Patents by Inventor John Michael Barker

John Michael Barker 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: 8229573
    Abstract: A lead anchor includes a body defining at least one first portion of a lead lumen, the body having a first opening and a second opening. An obstructing member is disposed within the body. The obstructing member defines a second portion of the lead lumen. A spring is disposed in the body and configured and arranged to operate on the obstructing member so that the second portion of the lead lumen is coterminous with the at least one first portion of the lead lumen and forms a continuous lead path when the spring is compressed and the second portion of the lead lumen is offset from the at least one first portion of the lead lumen when the spring is not compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Roger Chen, John Michael Barker
  • Patent number: 8214054
    Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead includes a plurality of conductive contacts disposed at a distal end and a proximal end of a lead body. The plurality of conductive contacts includes a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of terminals. At least one of the conductive contacts is a first conductive contact that includes at least one adhesive aperture defined between an inner surface and an outer surface of the at least one conductive contact. A plurality of conductors each electrically couple at least one of the electrodes to at least one of the terminals. Each first conductive contact has a conductor associated with, and electrically coupled to that first conductive contact. The adhesive is disposed in proximity to the at least one adhesive aperture of at least one first conductive contact to adhesively couple that first conductive contact to the at least one associated conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: John Michael Barker
  • Publication number: 20120150202
    Abstract: Implantable electrical stimulation leads, lead anchors and suture sleeves, as well as methods of making and using the leads, lead anchors, suture sleeves and electrical stimulation systems are described. The lead anchors and suture sleeves present a number of strategies for anchoring a lead within tissue of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Roger Chen, John Michael Barker, Kenny Kinyen Chinn, Ariadne Genevieve Smith
  • Publication number: 20120029596
    Abstract: A lead for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue includes a distal lead element, at least two proximal lead elements, and a junction coupling the distal lead element to each of the at least two proximal lead elements. The distal lead element includes a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of conductive wires coupled to the plurality of electrodes and extending along a longitudinal axis of the distal lead element. Each of the at least two proximal lead elements includes a plurality of terminals and a plurality of conductive wires coupled to the plurality of terminals and extending along a longitudinal axis of the proximal lead element. The junction includes a circuit arrangement electrically coupling each of the conductive wires of the distal lead element to at least one of the conductive wires of at least one of the at least two proximal lead elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: John Michael Barker
  • Publication number: 20110313500
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a device for brain stimulation includes forming a lead body having a distal end section and coupling at least one pre-electrode to the distal end section of the lead body. The pre-electrode defines a divider with a plurality of partitioning arms, and has a plurality of fixing lumens. A portion of the pre-electrode aligned with the portioning arms is removed to divide the pre-electrode into a plurality of segmented electrodes. Each of the plurality of segmented electrodes defines at least one of the plurality of fixing lumens at least partially disposed through the segmented electrode. A material is introduced through the at least one fixing lumen to couple the plurality of segmented electrodes to the lead body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: John Michael Barker, Aditya Vasudeo Pandit, Anne Margaret Pianca
  • Patent number: 8043304
    Abstract: A burr hole plug comprises a plug base configured for being mounted around a cranial burr hole. The plug base includes an aperture through which an elongated medical device exiting the burr hole may pass. The burr hole plug further comprises a retainer configured for being mounted within the aperture of the plug base. The retainer includes a retainer support, a slot formed in the retainer support for receiving the medical device, and a clamping mechanism having a movable clamping element and a cam configured for being rotated relative to the retainer support to linearly translate the movable clamping element into the slot, thereby securing the medical device. The retainer further comprises another clamping mechanism having another movable clamping element and another cam configured for being rotated relative to the retainer support to linearly translate the other movable clamping element, thereby laterally securing the retainer within the plug base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: John Michael Barker
  • Publication number: 20110230893
