Patents Assigned to Cardiomems, Inc.
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Patent number: 8111150Abstract: Aspects and embodiments of the present invention provide a system for obtaining, processing and managing data from an implanted sensor. In some embodiments, a patient or other persons can use a flexible antenna to obtain data from the implanted sensor. The flexible antenna includes at least one transmit loop and at least one receive loop. The transmit loop is adapted to propagate energizing signals to the implanted sensor. The receive loop is adapted to detect a response signal from the implanted sensor. The transmit loop includes a capacitor formed by a discontinuous area. The capacitor is adapted to allow the loop to be tuned. The flexible antenna can communicate with a patient device that collects the data from the implanted sensor, creates a data file and transmits the data file to a remote server over a network. A physician or other authorized person may access the remote server using an access device.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Miller, Kim Rutkowski, Jason Kroh, Shawn Michael Brogdon, Erik Moore
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Patent number: 8026729Abstract: A system and apparatus for providing an in-vivo assessment of relative movement of an implant that is positioned in a living being is provided that includes a first assembly and a second assembly that are positioned within the living being. The first assembly includes a passive electrical resonant circuit that is configured to be selectively electromagnetically coupled to an ex-vivo source of RF energy and, in response to the electromagnetic coupling, generates an output signal characterized by a frequency that is dependent upon a distance between the first assembly and the second assembly at the time of the electromagnetic coupling.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2009Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventors: Jason Kroh, Florent Cros, Christophe Courcimault
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Patent number: 8025625Abstract: An electromagnetically coupled hermetic chamber includes a body defining a hermetic chamber. A first conductive structure is disposed within the hermetic chamber, and a second conductive structure is attached to the body outside of the hermetic chamber. The first conductive structure is electromagnetically coupled to the second conductive structure without direct electrical paths connecting the first and second conductive structures. Thus the first conductive structure can be coupled to external electronics without the need for electrical feedthroughs or vias that could compromise the integrity of the hermetic chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2006Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventor: Mark G. Allen
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Patent number: 8021307Abstract: A delivery system for fixation of an implant assembly having an intracorporeal device at a deployment site using an anchoring structure. This invention provides an implant assembly having a an anchor for fixation within a vessel. The anchoring structure adapted to be delivered via a catheter.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2005Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventors: Jason White, Kelly Tumlin
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Publication number: 20110181297Abstract: The present invention determines the resonant frequency of a sensor by adjusting the phase and frequency of an energizing signal until the frequency of the energizing signal matches the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system energizes the sensor with a low duty cycle, gated burst of RF energy having a predetermined frequency or set of frequencies and a predetermined amplitude. The energizing signal is coupled to the sensor via magnetic coupling and induces a current in the sensor which oscillates at the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system receives the ring down response of the sensor via magnetic coupling and determines the resonant frequency of the sensor, which is used to calculate the measured physical parameter. The system uses a pair of phase locked loops to adjust the phase and the frequency of the energizing signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2011Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: CardioMEMS, INC.Inventors: James Joy, Jason Kroh, Michael Ellis, Mark Allen, Wilton Pyle
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Patent number: 7966886Abstract: A disclosed method determines fluid pressure inside a vessel without compromising the integrity of the vessel. A sensor is positioned in operative communication with the external wall of the vessel such that expansion of the external wall of the vessel exerts a force against the sensor that is directed substantially radially outward with respect to the vessel. A substantially radially inward force is caused to be directed against the sensor in response to the substantially radially outward force exerted by the external vessel wall. The sensor can thus be used to detect the magnitude of the substantially radially outward force, which can be used to determine the pressure of the fluid within the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Corcoran, Florent Cros, Miguel Luis Berr
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Publication number: 20110105863Abstract: A coupling loop or antenna is provided that can be used with a system that determines the resonant frequency of a sensor by adjusting the phase and frequency of an energizing signal until the frequency of the energizing signal matches the resonant frequency of the sensor. In one embodiment orientation features are provided for positioning the coupling loop relative to the sensor to maximize the coupling between the sensor and the coupling loop.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2010Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventors: Jason Kroh, Michael Ellis, Donald Miller
