Patents by Inventor Joaquin Andres Hoffer

Joaquin Andres Hoffer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9931504
    Abstract: A catheter may include electrodes for transvascular nerve stimulation. The electrodes may be positioned within lumens of the catheter and aligned with apertures in the outer wall of the catheter. The electrodes may produce focused electrical fields for stimulation of one or more nerves. In one embodiment, the catheter may include a set of proximal electrodes and a set of distal electrodes, and the proximal electrodes may stimulate a patient's left phrenic nerve and the distal electrodes may stimulate a patient's right phrenic nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Lungpacer Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Viral Thakkar, Joaquin Andres Hoffer, Bao Dung Tran, Douglas G. Evans, John Nash
  • Patent number: 9776005
    Abstract: Transvascular diaphragm pacing systems (TDPS) and methods are disclosed for providing respiratory therapy to a patient. The TDPS can provide rapid insertion and deployment of endovascular pacing electrodes in critically ill patients who require intubation and invasive PPMV in order to support the physiological requirements of the human ventilatory system. The systems and methods make best use of the contractile properties of the diaphragm muscle and prevent muscle disuse and muscle atrophy. This can be carried out by engaging the phrenic nerves using patterned functional electrical stimulation applied to endovascular electrodes that are temporarily and reversibly inserted in central veins of the patient, such as the left subclavian vein and the superior vena cava.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Lungpacer Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Ramasamy Meyyappan, Joaquin Andres Hoffer, Marcelo Baru, Bernard Coquinco, Rodrigo Andres Sandoval, Jessica Kit-Sum Tang
  • Publication number: 20170143975
    Abstract: This disclosure describes, among other embodiments, systems and related methods for selecting electrode combinations to be used during nerve pacing procedures. A first set of electrode combinations of a nerve pacing system, such as a phrenic nerve pacing system for diaphragm activation, may be mapped (or tested) to determine the location of the electrode combinations relative to a target nerve. Once the general location of the target nerve is known, a more localized second set of electrode combinations may be tested to determine the most suitable electrode combinations for nerve stimulation. At various stages of the mapping process, electrode combinations that are non-optimal may be discarded as candidates for use in a nerve pacing procedure. The systems and methods described herein may allow for the selection of electrode combinations that are most suitable for stimulation of the left and right phrenic nerves during diaphragm pacing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Joaquin Andres HOFFER, Gautam SADARANGANI, Marc-Andre NOLETTE, Viral THAKKAR, Bao Dung TRAN
  • Publication number: 20170120057
    Abstract: Electrode structures for transvascular nerve stimulation combine electrodes with an electrically-insulating backing layer. The backing layer increases the electrical impedance of electrical paths through blood in a lumen of a blood vessel and consequently increases the flow of electrical current through surrounding tissues. The electrode structures may be applied to stimulate nerves such as the phrenic, vagus, trigeminal, obturator or other nerves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventor: Joaquin Andres HOFFER
  • Publication number: 20170080223
    Abstract: A catheter may include electrodes for transvascular nerve stimulation. The electrodes may be positioned within lumens of the catheter and aligned with apertures in the outer wall of the catheter. The electrodes may produce focused electrical fields for stimulation of one or more nerves. In one embodiment, the catheter may include a set of proximal electrodes and a set of distal electrodes, and the proximal electrodes may stimulate a patient's left phrenic nerve and the distal electrodes may stimulate a patient's right phrenic nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Viral THAKKAR, Joaquin Andres HOFFER, Bao Dung TRAN, Douglas G. EVANS, John NASH
  • Patent number: 9597509
    Abstract: This disclosure describes, among other embodiments, systems and related methods for selecting electrode combinations to be used during nerve pacing procedures. A first set of electrode combinations of a nerve pacing system, such as a phrenic nerve pacing system for diaphragm activation, may be mapped (or tested) to determine the location of the electrode combinations relative to a target nerve. Once the general location of the target nerve is known, a more localized second set of electrode combinations may be tested to determine the most suitable electrode combinations for nerve stimulation. At various stages of the mapping process, electrode combinations that are non-optimal may be discarded as candidates for use in a nerve pacing procedure. The systems and methods described herein may allow for the selection of electrode combinations that are most suitable for stimulation of the left and right phrenic nerves during diaphragm pacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventors: Joaquin Andres Hoffer, Gautam Sadarangani, Marc-Andre Nolette, Viral Thakkar, Bao Dung Tran
