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 collar-mounted location sensor and stimulation unit includes a body. A generally planar stimulation unit and differential impedance-based fur detector in combination protect the animal from harmful stimulation. At least one sensory stimulator is configured to provide at least one of auditory, kinesthetic, and visual stimulation responsive to an output of a location sensor. One or more of a voltage, current, oscillation frequency, extent of modulation, or other output characteristic of the stimulation unit output is varied responsive to the detected fur differential impedance to protect and benefit both the body and mind of the animal.

In some examples, a medical device system includes an electrode. The medical device system may include impedance measurement circuitry coupled to the electrode, the impedance measurement circuitry may be configured to generate an impedance signal indicating impedance proximate to the electrode. The medical device system may include processing circuitry that may be configured to identify a first component of the impedance signal. The first component of the impedance signal may be correlated to a cardiac event. The processing circuitry may be configured to determine that the cardiac event occurred based on the identification of the first component of the impedance signal.

An ECT system capable of focusing the electrical signals on a specific portion of the patient's brain is provided. The ECT system includes a means of applying unidirectional electrical signals and asymmetric electrodes for focusing the signals on the patient. A method of titrating an electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) system and a method of operating an ECT system are also provided. The method includes setting an initial current value, administering an ECT signal to the patient, determining if the seizure threshold has been achieved, and repeating as necessary until the seizure threshold is achieved.

An ECT system capable of focusing the electrical signals on a specific portion of the patient's brain is provided. The ECT system includes a means of applying unidirectional electrical signals and asymmetric electrodes for focusing the signals on the patient. A method of titrating an electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) system and a method of operating an ECT system are also provided. The method includes setting an initial current value, administering an ECT signal to the patient, determining if the seizure threshold has been achieved, and repeating as necessary until the seizure threshold is achieved.

A medical device and associated method for detecting and treating tachyarrhythmias acquires a cardiac signal using electrodes coupled to a sensing module. During an initial detection process, a shockable cardiac rhythm is detected by a processing module configured to compare the cardiac signal to a first set of detection criteria. By analyzing the cardiac signal, the processing module establishes at least one patient-specific detection threshold during the initial detection process. Upon establishing the at least one patient-specific detection threshold, the initial detection process is stopped, and a next detection process is started which includes comparing the cardiac signal to a second set of detection criteria including the at least one patient-specific detection threshold. In some embodiments, user programming of tachyarrhythmia detection parameters is not required.

A subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) comprising shocking electrodes configured to reduce the defibrillation threshold. The S-ICD may include a canister housing a source of electrical energy, a capacitor, and operational circuitry that senses heart rhythms and an electrode and lead assembly. The electrode and lead assembly may comprise a lead, at least one sensing electrode, and at least one shocking electrode. The at least one shocking electrode may extend over a length in the range of 50 to 110 millimeters and a width in the range of 1 to 40 millimeters.

A subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) comprising shocking electrodes configured to reduce the defibrillation threshold. The S-ICD may include a canister housing a source of electrical energy, a capacitor, and operational circuitry that senses heart rhythms and an electrode and lead assembly. The electrode and lead assembly may comprise a lead, at least one sensing electrode, and at least one shocking electrode. The at least one shocking electrode may extend over a length in the range of 50 to 110 millimeters and a width in the range of 1 to 40 millimeters.

A subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) comprising shocking electrodes configured to reduce the defibrillation threshold. The S-ICD may include a canister housing a source of electrical energy, a capacitor, and operational circuitry that senses heart rhythms and an electrode and lead assembly. The electrode and lead assembly may comprise a lead, at least one sensing electrode, and at least one shocking electrode. The at least one shocking electrode may extend over a length in the range of 50 to 110 millimeters and a width in the range of 1 to 40 millimeters.

A system and method for reducing and preventing head injuries using a combination of hardware and software. Elevated neck stiffness can be learned through the system, device, and the method described in the present invention by delivering and pairing a certain appropriate sensory cue (SnC) with a certain appropriate significance cue (SgC). the system, device, and method are used to generally facilitate and validate an increase in neck stiffness to prevent or reduce the likelihood of concussion upon impact. The system employs a combination of hardware and software, such as using modified virtual reality (VR) headsets (in both hardware and software), to deliver visual, auditory, and other cues (somatosensory, vestibular, etc.) as SnC. The system also employs a combination of hardware and software, such as using modified virtual reality (VR) headsets (in both hardware and software), to deliver somatosensory, vestibular, visual, auditory, and other cues as SgC.