vessel location. | 09-03-2009 |
20090264727 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAPPING A STRUCTURE - An volume of a patient can be mapped with a system operable to identify a plurality of locations and save a plurality of locations of a mapping instrument. The mapping instrument can include one or more electrodes that can sense a voltage that can be correlated to a three dimensional location of the electrode at the time of the sensing or measurement. Therefore, a map of a volume can be determined based upon the sensing of the plurality of points without the use of other imaging devices. An implantable medical device can then be navigated relative to the mapping data. | 10-22-2009 |
20090281409 | REINFORCED MEDICAL DEVICE - An apparatus and method for a medical implant having a reinforced medical implant body. In an embodiment of the invention, an apparatus includes a sheath, a conductive element, a distal electrode and a length limiting element. The conductive element has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal electrode can be coupled to the distal end of the conductive element. The sheath has a distal end, a proximal end and a length defined between the distal end and the proximal end. The sheath of the apparatus is configured to enclose at least a portion of the conductive element. The length limiting element has a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the length limiting element can be coupled to the distal end of the sheath and the proximal end of the length limiting element can be coupled to the proximal end of the sheath. | 11-12-2009 |
20090306491 | IMPLANTABLE NEURAL PROSTHETIC DEVICE AND METHODS OF USE - Neural stimulation devices are described that detect the neural activity from the spinal cord in a semi-invasive manner, where the device comprises at least one antenna array comprising an antenna. The antenna of the array is in electrical communication with the spinal cord of the patient. A device comprising more than one antenna array can be used to detect the neural signal strength, as well as the velocity and directionality of the signal. | 12-10-2009 |
20090312623 | CATHETER WITH CONTRACTABLE MAPPING ASSEMBLY - The invention is directed to a mapping catheter useful for mapping tubular regions in and around the heart. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular catheter body. A mapping assembly is provided at the distal end of the catheter body. The mapping assembly comprises a tubular structure comprising a preformed generally circular main region generally transverse and distal to the catheter body and having an outer circumference. The tubular structure comprises a non-conductive cover over at least the main region of the mapping assembly. A plurality of electrodes are carried by the generally circular main region of the mapping assembly. A control handle is mounted at the proximal end of the catheter body. A contraction wire extends through the catheter body and non-conductive cover of the mapping assembly for contracting the generally circular main region of the mapping assembly. The contraction wire has a distal end anchored in the non-conductive cover and a proximal end anchored to a mechanism in the control handle that facilitates longitudinal movement of the contraction wire relative to the catheter body. The portion of the contraction wire extending through the non-conductive cover is positioned on the side of the generally circular main region closer to the center of the generally circular region. | 12-17-2009 |
20100004525 | MEDICAL CATHETER WITH SEVERAL POLES OR ELECTRODES - A medical catheter ( | 01-07-2010 |
20100010334 | SPINAL ACCESS AND NEURAL LOCALIZATION - A method for locating neural tissue in a patient body may involve: advancing a probe along a natural tissue interface between the neural tissue and another tissue in the body, the probe having a first surface oriented toward the neural tissue and a second surface oriented away from the neural tissue; delivering a first electrical current to a first electrode along the first surface of the probe; delivering a second electrical current to a second electrode along the second surface of the probe; and verifying that the first surface of the advanced probe remains oriented toward the neural tissue and the second surface remains oriented away from the neural tissue by monitoring neural response to the first and second electrical currents. | 01-14-2010 |
20100036226 | NERVE SURVEILLANCE CANNULAE SYSTEMS - An expandable tip cannula system, comprising: a hollow cannula shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; and an expandable tip mounted at the distal end of the hollow cannula shaft, the expandable tip comprising a plurality of generally-triangular shaped petals held together in a radially-inwardly tapered arrangement between adjacent petals, each petal comprising a nerve sensing electrode disposed therein. | 02-11-2010 |
20100094115 | Electrically insulated surgical needle assembly - A surgical needle assembly for penetrating soft and hard tissues of a patient includes a handle assembly removably coupled to the needle assembly. The needle assembly is electrically coupled to an electrical signal source. The surgical tool includes an electrically conductive portion in communication with an un-insulated distal end of the needle assembly, and an insulated portion extending from the distal end to the handle assembly. | 04-15-2010 |
20100179410 | SINGLE AND MULTI-NEEDLE ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC (EMG) RECORDING ELECTRODE CONFIGURATIONS FOR INTRAOPERATIVE NERVE INTEGRITY MONTORING - Several configurations for single and multi-needle electromyographic (EMG) recording electrodes for intraoperative nerve integrity monitoring are disclosed, one of which may concern a multi-needle electrode including one or more cables that are connected directly or indirectly to a nerve integrity monitor, a single hub connected to the one or more cables, and at least two needle electrodes connected to the single hub each having first and second bends along the line of insertion into a patient, wherein the first bend occurs at the hub connection in a downward direction and the second bend occurs in an upward direction from the first bend creating a proximal needle segment from the hub to the second bend and a terminal needle segment from the second bend to the end of each needle. | 07-15-2010 |
20100191088 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DIAGNOSING, TREATING, OR TRACKING SPINAL DISORDERS - Methods and systems for performing a surgical procedure using implantable sensors are disclosed. The method includes providing one or more implantable sensors, each sensor configured for implantation adjacent to an anatomical feature of a patient; imaging the patient to determine the relative positions of the one or more implantable sensors relative to the anatomical features of the patient; inserting an implant adjacent to at least one of the anatomical features; and tracking the position of the implant relative to the at least one anatomical feature during the inserting of the implant using the implantable sensors. | 07-29-2010 |
20100191089 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO DETECT NEOINTIMA COVERAGE OF A STENT - A method and endovascular system, such as a balloon catheter, for detecting the absence of neointimal coverage of bare or drug-eluting metal stents, featuring two (bipolar systems) or more electrodes (multipolar systems). The distal part of the device has an expandable platform, such as an inflatable balloon, for providing transient mechanical contact of the electrodes to the stented vessel segment. The electrodes on the expandable platform have a circumferential-symmetric array, i.e., arrangement in identical circular sectors. For example, the electrodes are arranged in semicircles, i.e., at 90 and 180 degrees, when using a bipolar catheter system, or they are arranged in quarter-sections, i.e., at 90, 180, 270, and 360 degrees, when using a quadrupolar catheter system. The electrodes of the endovascular device connect with a direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) measurement unit. With multipolar systems, rotational impedance measurement technology is used for accurate detection of exposed (non-covered) stent struts and is defined herein as sequential (clock-wise or counterclock-wise) testing of each single electrode against the remaining electrically interconnected electrodes. The described endovascular system requires direct mechanical contact of at least 2 electrically non-interconnected electrodes with the stent to induce short-circuit current. The method and system can distinguish complete neointimal stent coverage, defined as consistently high impedance values in all measurements, from partial neointimal coverage, defined as a mix of high and low impedance values, from missing neointimal coverage, defined as consistently low impedance values in all measurements. | 07-29-2010 |
20100198039 | Systems and Methods for Wireless Transmission of Biopotentials - The invention relates to wireless biotelemetry of low level bioelectric and biosensor signals by means of directly modulating the backscatter of a resonant circuit. Low level electrical analog or digital signals are directly applied to a resonant circuit containing a voltage-variable capacitor such as a varactor diode, that proportionally shifts the resonant frequency and so amplitude of radiofrequency backscatter in a way that represents analog bioelectric or biosensor waveform data. By strongly driving the resonant circuit with a radiofrequency source, a voltage variable capacitance can be caused to amplify the bio-signal level by a parametric process and so provide sufficient sensitivity to telemeter for low millivolt and microvolt level signals without additional amplification. A feature of the device is its simplicity and that it accomplishes both modulation and preamplification of low level sensor signals by the same variable capacitance circuit which reduces the device size and power consumption. | 08-05-2010 |
20100204560 | LOW PROFILE ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY - A tissue electrode assembly includes a membrane configured to form an expandable, conformable body that is deployable in a patient. The assembly further includes a flexible circuit positioned on a surface of the membrane and comprising at least one base substrate layer, at least one insulating layer and at least one planar conducting layer. An electrically-conductive electrode covers at least a portion of the flexible circuit and a portion of the surface of the membrane not covered by the flexible circuit, wherein the electrically-conductive electrode is foldable upon itself with the membrane to a delivery conformation having a diameter suitable for minimally-invasive delivery of the assembly to the patient. | 08-12-2010 |
20100228112 | SENSOR GUIDE WIRE WITH MICRO-CABLE WINDING - Sensor guide wire for intravascular measurements of a physiological variable in a living body, comprising: a sensor region in a distal part of the sensor guide wire, a sensor element arranged in the sensor region, a male connector at a proximal part of the sensor guide wire, a least one electrical micro-cable connecting the male connector to the sensor element and an elongated guide wire body arranged between the sensor region and the male connector. The at least one electrical micro-cable extends essentially helically around the guide wire body along the length of at least a part of the guide wire. | 09-09-2010 |
20100234713 | SILVER-SILVER CHLORIDE NEEDLE ELECTRODE SYSTEM - A needle electrode system for acquiring biopotential signals from a person's body. The needle electrode system includes at least one silver-silver chloride needle electrode that is coupled to a distal end of a first wire, at least one cutaneous electrode connector coupled to a distal end of a second wire and at least one connector attached to at least one proximal end of the first wire and the second wire. The connector is coupled with a monitoring device. The first wire and the second wire are made of carbon fiber. The non-polarizable needle electrode that is made out of or coated with silver-silver chloride has a protective safety cover. The needle electrode system senses and sends biopotential signals to the monitoring device in preference to cutaneous electrode on the person's body by inserting the needle electrode subcutaneously into the person's body. | 09-16-2010 |
20100268054 | Electrode Configuration and Measuring Device for Measuring the Electrical Activity in Electrically Active Tissue - An electrode arrangement for sensing electrical activity in target tissue is described. A support electrode has an elongate electrode body with a base end and a penetrating end for insertion into the target tissue. A fixation electrode has an elongate electrode body with a base end and a penetrating end at an angle to the electrode body. The electrodes are joined together with their electrode bodies in parallel so that the penetrating end of the fixation electrode penetrates a fixed distance into the target tissue so that at least one of the electrodes senses electrical activity in the target tissue. | 10-21-2010 |
20100274114 | SIGNAL SENSING IN AN IMPLANTED APPARATUS WITH AN INTERNAL REFERENCE - An implantable apparatus for sensing biological signals from an animal includes at least two electrodes disposed at locations to sense the biological signals. The electrode locations may be internal or external to the animal. Insulated conductors couple the electrodes via a passive network of filters to an instrumentation amplifier that has an internal voltage reference. Thus a sensed biological signal is filtered and amplified to provide an amplified differential signal. A signal analysis module processes amplified differential signal to determine at least one physiological parameter of the animal. The signal analysis module may include a first derivative zero detector for signal transition detection and feature detection and analysis. The apparatus may also comprise a signal presentation module to display amplified signals and physiological parameters associated with those signals. | 10-28-2010 |
20100331658 | MAP AND ABLATE OPEN IRRIGATED HYBRID CATHETER - An embodiment of an open-irrigated catheter system comprises a tip section, a distal insert, and mapping electrodes. The tip section has an exterior wall that defines an open interior region within the tip section. The exterior wall includes mapping electrode openings and irrigation ports. The exterior wall is conductive for delivering radio frequency (RF) energy for an RF ablation procedure. The irrigation ports are in fluid communication with the open interior region to allow fluid to flow from the open interior region through the irrigation ports. The distal insert is positioned within the tip section to separate the open region into a distal fluid reservoir and a proximal fluid reservoir. The mapping electrodes are positioned in the mapping electrode openings in the tip section. | 12-30-2010 |