  • Patent number: 9566436
    Abstract: Electrode structures for transvascular nerve stimulation combine electrodes with an electrically-insulating backing layer. The backing layer increases the electrical impedance of electrical paths through blood in a lumen of a blood vessel and consequently increases the flow of electrical current through surrounding tissues. The electrode structures may be applied to stimulate nerves such as the phrenic, vagus, trigeminal, obturator or other nerves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventor: Joaquin Andres Hoffer
  • Patent number: 9545511
    Abstract: A catheter may include electrodes for transvascular nerve stimulation. The electrodes may be positioned within lumens of the catheter and aligned with apertures in the outer wall of the catheter. The electrodes may produce focused electrical fields for stimulation of one or more nerves. In one embodiment, the catheter may include a set of proximal electrodes and a set of distal electrodes, and the proximal electrodes may stimulate a patient's left phrenic nerve and the distal electrodes may stimulate a patient's right phrenic nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventors: Viral Thakkar, Joaquin Andres Hoffer, Bao Dung Tran, Douglas G. Evans, John Nash
  • Publication number: 20170007825
    Abstract: A catheter may include electrodes for transvascular nerve stimulation. The electrodes may be positioned within lumens of the catheter and aligned with apertures in the outer wall of the catheter. The electrodes may produce focused electrical fields for stimulation of one or more nerves. In one embodiment, the catheter may include a set of proximal electrodes and a set of distal electrodes, and the proximal electrodes may stimulate a patient's left phrenic nerve and the distal electrodes may stimulate a patient's right phrenic nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Viral THAKKAR, Joaquin Andres HOFFER, Bao Dung TRAN, Douglas G. EVANS, John Nash
  • Publication number: 20160367815
    Abstract: Electrode structures for transvascular nerve stimulation combine electrodes with an electrically-insulating backing layer. The backing layer increases the electrical impedance of electrical paths through blood in a lumen of a blood vessel and consequently increases the flow of electrical current through surrounding tissues. The electrode structures may be applied to stimulate nerves such as the phrenic, vagus, trigeminal, obturator or other nerves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventor: Joaquin Andres HOFFER
  • Publication number: 20160367816
    Abstract: Electrode structures for transvascular nerve stimulation combine electrodes with an electrically-insulating backing layer. The backing layer increases the electrical impedance of electrical paths through blood in a lumen of a blood vessel and consequently increases the flow of electrical current through surrounding tissues. The electrode structures may be applied to stimulate nerves such as the phrenic, vagus, trigeminal, obturator or other nerves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventor: Joaquin Andres HOFFER
  • Patent number: 9474897
    Abstract: A catheter may include electrodes for transvascular nerve stimulation. The electrodes may be positioned within lumens of the catheter and aligned with apertures in the outer wall of the catheter. The electrodes may produce focused electrical fields for stimulation of one or more nerves. In one embodiment, the catheter may include a set of proximal electrodes and a set of distal electrodes, and the proximal electrodes may stimulate a patient's left phrenic nerve and the distal electrodes may stimulate a patient's right phrenic nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventors: Viral Thakkar, Joaquin Andres Hoffer, Bao Dung Tran, Douglas G. Evans, John Nash
  • Publication number: 20160220822
    Abstract: This disclosure describes, among other embodiments, systems and related methods for selecting electrode combinations to be used during nerve pacing procedures. A first set of electrode combinations of a nerve pacing system, such as a phrenic nerve pacing system for diaphragm activation, may be mapped (or tested) to determine the location of the electrode combinations relative to a target nerve. Once the general location of the target nerve is known, a more localized second set of electrode combinations may be tested to determine the most suitable electrode combinations for nerve stimulation. At various stages of the mapping process, electrode combinations that are non-optimal may be discarded as candidates for use in a nerve pacing procedure. The systems and methods described herein may allow for the selection of electrode combinations that are most suitable for stimulation of the left and right phrenic nerves during diaphragm pacing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Joaquin Andres HOFFER, Gautam SADARANGANI, Marc Andre NOLETTE, Viral THAKKAR, Bao Dung TRAN
  • Patent number: 9333363
