Patents by Inventor John M. Swoyer

John M. Swoyer 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: 11013911
    Abstract: A therapy assembly configured for at least partial insertion in a living body. At least one fixation structure is attached to the therapy delivery element proximate the electrodes. The fixation structure is configured to collapse radially inward and wrap circumferentially around the therapy delivery element to a collapsed configuration when inserted into a lumen of an introducer. The fixation structures deploy to a deployed configuration when the introducer is retracted. The fixation structure includes major surfaces generally parallel with, and extending radially outward from, a central axis of the therapy delivery element, proximal edge surface oriented toward the proximal end, and a distal edge surface oriented toward the distal end. The proximal and distal edge surfaces provide generally symmetrical resistance to displacement of the therapy delivery element within the living body in either a proximal direction or a distal direction along the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: CIRTEC MEDICAL CORP.
    Inventors: John M. Swoyer, James Finley, Lawrence Kane
  • Patent number: 10518083
    Abstract: A therapy delivery element configured for at least partial insertion in a living body. A braided structure surrounds the conductor assembly. A distal end of the braided structure is attached to an electrode assembly and a free floating proximal end is located near a connector assembly. An outer tubing surrounds the braided structure. The outer tubing includes a proximal end attached to the connector assembly and a distal end attached to the braided structure near the electrode assembly. A proximal tension force applied to the connector assembly acts substantially on the outer tubing and the conductor assembly and a proximal tension force applied to the free floating proximal end acts substantially on the braided structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: NUVECTRA CORPORATION
    Inventors: James Finley, John M. Swoyer
  • Patent number: 10188857
    Abstract: In some examples, a lead identification system includes a first set of first lead indicators and a second set of second lead indicators. Each of the first lead indicators is configured to removably attach to at least one of a first therapy delivery element, a first epidural needle, or a first connector to uniquely identify at least one of the first therapy delivery element, the first epidural needle, or the first connector during implantation of the first therapy delivery element in the patient. Each of the second lead indicators is configured to removably attach to at least one of a second therapy delivery element, a second epidural needle, or a second connector to uniquely identify at least one of the second therapy delivery element, the second epidural needle, or the second connector during implantation of the second therapy delivery element in the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Nuvectra Corporation
    Inventors: Richard North, Scott F. Drees, John M. Swoyer, Lawrence Kane, Jesse Geroy, Shahn S. Sage, Elliot W. Bridgeman, James Finley
  • Patent number: 9889293
    Abstract: In various examples, an apparatus includes a stimulation lead including an elongate body including a distal end and a proximal end. At least one first electrode is disposed proximate the distal end of the elongate body and is configured to stimulate a first target nerve. At least one second electrode is disposed between the at least one first electrode and the proximal end of the elongate body and is configured to stimulate a second target nerve. At least one first fixation structure is disposed between the at least one second electrode and the proximal end of the elongate body. The at least one first fixation structure is configured to anchor the stimulation lead proximate the sacrum, wherein the at least one first fixation structure is located on the elongate body and spaced a first distance proximally along the elongate body from the at least one first electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: NUVECTRA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven Siegel, Michele Spinelli, Scott F. Drees, Giancarlo Barolat, John M. Swoyer
  • Patent number: 9849278
    Abstract: An implantable stimulation lead has electrode contacts that are configured to deliver an electrical stimulation therapy for a patient. A sheath extends along a longitudinal axis. The sheath defines a lumen into which the stimulation lead can be inserted. A distal end of the sheath includes a plurality of base segments that are separated from one another. A plurality of fixation structures are located on the base segments, respectively. In a first configuration, the fixation structures are each disposed proximate to the sheath. In a second configuration, the fixation structures each extend radially outward from the sheath. In a third configuration, the base segments deflect radially inward toward the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: NUVECTRA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michele Spinelli, John M. Swoyer
  • Publication number: 20170304608
    Abstract: A therapy assembly configured for at least partial insertion in a living body. At least one fixation structure is attached to the therapy delivery element proximate the electrodes. The fixation structure is configured to collapse radially inward and wrap circumferentially around the therapy delivery element to a collapsed configuration when inserted into a lumen of an introducer. The fixation structures deploy to a deployed configuration when the introducer is retracted. The fixation structure includes major surfaces generally parallel with, and extending radially outward from, a central axis of the therapy delivery element, proximal edge surface oriented toward the proximal end, and a distal edge surface oriented toward the distal end. The proximal and distal edge surfaces provide generally symmetrical resistance to displacement of the therapy delivery element within the living body in either a proximal direction or a distal direction along the central axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: John M. Swoyer, James Finley, Lawrence Kane
  • Patent number: 9775985
