In some embodiments, a plurality of transducers of a transducer-based device may be selected for activation. A first pair of subsets of the selected transducers may be identified for initial activation, each subset of the first pair being activated with a different phase angle range than the other. No transducer in one subset is sufficiently close to a transducer in the other subset to cause a confluence of ablated tissue regions therebetween. The first pair of subsets may be activated simultaneously or concurrently. Upon activation or a conclusion thereof of the pair of subsets of the selected transducers, one or more subsequent pairs of subsets of the selected transducers may be activated iteratively on a pair-by-pair basis, until all of the selected transducers have achieved desired activation results, according to some embodiments. Each subsequent pair may include the same or similar characteristics as the first pair.

A method of displaying electrophysiology information includes obtaining a three-dimensional medical image of an anatomical region, registering a localization system to the model; localizing an electrophysiology catheter within the anatomical region; displaying a representation of the localization of the electrophysiology catheter on the model; and displaying image slices of the model. The image slices are selected based upon the localization of the electrophysiology catheter. For example, the image slices can pass through a user-selected localization element carried by the electrophysiology catheter. Rigid and/or non-rigid transforms can be used to register the localization system to the model. Electrophysiology data collected by the catheter can be displayed on the model and/or the image slices thereof. The three-dimensional medical image and/or the electrophysiology data can also be time-varying. In embodiments, scalar maps can also be displayed on the model.

An intra-body communication system for monitoring physiological changes in a patient is provided. The system can include a first device implanted into a patient's body; a second device spaced apart from the first device; and a receiver for detecting and/or decoding the signals to monitor physiological changes in the patient. The first device and second device are capable of engaging in a two-way communication through transmission of one or more signals through at least a portion of the patient's body between the first device and the second device. In one embodiment, the signal may be an optical signal.

A system for measuring cardiovascular data includes an elongate member having a channel, a first expandable member carried by the elongate member and movable between a collapsed state and an expanded state by adjustment initiated externally of a subject, a first sensor disposed on a surface of the elongate member, second and third sensors disposed on a surface of the first expandable, a first optical sensor located at a first location in relation to the distal end of the elongate member and configured for obtaining photoplethsmographic data, and wherein the first expandable member in its expanded state is configured to interface with the subject's larynx for delivery of at least oxygen gas into the respiratory system of the subject, and the second and third sensors are configured to contact tissue in proximity to the larynx when the first expandable member is in its expanded state.

A non-contact cardiac mapping method is disclosed that includes: (i) inserting a catheter into a heart cavity having an endocardium surface, the catheter including multiple, spatially distributed electrodes; (ii) measuring signals at the catheter electrodes in response to electrical activity in the heart cavity with the catheter spaced from the endocardium surface; and (iii) determining physiological information at multiple locations of the endocardium surface based on the measured signals and positions of the electrodes with respect to the endocardium surface. Related systems and computer programs are also disclosed.

An implantable medical device for electrical stimulation or sensing includes a body supporting at least one flexible elongate conductor element. The body includes an insulating structure that protects the flexible conductor element(s). The insulating structure is realized from multiple polymer layers wherein at least one of the polymer layers is formed from a polymer blend of a thermoplastic polyurethane material and an isobutylene block copolymer. In one particular embodiment, the insulating structure of the body includes at least a first polymer layer, a second polymer layer and a third polymer layer, where the second polymer layer covers and interfaces to the first polymer layer, and the third polymer layer covers and interfaces to the second polymer layer. The first polymer layer is formed from a thermoplastic polyurethane material. The third polymer layer is formed from an isobutylene block copolymer. The intermediate second polymer layer is compatible with the particular polymers of the first and third polymer layers and is formed from a polymer blend of a thermoplastic polyurethane material and an isobutylene block copolymer.

Medical devices and methods for using medical devices are disclosed. An example mapping medical device may include a catheter shaft with a plurality of electrodes. The catheter shaft may be coupled to a processor. The processor may be capable of collecting a first set of signals from a first location, collecting a second set of signals from a second location, characterizing the first set of signals over a first time period, characterizing the second set of signals over a second time period, comparing the first set of signals to the second set of signals and matching a first signal from the first set of signals with a second signal from the second set of signals.

Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a system for mapping the electrical activity of the heart. The system may include a catheter shaft with a plurality of electrodes. The system may also include a processor. The processor may be capable of collecting a set of signals from at least one of the plurality of electrodes. The set of signals may be collected over a time period. The processor may also be capable of calculating at least one propagation vector from the set of signals, generating a data set from the at least one propagation vector, generating a statistical distribution of the data set and generating a visual representation of the statistical distribution.

An implantable medical device system is configured to deliver cardiac pacing by receiving a cardiac electrical signal by sensing circuitry of a first device via a plurality of sensing electrodes, identifying by a control module of the first device a first cardiac event from the cardiac electrical signal, setting a first pacing interval in response to identifying the first cardiac event, controlling a power transmitter of the first device to transmit power upon expiration of the first pacing interval, receiving the transmitted power by a power receiver of a second device; and delivering at least a portion of the received power to a patient's heart via a first pacing electrode pair of the second device coupled to the power receiver.

A medical device system may include a structure including a first elongate member, a line including a plurality of flexible members, and an actuator coupled to the line to selectively transmit force to at least the first elongate member. The structure may include a delivery configuration in which at least a portion of the structure is arranged to be percutaneously delivered to a bodily cavity. Respective portions of the flexible members may be intertwined together to form a braided portion of the line, and the line may include an unbraided portion secured at least to the first elongate member. The braided portion of the line may be located between the actuator and the first elongate member.