An apparatus includes a body configured to be at least partially implanted on or within a recipient and a plurality of electrodes positioned along the body. The plurality of electrodes includes a first set of electrodes configured to apply electrical stimulation signals to at least a portion of the recipient. The plurality of electrodes further includes a second set of electrodes configured to apply an electric field to cell membranes of the recipient, the electric field configured to increase a permeability of the cell membranes to a substance.

The embodiments described herein relate to a self-positioning, quick-deployment low profile transvenous electrode system for sequentially pacing both the atrium and ventricle of the heart in the “dual chamber” mode, and methods for deploying the same.

A surgical method treats infections on a lead positioned at least partially within a patient's body. The surgical method includes uncoupling the lead from a pulse generator. The lead is then coupled to an ultrasound wave generator. Ultrasound waves are propagated from the ultrasound wave generator through the lead. Systems are disclosed.

A surgical method treats infections on a lead positioned at least partially within a patient's body. The surgical method includes uncoupling the lead from a pulse generator. The lead is then coupled to an ultrasound wave generator. Ultrasound waves are propagated from the ultrasound wave generator through the lead. Systems are disclosed.

A hearing prosthesis system may include a cochlear implant coupled to an electrode array and configured to be implanted within a patient; and a processing unit communicatively coupled to the cochlear implant which is configured to direct the cochlear implant to apply stimulation to a cochlea of the patient via the electrode array and to detect, via the electrode array, a neural response of the patient to hearing stimulation. The processing unit is further configured to generate a user interaction audio signal indicative of an interaction of the patient with the hearing prosthesis system and apply perceivable hearing stimulation to the patient according to the user interaction audio signal, and to record, via the electrode array and the cochlear implant, the neural response to said hearing stimulation according to the user interaction audio signal, thereby utilizing the user interaction audio signal as a test audio signal.

Apnea events may be detected based on a primary biomarker, e.g., respiration, in the one or more physiological signals. The apnea events may be characterized as one of an obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) event, a central sleep apnea (CSA) event, or a combination OSA/CSA event based on a secondary biomarker, e.g., a frequency spectrum or a morphology of the respirations in the one or more physiological signals. A first electrical stimulation may be provided to treat OSA in response to a first one or more of the apnea events being characterized as OSA events. A second electrical stimulation may be provided to treat CSA in response to a second one or more of apnea events being characterized as CSA events. A third electrical stimulation may be provided to treat combination OSA/CSA in response to a third one or more of the apnea events being characterized as combination OSA/CSA events.

Cochlear implant systems can include a cochlear electrode and a stimulator in electrical communication with the cochlear electrode. The stimulator can be in communication with a controller, which is in communication with a testing circuit and a switching network. The stimulator can include a plurality of source elements. The controller can control the switching network to place the plurality of source elements into communication with the testing circuit. The controller can further cause one of the plurality of source elements to emit an electrical current and can determine an amount of electrical current emitted from the source element using the testing circuit. The controller can compare the determined amount of electrical current emitted by the source element with a prescribed current. The controller can adjust the output of each of the plurality of source elements based on the determined amount of electrical current emitted by the stimulator.

A stimulation system for delivery of a stimulation signal to a hypoglossal nerve of a patient to treat obstructive sleep apnea. The stimulation system includes an implantable receiver coil configured to be implanted under a mandible of the patient; a nerve electrode coupled to the implantable receiver coil, the nerve electrode configured to deliver the stimulation signal to the hypoglossal nerve of the patient; an external pulse generator configured to generate the stimulation signal; and an external transmitter coil configured to wirelessly transmit the stimulation signal from the external pulse generator to the implantable receiver coil, the external transmitter coil being carried by an adhesive patch configured to be placed on the skin adjacent the implantable receiver coil under the mandible of the patient.

The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of GERD. Individuals with GERD may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow, have improved energy storage requirements, enable improved LES function while concurrently delivering additional health benefits, and enable improved LES function post stimulation termination.

A trial stimulation system includes a trial electrical stimulator. Additionally, systems for securing a disposable trial stimulator to the body of a patient are described, which may function to improve the durability of the system during the trial period and reduce the risk of damage or malfunction to the system due to lead/electrode dislocation and/or off-label uses like showering or bathing with the trial stimulator still secured to the body.