A method is provided for establishing a communication session with an implantable medical device (“IMD”). The method includes configuring an IMD and an external device to communicate with one another through a protocol that utilizes a dedicated advertisement channel. The advertisement period and the scan period of the protocol are independent of one another such that the advertisement and scan periods at least partially overlap intermittently after a number of cycles. When the external device detects one of the advertisement notices, the method includes establishing a communications link between the external device and the IMD.

Devices and methods can be used for artificial cardiac pacing and/or resynchronization. For example, this document provides improved electrodes for stimulating and sensing electrical activity of the heart, and provides pacing and resynchronization systems incorporating such electrodes. While the devices and methods provided herein are described primarily in the context of pacing, it should be understood that resynchronization can additionally or alternatively be performed in an analogous manner, and that the scope of this disclosure includes such subject matter.

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 neural stimulator system which generates stimulation from an implantable stimulator circuit which generates stimulation outputs which mimic biological signals. The user/operator can select stimulation generated from recorded waveforms, or by selecting the characteristics for generating stimulation based on randomized inter-pulse-intervals (IPI). A control unit controls the operation of the implantable stimulator circuit, and receives sets of stimulation parameters based on user input from a user input device executing application specific programming.

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.

Brugada syndrome and related forms of ion channelopathies, including ventricular asynchrony of contraction, originate in the region near the His bundle or para-Hisian regions of the heart. Manifestations of Brugada syndrome can be corrected by delivering endocardial electrical stimulation coincident to the activation wave front propagated from the atrioventricular (AV) node. By performing the start of the activation of the HIS bundle or para-Hisian region early enough, electrical stimulation can be delivered fast enough to compensate for the conduction problems that start in those region, such that the activation wave front, as stimulated, transitions from the AV node to the His bundle in a normal, albeit electrically-supplemented, fashion. This stimulation not only helps resolve the conditions that trigger Brugada syndrome, but also resolves the asynchrony of the contraction of the heart.

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.

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system having a recharging system with self alignment, a system for mapping current fields using a completely wireless system, multiple independent electrode stimulation outsource, and control through software on a Smartphone/mobile device and tablet hardware during trial and permanent implants. SCS system can include multiple electrodes, multiple, independently programmable, stimulation channels within an implantable pulse generator (IPG) providing concurrent, but unique stimulation fields. SCS system can include a replenishable power source, rechargeable using transcutaneous power transmissions between antenna coil pairs. An external charger unit, having its own rechargeable battery, can charge the IPG replenishable power source. A real-time clock can provide an auto-run schedule for daily stimulation. A bi-directional telemetry link informs the patient or clinician the status of the system, including the state of charge of the IPG battery. Other processing circuitry in current IPG allows electrode impedance measurements to be made.

An example of a neurostimulation system may include a storage device for storing data representing physiological signals and a user interface including a user input, a display screen, and a presentation control circuit. The user input may be configured to receive a selection of signal(s) from the physiological signals and a selection of viewing mode from viewing modes including a metric mode and/or a presence mode. The metric mode allows for visualization of a signal property indicated by a parameter measured from the selected signal(s). The presence mode allows for viewing presence of a feature in the selected signal(s). The presentation control circuit may be configured to allow for the selection of the signal(s) and the viewing mode, to determine a segment of each of the selected signal(s) for presentation according to the selected viewing mode, and to present the determined segment on the display screen.

A wearable device for facilitating neurophysiological treatment of a patient harboring an implanted neural stimulator is provided. The wearable device includes a transmitting antenna configured to accept one or more input signals and to transmit one or more electromagnetic signals to a neural stimulator that is implanted in a patients body. The wearable device further includes a control circuitry configured to provide the one or more input signals to the transmitting antenna. The wearable device further includes a battery that provides electrical power to at least the control circuitry. The wearable device is configured to be worn outside the patient's body.