20110004087 | Apparatus and Methods for Contactless Electrophysiology Studies - An electrophysiology catheter includes an elongate catheter body having an elastically-deformable distal region predisposed to assume a spiral shape and a first plurality of electrodes disposed thereon. Each of the first plurality of electrodes includes an electrically active region limited to the inner surface of the spiral shape for use in non-contact electrophysiology studies. A second plurality of electrodes may also be disposed on the distal region interspersed (e.g., alternating) with the first plurality of electrodes, with each of the second plurality of electrodes having an electrically active region extending into the outer surface of the spiral shape for use in contact electrophysiology studies. The distal region may be deformed into a straight configuration for insertion into and navigation through the patient's vasculature, for example via use of a tubular introducer. As the distal region deploys beyond the distal end of the introducer, it resumes the spiral shape. | 01-06-2011 |
20110009728 | MEDICAL ELECTRODE, ELECTRODE BUNDLE AND ELECTRODE BUNDLE ARRAY - A medical microelectrode includes portions capable of movement relative to each other when implanted in or inserted into soft tissue, so as to increase or decrease their distance along the electrode. The electrode is at least partially embedded in a substantially rigid biocompatible matrix that is soluble or biodegradable a body fluid. Also disclosed are uses of the microelectrode; microelectrode bundles and arrays of microelectrode bundles and their uses; methods for inserting or implanting microelectrodes, microelectrode bundles and arrays of microelectrode bundles in soft tissue. | 01-13-2011 |
20110021900 | Deflectable Catheter - A deflectable catheter comprises a catheter body, a tip section, and a control handle for affecting deflection of the tip section. The tip section comprises a flexible tubing having proximal and distal ends and at least two lumens extending therethrough. The proximal end of the tip section is fixedly attached to the distal end of the catheter body. The flexible tubing comprises a plastic core, a metal braid over the core, a plastic skin over the braid, and at least two pieces of plastic tubing in longitudinal arrangement extruded over the plastic skin, wherein the at least two pieces of plastic tubing have different stiffnesses and are arranged with the stiffer plastic being proximal the less stiff plastic. The tip section is made by extruding a plastic core over at least one mandrel and braiding a metal over the plastic core. Thereafter, at least two pieces of plastic tubing having different degrees of stiffness are assembled along the length of the plastic core so that the piece of plastic tubing having the greatest stiffness is at the proximal end of the tip section and the piece of plastic having the lowest stiffness is near the distal end of the tip section. The pieces of plastic tubing are then melted to the plastic core. | 01-27-2011 |
20110028820 | MONO-PHASIC ACTION POTENTIAL ELECTROGRAM RECORDING CATHETER, AND METHOD - Catheters and methods for obtaining monophasic action potential (“MAP”) electrograms include a flexible catheter body defining a longitudinal axis, and a distal assembly affixed to the catheter body distal end defining a distal tip. The distal assembly has at least three MAP recording electrodes, and at least one reference electrode for determining reference potential. The recording electrodes are each positioned a radial distance from the longitudinal axis in at least three different radial directions, defining a recording geometry substantially having radial symmetry. The reference electrode is a longitudinal distance from the recording geometry. Optional features include a steerable catheter shaft, one or more radio-frequency ablation electrodes, and a dedicated pacing electrode. Different possible embodiments include a dome housing having the recording electrodes in a fixed spatial arrangement, and a distal loop assembly having an array of electrodes on at least three flexible loop elements. | 02-03-2011 |
20110040167 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING MEDICAL ABLATION SYSTEMS AND HAVING MAPPING CATHETERS WITH IMPROVED ANCHORING ABILITY - A mapping catheter includes an elongated body for inserting into patient vasculature. A distal end of the elongated body includes a distal portion that includes a plurality of electrodes, a proximal portion disposed proximal to the distal portion, and a reduced-dimension portion disposed between the proximal and distal portions. The distal end is formed, at least in part, from a memory shape material that bends into a preformed shape upon release from a confined space. The preformed shape includes a first loop formed, at least in part, by the distal portion. The first loop is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the proximal portion. The reduced-dimension portion is configured and arranged to bend such that the reduced-dimension section advances distally through the first loop when the first loop is held in a fixed position and a force is applied distally along the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion. | 02-17-2011 |
20110071379 | ELECTRODE FOR PROLONGED MONITORING OF LARYNGEAL ELECTROMYOGRAPHY - Laryngeal surface electrodes are devices designed to hold a conductive surface against the vocal cords in order to pick up small electrical signals from the muscle known as electromyographic signals. Several embodiments of a laryngeal electromyography tube include a conductive electrode surface that is painted, screen printed or otherwise applied directly onto the body of an endotracheal tube, such that the final device has no raised surfaces which can injure the vocal cords. These endotracheal tube with integral laryngeal surface electrodes can be safely used placed for prolonged, continuous monitoring during surgery, after surgery and during intensive care treatment intubation without a need to remove and replace the tube at these various stages of treatment. In one embodiment, one electrode contacts the vocal cords and a second electrode contacts the tongue. | 03-24-2011 |
20110105876 | Subdermal needle electrode cable assembly having movable needle safety cover integral therewith - An apparatus for monitoring neurological and/or neurophysiological signals of a patient has a signal conductor, an electrode, and a safety cover. The signal conductor has a first end portion and a second end portion. The electrode has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is a skin piercing portion of the electrode and the second end portion is electrically connected to the first end portion of the signal conductor. The safety cover has an electrode shrouding space therein. The electrode shrouding space is configured in a manner allowing the first end portion of the electrode to be positioned within the electrode shrouding space as a result of the safety cover being moved along a length of the signal conductor toward the first end portion of the electrode. | 05-05-2011 |
20110144467 | FLEXIBLE 3D MICROPROBE STRUCTURE - The present invention discloses a flexible 3D microprobe structure, which comprises at least one probe, a base and a hinge portion. The probe is connected to the base via the hinge portion. The probe forms a bend angle with respect to a normal of the base by attracting the probe through an electrostatic force to make the hinge portion bend with respect to the base, and thus to form a 3D structure having the bend angle. The probe, the base and the hinge portion are made of a flexible polymeric material to reduce the inflammation response of creatures. Further, a fixing element is used to enhance the structural strength of the flexible 3D microprobe structure. | 06-16-2011 |
20110201912 | TANK FILTERS PLACED IN SERIES WITH THE LEAD WIRES OR CIRCUITS OF ACTIVE MEDICAL DEVICES TO ENHANCE MRI COMPATIBILITY - A TANK filter is provided for a lead wire of an active medical device (AMD). The TANK filter includes a capacitor in parallel with an inductor. The parallel capacitor and inductor are placed in series with the lead wire of the AMD, wherein values of capacitance and inductance are selected such that the TANK 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 TANK filter to attenuate current flow through the lead wire along a range of selected frequencies. In a preferred form, the TANK filter is integrated into a TIP and/or RING electrode for an active implantable medical device. | 08-18-2011 |
20110208029 | DEVICE FOR STIMULATING LIVING TISSUE BY MICROELECTRODES AND REMOVABLE MODULE AND USE THEREOF - The disclosure relates to a device for stimulating living tissue, comprising an array of stimulating microelectrodes that are placed in a defined configuration side by side and able to be selected by applying an electrical signal for stimulation by one of the microelectrodes. According to the disclosure, an additional conducting surface for application against the living tissue, is provided in the vicinity of a defined plurality of sections for local application of microelectrodes, connecting means being provided for electrical connection between the zones, and the additional conducting surface being also connected to a lead and being formed so as to ensure local stimulation via a microelectrode. | 08-25-2011 |
20110208030 | TANK FILTERS PLACED IN SERIES WITH THE LEAD WIRES OR CIRCUITS OF ACTIVE MEDICAL DEVICES TO ENHANCE MRI COMPATABILITY - A TANK filter is provided for a lead wire of an active medical device (AMD). The TANK filter includes a capacitor in parallel with an inductor. The parallel capacitor and inductor are placed in series with the lead wire of the AMD, wherein values of capacitance and inductance are selected such that the TANK 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 TANK filter to attenuate current flow through the lead wire along a range of selected frequencies. In a preferred form, the TANK filter is integrated into a TIP and/or RING electrode for an active implantable medical device. | 08-25-2011 |
20110213231 | Bendable catheter arms having varied flexibility - In various embodiments, a catheter comprising an expandable electrode assembly or basket is provided. In specific embodiments, the basket is particularly useful for mapping electrical activity at one or more locations within the heart. The basket can comprise a plurality of bendable or deflectable arms. At least one of the arms may have varied flexibility over its length in the form of one or more discontinuities of stiffness or flexibility at an elbow region or other variances in flexibility over the arm's length. Such variance in flexibility may allow the arm to assume a different bent configuration or respond to external factors more positively than possible with an arm having a static or near static flexibility or stiffness over its length. | 09-01-2011 |
20110213232 | TANK FILTERS PLACED IN SERIES WITH THE LEAD WIRES OR CIRCUITS OF ACTIVE MEDICAL DEVICES TO ENHANCE MRI COMPATIBILITY - A TANK filter is provided for a lead wire of an active medical device (AMD). The TANK filter includes a capacitor in parallel with an inductor. The parallel capacitor and inductor are placed in series with the lead wire of the AMD, wherein values of capacitance and inductance are selected such that the TANK 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 TANK filter to attenuate current flow through the lead wire along a range of selected frequencies. In a preferred form, the TANK filter is integrated into a TIP and/or RING electrode for an active implantable medical device. | 09-01-2011 |
20110213233 | TANK FILTERS PLACED IN SERIES WITH THE LEAD WIRES OR CIRCUITS OF ACTIVE MEDICAL DEVICES TO ENHANCE MRI COMPATIBILITY - A TANK filter is provided for a lead wire of an active medical device (AMD). The TANK filter includes a capacitor in parallel with an inductor. The parallel capacitor and inductor are placed in series with the lead wire of the AMD, wherein values of capacitance and inductance are selected such that the TANK 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 TANK filter to attenuate current flow through the lead wire along a range of selected frequencies. In a preferred form, the TANK filter is integrated into a TIP and/or RING electrode for an active implantable medical device. | 09-01-2011 |
20110237920 | SUCTION APPARATUS FOR EXTRACTING FLUID DURING A SURGICAL INTERVENTION - A description is given of a suction apparatus for extracting fluid, in particular body fluid, during a surgical intervention, with a device for creating a suction pressure ( | 09-29-2011 |
20110245645 | ARRANGEMENT FOR IMPLANTING AND METHOD FOR IMPLANTING - The invention relates to an arrangement for implanting in a human or animal body, comprising a carrier device which provides a receiving means and which is made from a synthetic mesh or fabric material, and an electronic element which is fixed to the carrier device in the region of the receiving means. Also provided is a method for implanting the arrangement in a human or animal body. | 10-06-2011 |
20110245646 | MEDICAL IMPLANTABLE LEAD AND METHOD FOR THE MANUFACTURE THEREOF - A medical implantable lead adapted to be implanted into a human or animal body for monitoring and/or controlling of an organ inside the body has a fixation in a distal end, which is adapted to fix a distal end of the lead to the organ, an electrode member in the distal end adapted to be in contact with tissue of the organ and receive and/or transmit electrical signals from and/or to the organ, and at least one electrically conducting coil, which includes one or more electrically conducting helical wires and that is adapted to connect the electrode member in the distal end with a monitoring and/or controlling device in a proximal end of the lead. One or more of the individual wires of the coil has a wire core that is provided with a surrounding electrically insulating layer, which in turn is provided with a surrounding electrically conducting shield layer, and the coil is close lapped such that electrically conducting shield layers of adjacent loops of the coil are in electrical contact with each other. | 10-06-2011 |
20110251473 | Bipolar Sieve Electrode And Method Of Assembly - Apparatus for providing an interface between a nerve and an external information system. The apparatus includes a substrate having a first surface, an opposite second surface, and an electrode body, wherein the electrode body includes a plurality of holes extending therethrough. The apparatus also includes a plurality of electrical leads embedded within the substrate and a plurality of ring electrodes, wherein each of the ring electrodes circumscribes a corresponding hole, and wherein at least a portion of the ring electrodes is positioned on each of the first surface and the second surface. | 10-13-2011 |