    Abstract: A lead for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue includes a distal lead element and three proximal lead elements. The distal lead element includes at least twenty electrodes and defines a stylet lumen and a plurality of conductive wire lumens having triangular transverse cross-sectional shapes. Each of the three proximal lead elements includes a plurality of terminals and defines a plurality of conductive wire lumens. Each of the conductive wire lumens has a round transverse cross-sectional shape. A junction couples the distal lead element to the proximal lead elements. Conductive wires couple each of the electrodes of the distal lead element to at least one of the terminals of at least one of the proximal lead elements. The conductive wire lumens disposed on the distal lead element are configured and arranged to receive a plurality of the conductive wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: John Michael Barker
  • Publication number: 20110224680
    Abstract: A lead introducer includes a multi-piece insertion needle insertable into a splitable member. The multi-piece insertion needle includes an outer insertion needle that defines an open channel that extends along substantially entirely a length of the outer insertion needle and an inner insertion needle configured and arranged for insertion into the open channel of the outer insertion needle. The splitable member includes at least two pull-apart tabs and at least one weakened region extending along at least a portion of a length of the splitable member from between the at least two pull-apart tabs. The at least one weakened region is configured and arranged for separating when the at least two pull-apart tabs are pulled apart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: John Michael Barker
  • Publication number: 20110218549
    Abstract: A trial stimulation lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue during a trial stimulation includes a trial stimulation lead for insertion into a patient. The trial stimulation lead includes an elongated lead body having a length and a longitudinal axis. A plurality of electrodes are disposed at a distal end of the lead body. An electrical connector is disposed at a proximal end of the lead body. The electrical connector includes an outer case and a contact array disposed along the outer case. The contact array extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the lead body. A plurality of electrical conductors extend along the length of the lead body and couple each of the plurality of electrodes to at least one of the plurality of contacts. A lumen extends along at least a portion of the length of the lead body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: John Michael Barker
  • Publication number: 20110178573
    Abstract: A lead anchor includes a body defining a lead lumen having a first opening and a second opening through which a lead can pass. The body further defines a transverse lumen that intersects the lead lumen. An exterior member is disposed around at least a portion of the body. The exterior member is formed of a biocompatible material. A fastener anchors the lead to the body through the transverse lumen by deforming a portion of the lead. The transverse lumen is configured and arranged to receive the fastener. At least at least two suture tabs extend from the exterior member and are configured and arranged for receiving a suture to suture the lead anchor to patient tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Quynh Nguyen-Stella, Kenny Kinyen Chinn, John Michael Barker, Surekha B. Husmann, Roger Chen
  • Patent number: 7941227
    Abstract: An insertion kit includes a lead and a splitable member configured and arranged for receiving the lead when implanting the lead into a patient. The lead has a distal end and at least two proximal ends. The lead includes a plurality of electrodes disposed at the distal end, a plurality of terminals disposed at the proximal ends, and a plurality of conductive wires coupling the plurality of electrodes electrically to the plurality of terminals. The lead also includes a junction coupling the distal end of the lead to the proximal ends of the lead. The splitable member defines a lumen for receiving the distal end of the lead and is configured and arranged to divide into at least two parts for removal of the splitable member from the lead upon implantation of the lead into the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: John Michael Barker
  • Patent number: 7899553
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lead anchor comprising a body made of an elastomeric material and defining a first opening and a second opening through which a lead can pass, one or more fasteners disposed within the body, with the ends of the fasteners protruding from the body, wherein the ends are configured and arranged to be clamped down to secure a lead passing through the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: John Michael Barker
  • Patent number: 7899548
    Abstract: A lead includes an elongated lead body of non-conductive material and a plurality of conductive wires. Each wire has a first portion disposed within the lead body and a second portion extending out of the lead body. The second portion is coiled around the lead body to form a contact on the outer surface of the lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: John Michael Barker
  • Publication number: 20110034970
