Several defibrillators, defibrillator architectures, defibrillator components and methods of operating defibrillators are described. In one aspect, a defibrillator (as for example an automated external defibrillator) that can be powered by a mobile communication device such as a smart cellular phone or a tablet computer is described. Utilizing a phone (or other mobile communication device) as the power supply for an external defibrillator allows the external defibrillator to be smaller and, in some circumstance, removes the need for a battery that stores sufficient energy for shock deliverywhich would need to be checked and/or replaced on a regular basis. Additionally, when desired, certain control functionality, computation, data processing, and user instructions can be handled/presented by the mobile communications device thereby further simplifying the defibrillator design and improving the user experience. This architecture takes advantage of the nearly ubiquitous availability of smart phones, tablet computers and other mobile communication devices.

Apparatus and methods for generating an induction waveform for performing threshold testing in an implantable medical device are disclosed. Such tests may be performed during the implant procedure, or during a device checkup procedure, or routinely during the lifetime of the device. The threshold test may include induction of an arrhythmia (such as ventricular fibrillation) followed by delivery of therapy at various progressively-increasing stimulation parameters to terminate the arrhythmia. As such, the capability to induce fibrillation within the device is desired. Induction of the arrhythmias may be accomplished via delivery of a relatively low energy shock or through delivery of an induction stimulation pulse to the cardiac tissue timed concurrently with the vulnerable period of the cardiac cycle.

An ECT system capable of focusing the electrical signals on a specific portion of the patient's brain is provided. The ECT system includes a means of applying unidirectional electrical signals and asymmetric electrodes for focusing the signals on the patient. A method of titrating an electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) system and a method of operating an ECT system are also provided. The method includes setting an initial current value, administering an ECT signal to the patient, determining if the seizure threshold has been achieved, and repeating as necessary until the seizure threshold is achieved.

An ECT system capable of focusing the electrical signals on a specific portion of the patient's brain is provided. The ECT system includes a means of applying unidirectional electrical signals and asymmetric electrodes for focusing the signals on the patient. A method of titrating an electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) system and a method of operating an ECT system are also provided. The method includes setting an initial current value, administering an ECT signal to the patient, determining if the seizure threshold has been achieved, and repeating as necessary until the seizure threshold is achieved.

A valvuloplasty system comprises a balloon adapted to be placed adjacent leaflets of a valve. The balloon is inflatable with a liquid. The system further includes a shock wave generator within the balloon that produces shock waves. The shock waves propagate through the liquid and impinge upon the valve to decalcify and open the valve.

An extra-cardiovascular implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is configured to induce a tachyarrhythmia by charging a high voltage capacitor to a voltage amplitude and delivering a series of pulses to a patient's heart by discharging the capacitor via an extra-cardiovascular electrode vector. Delivering the series of pulses includes recharging the high-voltage capacitor during an inter-pulse interval between consecutive pulses of the series of pulses.

In a method of implanting an electrode of an electronic stimulator device into a pelvic floor muscular structure of a patient, a stimulation lead having a proximal end and a distal end comprising an electrode is provided. The distal end of the stimulation lead is fed along a path, which is adjacent the pubic symphysis of a patient, toward a pelvic floor muscular structure of the patient. The distal end of the stimulation lead is then fed into the pelvic floor muscular structure of the patient. In one embodiment, the pelvic floor muscular structure comprises the external urinary sphincter of the patient. In accordance with other embodiments, the pelvic floor muscular structure comprises one of the external anal sphincter, the levator ani muscle, the puborectalis sling muscle and prostate tissue.

In a method of implanting an electrode of an electronic stimulator device into a pelvic floor muscular structure of a patient, a stimulation lead having a proximal end and a distal end comprising an electrode is provided. The distal end of the stimulation lead is fed along a path, which is adjacent the pubic symphysis of a patient, toward a pelvic floor muscular structure of the patient. The distal end of the stimulation lead is then fed into the pelvic floor muscular structure of the patient. In one embodiment, the pelvic floor muscular structure comprises the external urinary sphincter of the patient. In accordance with other embodiments, the pelvic floor muscular structure comprises one of the external anal sphincter, the levator ani muscle, the puborectalis sling muscle and prostate tissue.

Provided herein are, inter alia, methods for identifying subjects suffering from depression that will respond to treatment with an antidepressant.

Provided herein are, inter alia, methods for identifying subjects suffering from depression that will respond to treatment with an antidepressant.