    Abstract: This disclosure describes, among other embodiments, systems and related methods for selecting electrode combinations to be used during nerve pacing procedures. A first set of electrode combinations of a nerve pacing system, such as a phrenic nerve pacing system for diaphragm activation, may be mapped (or tested) to determine the location of the electrode combinations relative to a target nerve. Once the general location of the target nerve is known, a more localized second set of electrode combinations may be tested to determine the most suitable electrode combinations for nerve stimulation. At various stages of the mapping process, electrode combinations that are non-optimal may be discarded as candidates for use in a nerve pacing procedure. The systems and methods described herein may allow for the selection of electrode combinations that are most suitable for stimulation of the left and right phrenic nerves during diaphragm pacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventors: Joaquin Andres Hoffer, Gautam Sadarangani, Marc Andre Nolette, Viral Thakkar, Bao Dung Tran
  • Publication number: 20160101280
    Abstract: A catheter may include electrodes for transvascular nerve stimulation. The electrodes may be positioned within lumens of the catheter and aligned with apertures in the outer wall of the catheter. The electrodes may produce focused electrical fields for stimulation of one or more nerves. In one embodiment, the catheter may include a set of proximal electrodes and a set of distal electrodes, and the proximal electrodes may stimulate a patient's left phrenic nerve and the distal electrodes may stimulate a patient's right phrenic nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Viral THAKKAR, Joaquin Andres HOFFER, Bao Dung TRAN, Douglas G. EVANS, John Nash
  • Patent number: 9242088
    Abstract: A catheter may include electrodes for transvascular nerve stimulation. The electrodes may be positioned within lumens of the catheter and aligned with apertures in the outer wall of the catheter. The electrodes may produce focused electrical fields for stimulation of one or more nerves. In one embodiment, the catheter may include a set of proximal electrodes and a set of distal electrodes, and the proximal electrodes may stimulate a patient's left phrenic nerve and the distal electrodes may stimulate a patient's right phrenic nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventors: Viral Thakkar, Joaquin Andres Hoffer, Bao Dung Tran, Douglas G. Evans, John Nash, Steven Campbell Reynolds
  • Patent number: 9220898
    Abstract: Electrode structures for transvascular nerve stimulation combine electrodes with an electrically-insulating backing layer. The backing layer increases the electrical impedance of electrical paths through blood in a lumen of a blood vessel and consequently increases the flow of electrical current through surrounding tissues. The electrode structures may be applied to stimulate nerves such as the phrenic, vagus, trigeminal, obturator or other nerves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventor: Joaquin Andres Hoffer
  • Publication number: 20150367127
    Abstract: Transvascular diaphragm pacing systems (TOPS) and methods are disclosed for providing respiratory therapy to a patient. The TDPS can provide rapid insertion and deployment of endo vascular pacing electrodes in critically ill patients who require intubation and invasive PPMV in order to support the physiological requirements of she human ventilatory system. The systems and methods make best use of the contractile properties of the diaphragm muscle and prevent muscle disuse and muscle atrophy. This can be carried out by engaging the phrenic nerves using patterned functional electrical stimulation applied to endovascular electrodes that are temporarily and reversibly inserted in central veins of the patient, such as the left subclavian vein and the superior vena cava.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Ramasamy Meyyappan, Joaquin Andres Hoffer, Marcelo Baru, Bernard Coquinco, Rodrigo Andres Sandoval, Jessica Kit-Sum Tang
  • Publication number: 20150306397
    Abstract: Electrode structures for transvascular nerve stimulation combine electrodes with an electrically-insulating backing layer. The backing layer increases the electrical impedance of electrical paths through blood in a lumen of a blood vessel and consequently increases the flow of electrical current through surrounding tissues. The electrode structures may be applied to stimulate nerves such as the phrenic, vagus, trigeminal, obturator or other nerves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventor: Joaquin Andres HOFFER
  • Patent number: 9168377
    Abstract: Electrode structures for transvascular nerve stimulation combine electrodes with an electrically-insulating backing layer. The backing layer increases the electrical impedance of electrical paths through blood in a lumen of a blood vessel and consequently increases the flow of electrical current through surrounding tissues. The electrode structures may be applied to stimulate nerves such as the phrenic, vagus, trigeminal, obturator or other nerves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventor: Joaquin Andres Hoffer