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Patent number: 7936174Abstract: A coupling loop or antenna is provided that can be used with a system that determines the resonant frequency of a sensor by adjusting the phase and frequency of an energizing signal until the frequency of the energizing signal matches the resonant frequency of the sensor. In one embodiment multiple energizing loops energize an implanted sensor and a sensor coupling loop connected to an input impedance that is at least two times greater than the inductance of the sensor coupling loop receives the sensor signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2009Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventors: Michael Ellis, Jason Kroh, Donald Miller
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Patent number: 7932732Abstract: The present invention determines the resonant frequency of a sensor by adjusting the phase and frequency of an energizing signal until the frequency of the energizing signal matches the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system energizes the sensor with a low duty cycle, gated burst of RF energy having a predetermined frequency or set of frequencies and a predetermined amplitude. The energizing signal is coupled to the sensor via magnetic coupling and induces a current in the sensor which oscillates at the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system receives the ring down response of the sensor via magnetic coupling and determines the resonant frequency of the sensor, which is used to calculate the measured physical parameter. The system uses a pair of phase locked loops to adjust the phase and the frequency of the energizing signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2009Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventors: Michael Ellis, Jason Kroh
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Patent number: 7909770Abstract: A method for measuring pressure within a heart includes the steps of: (1) providing a passive wireless pressure sensor having a characteristic impedance and a deflectable surface, the characteristic impedance changing in response to deflection of the deflectable surface; (2) inserting the sensor to a location within the body of a patient at which the sensor can detect pressure within the heart; (3) affixing the sensor relative to the heart; (4) interrogating the sensor with an electromagnetic field; (5) receiving a signal from the sensor corresponding to a sensed pressure; and (6) leaving the sensor in situ so that future pressure measurements can be made.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2007Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventors: David R. Stern, Jason White, Miguel Luis Berr, Kevin Corcoran
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Patent number: 7908018Abstract: An electrode array has a flexible body supporting a plurality of electrodes. Each electrode comprises an exposed connector pad at the upper end of the body, an exposed recording/stimulating pad at the lower end of the body, and a conductor located within the body and electrically connecting the connector pad and the recording/stimulating pad. In one embodiment the electrode array has an elongated recording/stimulating portion coiled or folded to distribute the exposed recording/stimulating pads in three dimensions. An implantation method employs an introducer with a helical portion to which an end of the flexible electrode is attached. The helical portion straightens to pass through a small-diameter cannula and then resumes its helical configuration to place the recording/stimulating portion of the attached electrode in a helix within the patient's tissues.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2006Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventor: David O'Brien
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Patent number: 7854172Abstract: A pressure cavity is durable, stable, and biocompatible and configured in such a way that it constitutes pico to nanoliter-scale volume. The pressure cavity is hermetically sealed from the exterior environment while maintaining the ability to communicate with other devices. Micromachined, hermetically-sealed sensors are configured to receive power and return information through direct electrical contact with external electronics. The pressure cavity and sensor components disposed therein are hermetically sealed from the ambient in order to reduce drift and instability within the sensor. The sensor is designed for harsh and biological environments, e.g. intracorporeal implantation and in vivo use. Additionally, novel manufacturing methods are employed to construct the sensors.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2009Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventors: David O'Brien, Florent Cros, Jin Woo Park, Michael Fonseca, Liang You, Mark Allen
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Patent number: 7839153Abstract: The present invention determines the resonant frequency of a sensor by adjusting the phase and frequency of an energizing signal until the frequency of the energizing signal matches the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system energizes the sensor with a low duty cycle, gated burst of RF energy having a predetermined frequency or set of frequencies and a predetermined amplitude. The energizing signal is coupled to the sensor via magnetic coupling and induces a current in the sensor which oscillates at the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system receives the ring down response of the sensor via magnetic coupling and determines the resonant frequency of the sensor, which is used to calculate the measured physical parameter. The system uses a pair of phase locked loops to adjust the phase and the frequency of the energizing signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2009Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventors: James Joy, Jason Kroh, Michael Ellis, Mark Allen, Wilton Pyle
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Patent number: 7829363Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods that provide for electrical contacts in a substrate. For example, the apparatus may comprise a trench formed in a substrate, with an electrical contact pad formed on interior walls of the trench that comprises a narrowed opening. A conductive wire is squeezed into the trench that is secured by mechanical stress resulting from material deformation. One exemplary method comprises depositing metal on walls of the trench such that a narrowed opening is provided, and disposing a conductive wire in the trench so that it contacts the deposited metal and is secured by mechanical stress resulting from material deformation. Another exemplary method comprises providing a substrate having a trench formed therein, placing a conductive wire in the trench, and depositing metal atoms into the trench to bury the wire and provide exposed metal on a surface of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2007Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventor: Liang You