    Abstract: A lead includes an outer tube body, an inner tube body, conductors, and electrodes. A portion of the inner tube body may be disposed in the outer tube body lumen. The conductors are optionally partially disposed within the inner tube body lumen, wherein a distal end of each conductor extends beyond a distal end of the inner tube body. Each electrode is optionally coupled to a conductor. The outer tube body may be slideable over the inner tube body between a first position in which the conductors and electrodes are disposed in the outer tube body lumen and a second position in which the outer tube body is partially retracted to expose the conductors and electrodes. The lead is optionally configured and arranged such that at least a portion of the inner tube body remains disposed in the outer tube body lumen after completion of implantation of the lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: John Michael Barker
  • Publication number: 20110022141
    Abstract: A lead anchor includes a body defining at least one first portion of a lead lumen, the body having a first opening and a second opening. An obstructing member is disposed within the body. The obstructing member defines a second portion of the lead lumen. A spring is disposed in the body and configured and arranged to operate on the obstructing member so that the second portion of the lead lumen is coterminous with the at least one first portion of the lead lumen and forms a continuous lead path when the spring is compressed and the second portion of the lead lumen is offset from the at least one first portion of the lead lumen when the spring is not compressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Roger Chen, John Michael Barker
  • Publication number: 20110022142
    Abstract: A lead anchor includes a plurality of parallel tubular members and at least one suture element configured and arranged for receiving a suture to suture the lead anchor to patient tissue. Each tubular member defines a lead lumen having a first opening and a second opening through which a lead can pass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromdoulation Corporation
    Inventors: John Michael Barker, Kristen N. Jaax
  • Publication number: 20110009933
    Abstract: A kit includes a coupling member and an insertion needle. The coupling member defines at least one lumen extending through the coupling member that is configured and arranged to receive a portion of one or more lead bodies. The insertion needle includes a tubular member that defines a lumen that is optionally configured and arranged to receive a portion of two or more lead bodies that are coupled by a coupling member. A method of implanting a lead comprises coupling together a portion of two or more leads using a coupling member, disposing at least a portion of the two or more leads coupled by the coupling member into a tubular member of an insertion needle, inserting at least the distal end of the tubular member into a tissue of a patient, and advancing the two or more leads coupled by the coupling member distally through the tubular member and into the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: John Michael Barker
  • Publication number: 20100331934
    Abstract: An implantable lead includes a lead body having a plurality of electrodes disposed on a distal end of the lead body, a plurality of terminals disposed on a proximal end of the lead body, and a plurality of conductors disposed along the lead body such that each conductor electrically couples at least one of the electrodes to at least one of the terminals. At least one of the electrodes or terminals includes a multi-element contact assembly. The multi-element contact assembly includes at least one conductive inner element and at least one conductive outer element disposed over the inner element. At least one of the plurality of conductors is electrically coupled to one of the multi-element contact assemblies such that the conductor is positioned against the at least one inner element. The at least one outer element includes a region that is in contact with the at least one inner element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Lee McDonald, John Michael Barker
  • Publication number: 20100312319
    Abstract: A lead anchor comprises a housing, and a plunger. The housing comprises a rigid body and a flexible covering disposed over at least a portion of the rigid body. The housing defines a first opening and a second opening configured and arranged to receive a lead. The housing further defines a transverse lumen. The rigid body comprises one or more projecting locking ridges extending into the transverse lumen. A plunger comprising one or more locking detents disposed thereon is configured and arranged for insertion into the transverse lumen and engaging a lead and locking with the housing by engagement of at least one of the one or more locking ridges of the housing with at least one of the one or more locking detents of the plunger. At least one suture element is formed by the flexible covering for receiving a suture to suture the lead anchor to patient tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: John Michael Barker
  • Publication number: 20100274336
    Abstract: A lead anchor includes a body defining a lead lumen having a first opening and a second opening through which a lead can pass. The body further defines a transverse lumen that intersects the lead lumen. An exterior member is disposed around at least a portion of the body. The exterior member is formed of a biocompatible material. A fastener anchors the lead to the body through the transverse lumen by deforming a portion of the lead. The transverse lumen is configured and arranged to receive the fastener. At least one suture element is defined by the exterior member and is configured and arranged for receiving a suture to suture the lead anchor to patient tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Quynh Nguyen-Stella, Kenny Kinyen Chinn, John Michael Barker, Surekha B. Husmann, Roger Chen