A sensing electrode selection algorithm is disclosed for use with an implantable pulse generator having an electrode array. The algorithm automatically selects optimal sensing electrodes in the array to be used with a pre-determined stimulation therapy appropriate for the patient. The algorithm preferably senses stimulation artifacts using different sensing electrodes, and more specifically different sensing electrode pairs as is appropriate when differential sensing is used. The algorithm further preferably senses these stimulation artifacts with the patient placed in two or more postures. The algorithm processes the stimulation artifact features measured at the different sensing electrodes and at the different postures to automatically determine one or more sensing electrode pairs that best distinguishes the two or more postures given the prescribed stimulation therapy.

Embodiments relate to implantable-lead devices that include one or more materials with altered morphology and methods for making and using the same. Specifically, the morphology of electrodes and/or one or more other implant-device materials can be textured to include micro- and/or nanoscale topographical features, which can reduce in vivo fibrotic response and thereby improve signal-to-noise ratios and short-term extractability of the devices.

Embodiments relate to implantable-lead devices that include one or more materials with altered morphology and methods for making and using the same. Specifically, the morphology of electrodes and/or one or more other implant-device materials can be textured to include micro- and/or nanoscale topographical features, which can reduce in vivo fibrotic response and thereby improve signal-to-noise ratios and short-term extractability of the devices.

A system and method of providing an acoustic stimulus for a human subject so as to evoke an auditory response is presented. The method includes creating a chirp signal, wherein creating the chirp signal includes adding a plurality of frequency signals, each frequency signal delayed within the chirp signal based on its associated frequency specific basilar membrane delay determined as a function of measured in vivo frequency specific basilar membrane delays.

An intraoperative nerve monitoring system for monitoring nerve activity within a trachea of a patient. The intraoperative nerve monitoring system includes an endotracheal (ET) tube assembly, which includes an ET tube partially inserted within a trachea and a surface electrode wrapped about the ET tube. The ET tube is configured to monitor nerve activity when the ET tube is partially inserted within the trachea and is contacting a target tissue and to output a nerve signal. The intraoperative nerve monitoring system also includes a pressure sensor assembly configured to sense an amount of pressure between the surface electrode and the target tissue and a console including an output device configured to output indicators based on the monitored nerve activity and the sensed amount of pressure to facilitate proper placement of the ET tube in the trachea and to indicate nerve activity.

An intraoperative nerve monitoring system for monitoring nerve activity within a trachea of a patient. The intraoperative nerve monitoring system includes an endotracheal (ET) tube assembly, which includes an ET tube partially inserted within a trachea and a surface electrode wrapped about the ET tube. The ET tube is configured to monitor nerve activity when the ET tube is partially inserted within the trachea and is contacting a target tissue and to output a nerve signal. The intraoperative nerve monitoring system also includes a pressure sensor assembly configured to sense an amount of pressure between the surface electrode and the target tissue and a console including an output device configured to output indicators based on the monitored nerve activity and the sensed amount of pressure to facilitate proper placement of the ET tube in the trachea and to indicate nerve activity.

A paralysis monitoring system can be utilized during various medical procedures. Generally, the system is used during procedures involving anesthesia, when general paralysis is necessary, e.g., during surgery that requires cutting through or mobilizing muscle tissue. The paralysis monitoring system stimulates a nerve with low voltage signals and can provide for continuous monitoring and recording of the evoked muscle activity throughout and after a procedure. By monitoring a quantitative response of the muscle activity to nerve stimulation, an anesthesiologist may adjust subsequent doses of a paralytic agent to achieve a desired level of paralysis.

The present invention provides devices and methods that can prevent or ameliorate bronchoconstriction by stimulating neural activity, in contrast to those techniques based on denervation, ablation or blocking of neural activity. Methods and devices according to the invention may act responsively or on demand, can preserve neuronal structure and function and will be associated with minimal collateral side-effects. In particular, the invention provides devices and methods in which a signal is delivered to the vagus nerve, for example the cervical vagus nerve or the pulmonary branch of the vagus nerve, in order to stimulate neural activity in the vagal nerve.

A method is provided for processing a neural measurement obtained in the presence of noise, in order to detect whether a locally evoked neural response is present in the neural measurement. A first neural measurement is obtained from a first sense electrode. A second neural measurement is contemporaneously obtained from a second sense electrode spaced apart from the first electrode along a neural pathway of the neural response. A neural response decay is determined, being a measure of the decay in the neural response from the first sense electrode to the second sense electrode. A ratio of the neural response decay to an amplitude normalising term is calculated. From the ratio it is determined whether a locally evoked neural response is present in the neural measurement.

Communications along a neural pathway are provided. The neural pathway is stimulated at a first location, in order to evoke neural responses which propagate along the neural pathway, the neural responses being modulated with data. At a second location spaced apart from the first location along the neural pathway the evoked neural responses are sensed. The sensed neural responses are then demodulated to retrieve the data. The stimulation could comprise peripheral sensory stimulation, and the second location could be at an implanted electrode array.