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Patent number: 7812416Abstract: Disclosed are methods for attaching an integrated circuit to a substrate, and in particular, a fused silica substrate, along with apparatus fabricated using the methods. Exemplary apparatus comprises a glass substrate, a metallic layer disposed on the substrate, and an integrated circuit eutectically bonded to the glass substrate via the metallic layer. The integrated circuit and fused silica substrate form part of a hermetic sensor. In an exemplary sensor, a first trench is formed in a first substrate. A second trench that is deeper than the first trench is formed in the first substrate. A first plurality of electrodes are formed in the first trench. An integrated circuit is attached to the first substrate within the second trench using a solder preform.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2007Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventor: Christophe Courcimault
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Patent number: 7748277Abstract: An exemplary pressure cavity is disclosed that is durable, stable, and biocompatible and configured in such a way that it constitutes pico to nanoliter-scale volume. The exemplary pressure cavity is hermetically sealed from the exterior environment while maintaining the ability to communicate with other devices. Micromachined, hermetically-sealed sensors are configured to receive power and return information through direct electrical contact with external electronics. The pressure cavity and sensor components disposed therein are hermetically sealed from ambient pressure in order to reduce drift and instability within the sensor. The sensor is designed for harsh and biological environments, e.g., intracorporeal implantation and in vivo use. Additionally, novel manufacturing methods are employed to construct the sensors.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2006Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventors: David O'Brien, Christophe Courcimault, Liang You, Yeun-Ho Joung, Mark Allen
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Patent number: 7710103Abstract: The present invention determines the resonant frequency of a wireless sensor by adjusting the phase and frequency of an energizing signal until the frequency of the energizing signal matches the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system energizes the sensor with a low duty cycle, gated burst of RF energy having a predetermined frequency. The system receives the ring down response of the sensor and determines the resonant frequency of the sensor, which is used to calculate a physical parameter. The system uses a pair of phase locked loops to adjust the phase and the frequency of the energizing signal. The system identifies false locks by detecting an unwanted beat frequency in the coupled signal, as well as determining whether the coupled signal exhibits pulsatile characteristics that correspond to a periodic physiological characteristic, such as blood pressure.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2009Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventors: Richard Powers, Michael G. Ellis, Jason Kroh, Donald J. Miller
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Patent number: 7699059Abstract: The progress of a endovascular aneurysm repair can be monitored by inserting a pressure transducer sensor using a catheter into the sac during endovascular aneurysm repair and then using a small, hand-held read out device to measure pressure easily, safely, inexpensively and accurately. In one aspect a sensor is introduced into the body by the steps of folding or rolling the sensor into a cylinder, loading it into a catheter, and deploying into the aneurysm sac by allowing it to unroll or unfold, either by itself or facilitated by the incorporation of a super-elastic alloy component.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventors: Michael Fonseca, Mark Allen, David Stern, Jason White, Jason Kroh
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Patent number: 7679355Abstract: The present invention determines the resonant frequency of a sensor by adjusting the phase and frequency of an energizing signal until the frequency of the energizing signal matches the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system energizes the sensor with a low duty cycle, gated burst of RF energy having a predetermined frequency or set of frequencies and a predetermined amplitude. The energizing signal is coupled to the sensor via magnetic coupling and induces a current in the sensor which oscillates at the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system receives the ring down response of the sensor via magnetic coupling and determines the resonant frequency of the sensor, which is used to calculate the measured physical parameter. The system uses a pair of phase locked loops to adjust the phase and the frequency of the energizing signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2009Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventors: Mark G. Allen, Michael Ellis, Jason Kroh, Donald J. Miller
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Patent number: 7667547Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a loosely-coupled oscillator including a circuit and an electronic device that are not physically connected. The electronic device may include an amplifier for amplifying a signal to produce an output signal and include a wire connected to an input of the amplifier. The wire can be electromagnetically coupled to the circuit that is physically disconnected from the electronic device. The output signal can be produced at an output of the amplifier without transmitting an excitation signal from the electronic device to the circuit and when the wire is electromagnetically coupled to the circuit.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2007Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventor: Michael G. Ellis