20110257499 | Dual-Deflecting Electrophysiology Catheter - An electrophysiology catheter includes a tubular body having a proximal region, a neck region, and a distal region predisposed into a loop and including electrodes. A first deflection wire extends through at least a portion of the proximal region of the catheter body and includes a first flattened section, while a second deflection wire extends through the neck region and at least a portion of the distal region and includes a second flattened section within the neck region. A first activation wire is joined to the flattened section of the first deflection wire, while a second activation wire is joined to the flattened section of the second deflection wire. Thus, forces acting on the first and second activation wires, such as forces imposed by a handle-based actuator, are respectively transmitted to the first and second deflection wires, thereby deflecting the proximal and neck regions, respectively. | 10-20-2011 |
20110257500 | TEMPORARY IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL ELECTRICAL LEADS - A temporary implantable medical electrical lead includes a conductor extending along a proximal, extracorporeal length and a distal, subcutaneous length of the lead. Electrically isolated first and second wire filars of the conductor are wound to form an elongate lumen of the lead. First and second electrodes are mounted directly onto the conductor, along the subcutaneous length, and each is directly coupled to the corresponding filar. A fixation member is attached to a tubular member, which is conformed to an outer surface of the conductor so as to only cover the conductor along the subcutaneous length, leaving the outer surface exposed along a portion thereof, adjacent to the extracorporeal length. When the lead is implanted, the fixation member holds the subcutaneous length in a relatively fixed location, and fluid communication exists between the outer surface of the conductor and the lumen of the lead. | 10-20-2011 |
20110263960 | Stent Delivery System for Detecting Wall Apposition of the Stent During Deployment - A stent delivery and apposition detecting system includes at least one electrode pair of dissimilar metals mounted on a balloon of a balloon catheter. The electrode pair forms part of an electrochemical cell, and voltage and current generated from the electrochemical cell enables the system to detect when a stent mounted on the balloon achieves proper wall apposition. As the balloon is exposed to different environments, i.e., blood or tissue having different resistances, the electric potential of the electrochemical cell changes and an alert is generated by a feedback circuit to notify a user that the electrodes are in contact with tissue of the vessel wall. In one embodiment, the feedback circuit may be powered by the electrochemical cell. Multiple sets of electrode pairs may be mounted along the circumference and length of the balloon to detect differential contact between the deployed stent and the vessel wall. | 10-27-2011 |
20110270065 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE CONFIGURATION BASED ON PORT USAGE - In an example, configuring an implantable medical device by determining port usage can include, receiving a port data object, determining a lead configuration, configuring access to a programmable parameter, and displaying a visual indication of the lead configuration. The port data object can be received from the implantable medical device and can include data associated with a port of the implantable medical device capable of connecting to a lead. The determining a lead configuration can be based on the port data object. The configuring access to a programmable parameter can be based on the lead configuration of the implantable medical device. | 11-03-2011 |
20110270066 | Novel Method and Apparatus for Eliminating Loading and Electrode Polarization Effects in Impedance Measurements for Tissues and Electrolytes - A device and method for accurately characterizing tissue impedance employs multiple electrodes at a plurality of separation distances to cancel the effects of front end loading leakage currents and electrode polarization to improve the accuracy of sensitive impedance measurements used to identify cancerous tissues. These measurements may be automated over a range of frequencies. | 11-03-2011 |
20110288391 | Titanium-Based Multi-Channel Microelectrode Array for Electrophysiological Recording and Stimulation of Neural Tissue - A microelectrode array including a top portion, a plurality of pads positioned on the top portion, and a shank portion, the shank portion including a titanium substrate, a dielectric structure positioned on the titanium substrate, and a metallization layer embedded in the dielectric structure, the metallization layer including a plurality of electrode sites distributed longitudinally along the shank portion, and a plurality of electrical traces, wherein the dielectric structure provides an access window over each of the plurality of the electrode sites and each of the plurality of electrical traces electrically connects a corresponding electrode site of the plurality of electrode sites to a corresponding pad of the plurality of pads. | 11-24-2011 |
20110306861 | ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE WITH A SELECTIVELY POSITIONAL ELECTRODE - An endotracheal tube usable for intraopertive monitoring of the laryngeal nerve. The endotracheal tube includes at least one electrical contact that is movable along and about an exterior sidewall of the endotracheal tube and connected to the exterior sidewall by a connector when the electrode is placed in a position to optimize the conductivity between the nerve being monitored and the electrical contact. The electrical contact may be connected using a locking tube, tape, adhesive, etc. | 12-15-2011 |
20110313269 | MICRO-ELECTRODE ARRAY PACKAGE USING LIQUID CRYSTAL POLYMER AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - Disclosed herein is a micro-electrode array package including a micro-electrode array comprising: a substrate section including a liquid crystal polymer; an electrode section collecting and transferring bio-signals; and a cover section insulating and protecting the electrode section and including a liquid crystal polymer, wherein the electrode section is disposed in contact with one surface of the substrate section, the cover section is adhered in contact with the surface of the substrate section on which the electrode section is disposed, and a space independent from the external environment is formed between the substrate section and the cover section adhered thereto. Disclosed herein too is a method for manufacturing a micro-electrode array package, including: forming alignment holes in a substrate section including a liquid crystal polymer and a cover section including a liquid crystal polymer; forming site window holes for an electrode section-exposure in the cover section; forming an electrode section on one surface of the substrate section; aligning the substrate section and the cover section by the alignment holes, and adhering the substrate section and the cover section with each other; and cutting the substrate section and the cover section adhered thereto to provide an outer shape. | 12-22-2011 |
20120010490 | Medical devices having flexible electrodes mounted thereon - Medical devices and systems comprising medical devices are provided. The kit includes a catheter-introducer comprising a shaft having a major lumen sized to receive a second medical device and an electrode mounted thereon and a catheter comprising an elongate body and at least two flexible electrode segments on the distal end. The shaft includes an inner liner and outer layer. The system comprises a first medical device having a shaft and an electroanatomical system imaging element mounted thereon and a second medical device having an elongate body and at least two flexible electrodes mounted on the distal end. The shaft has a major lumen sized to receive the second medical device. The system further comprises an electroanatomical navigation system configured to receive signals from the electroanatomical system imaging element and to determine a position of the electroanatomical system imaging element and/or monitor electrophysiological data. | 01-12-2012 |
20120022355 | Integrated electrophysiology and ultrasound imaging system - An integrated electrophysiology and ultrasound imaging system includes a workstation, electrophysiology processing circuits, a compact ultrasound imaging system having a combination of an isolation circuit, an ultrasound signal generator, and a beam former within a single unit. The integrated workstation provides a single control interface and data display for the electrophysiology and ultrasound imaging subsystems. Integrating the control of electrophysiology and ultrasound imaging equipment within a single workstation reduces clinician workload. | 01-26-2012 |
20120022356 | IMPLANTABLE MRI COMPATIBLE MEDICAL LEAD WITH A ROTATABLE CONTROL MEMBER - A medical implantable lead is adapted to be implanted into a human or animal body for monitoring and/or controlling of an organ inside the body. The lead has in a distal end, a combined fixation means and electrode member in form of a helix, which is connected to a rotatable tubular member being connected to a rotatable member at a proximal end of the lead, and which is rotatable in relation to the lead and extendable out from the distal end, by rotation of the control member and the tubular torque transferring member, to be able to fixate the distal end of the lead to the organ by being screwed into the tissue. The helix is electrically connected to a connector at the proximal end by means of at least one electrically conducting wire formed as an electrically conducting coil, which is separate from the tubular torque transferring member and unrotatable in relation to the lead and that has one or more individual wires, each including an electrically conducting wire core and a surrounding electrically insulating layer, wherein the rotatable control member is rotatable within the connector. | 01-26-2012 |
20120029334 | CATHETER WITH A MECHANISM FOR OMNI-DIRECTIONAL DEFLECTION OF A CATHETER SHAFT - A catheter with a mechanism for omni-directional deflection of a catheter shaft includes a shaft assembly and a controller. The shaft assembly includes a first tubular component that has a preformed curvilinear distal section, a second, substantially straight tubular component with a main axis and an outer shaft. The first and second components are configured for slidable movement therebetween while preserving common rotation so that when the second component is axially moved in a distal direction, the second component deflects the preformed curvilinear section towards the main axis while orientation of the outer shaft is preserved. The controller is configured to effect relative axial movement between the first and second components as well as to effect rotation of the first and second components (and thus also of the preformed curvilinear distal section) without any rotation of the shaft relative to the handle. Varying the deflection of the preformed curvilinear section in combination with variable rotational movement achieves omni-directional distal tip bending. | 02-02-2012 |
20120035451 | SAFETY TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRODE - Transcutaneous safety electrode assemblies are described that can include a conducting electrode having a sharp end to penetration of the skin of a patient, and a shielding member that is deployable by a user so as to shield the sharp end of the electrode after the electrode is removed from the skin. The shielding member can be deployed by retracting the sharp end of the electrode a protective housing, assisted by spring force provided by the electrode wire so as to self-retract into the protective housing. The deployment and disengagement can be via push button action, and the electrode assembly can be self-retaining on the patient's skin while deployed. | 02-09-2012 |
20120078076 | HEART WALL ABLATION/MAPPING CATHETER AND METHOD - A catheter suitable for use in applying ablation energy to body tissue or detecting electrical signals conducted within the body tissue is disclosed. The catheter has a deflectable distal tip section. At least one electrode is adapted to be disposed against body tissue for delivery of ablation energy thereto or for conduction of body tissue electrical signals. An actuation mechanism comprising first and second pull wires is adapted to curve a proximal segment in a first direction and to independently bend an intermediate segment in a second direction. | 03-29-2012 |
20120083680 | NEEDLE TIP AND NEEDLE PROBE - A monopolar needle probe for measurement of electrical activity in a patient. The needle probe has a nonconductive sheath and a conductive needle within the nonconductive sheath. The conductive needle has a longitudinal axis. An end of the needle is exposed from the nonconductive sheath and the end defines a plurality of substantially planar and symmetrical surfaces. | 04-05-2012 |
20120101355 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING VASCULAR BODILY LUMEN INFORMATION AND GUIDING MEDICAL DEVICES - Methods and systems for determining information about a vascular bodily lumen are described. An exemplary method includes generating an electrical signal, delivering the electrical signal to a plurality of excitation elements in the vicinity of the vascular bodily lumen, measuring a responsive electrical signal from a plurality of sensing elements in response to the delivered electrical signal, and determining a lumen dimension. Specific embodiments include generating a multiple frequency electrical signal. Another embodiment includes measuring a plurality of responsive signals at a plurality of frequencies. Still other embodiments include using spatial diversity of the excitation elements. Yet other embodiments use method for calibration and de-embedding of such measurements to determine the lumen dimensions. Diagnostic devices incorporating the method are also disclosed, including guide wires, catheters and implants. The methods and systems described herein are advantageous as they do not include injecting a second fluid for the measurements. | 04-26-2012 |
20120108938 | Steerable sheath access device - The present invention relates to steerable access sheath assembly including at least one electrode. Moreover, the present invention relates to a steerable sheath access device for use in cardiovascular procedures. Embodiments of the present invention including steerable access sheaths or introducers may provide cardiovascular access for various ablation tools and devices for the performance of various ablation procedures or procedures involving alternate energy sources. | 05-03-2012 |
20120130216 | BITE BLOCK - A bite block for use during intraopeartive monitoring of nerves is provided. The bite block is formed of a resilient material to inhibit injury to one or more teeth or the tongue of the patient. The bite block includes at least one access port angled with the respect to a plane and sized to slidingly receive an electrode. The electrode may be advanced through the access port and into the tongue of the patient. | 05-24-2012 |
