A device is described that is implantable in the human or animal body, this device comprising at least one substance that is designed to modify human or animal cell structures so that action potentials in the cell structures can be detected and/or evoked by irradiation with electromagnetic waves in the frequency range 10.sup.13-10.sup.20 Hz. The device comprises application means to deliver the substance to the tissue.

A stimulation system includes an energy source, an electronics unit with a controller, and an actuator that is coupled with the electronics unit and/or the energy source. The actuator emits electromagnetic waves for stimulation of genetically manipulated tissue. The electronics unit is disposed in a housing. The stimulation system is configured for at least temporary implantation in a human or animal body. The controller controls the stimulation of tissue in the body by way of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the actuator. A selector of the stimulation system selects the area of the said tissue for stimulation. The selector includes a masking device for masking certain areas of the tissue, so that an intensity of the stimulation for the masked areas is reduced or equal to zero.

A cryo-fixation lead extraction device includes a lead extraction catheter having longitudinally spaced proximal and distal catheter ends and an elongate catheter lumen. A liner has longitudinally spaced proximal and distal liner ends and an elongate liner lumen. The liner lumen is configured to selectively accept at least part of a lead being extracted longitudinally therethrough. At least a portion of the liner is located circumferentially within and/or circumferentially surrounding the catheter lumen. At least one cryogen supply line extends longitudinally through at least a portion of the liner lumen. The cryogen supply line is configured to place a cryogen fluid source into fluid communication with the distal liner end. The cryogen supply line is configured to selectively generate a patient tissue cooled zone adjacent the distal catheter end. A method of cryo-fixation lead extraction is also provided.

A connector block that permits simultaneous and continuous interconnection of the three leads of the epicardial pacing wires, the pacemaker, and the ECG monitor on clear separately labeled connectors is provided. Circuitry is provided that allows the display of epicardial signals on the telemetry unit, while still preserving the ability to pace the heart from the pacemaker. When pacing the connector block prevents excessive loading of the pacer signals by the ECG monitor and/or damage to the monitor by the high-voltage pacer signals. The connector block may be used universally on all monitors without the need for sophisticated understanding of the electrical characteristics of the ECG monitor or concern for damage or improper signal loading.

Representative embodiments of the present invention provide for novel, minimally invasive implantable devices and methods for targeted tissue drug delivery of cardiovascular drugs.

An apparatus for monitoring a patient post operation having electrically conducting leads which are adapted to extend from inside the patient. The leads having electrodes adapted to communicate with a heart of the patient and apply electrical signals to the heart. The electrodes providing cardiac signals to the computer in response to the electrical signals so the computer can determine in real time at least one of heart volume, end diastolic heart volume, end systolic heart volume, stroke volume, change in heart volume, change in stroke volume, contractility, respiration rate or tidal volume regarding the patient.

An apparatus for securing a sensor at the heart is formed based on a modified, branched, pacemaker lead to provide a heart anchor lead where two anchors are coupled to a single main lead rather than there being just a single anchor. Thus, the proposed heart anchor lead comprises a single main lead, a sensor included within the main lead, in which the sensor has a distal end and a proximal end, a first anchor coupled to the distal end of the sensor and extending outward from the distal end of the sensor, and a second anchor coupled to the proximal end of the sensor and extending outward from the proximal end of the sensor in a direction that forms an angle with the first anchor. The heart anchor lead can optionally also have a pacemaking function.

This document provides devices and methods for the treatment of heart conditions. For example, this document provides a percutaneous temporary epicardial pacemaker device and system for treating heart arrhythmia.

A cryo-fixation lead extraction device includes a lead extraction catheter having longitudinally spaced proximal and distal catheter ends and an elongate catheter lumen. A liner has longitudinally spaced proximal and distal liner ends and an elongate liner lumen. The liner lumen is configured to selectively accept at least part of a lead being extracted longitudinally therethrough. At least a portion of the liner is located circumferentially within and/or circumferentially surrounding the catheter lumen. At least one cryogen supply line extends longitudinally through at least a portion of the liner lumen. The cryogen supply line is configured to place a cryogen fluid source into fluid communication with the distal liner end. The cryogen supply line is configured to selectively generate a patient tissue cooled zone adjacent the distal catheter end. A method of cryo-fixation lead extraction is also provided.

A cryo-fixation lead extraction device includes a lead extraction catheter having longitudinally spaced proximal and distal catheter ends and an elongate catheter lumen. A liner has longitudinally spaced proximal and distal liner ends and an elongate liner lumen. The liner lumen is configured to selectively accept at least part of a lead being extracted longitudinally therethrough. At least a portion of the liner is located circumferentially within and/or circumferentially surrounding the catheter lumen. At least one cryogen supply line extends longitudinally through at least a portion of the liner lumen. The cryogen supply line is configured to place a cryogen fluid source into fluid communication with the distal liner end. The cryogen supply line is configured to selectively generate a patient tissue cooled zone adjacent the distal catheter end. A method of cryo-fixation lead extraction is also provided.