Patents by Inventor Katrina S. Firlik
Katrina S. Firlik 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).
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Publication number: 20120316630Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Evan Gliner, Alan J. Levy, Carlton B. Morgan, Katrina S. Firlik
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Publication number: 20120022611Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: ADVANCED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Evan Gliner, Alan J. Levy, Carlton B. Morgan, Katrina S. Firlik
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Patent number: 8065012Abstract: Disclosed are several apparatuses and methods for applying intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or enhance the neural function of the patient. In accordance with the invention, intracranial electrical stimulation can be administered to treat brain damage, brain disease, and/or brain disorders. Additionally the intracranial electrical stimulation can be applied to a normal healthy brain to enhance neural-function or control sensory functions. The electrical stimulation site(s) of the brain are located where neuroplasticity is occurring, expected to occur, or in a region where neuroplasticity is not occurring. The intracranial stimulation is expected to produce a lasting effect on the intended neural activity by applying subthreshold stimulation to the increasing the resting membrane potential of the neurons at the stimulation site.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2007Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Evan Gliner, Alan J. Levy, Carlton B. Morgan, Katrina S. Firlik
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Patent number: 8050768Abstract: The present disclosure is directed generally to methods and apparatus for effectuating a change in a neural function of a patient. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes implanting an electrode at a cortical stimulation site selected to promote recovery of the affected neural-function, with the cortical stimulation site being at least proximate to the cortex. The method can further include estimating a threshold for the specific patient at which an electrical signal delivered via the implanted electrode directly triggers a neural reaction associated with the stimulation site in response to the delivered electrical signal, and electrically stimulating the cortical stimulation site by passing an electrical current through the electrode.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Bradford Evan Gliner, Alan J. Levy, Katrina S. Firlik
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Patent number: 8019425Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating an impaired neural function in a brain of a patient. In one embodiment, a method for treating a neural function in a brain of a patient includes determining a therapy period during which a plurality of therapy sessions are to be performed to recover functional ability corresponding to the neural function. The method continues by identifying a stimulation site in or on the brain of the patient associated with the neural function, and positioning an electrode at least proximate to the identified stimulation site. The patient is then treated by providing electrical stimulation treatments to the stimulation site. The treatment can comprise delivering electrical stimulation signals to the electrode during the therapy sessions. After expiration of the therapy period, the method includes preventing electrical stimulation signals from being delivered to the stimulation site.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Alan J. Levy, Bradford Evan Gliner, Katrina S. Firlik
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Patent number: 7756584Abstract: The following disclosure is drawn to methods of electrically stimulating areas of the brain in which neuroplasticity are occurring. The stimulation site may be different than the region in the brain where neural activity is typically present to perform the particular neural function according to the functional organization of the brain. The disclosure provides methods of identify the location in which neuroplasticity is occurring, not occurring or expected to occur.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.Inventors: W. Douglas Sheffield, Andrew D. Firlik, Katrina S. Firlik
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Publication number: 20100131030Abstract: The present disclosure is directed generally to methods and apparatus for effectuating a change in a neural function of a patient. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes implanting an electrode at a cortical stimulation site selected to promote recovery of the affected neural-function, with the cortical stimulation site being at least proximate to the cortex. The method can further include estimating a threshold for the specific patient at which an electrical signal delivered via the implanted electrode directly triggers a neural reaction associated with the stimulation site in response to the delivered electrical signal, and electrically stimulating the cortical stimulation site by Passing an electrical current through the electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2010Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: ADVANCED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Bradford Evan Gliner, Alan J. Levy, Katrina S. Firlik
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Publication number: 20100016753Abstract: Systems and methods for portable neurofeedback are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a neurofeedback system includes sensors for capturing, recording and transmitting brain electrical activity; and a portable device for receiving, processing and displaying in real-time the brain electrical activity, wherein the brain electrical activity is provided visually on the portable device as visual feedback. In an embodiment, the portable device further includes speakers for implementing auditory feeedback based on the recorded brain electrical activity. In an embodiment, the portable device further includes at least one vibration feedback motor for implementing vibratory feedback based on the recorded brain electrical activity.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2009Publication date: January 21, 2010Inventor: Katrina S. Firlik
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Publication number: 20090319000Abstract: The present disclosure is directed generally to methods and apparatus for effectuating a change in a neural function of a patient. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes implanting an electrode at a cortical stimulation site selected to promote recovery of the affected neural-function, with the cortical stimulation site being at least proximate to the cortex. The method can further include estimating a threshold for the specific patient at which an electrical signal delivered via the implanted electrode directly triggers a neural reaction associated with the stimulation site in response to the delivered electrical signal, and electrically stimulating the cortical stimulation site by Passing an electrical current through the electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2008Publication date: December 24, 2009Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Bradford Evan Gliner, Alan J. Levy, Katrina S. Firlik
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Patent number: 7577481Abstract: The following disclosure describes a method for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2006Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Evan Gliner, Alan J. Levy, Carlton B. Morgan, Katrina S. Firlik
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Publication number: 20090171416Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating an impaired neural function in a brain of a patient. In one embodiment, a method for treating a neural function in a brain of a patient includes determining a therapy period during which a plurality of therapy sessions are to be performed to recover functional ability corresponding to the neural function. The method continues by identifying a stimulation site in or on the brain of the patient associated with the neural function, and positioning an electrode at least proximate to the identified stimulation site. The patient is then treated by providing electrical stimulation treatments to the stimulation site. The treatment can comprise delivering electrical stimulation signals to the electrode during the therapy sessions. After expiration of the therapy period, the method includes preventing electrical stimulation signals from being delivered to the stimulation site.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2008Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Alan J. Levy, Bradford Evan Gliner, Katrina S. Firlik
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Publication number: 20080215112Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2007Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Evan Gliner, Alan J. Levy, Carlton B. Morgan, Katrina S. Firlik
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Publication number: 20080161881Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.Inventors: Andrew W. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Evan Gliner, Alan J. Levy, Carlton B. Morgan, Katrina S. Firlik
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Publication number: 20080161882Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating an impaired neural function in a brain of a patient. In one embodiment, a method for treating a neural function in a brain of a patient includes determining a therapy period during which a plurality of therapy sessions are to be performed to recover functional ability corresponding to the neural function. The method continues by identifying a stimulation site in or on the brain of the patient associated with the neural function, and positioning an electrode at least proximate to the identified stimulation site. The patient is then treated by providing electrical stimulation treatments to the stimulation site. The treatment can comprise delivering electrical stimulation signals to the electrode during the therapy sessions. After expiration of the therapy period, the method includes preventing electrical stimulation signals from being delivered to the stimulation site.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Evan Gliner, Alan J. Levy, Katrina S. Firlik
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Publication number: 20080161880Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Evan Gliner, Alan J. Levy, Carlton B. Morgan, Katrina S. Firlik
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Publication number: 20080161879Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Evan Gliner, Alan J. Levy, Carlton B. Morgan, Katrina S. Firlik