    Abstract: In some examples, a method of making a therapy delivery element configured for at least partial insertion in a living body includes braiding a plurality of fibers to form an elongated braided structure with a lumen. At least one reinforcing structure is weaved into the fibers of the braided structure. A portion of the reinforcing structure is extended from the braided structure to form at least one fixation structure. At least one of the braided structure or the reinforcing structure can be attached to at least one of an electrode assembly or a connector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: NUVECTRA CORPORATION
    Inventors: James Finley, John M. Swoyer
  • Patent number: 9717900
    Abstract: A therapy assembly configured for at least partial insertion in a living body. At least one fixation structure is attached to the therapy delivery element proximate the electrodes. The fixation structure is configured to collapse radially inward and wrap circumferentially around the therapy delivery element to a collapsed configuration when inserted into a lumen of an introducer. The fixation structures deploy to a deployed configuration when the introducer is retracted. The fixation structure includes major surfaces generally parallel with, and extending radially outward from, a central axis of the therapy delivery element, proximal edge surface oriented toward the proximal end, and a distal edge surface oriented toward the distal end. The proximal and distal edge surfaces provide generally symmetrical resistance to displacement of the therapy delivery element within the living body in either a proximal direction or a distal direction along the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: NUVECTRA CORPORATION
    Inventors: John M. Swoyer, James Finley, Lawrence Kane
  • Publication number: 20170189675
    Abstract: A therapy delivery element configured for at least partial insertion in a living body. A braided structure surrounds the conductor assembly. A distal end of the braided structure is attached to an electrode assembly and a free floating proximal end is located near a connector assembly. An outer tubing surrounds the braided structure. The outer tubing includes a proximal end attached to the connector assembly and a distal end attached to the braided structure near the electrode assembly. A proximal tension force applied to the connector assembly acts substantially on the outer tubing and the conductor assembly and a proximal tension force applied to the free floating proximal end acts substantially on the braided structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: James Finley, John M. Swoyer
  • Publication number: 20170080217
    Abstract: In various examples, an apparatus includes a stimulation lead including an elongate body including a distal end and a proximal end. At least one first electrode is disposed proximate the distal end of the elongate body and is configured to stimulate a first target nerve. At least one second electrode is disposed between the at least one first electrode and the proximal end of the elongate body and is configured to stimulate a second target nerve. At least one first fixation structure is disposed between the at least one second electrode and the proximal end of the elongate body. The at least one first fixation structure is configured to anchor the stimulation lead proximate the sacrum, wherein the at least one first fixation structure is located on the elongate body and spaced a first distance proximally along the elongate body from the at least one first electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Steven Siegel, Michele Spinelli, Scott F. Drees, Giancarlo Barolat, John M. Swoyer
  • Patent number: 9597492
    Abstract: A therapy delivery element configured for at least partial insertion in a living body. A braided structure surrounds the conductor assembly. A distal end of the braided structure is attached to an electrode assembly and a free floating proximal end is located near a connector assembly. An outer tubing surrounds the braided structure. The outer tubing includes a proximal end attached to the connector assembly and a distal end attached to the braided structure near the electrode assembly. A proximal tension force applied to the connector assembly acts substantially on the outer tubing and the conductor assembly and a proximal tension force applied to the free floating proximal end acts substantially on the braided structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Nuvectra Corporation
    Inventors: James Finley, John M. Swoyer
  • Publication number: 20170072188
    Abstract: An implantable stimulation lead has electrode contacts that are configured to deliver an electrical stimulation therapy for a patient. A sheath extends along a longitudinal axis. The sheath defines a lumen into which the stimulation lead can be inserted. A distal end of the sheath includes a plurality of base segments that are separated from one another. A plurality of fixation structures are located on the base segments, respectively. In a first configuration, the fixation structures are each disposed proximate to the sheath. In a second configuration, the fixation structures each extend radially outward from the sheath. In a third configuration, the base segments deflect radially inward toward the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Michele Spinelli, John M. Swoyer
  • Patent number: 9526887
    Abstract: In some examples, a method of making a therapy delivery element configured for at least partial insertion in a living body includes braiding a plurality of fibers to form an elongated braided structure with a lumen. At least one reinforcing structure is weaved into the fibers of the braided structure. A portion of the reinforcing structure is extended from the braided structure to form at least one fixation structure. At least one of the braided structure or the reinforcing structure can be attached to at least one of an electrode assembly or a connector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Nuvectra Corporation
    Inventors: James Finley, John M. Swoyer
  • Patent number: 9517333