20120130217 | MEDICAL DEVICES HAVING ELECTRODES MOUNTED THEREON AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THEREFOR - Medical devices, methods of manufacturing medical devices, and systems comprising medical devices are provided. The device comprises a shaft having a major lumen sized to receive a second medical device and an electrode mounted thereon. The shaft includes an inner liner and outer layer. The method of manufacture includes forming a shaft by forming an inner liner and an outer layer by covering the inner liner with a polymeric material. The method further includes mounting an electrode onto the shaft of the device, and then heating and cooling the shaft. The system comprises a medical device having a shaft and an electrode mounted thereon. The shaft has a major lumen sized to receive another device. The system further comprises an electronic control unit configured to receive signals from the electrode and to determine a position of the electrode and/or monitor electrophysiological data. | 05-24-2012 |
20120130218 | Medical devices having an electroanatomical system imaging element mounted thereon - Medical devices and systems comprising medical devices are provided. The device comprises a shaft having a major lumen sized to receive a second medical device and an electroanatomical system imaging element mounted thereon. The shaft includes an inner liner and outer layer. The system comprises a medical device having a shaft and an electroanatomical system imaging element mounted thereon. The shaft has a major lumen sized to receive another device. The system further comprises an electroanatomical navigation system configured to receive signals from the electroanatomical system imaging element and to determine a position of the electroanatomical system imaging element and/or monitor electrophysiological data. | 05-24-2012 |
20120130219 | IMPLANTABLE MICRO-ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEM SENSOR - The disclosure relates in some aspects to an implantable pressure sensor and a method of measuring pressure. In some embodiments pressure may be measured through the use of an implantable lead incorporating one or more pressure sensors. In some aspects a pressure sensor is implemented in a micro-electromechanical system (“MEMS”) that employs direct mechanical sensing. A biocompatible material is attached to one or more portions of the MEMS sensor to facilitate implant in a body of a patient. The MEMS sensor may thus be incorporated into an implantable lead for measuring blood pressure in, for example, one or more chambers of the patient's heart. | 05-24-2012 |
20120157808 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - Implantable medical device having elongated electric line(s) with function conductors, which are respectively multi-stranded and connected to respective function electrode pole(s) to deliver treatment/record diagnostic signals, wherein a first function conductor has a first strand, which, in the course of the longitudinal extension of the first function conductor in first longitudinal section(s) has a first coupling with a second function conductor suitable for coupling electromagnetic radio-frequency waves guided in the second function conductor at least in part in the first strand(s) of the first function conductor, and wherein the first strand(s) in the course of the longitudinal extension of the first function conductor in second longitudinal section(s) has a second coupling with second strand(s) of the first function conductor, suitable for coupling electromagnetic radio-frequency waves guided in the at least one first strand at least in part in the at least one second strand of the first function conductor. | 06-21-2012 |
20120172696 | Flexible Conductor Carrier for Catheter and Catheter Fitted with a Conductor Carrier - The invention relates to a flexible conductor carrier ( | 07-05-2012 |
20120179018 | Impedance spectroscopy system and catheter for ischemic mucosal damage monitoring in hollow viscous organs - Methods of using the device for conducting business transactions are also included. An impedance spectroscopy system for monitoring ischemic mucosal damage in hollow viscous organs comprises a sensor catheter and an impedance spectrometer for electrically driving the catheter to obtain a complex tissue impedance spectrum. Once the catheter is in place in one of a patient's hollow viscous organs, the impedance spectrometer obtains the complex impedance spectrum by causing two electrodes in the tip of the catheter to inject a current into the mucosal tissue at different frequencies, while two other electrodes measure the resulting voltages. A pattern recognition system is then used to analyze the complex impedance spectrum and to quantify the severity of the mucosal injury. Alternatively, the complex impedance spectrum can be appropriately plotted against the spectrum of normal tissue, allowing for a visual comparison by trained personnel. | 07-12-2012 |
20120184835 | SENSOR FOR IN-VIVO MEASUREMENTS - The invention relates to a sensor for in vivo measurements comprising a planar substrate, and a sensor shaft bearing several electrodes, and a sensor head for connecting the sensor, wherein the sensor head has metal surfaces as contact fields for contact making, which are connected to the electrodes by way of conductor paths. The sensor head protrudes laterally to the sensor shaft so that the contact fields are arranged laterally from the sensor shaft, whereas the conductor paths extend in parallel on the sensor head transversely to the longitudinal direction of the sensor shaft. Also disclosed is a system having a sensor as just described and a suitable plug connector therefor. | 07-19-2012 |
20120184836 | Implantable Electrode Lead - An implantable electrode lead for transmitting electrical impulses to excitable bodily tissue and/or for transmitting electrical signals tapped at bodily tissue to a detection unit. The electrode lead including a distal electrode, a proximal electrode connector, and an electrode supply lead which connects the electrode, or each electrode, to the electrode connector, or each electrode connector, and extends in a lead body, wherein the lead body includes a hinged alignment of hard elements. | 07-19-2012 |
20120215088 | CATHETER HAVING DISTAL SEALING MEMBER - A catheter includes a proximal end, a distal end, a tubular member, and an inner member extending through the tubular member. The inner member is movable axially relative to the tubular member. The catheter also includes a seal member including a first portion and a second portion. The seal member extends between the tubular member and the inner member. The first portion of the seal member remains stationary relative to the tubular member, and the second portion of the seal member remains stationary relative to the inner member during relative axial movement between the tubular member and the inner member. | 08-23-2012 |
20120226125 | Electrode for Physiological Signal Measurements and Method for making Same - The present invention is concerned with an electrode and electrode catheter using thin metallic threads or wires, for example, microwires having diameters as low as 10 | 09-06-2012 |
20120232370 | Implantable Electrode Lead - An implantable electrode lead including an elongated electrode lead body having a proximal end and a distal end, at least one electrical supply lead which is enclosed in an electrically insulating material to electrically insulate the supply leads against the surroundings of the electrode lead, at least one electrically active surface which is disposed on the distal end, or in the vicinity thereof, and is connected to the at least one electrical supply lead, by way of which therapeutic signals can be output and/or diagnostic signals can be received, a plug disposed on the proximal end, which is electrically connected to the at least one electrical supply lead and can be connected to an electro-medical implant, and at least one preformed and/or stiffened section of the electrode lead body, which has an additional preformation and/or stiffening structure, by way of which the section is preformed and/or stiffened. | 09-13-2012 |
20120232371 | Implantable Device Using Ultra-Nanocrystalline Diamond - An implantable biocompatible electrical device is uniformly covered with a coating approximately one-micron thick of ultra-nanocrystalline diamond, hermetically sealing the electrical device. Selected electrodes are either left uncovered during coating or uncovered by conventional patterning techniques, allowing the electrodes to be exposed to living tissue and fluids. The ultra-nanocrystalline diamond coating may be doped to create electrically conductive electrodes. These approaches eliminate the need for a hermetically sealed lid or cover to protect electrical circuitry, and thus allow the device to be thinner than otherwise possible. The conformal ultra-nanocrystalline diamond coating uniformly covers the device, providing relief from sharp edges and producing a strong, uniformly thick hermetic coating around sharp edges and on high aspect-ratio parts. | 09-13-2012 |
20120232372 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR QUICK PRESS ON EEG ELECTRODE - Embodiments relate to methods and systems for monitoring bioelectric potentials. In some instances, an electrode is applied to a patient's skin. The electrode may be at least partly inserted into the patient's skin, such as by inserting at least part of one or more teeth underneath the skin. | 09-13-2012 |
20120259193 | ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE BALLOON CATHETER - A balloon catheter having a mesh affixed thereto. The mesh is formed having members extending longitudinally and circumferentially about the balloon into columns and rows respectively. Each member of the mesh has a resistance or impedance that changes as the member is deformed such that, when the member comprises a length (L) a measured resistance or impedance will be different than when the member comprise a length (L | 10-11-2012 |
20120265044 | PROBE SYSTEM AND A PROBE FOR MEASURING FUNCTIONALITY OF AN ORIFICE IN THE HUMAN PELVIC REGION - For measuring functionality of an orifice ( | 10-18-2012 |
20120265045 | PATIENT ATTACHED BONDING STRAP FOR ENERGY DISSIPATION FROM A PROBE OR A CATHETER DURING MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING - A probe or catheter to patient RF coupling for magnetic resonance imaging includes a conductive grounding strap. The strap includes a first end spaced apart from a second end, the first end configured to be permanently or removably connectable to a conductive probe or catheter housing or a conductive probe or catheter interface of a probe or catheter. A conductive patient interface is configured to be removably connectable to a portion of a patient's body and electrically conductive between the conductive grounding strap and the patient's body. The conductive patient interface is attached at the second end of the conductive grounding strap and electrically coupled to the conductive probe or catheter housing or the conductive probe or catheter interface. An electrical circuit is formed between the patient's body, the conductive patient interface, the conductive grounding strap, and the conductive probe or catheter housing or interface. | 10-18-2012 |
20120271134 | Delivery System for Implantable Medical Device - A delivery device for implanting a medical device that includes an expandable fixation member adapted to fix the position of the medical device within a lumen of a human body. The delivery device has an inner shaft rotatably disposed in a tubular outer shaft. A retention member is secured to and rotatable with the inner shaft and has a free end and a retainer portion adapted to protrude outwardly through an exit aperture in the outer shaft to extend circumferentially about the exterior of the outer shaft. The fixation member of the medical device may be retained on the tubular shaft in a low profile configuration by the outwardly protruding retainer portion and may be released to expand upon retraction of the retainer portion in response to rotation of the inner shaft. | 10-25-2012 |
20120271135 | FLEXIBLE ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY FOR INSERTION INTO BODY LUMEN OR ORGAN - A device for insertion into a body lumen, includes: an electrode assembly strip with exposed electrodes including: a polymeric substrate having an upper surface and an opposed lower surface; one or more electrodes disposed over a portion of the upper surface of the polymeric substrate; one or more electrical traces disposed over a portion of the lower surface of the polymeric substrate in electrical communication with the one or more electrodes by way of metal plated holes through the substrate; and a flexible polymeric substrate having a substrate surface and a substrate wall; wherein the electrode assembly strip is compressingly and thermally bonded to the substrate surface of the flexible polymeric substrate to define a flexible electrode assembly strip; and wherein the electrode assembly strip has a thickness from about 0.0005 inches to about 0.008 inches. | 10-25-2012 |
20120289807 | PIEZOELECTRIC FILM - A method for producing a biocompatible material of the formula Na | 11-15-2012 |
20120296190 | MULTILAYER HELICAL WAVE FILTER FOR MEDICAL THERAPEUTIC OR DIAGNOSTIC APPLICATIONS - A multilayer helical wave filter having a primary resonance at a selected RF diagnostic or therapeutic frequency or frequency range, includes an elongated conductor forming at least a portion of an implantable medical lead. The elongated conductor includes a first helically wound segment having at least one planar surface, a first end and a second end, which forms a first inductive component, and a second helically wound segment having at least one planar surface, a first end and a second end, which forms a second inductive element. The first and second helically wound segments are wound in the same longitudinal direction and share a common longitudinal axis. Planar surfaces of the helically wound segments face one another, and a dielectric material is disposed between the facing planar surfaces of the helically wound segments and between adjacent coils of the helically wound segments, thereby forming a capacitance. | 11-22-2012 |
20120310064 | ABLATION PROBE WITH ULTRASONIC IMAGING CAPABILITIES - Devices and systems for ultrasonically imaging anatomical structures and performing ablation therapy within the body are disclosed. A combined ablation and ultrasound imaging probe includes a housing, an ablation electrode located on a distal tip section of the housing, and a number of ultrasonic imaging sensors configured for visualizing anatomical structures within the body. During an ablation procedure, the ultrasonic imaging sensors can be tasked to generate a number of ultrasonic images that can be displayed as a composite image on a display screen of a user interface. | 12-06-2012 |
