Certain embodiments described herein related to methods, devices, and systems that provide improved communications between first and second IMDs remotely located relative to one another and capable of communicating using both conductive communication and RF communication. Such a method can include the first IMD using conductive communication to transmit message(s) intended for the second IMD, without using RF communication, during a first period of time that a first trigger event is not detected. The method can also include the first IMD detecting the first trigger event, and in response thereto, the first IMD using RF communication to transmit message(s) intended for the second IMD during a second period of time. Thereafter, in response to first IMD detecting a second trigger event, the first IMD uses conductive communication to transmit one or more messages intended for the second IMD, without using RF communication, during a third period of time.

A probe for insertion into an organ of a patient includes a medical device and an optical sensor. The medical device is fitted at a distal end of the probe and configured to perform one or both of electrophysiological (EP) sensing and ablation of tissue inside the organ. The optical sensor is configured to locally acquire an optical signal indicative of a concentration of at least one gas in blood in the organ.

The present biological electrode includes a conductive fabric (2) formed of base fibers which are filled with a conductor and/or to which the conductor is adhered, a thin metallic wire (3) formed into a spiral shape and covered with the conductive fabric (2) from a side of a distal end in an axis direction, and a filling material (5) with which a gap between the conductive fabric (2) and the thin metallic wire (3) is filled and which supports the conductive fabric (2) and the thin metallic wire (3), and he conductor is electrically connected with the thin metallic wire (3).

An extra-cardiovascular implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) having a low voltage therapy module and a high voltage therapy module is configured to select, by a control module of the ICD, a pacing output configuration from at least a low-voltage pacing output configuration of the low voltage therapy module and a high-voltage pacing output configuration of the high voltage therapy module. The high voltage therapy module includes a high voltage capacitor having a first capacitance and the low voltage therapy module includes a plurality of low voltage capacitors each having up to a second capacitance that is less than the first capacitance. The ICD control module controls a respective one of the low voltage therapy module or the high voltage therapy module to deliver extra-cardiovascular pacing pulses in the selected pacing output configuration via extra-cardiovascular electrodes coupled to the ICD.

Methods for implanting a pulse generator (PG) within a pectoral region of a chest of a patient and devices having the PG. The PG has a housing that includes a PG electrode. Methods also include implanting at least one lead having first and second electrode segments with the first electrode segment positioned along an anterior of the chest of the patient and the second electrode segment positioned along at least one of a posterior of the patient or a side of the patient. The first and second electrode segments are positioned subcutaneously at or below an apex of a heart of the patient, wherein the PG electrode and the first and second electrode segments are configured to provide electrical shocks for antiarrhythmic therapy.

A method of improving electrical conduction across an impaired region of a tissue (e.g., myocardial tissue), includes applying an electrically conductive wiring carbon nanotube fibers) across the impaired region. The electrically conductive wiring can become associated with non-impaired regions of the tissue on opposite sides of the impaired region by suturing. The method can also be utilized to treat or prevent cardiac arrhythmia in a subject (e.g., ventricular arrhythmia). The electrically conductive wiring includes carbon nanotubes, such as carbon nanotube fibers, Such electrically conductive wiring can be used to transmit electrical signals to a tissue or sense electrical signals from the tissue. Suture threads including carbon nanotubes, such as carbon nanotube fibers, are provided.

Systems and methods involve an intrathoracic cardiac stimulation device operable to provide autonomous cardiac sensing and energy delivery. The cardiac stimulation device includes a housing configured for intrathoracic placement relative to a patient's heart. A fixation arrangement of the housing is configured to affix the housing at an implant location within cardiac tissue or cardiac vasculature. An electrode arrangement supported by the housing is configured to sense cardiac activity and deliver stimulation energy to the cardiac tissue or cardiac vasculature. Energy delivery circuitry in the housing is coupled to the electrode arrangement. Detection circuitry is provided in the housing and coupled to the electrode arrangement. Communications circuitry may optionally be supported by the housing. A controller in the housing coordinates delivery of energy to the cardiac tissue or cardiac vasculature in accordance with an energy delivery protocol appropriate for the implant location.

A system for treating cardiac arrhythmias comprising a generator including: a sensing circuitry configured to evaluate one or more identified signals representative of electrical activity of the heart and detect an arrhythmia, a control circuitry that is configured to control delivery of a therapy in response to the detected arrhythmia, the therapy including a first stage of electrical pulses delivered via at least a first electrode, wherein the first set of electrical pulses is configured to destabilize and/or terminate a reentry associated with the arrhythmia, and a first lead coupled to the generator, wherein the first lead includes the first electrode.

Method for recovering and stabilizing normal heart rate of patients suffering in or being inclined to having atrial fibrillation, comprising the step of sensing primary electrical pulses generated in the right atrium (1), of generating artificial electrical stimulation pulses coordinated with the sensed pulses and stimulating therewith the portion of the left atrium (9) which is remote from the right atrium (1), whereby increasing the areas of the heart muscles that can be reached during a simulation pulse within a predetermined period of time.

A catheter system comprises an elongate catheter body including a distal end, a cannulation lumen extending through the catheter body and terminating at the distal end of the catheter body, and a steering element extending through the catheter body for steering the distal end. The catheter system also comprises an imaging element secured to a distal end portion of the catheter body and configured to obtain optical images of an area located distally of the distal end of the catheter body. The catheter body includes a ridge extending axially along an outer surface of the distal end portion, wherein a width of the ridge measured about a circumference of the catheter body is less than a length of the ridge measured along the longitudinal axis, and the imaging element is radially aligned with the ridge with at least a portion of the imaging element disposed within the ridge.