A pacemaker system includes a drive-sense circuit (DSC) operably coupled to a pacemaker lead. The DSC generates a pace signal including electrical impulses based on a reference signal. The DSC provides the pace signal via the pacemaker lead to an electrically responsive portion of a cardiac conductive system of a subject to facilitate cardiac operation of a cardiovascular system of the subject. The DSC senses, via the pacemaker lead, cardiac electrical activity of the cardiovascular system of the subject that is generated in response to the pace signal and electrically coupled into the pacemaker lead and generates a digital signal that is representative of the cardiac electrical activity of the cardiovascular system of the subject that is sensed via the pacemaker lead. The DSC provides digital information to one or more processing modules that includes and/or is coupled to memory and that provide the reference signal to the DSC.

A connector of an implantable medical device is connectable to a mating connector of an assembly to be connected to the implantable medical device along an insertion direction. The connector comprises a contacting device for making electrical contact with an electrical contact element of the mating connector, wherein the contacting device comprises a housing and a contact spring arranged in the housing. The contact spring forms a multiplicity of head sections for electrically contacting the electrical contact element of the mating connector, a multiplicity of first foot sections electrically contacting the housing and a multiplicity of second foot sections electrically contacting the housing, the first foot sections being arranged at a first axial position and the second foot sections at a second axial position different than the first axial position, when viewed along the insertion direction.

A lead connector system for use with electrical nerve stimulators is described herein. An example lead connector for an electrical stimulator system includes a body, a blade, and an insert. The body includes a cable interface and defines lead ports. The blade is affixed to the body. The blade has at least one angled portion. The insert slidably connects to the body. The insert includes a handle and a chassis. The chassis defines a lead channel coaxial with the lead ports and blade channels transverse the lead channel to accept the blade. The angled portion of the blade provides electrical contact between the cable interface and a lead inserted into the lead channel and extending through at least one of the lead ports.

The present invention concerns an optoelectronic stimulating device for use in a medical treatment involving delivering an electrical current to an electrically excitable tissue (Z.sub.bio) by means of two electrodes (3n, 3p) electrically coupled to said tissue, said optoelectronic stimulating device comprising: (a) a source (4) of electrical impulses, which is electrically connected to (b) a source of light emission (2), in optical communication with (c) a photovoltaic cell (1) electrically connected to two electrodes (3n, 3p) for establishing two electrical contacts with said tissue and thus forming an electrical stimulating circuit fed by the photovoltaic cell (1) which is energized by the radiation of the source of light emission (2).

Devices and methods of use for introduction and implantation of an electrode structure for baroreflex activation therapy, as part of a minimally invasive implant technique. An implantable baroreflex activation system includes a control system having an implantable housing, an electrical lead, attachable to the control system, and an electrode structure. One or more of the electrical lead or electrode structure may include elements to improve fixation at a target implant location. Improvements to delivery tools associated with implant are also described.

A connector assembly includes a receptacle body that defines a portion of a connector lumen and further includes connector contacts disposed within the receptacle body along the connector lumen. The connector assembly further includes a rotational member that defines another portion of the connector lumen and includes a head portion and an elongated portion. The elongated portion defines an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface is rotatably coupled to the receptacle body. Fastener threading is disposed along at least a portion of the inner surface of the elongated portion. The receptacle body and rotational member are configured and arranged to receive a portion of a lead or a lead extension in the connector lumen.

An implantable medical product and method of use for substantially reducing or eliminating harsh biological responses associated with conventionally implanted medical devices, including inflammation, infection and thrombogenesis, when implanted in in a body of a warm blooded mammal. The bioremodelable pouch structure is configured and sized to receive, encase and retain an electrical medical device therein and to allow such device to be inserted into the internal region or cavity of the pouch structure; with the pouch structure formed from either: (a) first and second sheets, or (b) a single sheet having first and second sheet portions. After receiving the electrical device, the edges around the opening are closed by suturing or stapling. The medical device encased by the bioremodelable pouch structure effectively improves biological functions by promoting tissue regeneration, modulated healing of adjacent tissue or growth of new tissue when implanted in the body of the mammal.

A pulse generator comprises a header connector assembly coupled with a housing. The header connector assembly includes a connector assembly and a header enclosing the connector assembly. The connector assembly includes an electrically insulative segment, a first electrically conductive segment, and a second electrically conductive segment axially spaced apart from the first electrically conductive segment by the electrically insulative segment. Each electrically conductive segment includes a connector ring, a spring housing and a spring supported by the spring housing. The connector ring and spring housing are in electrical communication with each other. The electrically insulative segment includes an insulator ring that is positioned between the first and second electrically conductive segments. The insulator ring includes a first end and a second end axially opposite the first end. The first end includes a first recess that opens axially and receives therein a portion of the first electrically conductive segment.

Various embodiments of an implantable medical device and a method of forming such device are disclosed. The device includes a housing that has a first portion and a second portion connected to the first portion. The first portion includes a polymer material and the second portion includes a transparent polymer material. The housing further includes a lead bore that extends between a first end at an outer surface of the housing and a second end disposed within the housing.

A connector apparatus for a medical device includes a cylindrical core of nonconductive material, a beam of conductive material, and a sleeve of conductive material. The cylindrical core includes an outside surface, an inside surface, a hollow center having a cross sectional area, and a slot opening in the cylindrical core extending from the outside surface to the inside surface. The beam is placed in the slot opening in the cylindrical core, wherein the beam reduces the cross-sectional area of the hollow center of the cylindrical core. The sleeve of conductive material is placed over the outside surface of the cylindrical core.