20130006082 | MONO-PHASIC ACTION POTENTIAL ELECTROGRAM RECORDING CATHETER, AND METHOD - Catheters and methods for obtaining monophasic action potential (“MAP”) electrograms include a flexible catheter body defining a longitudinal axis, and a distal assembly affixed to the catheter body distal end defining a distal tip. The distal assembly has at least three MAP recording electrodes, and at least one reference electrode for determining reference potential. The recording electrodes are each positioned a radial distance from the longitudinal axis in at least three different radial directions, defining a recording geometry substantially having radial symmetry. The reference electrode is a longitudinal distance from the recording geometry. Optional features include a steerable catheter shaft, one or more radio-frequency ablation electrodes, and a dedicated pacing electrode. Different possible embodiments include a dome housing having the recording electrodes in a fixed spatial arrangement, and a distal loop assembly having an array of electrodes on at least three flexible loop elements. | 01-03-2013 |
20130006083 | ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE - An endotracheal tube with a tube part and a contact electrode for bearing on at least one vocal cord of a patient intubated with the tube, wherein, in order to establish and maintain a reliable contact between the vocal cords of the patient and the contact electrode throughout the duration of an operation, provision according to the invention is made for the contact electrode to have at least one conductor loop which at least approximately circumferentially surrounds the tube part in a contact region. | 01-03-2013 |
20130035576 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAPPING GASTRO-INTESTINAL ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY - A gastro-electrical activity mapping system and comprises a catheter insertable through a natural orifice into the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract and comprising an array of electrodes for contacting an interior surface of a section of the GI tract to detect electrical potentials at multiple electrodes, and a signal analysis and mapping system arranged to receive and process electrical signals from multiple electrodes of the array and spatially map GI smooth muscle electrical activity as an activation time map, a velocity map, or an amplitude map, which may be in the form of contour plots and may be mapped on an anatomical computer model of at least the section of the GI tract and may be animated. A GI mapping method and catheter are also claimed. | 02-07-2013 |
20130066180 | SYSTEM OF IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF SPACED APART DEVICES AND A COMMON BUS OVER WHICH POWER AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ARE DISTRIBUTED TO THE DEVICES - A system implantable components ( | 03-14-2013 |
20130072772 | Electrode Catheter Device - An electrode catheter device, including a conductor structure having at least one electrode, current measuring means for measuring a current induced in the conductor structure by an external electromagnetic field, wherein the current measuring means is designed for the local current measurement, in particular, current intensities and phases in the at least one electrode or a predetermined region of the conductor structure, and is connected to a signal transmission channel that has no interaction with the external electromagnetic field. | 03-21-2013 |
20130072773 | Method and System for Ablation Catheter and Circumferential Mapping Catheter Tracking in Fluoroscopic Images - A method and system for tracking an ablation catheter and a circumferential mapping catheter in a fluoroscopic image sequence is disclosed. Catheter electrode models for the ablation catheter and the circumferential mapping catheter are initialized in a first frame of a fluoroscopic image sequence based on user inputs. The catheter electrode models for the ablation catheter and the circumferential mapping catheter are then tracked in each remaining frame of the fluoroscopic image sequence. In each remaining frame, candidates of catheter landmarks such as the catheter tip, electrodes and body points are detected for the ablation catheter and the circumferential mapping catheter, tracking hypotheses for the catheter electrode models are generated, and for each of the ablation catheter and the circumferential mapping catheter, the catheter electrode model having the highest probability score is selected from the generated tracking hypotheses. | 03-21-2013 |
20130079614 | CATHETER FOR MEASURING ELECTRIC POTENTIAL - A highly safe catheter that measures electric potential can be inserted into a cardiac chamber together with a balloon-tip ablation catheter and is able to prevent abnormal heat generation at electric potential-measuring electrodes even when high-frequency current is distributed. The catheter includes a shaft having electric potential-measuring electrodes, a metal portion with a length of 2 mm or more, and a lumen passing therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end in the longitudinal direction; and a metal wire inserted through the lumen and connected to the metal portion. | 03-28-2013 |
20130102868 | Catheter and Catheter System - A catheter comprising an elongated and axially rigid catheter body which has a distal end and a proximal end in respect of an operating position, wherein a movable and/or deformable protection element or a corresponding protection section of the catheter body, which is provided with predetermined motion or deformation resistance, is disposed on the distal end, and transducer means of a converter device for converting displacement into a non-mechanical quantity are provided in a stationary manner on the protection element or protection section, and corresponding pick-up means of the converter device are provided on the catheter body, or vice versa, and wherein the catheter body comprises a lead for transmitting a measurement signal generated by the converter device to the proximal end, and a measuring connector on the proximal end. | 04-25-2013 |
20130116528 | SENSOR ELEMENT WITH AN INSULATION LAYER - The present invention relates to a sensor element ( | 05-09-2013 |
20130137954 | Flexible Circuit Sheet - A flexible circuit assembly can include a base layer, a plurality of circuit traces and an insulative layer. The plurality of circuit traces can each be coupled to a pair of circuit pads, and the circuit traces can be formed on an upper side of the base layer. The insulative layer can be formed over the circuit traces to isolate the circuit traces from an external environment. The base layer, plurality of circuit traces and insulative layer can form a flexible circuit sheet. The base layer and the insulative layer can include material properties and a thickness configured to facilitate the flexible circuit sheet being flexible such that the flexible circuit sheet is adapted to conform to a non-planar surface of the medical device. | 05-30-2013 |
20130137955 | Implantable Electrode Lead System with a Three Dimensional Arrangement and Method of Making the Same - One embodiment of the invention includes an implantable electrode lead system that includes a series of shims stacked upon each other, a series of first components, and a series of second components connected to the series of first components through a series of connectors. One of the first components extends from one of the shims, and another of the first components extends from another one of the shims. The shims position the first components in a three dimensional arrangement. | 05-30-2013 |
20130150693 | CATHETER BALLOON METHODS AND APPARATUS EMPLOYING SENSING ELEMENTS - An apparatus for medical diagnosis and/or treatment is provides. The apparatus includes a flexible substrate forming an inflatable body and a plurality of sensing elements disposed on the flexible substrate. The plurality of sensing elements are disposed about the inflatable body such that the sensing elements are disposed at areas of minimal curvature of the inflatable body in a deflated state. | 06-13-2013 |
20130150694 | SURGICAL TISSUE MONITORING SYSTEM - A tissue monitoring system includes an introducer having an inflatable section and a plurality of electrodes disposed thereon. The electrodes are alternatively connected to an electrode contact system which includes at least one signal line and at least one measurement line for taking readings about a circumferential segment of tissue encompassed by the electrodes. | 06-13-2013 |
20130158379 | SELF-HOLDING MEDICAL DEVICE CONTROL HANDLE WITH CAM ACTUATED CLUTCH MECHANISM - A medical device control handle has a first actuation assembly and a second actuation assembly, wherein each assembly has a shaft that is axially aligned but not rotationally coupled with the other shaft. The first actuation assembly includes a first actuation member and a clutch mechanism having a friction disk for generating frictional torque in rendering the first actuation member self-holding. The first actuation member has a cam portion adapted to impart translational motion and rotational motion for disengaging the clutch mechanism upon pivotation of the first actuation member, thus allowing rotation of the first shaft to manipulate a feature of the medical device, for example, deflection. The second actuation assembly includes a second actuation member and a translating member that is responsive to rotation of the second shaft so as to manipulate another feature of the medical device. The second actuation member is also self holding. | 06-20-2013 |
20130172712 | ELECTRICALLY TRANSPARENT INTRODUCER SHEATH - An introducer sheath for a medical device is provided. The sheath includes a deformable, elongate body disposed about a longitudinal axis. The body has proximal and distal ends and defines a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends and configured to allow passage of the medical device therethrough. The body is configured to allow an electric current to pass radially between a space outside of the body and the lumen such that the position of the medical device within a patient can be monitored and electrogram readings from body tissues can be measured while the device is in the sheath. In some embodiments of the invention, the body may include a one or more apertures extending from the radially outer surface of the body to the lumen or a portion of the body may be made from a conductive and/or fluid permeable material. | 07-04-2013 |
20130172713 | DRIVE ASSEMBLY FOR USE IN A ROBOTIC CONTROL AND GUIDANCE SYSTEM - A drive assembly for use in a robotic control and guidance system comprises a cartridge having an outer housing and a rotatable medical device assembly disposed therein. The rotatable assembly includes a medical device having proximal and distal ends, and a housing having first and second ends, and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The proximal end of the medical device is disposed within the housing, and the housing further comprises an opening through which the medical device extends outwardly from said housing. The rotatable assembly further comprises a drive interface coupled with the housing. The drive assembly further comprises a manipulation base comprising a mounting plate onto which the cartridge is removably attached, and a drive system mounted to the mounting plate. The drive system is configured to operatively engage the cartridge drive interface and to impart rotational movement onto the rotatable assembly through the drive interface. | 07-04-2013 |
20130172714 | CLAMP FOR SECURING A TERMINAL END OF A WIRE TO A SURFACE ELECTRODE - A clamp for securing a terminal end of a wire to a surface electrode formed on a cylindrical tube includes a first semicylindrical element. A second semicylindrical element is configured to be attached to the first semicylindrical element to form a tubular clamp structure that is adapted to be clamped around the cylindrical tube. The tubular clamp structure includes an interior surface configured to securely hold a terminal end of a wire against a surface electrode formed on the cylindrical tube. | 07-04-2013 |
20130184549 | PRESHAPED ABLATION CATHETER FOR ABLATING PULMONARY VEIN OSTIA WITHIN THE HEART - Catheters and methods are provided for performing medical procedures, such as tissue ablation, adjacent the ostia of anatomical vessels, such as pulmonary veins. The catheter comprises an elongated flexible integrated catheter body having proximal and distal shaft portions and at least one operative element carried by the distal shaft portion. The distal shaft portion has a proximal section configured to be internally actuated (e.g., using a steering mechanism or pre-shaping the proximal section) to form a simple curve with an apex that can be inserted into the vessel ostium, an intermediate section pre-shaped to form a curve that bends opposite the simple curve, and a distal section configured to be placed into a non-radial relationship (tangential or oblique) with the vessel ostium when the apex of the simple curve is inserted into the vessel ostium. By this arrangement, the operative element is configured to be placed firmly in contact with tissue at a predefined radial location relative to the vessel ostium when the apex of the simple curve is inserted into the vessel ostium. | 07-18-2013 |
20130197336 | SENSOR OVER-MOLD SHAPE - An implantable sensor module and medical device includes a housing having an inner shell having a thickness extending between an inner wall and an outer wall and an outer layer, wherein the inner shell and the outer layer form a substantially flat portion. A shoulder extends adjacent to a diaphragm to extend the outer layer laterally away from a central medial line extending between edges of the diaphragm. A recess portion is formed between the diaphragm and an inner side of the outer layer, and an over-fill channel is formed by the outer layer extending through the outer layer from an opening formed at the outer wall to an opening formed along the inner side of the outer layer extending along the substantially flat portion. | 08-01-2013 |
20130211221 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING AND COMMUNICATING WITH AN INTERVENTIONAL MEDICAL DEVICE - A system and method of identifying and communicating with an interventional medical device is provided. The system includes a novel catheter handle operably coupled to the shaft of a catheter at the distal end and an electrophysiology recording system at the proximal end. The catheter handle includes a visual identification system visible through a lens on the catheter handles and a microcontroller with a memory structure, the memory structure including catheter identification information. The visual identification system includes a light emitting diode, which is visible from the outside of the catheter handle through the lens. When a user of the EP recording system selects a desired color for the coupled catheter, the desired color is communicated to the microcontroller in the catheter handle and the microcontroller causes the visual identification to display the requested color so that the desired color is visible by the user. | 08-15-2013 |
20130225962 | MEDICAL SURGICAL NAVIGATION SENSOR MOUNTING SYSTEM - An engagement system for a surgical sensor assembly, formed of a sensing component in a fixed position and a lead wire in an electrical communication therewith. The engagement system employs a jacket of heat shrink polymeric material to hold the sensing component to the lead wire and eliminates the employment of soldering and welding and crimping which can damage such sensing components. The system is employed in combination with catheters having a lumen for control wires for surgical instruments. | 08-29-2013 |