    Abstract: In some examples, a lead identification system includes a first set of first lead indicators and a second set of second lead indicators. Each of the first lead indicators is configured to removably attach to at least one of a first therapy delivery element, a first epidural needle, or a first connector to uniquely identify at least one of the first therapy delivery element, the first epidural needle, or the first connector during implantation of the first therapy delivery element in the patient. Each of the second lead indicators is configured to removably attach to at least one of a second therapy delivery element, a second epidural needle, or a second connector to uniquely identify at least one of the second therapy delivery element, the second epidural needle, or the second connector during implantation of the second therapy delivery element in the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Nuvectra Corporation
    Inventors: Richard North, Scott Drees, John M. Swoyer, Lawrence Kane, Jesse Geroy, Shahn Sage, Elliot Bridgeman, James Finley
  • Patent number: 9511230
    Abstract: In various examples, an apparatus includes a stimulation lead including an elongate body including a distal end and a proximal end. At least one first electrode is disposed proximate the distal end of the elongate body and is configured to stimulate a first target nerve. At least one second electrode is disposed between the at least one first electrode and the proximal end of the elongate body and is configured to stimulate a second target nerve. At least one first fixation structure is disposed between the at least one second electrode and the proximal end of the elongate body. The at least one first fixation structure is configured to anchor the stimulation lead proximate the sacrum, wherein the at least one first fixation structure is located on the elongate body and spaced a first distance proximally along the elongate body from the at least one first electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Nuvectra Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Siegel, Michele Spinelli, Scott F. Drees, Giancarlo Barolat, John M. Swoyer
  • Patent number: 9504829
    Abstract: In various examples, a stimulation lead for at least partial implantation within a patient includes an elongate lead body and a sheath selectively attachable to the lead body. The sheath includes a fixation member. The fixation member includes a retracted configuration in which the fixation member is disposed proximate the sheath. In a deployed configuration, the fixation member extends radially outwardly from the sheath to anchor the stimulation lead within the patient. In a removal configuration, the fixation member is radially inwardly collapsible toward the longitudinal sheath axis with the lead body removed from within the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Nuvectra Corporation
    Inventors: Michele Spinelli, John M. Swoyer
  • Publication number: 20160296748
    Abstract: In some examples, a method of making a therapy delivery element configured for at least partial insertion in a living body includes braiding a plurality of fibers to form an elongated braided structure with a lumen. At least one reinforcing structure is weaved into the fibers of the braided structure. A portion of the reinforcing structure is extended from the braided structure to form at least one fixation structure. At least one of the braided structure or the reinforcing structure can be attached to at least one of an electrode assembly or a connector assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Inventors: James Finley, John M. Swoyer
  • Publication number: 20160287864
    Abstract: In some examples, a lead identification system includes a first set of first lead indicators and a second set of second lead indicators. Each of the first lead indicators is configured to removably attach to at least one of a first therapy delivery element, a first epidural needle, or a first connector to uniquely identify at least one of the first therapy delivery element, the first epidural needle, or the first connector during implantation of the first therapy delivery element in the patient. Each of the second lead indicators is configured to removably attach to at least one of a second therapy delivery element, a second epidural needle, or a second connector to uniquely identify at least one of the second therapy delivery element, the second epidural needle, or the second connector during implantation of the second therapy delivery element in the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Richard North, Scott F. Drees, John M. Swoyer, Lawrence Kane, Jesse Geroy, Shahn S. Sage, Elliot W. Bridgeman, James Finley
  • Publication number: 20150238752
    Abstract: A therapy assembly configured for at least partial insertion in a living body. At least one fixation structure is attached to the therapy delivery element proximate the electrodes. The fixation structure is configured to collapse radially inward and wrap circumferentially around the therapy delivery element to a collapsed configuration when inserted into a lumen of an introducer. The fixation structures deploy to a deployed configuration when the introducer is retracted. The fixation structure includes major surfaces generally parallel with, and extending radially outward from, a central axis of the therapy delivery element, proximal edge surface oriented toward the proximal end, and a distal edge surface oriented toward the distal end. The proximal and distal edge surfaces provide generally symmetrical resistance to displacement of the therapy delivery element within the living body in either a proximal direction or a distal direction along the central axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: John M. Swoyer, James Finley, Lawrence Kane
  • Publication number: 20150202430
    Abstract: In some examples, a method of making a therapy delivery element configured for at least partial insertion in a living body includes braiding a plurality of fibers to form an elongated braided structure with a lumen. At least one reinforcing structure is weaved into the fibers of the braided structure. A portion of the reinforcing structure is extended from the braided structure to form at least one fixation structure. At least one of the braided structure or the reinforcing structure can be attached to at least one of an electrode assembly or a connector assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicant: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: James Finley, John M. Swoyer