Abstract:
A lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue includes at least one elongated lead body, each of the at least one lead bodies having a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of electrodes are disposed at the distal end of the at least one lead body, each of the electrodes having an outer surface. A plurality of dimples are defined along the outer surface of at least one of the plurality of electrodes, the plurality of dimples configured and arranged to provide a larger surface area for the at least one dimpled electrode than that of a similarly-sized electrode with a flat outer surface. A plurality of terminal are disposed at the proximal end of the at least one lead body. A plurality of conductive wires couple each of the plurality of electrodes to at least one of the plurality of terminals.
Abstract:
A lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue includes at least one elongated lead body, each of the at least one lead bodies having a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of electrodes are disposed at the distal end of the at least one lead body, each of the electrodes having an outer surface. A plurality of dimples are defined along the outer surface of at least one of the plurality of electrodes, the plurality of dimples configured and arranged to provide a larger surface area for the at least one dimpled electrode than that of a similarly-sized electrode with a flat outer surface. A plurality of terminal are disposed at the proximal end of the at least one lead body. A plurality of conductive wires couple each of the plurality of electrodes to at least one of the plurality of terminals.
Abstract:
An implantable enzyme-based monitoring system suitable for long term in vivo use to measure the concentration of prescribed substances such as glucose is provided. In one embodiment, the implantable enzyme-based monitoring system includes at least one sensor assembly, an outer membrane surrounding the sensor assembly and having a window therein, and a polymeric window cover affixed to the outer membrane and covering the window. Preferably, the outer membrane of the monitoring system is silicone and the window cover is a polymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), N,N,-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and methacrylic acid (MA). Also provided herein is an implantable enzyme-based monitoring system having at least one sensor assembly, an outer membrane surrounding the sensor assembly and a coating affixed to the exterior surface of the outer membrane, wherein the coating resists blood coagulation and protein binding to the exterior surface of the outer membrane. Preferably, the coating is polyethylene glycol (PEG) and heparin in an 80:20 molar ratio. Finally, provided herein is a method of coating the exterior surface of the outer membrane of an implantable enzyme-based monitoring system comprising the steps of forming hydroxyl groups on the silicone surface by plasma etching; reacting the silicone surface with amino functionalized silane, thereby forming amino groups on the silicone surface; simultaneously, covalently binding polyethylene glycol (PEG) and heparin to the amino groups; and ionically binding heparin to the monitoring system surface.
Abstract:
The present invention relates, in general, to stem cells, and in particular, to a method of isolating stem cells and to reagents suitable for use in such a method. The invention further relates to stem cell populations isolatable in accordance with the present method.
Abstract:
The present invention relates, in general, to stem cells, and in particular, to a method of isolating stem cells and to reagents suitable for use in such a method. The invention further relates to stem cell populations isolatable in accordance with the present method.
Abstract:
A device for stimulating body tissue includes a lead body and at least one stimulating electrode disposed on the lead body. The lead body is configured and arranged to be substantially rigid outside the patient's body and during insertion into the patient's body and then becomes non-rigid upon exposure within the patient's body;.
Abstract:
An implantable medical device, e.g., an implantable pulse generator, having a non-metal sealed housing and method of making same. An exemplary embodiment of the device includes a replenishable power source, coupling electronic components configured to generate a pulse signal to the replenishable power source, and an inorganic coating covering the electronic components and the power source to seal, preferably hermetically, the electronic components and the power source from a body environment.
Abstract:
Aqueous acidic solutions of hydrogen peroxide used for metal surface treatments may be stabilized to decrease the rate of hydrogen peroxide decomposition by the use of an aryl sulfonic acid such as phenol sulfonic acid in combination with a triazole such as tolyltriazole.
Abstract:
An implantable microstimulator includes a plastic housing having a first end and a second end; an electronic subassembly disposed within the housing; a first electrode disposed at the first end of the plastic housing and in electrical communication with the electronic subassembly; and a second electrode disposed at the second end of the plastic housing and in electrical communication with the electronic subassembly. The plastic housing, first electrode, and second electrode form a hermetically sealed structure around the electronic subassembly.
Abstract:
The present invention relates, in general, to stem cells, and in particular, to a method of isolating stem cells and to reagents suitable for use in such a method. The invention further relates to stem cell populations isolatable in accordance with the present method.