20130225963 | Automated Cell Patch Clamping Method and Apparatus - In an automated methodology for carrying out in vivo cell patch clamping, a cell patch clamping device is automatically moved into position and targeted to a neuron. Neuron contact is determined by analyzing the temporal series of measured resistance levels at the cell patch clamping device as it is moved. The difference between successive resistance levels is computed and compared to a threshold, which must be exceeded for a minimum number of computations before neuron contact is assumed. Pneumatic control methods are used to achieve gigaseal formation and cell break-in, leading to whole-cell patch clamp formation. An automated robotic system capable of performing this methodology automatically performs patch clamping in vivo, automatically detecting cells by analyzing the temporal sequence of electrode impedance changes. By continuously monitoring the patching process and rapidly executing actions triggered by specific measurements, the robot can rapidly find neurons in the living brain and establish recordings. | 08-29-2013 |
20130237790 | Method and devices for its employ for reducing disease-transfer risks - The present invention is a method and apparatus, in several embodiments, for providing protection in workplaces in which workers can be exposed to diseases and other contaminations from skin abrasions or punctures by contaminated objects. In its primary application it provides such protection at skin surfaces of healthcare patients into which needle electrodes have been inserted and, under certain conditions, can emerge. This bio-hazard occurs most often during patient-positioning when patients are unconscious due to anesthesia or other reasons. Protection is supplied in the first embodiment by a puncture-resistant head-covering; in the second by a pad that covers and secures needle electrodes, and; in a third as a tissue-penetrating, less hazardous stick-on electrode. The latter two embodiments have pressure-sensitive-adhesive coatings for adhesion to a patient's skin. | 09-12-2013 |
20130245413 | ELECTROMAGNETIC SHIELD FOR A PASSIVE ELECTRONIC COMPONENT IN AN ACTIVE MEDICAL DEVICE IMPLANTABLE LEAD - A shielded component or network for an active medical device (AMD) implantable lead includes (1) an implantable lead having a length extending from a proximal end to a distal end, all external of an AMD housing, (2) a passive component or network disposed somewhere along the length of the implantable lead, the passive component or network including at least one inductive component having a first inductive value, and (3) an electromagnetic shield substantially surrounding the inductive component or the passive network. The first inductive value of the inductive component is adjusted to a account for a shift in its inductance to a second inductive value when shielded. | 09-19-2013 |
20130253296 | SINGLE AND MULTI-NEEDLE ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC (EMG) RECORDING ELECTRODE CONFIGURATIONS FOR INTRAOPERATIVE NERVE INTEGRITY MONITORING - An electromyographic recording electrode assembly for intraoperative nerve integrity monitoring includes cables enabled for connection to a nerve integrity monitor; an electrode hub connected to the one or more cables; and a needle electrode connected to the electrode hub. The needle electrode extends perpendicularly from an undersurface of the hub, and along a line of insertion into a patient. The needle electrode extends from the electrode hub to a first bend in a first direction, and extends from the first bend in a second direction to an end of the electrode, defining a proximal needle segment from the hub to the first bend, and a terminal needle segment from the first bend to the end of the electrode. The terminal needle segment and at least a portion of the proximal needle segment are insertable into a patient along the line of insertion. | 09-26-2013 |
20130253297 | SWITCHED DIVERTER CIRCUITS FOR MINIMIZING HEATING OF AN IMPLANTED LEAD AND/OR PROVIDING EMI PROTECTION IN A HIGH POWER ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD ENVIRONMENT - An energy management system that facilitates the transfer of high frequency energy induced on an implanted lead or a leadwire includes an energy dissipating surface associated with the implanted lead or the leadwire, a diversion or diverter circuit associated with the energy dissipating surface, and at least one non-linear circuit element switch for diverting energy in the implanted lead or the leadwire through the diversion circuit to the energy dissipating surface. In alternate configurations, the switch may be disposed between the implanted lead or the leadwire and the diversion circuit, or disposed so that it electrically opens the implanted lead or the leadwire when diverting energy through the diversion circuit to the energy dissipating surface. The non-linear circuit element switch is typically a PIN diode. The diversion circuit may be either a high pass filter or a low pass filter. | 09-26-2013 |
20130296678 | COMBINATION STRUCTURAL POROUS SURFACES FOR FUNCTIONAL ELECTRODE STIMULATION AND SENSING - An implantable medical lead including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion and an electrical conductor electrically connected to the proximal end portion of the lead body. Also, the lead has at least one electrode connected to the distal end portion of the lead body and connected to the electrical conductor. The electrode includes a conductive base structure, a first set of pores formed on an outer surface of the conductive base structure, the first set of pores having an average first pore dimension of between about ¼ | 11-07-2013 |
20130310673 | GUIDE WIRE WITH POSITION SENSING ELECTRODES - An apparatus includes a guide wire configured to be inserted into a passage of a living body, and at least one electrical conductor and electrical insulation covering a surface of the conductor with a gap formed in the electrical insulation at a predefined position on the guide wire. A processor is configured to measure an electrical impedance of the body between the conductor at the gap and one or more electrodes fixed to the body, and to calculate a location of the gap within the passage in the body in response to the measured impedance. | 11-21-2013 |
20130317334 | POSITION SENSING USING ELECTRIC DIPOLE FIELDS - A medical apparatus, including a reference probe having a flexible insertion tube with a distal end for insertion into a body cavity, a pair of isolated electrodes fixedly attached to the distal end, and a position sensor fixedly located in the distal end. The apparatus also includes a supplementary probe having an electrode fixed thereto. The apparatus further includes a processor, configured to inject respective alternating currents into the pair of isolated electrodes so as to generate an electrical field therefrom, to measure a potential generated at the electrode of the supplementary probe in response to the electrical field, and to evaluate a location of the supplementary probe with respect to the reference probe in response to the measured potential and in response to a position of the distal end indicated by the position sensor. | 11-28-2013 |
20130338466 | NERVE SURVEILLANCE ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY - A nerve surveillance electrode assembly for a surgical access instrument including a substrate, at least one electrode, at least one lead, and a connector such that the nerve surveillance electrode assembly may be selectively applied to a surgical access instrument in such a way that the nerve surveillance electrode assembly is positioned to detect nerves while the surgical access instrument is being advanced toward a surgical target site. | 12-19-2013 |
20130338467 | Electrode catheter device with indifferent electrode for direct current tissue therapies - An electrode catheter device with indifferent electrode for direct current tissue therapies is disclosed. An example of the catheter device has a flexible tubing with at least one ablation electrode. The catheter device also may also be used with a sheath for introducing the flexible tubing inside a patient's body. An indifferent electrode on the sheath can provide a ground for a direct current (DC) pulse to deliver electrical energy and create an electrical field adjacent a tissue. Various other embodiments are also disclosed. | 12-19-2013 |
20130338468 | METHODS FOR GENERATING LUMINAL ORGAN PROFILES USING IMPEDANCE - Methods to generate luminal organ profiles using impedance. One embodiment of such a method comprises the steps of introducing an impedance device having at least two detection electrodes positioned in between at least two excitation electrodes into a treatment site of a luminal organ at a first position, measuring a first treatment site conductance at the first position using the impedance device and at least two injections of solutions having different conductivities, moving the impedance device to a second position in the luminal organ, measuring a second treatment site conductance at the second position using the impedance device and the at least two injections of solutions having different conductivities, calculating a first position cross-sectional area using the first treatment site conductance and a second position cross-sectional area using the second treatment site conductance, and constructing a profile of the treatment site. | 12-19-2013 |
20140005511 | Implantable Medical Tube Arrangement | 01-02-2014 |
20140005512 | Electrically Resonant Electrode Configuration for Monitoring of a Tissue | 01-02-2014 |
20140024909 | MRI-GUIDED CATHETERS - An MRI-compatible catheter reduces localized heating due to MR scanner-induced currents and includes a shaft having opposite distal and proximal end portions. One or more RF tracking coils are positioned adjacent the distal end portion and each includes a conductive lead that electrically connects the RF tracking coil to an MRI scanner. Each lead includes a series of back and forth segments along its length. The catheter includes one or more sensing electrodes at the shaft distal end portion, each electrically connected to a resistor having high impedance. A sheath surrounds a portion of the elongated shaft and includes at least one RF shield coaxially disposed therewithin. Each RF shield includes elongated inner and outer conductors and an elongated dielectric layer of MRI compatible material sandwiched between the inner and outer conductors. The inner and outer conductors are electrically connected at one end and electrically isolated at an opposite end. | 01-23-2014 |
20140039288 | Systems and Methods for Noncontact Ablation - Systems and methods for noncontact ablation of tissues or materials in/on the body using a luminal catheter and a catheter inserted into the lumen. In one embodiment, the luminal catheter is an ablation catheter and the other catheter is a recording/measurement/positioning catheter. The luminal catheter incorporates a noncontact ablation element such as an ultrasonic transducer. The luminal catheter can be inserted through the skin and into the body (e.g., into the heart) and the recording/measurement/positioning catheter can be inserted into the lumen so that the ablation and recording/measurement/positioning catheters are simultaneously positioned to record/measure the electrical activity of the target tissue and ablate the target tissue without causing the trauma that results from the introduction of additional catheters. Either of the ablation and recording/measurement/positioning catheters can be steerable, and either may incorporate recording/measurement electrodes. | 02-06-2014 |
20140058238 | COLOR-CODED ARRAY OF SUBDERMAL RIBBON NEEDLE ELECTRODES FOR SURGICAL MONITORING - The current invention discloses a ribbon strand of four (4) or more color-coded needle electrodes customized for a particular surgical procedure. Each needle electrode includes a needle, a wire with an electrical lead, and an electrical connector. The array of needle electrodes is abuttingly coupled in a linear formation to form a ridged planar surface. The needle and wire of each needle electrode have a predetermined set of dimensions (e.g., length) based on the surgical procedure. The wire of each needle electrode can also be colored to indicate position of application of that needle electrode. | 02-27-2014 |
20140081110 | ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT FOR ASTHMA - The invention provides methods for diagnosing and treating asthma in subjects in need thereof but can be applied to other conditions where abnormal electrophysiology underlies dysfunctional organ contractility. | 03-20-2014 |
20140088394 | EVALUATION OF THE QUALITY OF ELECTRODE CONTACT WITH A SKIN SURFACE - An instrument that utilizes body contact electrodes evaluates the quality of the connections made between the electrodes and the body. An electrode contact quality evaluation circuit performs the quality evaluation, such as by determining contact impedances for the electrodes. The corresponding contact quality of each electrode is conveyed to the user. | 03-27-2014 |
20140148672 | ENDOBRONCHIAL TUBE APPARATUS - Concepts presented herein include an apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles. The apparatus includes an endobronchial tube having an exterior surface and two lumens for providing ventilation. Conductive ink electrodes are formed on the exterior surface of the endobronchial tube. The conductive ink electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. At least one conductor is coupled to the conductive ink electrodes and is configured to carry the EMG signals received by the conductive ink electrodes to a processing apparatus. | 05-29-2014 |
20140155720 | ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE APPARATUS - An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface and a first location configured to be positioned at the patient's vocal folds. A first electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially below the first location to receive EMG signals primarily from below the vocal folds. A second electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially above the first location to receive EMG signals primarily from above the vocal folds. The first and second electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. | 06-05-2014 |
20140187893 | CATHETER WITH IMPROVED SAFETY LINE FOR DISTAL TIP AND RELATED METHOD - A catheter includes a tip electrode with a shell and a support member to provide a plenum chamber. The plug is formed with a U-shaped passage for a safety line to wrap around and secure the support member (with the shell affixed thereto) to the catheter. Additional passages are formed in the plug to accommodate components such as irrigation tubing, lead wire and thermocouple wire pair. A method of manufacture provides distal installation and/or anchoring of the safety line, lead wire and thermocouple wire pair in the support member prior to sealing the support member and mounting the shell. | 07-03-2014 |
