The present invention relates to a neuromodulation apparatus and methods of using the neuromodulation apparatus for treating bladder dysfunction.

Switching systems are positioned along a bidirectional signal carrying line, typically between an electrode in a catheter at the heart of a patient, and an external console. The switching system provides for switching the bidirectional signal carrying line between: a main line, which carries acquired electrocardiac signals from the electrode of the catheter at the heart of the patent to the external console, via a switch unit; and, a bypass line, which carries pacing signals, directly from the external console to the electrode of the catheter. The bypass line provides an uninterrupted electrical connection between the electrode and the external console, thus avoiding the switch unit.

Semi-autonomous vehicle apparatus which is controlled by a plurality of control sources includes a vehicle which may function autonomously and apparatus for control of the vehicle by either an onboard driver or a driver not situated onboard. The vehicle may also be controlled by an off-vehicle computational device. Hierarchy setting apparatus determines which one or combination of the possible control entities take priority. Persons using the apparatus are identified by either a password or, preferably by providing identification based on a biologic feature. Management of impaired vehicle operators is provided for.

A neuromodulation system is provided herein. The system can include a cuff electrode, an electronics package, which can be part of a neuromodulation device; an external controller; a sensor; and a computing device. The neuromodulation device can include an antenna including an upper and a lower coil electrically connected to each other in parallel. The computing device can execute a closed-loop algorithm based on physiological sensed data relating to sleep.

An example method includes establishing a communications link between an electrophysiology (EP) monitoring system and an implantable medical device (IMD). IMD electrical data is received at the monitoring system via the communications link. The IMD electrical data may be synchronized with EP measurement data to provide synchronized electrical data based on timing of a synchronization signal sensed by an IMD electrode and/or EP electrodes. The method also includes computing reconstructed electrical signals for locations on a surface of interest within the patient's body based on the synchronized electrical data and geometry data. The geometry data represents locations of the EP electrodes, a location of the IMD electrode within the patient's body and the surface of interest.

An implantable medical device (IMD) includes one or more stimulation engines (SEs) and selectively connectable output switching circuitry for driving a plurality of output nodes associated with a respective plurality of electrodes of the IMD's lead system when implanted in a patient. The output switching circuitry may be configured to facilitate self-test mode (STM) functionality in the IMD (e.g., when it is in a hermetically sealed package) by using a dual mode switch in series with a stimulation engine selection switch with respect to each output node in the output switching circuitry under mode selection control.

A method and apparatus for treatment of hypertension and heart failure by increasing vagal tone and secretion of endogenous atrial hormones by excitory pacing of the heart atria. Atrial pacing is done during the ventricular refractory period resulting in atrial contraction against closed AV valves, and atrial contraction rate that is higher than the ventricular contraction rate. Pacing results in the increased atrial wall stress. An implantable device is used to monitor ECG and pace the atria in a nonphysiologic manner.

Devices, systems and methods of neurostimulation for treating obstructive sleep apnea. The system is adapted to send an electrical signal from an implanted neurostimulator through a stimulation lead to a patient's nerve at an appropriate phase of the respiratory cycle based on input from a respiration sensing lead. External components are adapted for wireless communication with the neurostimulator. The neurostimulator is adapted to deliver therapeutic stimulation based on inputs.

A bridge device includes a housing, a plurality of electrodes exposed outside of the housing such that at least two of the plurality of electrodes can be concurrently placed in contact with a patient's skin. A controller is disposed within the housing. A first communications module is operably coupled to the controller and to the at least two of the plurality of electrodes. The first communications module is configured to allow the controller to communicate with an implantable medical device via at least two of the plurality of electrodes using conducted communication. A second communications module is operably coupled to the controller and is configured to allow the controller to communicate with a remote device external to the patient.

An electrical stimulation system includes at least one electrical stimulation lead having stimulation electrodes; and a processor coupled to the at least one electrical stimulation lead to perform actions, including: directing delivery of at least one stimulation pulse to tissue of a patient during each charge injection phase, where each consecutive pair of the charge injection phases is separated by a charge recovery phase; and, for at least one stimulation pulse: during delivery of the stimulation pulse, directing application of at least one charge recovery pulse to interrupt the delivery of the stimulation pulse, where each one of the at least one charge recovery pulse has a relative amplitude that is larger in magnitude than an amplitude of the stimulation pulse; and, after application of the charge recovery pulse, directing resumption of delivery of the stimulation pulse at the amplitude of the stimulation pulse.