20140187894 | DOUBLE LOOP LASSO WITH SINGLE PULLER WIRE FOR BI-DIRECTIONAL ACTUATION - A catheter has a distal assembly with at least one loop, if not two, with ring electrodes. The distal assembly has an elongated support member covered by an extruded form having two lumens, one sized for nonslip tight fit with the support member. A single continuous puller wire for bidirectional deflection is pre-bent into two long portions and a U-shape bend therebetween. The U-shape bend is anchored at a distal end of a deflectable section which is reinforced by at least one washer having at least two holes, each hole axially aligned with a respective lumen in the deflectable section. Each hole is centered with a lumen so that each puller wire portion therethrough is straight and subjected to tensile force only. A proximal end of the support member is flattened and serrated to provide a better bonding to the distal end of the deflectable section. | 07-03-2014 |
20140200428 | IMPEDANCE DEVICES AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME TO OBTAIN LUMINAL ORGAN MEASUREMENTS - Impedance devices and methods of using the same to obtain luminal organ measurements. In at least one embodiment of an impedance device of the present disclosure, the impedance device comprises an elongated body having a distal body end, and a first electrode located along the elongated body at or near the distal body end, the first electrode configured to obtain one or more conductance values within a mammalian luminal organ within an electric field, wherein a measured parameter of the mammalian luminal organ can be calculated based in part upon the one or more conductance values obtained by the first electrode. | 07-17-2014 |
20140221803 | CURRENT LOCALIZATION TRACKER - A method includes positioning body-electrodes in galvanic contact with a body of a patient and positioning a mapping-tool, having a mapping-electrode, in a plurality of regions in the body. The method further includes tracking the mapping-tool at different positions in each of the regions using a location-measuring system, and for each region, generating a respective set of calibration-currents between the body-electrodes and the mapping-electrode at the different positions in the region. A respective relation is derived for each region between the respective set of the calibration-currents and the different positions, and is used in determining the location of an investigation-tool in response to the different respective relations and investigation-tool-currents. | 08-07-2014 |
20140235986 | IMPEDANCE BASED ANATOMY GENERATION - Methods and systems for the determination and representation of anatomy anatomical information are disclosed herein. | 08-21-2014 |
20140243640 | CATHETER AND A SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR LOCATING A CATHETER IN A VESSEL - A balloon catheter ( | 08-28-2014 |
20140249395 | Implantable Electrochemical Biosensors for Retinal Prostheses - Progress has been made in the development of implantable electrochemical biosensors. However, to date a commercially-available long-term implantable biosensor is still out of reach. The foreign body response poses great challenges for long-term implantable devices. Retinal prostheses provide a platform for incorporation of biosensors for neural stimulation and biosensing in the human eye. | 09-04-2014 |
20140257069 | BASKET FOR A MULTI-ELECTRODE ARRAY CATHETER - An electrophysiology catheter is provided. In one embodiment, the catheter includes an elongate, deformable shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a basket electrode assembly coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The basket electrode assembly has a proximal end and a distal end and is configured to assume a compressed state and an expanded state. The electrode assembly further includes one or more tubular splines having a plurality of electrodes disposed thereon and a plurality of conductors. Each of the plurality of conductors extends through the tubular spline from a corresponding one of the plurality of electrodes to the proximal end of the basket electrode assembly. The tubular splines are configured to assume a non-planar (e.g., a twisted or helical) shape in the expanded state. | 09-11-2014 |
20140275913 | ACTIVE DETECTION OF SENSOR TRANSITION FROM COVERED TO EXPOSED - An introducer may comprise a shaft and a proximal electrode. The shaft may have a proximal end portion and an interior lumen, the interior lumen configured to receive a catheter therethrough. The proximal electrode may be coupled with the proximal end portion and may be configured to act as an electrical source or sink so as to create an electrical field within the interior lumen. A position of an electrode coupled with the catheter may be determined according to the electrical field. | 09-18-2014 |
20140275914 | COMPLIANT ELECTRODE FOR EMG ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE - An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having a first cuff and a second cuff. Conductive ink electrodes are formed on an exterior surface of the first cuff. The conductive ink electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. At least one conductor is coupled to the conductive ink electrodes and is configured to carry the EMG signals received by the conductive ink electrodes to a processing apparatus. | 09-18-2014 |
20140303468 | CONTROL HANDLE WITH ROTATIONAL CAM MECHANISM FOR CONTRACTION/DEFLECTION OF MEDICAL DEVICE - A medical device has a distal member with a configuration that can be changed by means of a control handle with a control assembly employing a rotational cam, a shaft, and a pulley, where the rotational cam is rotationally mounted on a portion of the control handle for rotation by a user. The rotational cam operates on the shaft to move it proximally or distally depending on the direction of rotation which in turn rotates the pulley to draw or release a puller wire to change the configuration of the distal member of the medical device. The shaft is oriented along a diameter of the control handle. The shaft has two ends which extends through two axial guide slots in the portion of the control handle to sit two opposing helical tracks formed on inner surface of the rotational cam. The guide slots are parallel with the longitudinal axis of the control handle and therefore maintain the shaft's diametrical orientation as the rotational cam is rotated to move the shaft proximally or distally. Actuation of the puller wire by means of the control assembly can result in a change of the distal member's configuration, including deflection, contraction and/or expansion. | 10-09-2014 |
20140330101 | NERVE SENSING/MONITORING DEVICE - Sensor arrangement for sensing activity in a nerve or muscle, the sensor arrangement being arranged to be secured to an insertion member for insertion into a body cavity, the sensor arrangement ( | 11-06-2014 |
20140364714 | ANTENNAS FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - In general, techniques are described for wirelessly transferring information using an implantable antenna. In one example, an apparatus includes an implantable medical device that includes a housing including an implantable telemetry circuit. The apparatus includes a dielectric compartment, mechanically coupled to the housing and including first and second substantially parallel face portions, and a third face portion extending between the first and second face portions, and an antenna assembly configured to be mechanically attached to the dielectric compartment and configured to be electrically coupled to the implantable telemetry circuit, the antenna assembly includes a spiral conductor comprising first, second, and third spiral conductor portions that extend adjacent the first, second, and third face portions, respectively, of the dielectric compartment, where the first, second, and third spiral conductor portions define an interior region, and where at least a portion of the third spiral conductor portion extends inwardly into the interior region. | 12-11-2014 |
20140364715 | MULTI-ELECTRODE IMPEDANCE SENSING - A system and method for assessing contact between a medical device and tissue may comprise an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to be coupled to a medical device, the medical device comprising a first electrode and a second electrode. The ECU may be further configured to select the first electrode as an electrical source and the second electrode as an electrical sink, to cause an electrical signal to be driven between the source and sink, to detect respective electric potentials on the first electrode and the second electrode while the electrical signal is driven, and to determine an impedance respective of one of the first electrode and the second electrode according to both of the respective electric potentials. | 12-11-2014 |
20140378803 | Catheter And Method For Producing Same - A catheter with a film composite structure. The catheter at least includes a polymer film that is shaped such that a first polymer film layer, which is arranged inwardly relative to the catheter, and a second polymer film layer, which is arranged outwardly relative to the catheter, are produced; one or more electrodes arranged at least partially on an outer surface of the film composite structure; and a conductor structure, which includes conductive tracks for the electrical connection of the electrodes and which is arranged at least in part between the first and second polymer film layers. An associated production method for the catheter is also contemplated herein. | 12-25-2014 |
20140378804 | INSULATION OF MICRO STRUCTURES - A method of providing a metal coating on a substrate ( | 12-25-2014 |
20150018657 | Physiological electrode assembly for fast application - The present invention relates to a physiological recording electrode, and, more particularly, to an EEG (electroencephalography) recording electrode that can be used without the need for numerous steps in preparing the subject's skin and the electrode itself. The invention further relates to a surface feature or penetrator with a size and shape which that will not bend or break, which limits the depth of application, and/or anchors the electrode or other device during normal application; and a packaging system comprising a well and electrolytic fluid for maintaining a coating of said electrolytic fluid on the surface feature or penetrator. | 01-15-2015 |
20150025350 | Electrode With Guide Tunnel for a Cannula, and Kit Comprising Electrode and Cannula - An electrode for conducting electrical signals from or to an organ, and also to a kit for examining or treating an organ, said kit including an electrode that can be anchored to the organ. In order to reduce the risk of inflammation of the organ caused by the treatment or examination thereof, the electrode is formed in accordance with the present disclosure with a guide tunnel for a cannula for the administration of an active ingredient. | 01-22-2015 |
20150031975 | MRI COMPATIBLE MEDICAL LEADS - Herein is disclosed a probe, including a first electrode disposed at least partially on the probe surface, a second electrode disposed at least partially on the probe surface, a first conductor electrically coupled to the first electrode, a second conductor electrically coupled to the second electrode, and a reactive element electrically coupling the first conductor and the second conductor. | 01-29-2015 |
20150031976 | PRETERM LABOR MONITOR - A system, method and apparatus for monitoring uterine and/or cervical activity indicative of labor in a patient. The system includes a medical device and a data processor in communication with the medical device. The medical device includes a structural component, a first electrode attached to the structural component, and a second electrode attached to the structural component. The structural component is structured to be in contact with a cervical surface and a vaginal surface of the patient, such that said first electrode is in electrical contact with said cervical surface and said second electrode is in electrical contact with said vaginal surface. The first electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the cervical surface and the second electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the uterus through the vaginal surface. The data processor is adapted to process the electrical activity of the electrodes to detect contractions on a surface of the patient indicative of labor. | 01-29-2015 |
20150057519 | SENSING SYSTEM, DEVICE AND METHODS FOR GASTROPARESIS MONITORING - An expandable apparatus and method configured for inserting into a mammalian stomach and adapted for sensing the activity of the stomach wall. The apparatus comprising: a) an inflatable balloon insert-able into the stomach, when deflated; and b) one or more sensors, mounted to the external surface of the balloon. The inflatable balloon is adapted to attach the one or more sensors to the stomach wall, when the balloon is fully inflated in the stomach; such that the sensors are immovably affixed to the stomach wall, sufficient to sense at least one of mechanical-activity and electric-activity, emanating from the stomach wall. | 02-26-2015 |
20150057520 | FIXATION MECHANISM ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR IMPLANTABLE DEVICES - Fixation mechanism assemblies and methods are disclosed. A fixation mechanism assembly can include a first fixation member and a second fixation member moveably engaged with the first fixation member. The first fixation member can include a housing having a tissue facing surface and an opposing non-tissue facing surface, one or more guide apertures extending between the tissue facing surface and the non-tissue facing surface, and one or more first fixation elements. The first fixation member includes a longitudinal body and a proximal end attached to, or integrated with, the tissue facing surface of the housing. The second fixation member can include one or more second fixation elements. The second fixation element can correspond to a guide aperture and includes a longitudinal body, a proximal end attached to, or integrated with, the second fixation member, and a distal end movable through the corresponding guide aperture. | 02-26-2015 |
20150065835 | IMPEDANCE DEVICES FOR OBTAINING CONDUCTANCE MEASUREMENTS WITHIN LUMINAL ORGANS - Impedance devices for obtaining conductance measurements within luminal organs. In at least one embodiment of an impedance device of the present disclosure, the device, comprises an elongated body and an detector positioned upon the elongated body, the detector comprising at least five electrodes and configured to obtain one or more conductance measurements generated using a first arrangement of four of the at least five electrodes and further configured to obtain one or more fluid velocity measurements using a second arrangement of four of the at least five electrodes when the elongated body is positioned within a fluid environment of a mammalian luminal organ, wherein the first arrangement is different from the second arrangement. | 03-05-2015 |
20150073245 | System and method for measuring force and torque applied to a catheter electrode tip - A contact sensing assembly including a catheter including an electrode having a base portion mounted adjacent a head portion of the catheter body. A sensor is disposed adjacent the base portion for measuring compression or tensile forces applied to an electrode tip portion, and includes a predetermined sensitivity. The base and head portions include predetermined rigidity so that forces applied to the electrode tip portion are determinable as a function of the sensitivity and a sensor output. A contact sensing assembly also includes an electrode pipe operatively connected to the catheter body for movement and bending with the catheter body, and an electrode wire disposed in the electrode pipe and including isolation. A change in capacitance resulting from movement of the electrode wire toward the electrode pipe or contact of the electrode wire with the electrode pipe during bending of the catheter correlates to a force applied to the catheter. | 03-12-2015 |
20150099958 | MICROLEAD FOR DETECTION/STIMULATION, IMPLANTABLE IN VENOUS, ARTERIAL OR LYMPHATIC NETWORKS - A sensing/pacing lead including a microcable having a diameter of at most 2 French (0.66 mm). The microcable includes an electrically conductive core cable including a plurality of strands and a composite structure formed from at least a structuring material and a radiopaque material, the radiopaque material constituting at least about 0.008 mm | 04-09-2015 |
20150126839 | FOLEY CATHETER WITH RING ELECTRODES - An apparatus for monitoring a nerve includes a Foley type catheter having an exterior surface, and first and second pairs of ring electrodes formed on the exterior surface of the Foley catheter. Each of the first and second pairs of ring electrodes is configured to perform at least one of stimulating the nerve and recording nerve activity. | 05-07-2015 |
20150327921 | CATHETER TIP WITH MICROELECTRODES - Apparatus, having an insertion tube that is configured to be inserted into a body cavity. The apparatus also includes a distal tip connected to the insertion tube, the distal tip having an external surface and a cavity formed in the external surface, the cavity being surrounded by a region of the external surface having a curvature. The apparatus further includes a microelectrode configured to fit into the cavity so that a surface of the microelectrode is contoured, located and oriented to conform with the curvature of the region. | 11-19-2015 |
20150335288 | MODULAR PHYSIOLOGIC MONITORING SYSTEMS, KITS, AND METHODS - Systems, devices, methods, and kits for monitoring one or more physiologic and/or physical signals from a subject are disclosed. A system including patches and corresponding modules for wirelessly monitoring physiologic and/or physical signals is disclosed. A service system for managing the collection of physiologic data from a customer is disclosed. An isolating patch for providing a barrier between a handheld monitoring device with a plurality of contact pads and a subject is disclosed. | 11-26-2015 |
20150351690 | MODULAR PHYSIOLOGIC MONITORING SYSTEMS, KITS, AND METHODS - Systems, devices, methods, and kits for monitoring one or more physiologic and/or physical signals from a subject are disclosed. A system including patches and corresponding modules for wirelessly monitoring physiologic and/or physical signals is disclosed. A service system for managing the collection of physiologic data from a customer is disclosed. An isolating patch for providing a barrier between a handheld monitoring device with a plurality of contact pads and a subject is disclosed. | 12-10-2015 |
20150351832 | FLEX TIP FLUID LUMEN ASSEMBLY WITH THERMAL SENSOR - A catheter tip is disclosed comprising a proximal stem that comprises a lumen. An electrode wall that comprises a center cavity can be coupled to the distal end of the proximal stem. An electrode cap can be coupled to a distal end of the electrode wall. An elongate thermocouple element can extend through the lumen of the proximal stem and the center cavity and can be coupled to the electrode cap. The elongate thermocouple element can be turned around a portion of a longitudinal axis defined by the catheter tip assembly. | 12-10-2015 |
20150366437 | IMAGE RELAYING CANNULA WITH DETACHABLE SELF-ALIGNING CONNECTOR - An optical cannula configured for implantation in biological tissue or other samples provides minimal invasiveness while accessing image deep structures within the sample. The cannula has a stabilizer portion that is used to affix the cannula to the sample, and an extension portion that protrudes into the sample and is either formed by, or contains, an optical probe that images a target area within the sample to an object image provided to an external optical device. The cannula has an integrated coupler portion that detachably connects to a connector of the external device, providing removable and interchangeable connection to external optical systems. | 12-24-2015 |
20150366485 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR SIZING VALVE APERTURES AND LUMINAL ORGANS - Devices and methods for sizing valve apertures and luminal organs. In at least one embodiment of a device for obtaining measurements within a luminal organ of the present disclosure, the device comprises an elongated body, and at least one sizing finger positioned at a distal end of the elongated body, the at least one sizing finger configured to move from a first position to a second position by way of adjustment of at least one movable device coupled thereto, wherein a dimensional measurement within the luminal organ can be determined based upon the first position and the second position. | 12-24-2015 |
20160029920 | BIOIMPEDANCE SENSOR, STYLET, CANNULA AND METHOD FOR MEASURING BIOIMPEDANCE - The objective of the invention is to make the use of a cannula belonging to a bioimpedance sensor easier in a medical procedure after defining the bioimpedance. The bioimpedance sensor ( | 02-04-2016 |
20160081568 | Implantable Electrode Lead - An implantable electrode lead for transmitting electrical impulses to excitable bodily tissue and/or for transmitting electrical signals tapped at bodily tissue to a detection unit. The electrode lead including a distal electrode, a proximal electrode connector, and an electrode supply lead which connects the electrode, or each electrode, to the electrode connector, or each electrode connector, and extends in a lead body, wherein the lead body includes a hinged alignment of hard elements. | 03-24-2016 |
20160106376 | Methods and Systems for Mapping Local Conduction Velocity - The local conduction velocity of a cardiac activation wavefront can be computed by collecting a plurality of electrophysiology (“EP”) data points using a multi-electrode catheter, with each EP data point including both position data and local activation time (“LAT”) data. For any EP data point, a neighborhood of EP data points, including the selected EP data point and at least two additional EP data points, can be defined. Planes of position and LATs can then be defined using the positions and LATs, respectively, of the EP data points within the neighborhood. A conduction velocity can be computed from an intersection of the planes of positions and LATs. The resultant plurality of conduction velocities can be output as a graphical representation (e.g., an electrophysiology map), for example by displaying vector icons arranged in a uniform grid over a three-dimensional cardiac model. | 04-21-2016 |
20160106955 | CONTROL HANDLE WITH ROTATIONAL CAM MECHANISM FOR CONTRACTION/DEFLECTION OF MEDICAL DEVICE - A medical device has a distal member with a configuration that can be changed by means of a control handle with a control assembly employing a rotational cam, a shaft, and a pulley, where the rotational cam is rotationally mounted on a portion of the control handle for rotation by a user. The rotational cam operates on the shaft to move it proximally or distally depending on the direction of rotation which in turn rotates the pulley to draw or release a puller wire to change the configuration of the distal member of the medical device. The shaft is oriented along a diameter of the control handle. The shaft has two ends which extends through two axial guide slots in the portion of the control handle to sit two opposing helical tracks formed on inner surface of the rotational cam. The guide slots are parallel with the longitudinal axis of the control handle and therefore maintain the shaft's diametrical orientation as the rotational cam is rotated to move the shaft proximally or distally. Actuation of the puller wire by means of the control assembly can result in a change of the distal member's configuration, including deflection, contraction and/or expansion. | 04-21-2016 |
20160143551 | NEURAL PROBE WITH OPTICAL STIMULATION CAPABILITY - A neural probe is disclosed for optically stimulating or silencing neurons and recording electrical responses to the stimulus. Using patterning techniques, an integral optical waveguide may be fabricated on the probe for transmitting neuron-affecting light from a light source to a probe tip. The probe tip may include one or more electrodes to receive electrical responses from stimulated neurons for recording or further processing. According to various embodiments, the disclosed neural probes may utilize multiple light sources simultaneously, switch between multiple light sources, or utilize a single light source to stimulate or silence multiple neuron locations simultaneously via multiple probe tips or via multiple light-emitting sites located along the length of the probe. Neural probes are thereby provided that have sufficient spatial resolution to accurately target, stimulate, and record the reaction of neurons, or as few as a single neuron, utilizing a slim, compact structure. | 05-26-2016 |
20160143591 | TISSUE RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT - The disclosure describes tissue resistance measurement techniques. To avoid errors caused by bandwidth limitations of the amplifier that amplifies a signal used to determine the tissue resistance, the disclosure describes determining values at different frequencies, where the values include respective error values. The respective error values are proportional to the respective frequencies, and based on this relationship the error value can be removed from the tissue resistance measurement. | 05-26-2016 |
20160144162 | Coupler assembly for catheters - Coupler assemblies and methods are disclosed as the coupler assemblies may be used with a catheter. An exemplary coupler assembly includes a spherical linkage coupler for a catheter. The coupler comprises a first cylinder portion for connecting to a structure, and a second cylinder portion for connecting to a distal end of a body of the catheter. The coupler also comprises a spherical linkage including at least two link arms. Each of the two link arms are connected on one end to the first cylinder portion and on the other end to the second cylinder portion. The two link arms connect a portion of the structure to the distal end of the catheter and enable the structure to move relative to the distal end of the catheter in response to an external force exerted on the structure. | 05-26-2016 |
20160158567 | EXTRAVASCULAR IMPLANTABLE ELECTRICAL LEAD HAVING UNDULATING CONFIGURATION - This disclosure describes an implantable medical electrical lead and an ICD system utilizing the lead. The lead includes a lead body defining a proximal end and a distal portion, wherein at least a part of the distal portion of the lead body defines an undulating configuration. The lead includes a defibrillation electrode that includes a plurality of defibrillation electrode segments disposed along the undulating configuration spaced apart from one another by a distance. The lead also includes at least one electrode disposed between adjacent sections of the plurality of defibrillation sections. The at least one electrode is configured to deliver a pacing pulse to the heart and/or sense cardiac electrical activity of the heart. | 06-09-2016 |
20160184025 | Passive Catheter Identification And Self-Configuration System - In the present invention, a catheter identification system for providing information about one or more attributes of a catheter connectable to an electrophysiology (EP) recording or mapping system includes a catheter, a resistor network operably connected to the catheter, the resistor network including at least one identification resistor and an identification resistor measurement circuit operably connected to the catheter and configured to send an identification signal through the at least one resistor in the resistor network to retrieve an altered identification signal from the identification resistor, where the altered identification signal provides information on an attribute of the catheter. | 06-30-2016 |
20160184028 | Intracardiac Localization And Guidance System And Method - In the present invention, a system that has a navigation signal delivered by one of a signal or navigation catheter or treatment catheter as directed by a controller for detection by the other of the navigation catheter or the a treatment catheter to navigate the treatment catheter to a specific point or area of interest using the detected navigation signal is provided. The system is operable in a method to perform the above utilizing the mapping function of the electrophysiology mapping and/or recorder system to energize electrodes on either the navigation catheter or treatment catheter to direct the treatment catheter to the area, region or point of interest. | 06-30-2016 |
20160374589 | Connector Interface For ECG-Based Catheter Positioning System - A connector interface configured to enable component interconnection with a location sensor of a catheter placement system is disclosed. The catheter placement system is configured to assist a clinician in positioning a catheter in a desired location within a body of a patient. In one embodiment, the location sensor assembly comprises a location sensor body for temporary placement on a portion of the patient body, and a connector interface. The connector interface is configured to removably attach to the location sensor and provide a plurality of electrically conductive pathways between the location sensor and additional components of the catheter placement system to enable the additional components to operably connect with the location sensor. The connector interface further includes a first connector configured to operably connect with a second connector of one of the additional components of the catheter placement system through a drape interposed between the first and second connectors. | 12-29-2016 |
20170231517 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VISUALIZING ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY DATA | 08-17-2017 |
20190143130 | COMMUNICATIONS IN A MEDICAL DEVICE SYSTEM WITH LINK QUALITY ASSESSMENT | 05-16-2019 |