Patents by Inventor Michael A. Barker

Michael A. 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).

  • Publication number: 20140243945
    Abstract: The burr hole plug comprises a plug base configured for being mounted around a burr hole, and having 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 plug base aperture. The retainer includes a retainer support, a slot formed in the retainer support for receiving the medical device, and a clamping mechanism having a clamping bar and a flange slidably engaged with the retainer support to laterally slide the clamping bar to secure the medical device. A method comprises introducing the medical device through the burr hole, mounting the plug base around the burr hole, mounting the retainer within the plug base aperture, receiving the medical device into the slot, and sliding the slidable flange relative to the retainer support to laterally slide to secure the medical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Courtney Lane, Jesse Geroy, James C. Makous, Todd Whitehurst, Matthew Flowers, John Michael Barker, Terry Ferrell, John Swoyer, Brett Schleicher, Jeff Gagnon, Andrew DiGiore, Ellis Garai, Kristen Jaax, Rafael Carbunaru
  • Patent number: 8818527
    Abstract: A lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue includes at least one elongated lead body, each of the at least one lead bodies having a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of electrodes are disposed at the distal end of the at least one lead body, each of the electrodes having an outer surface. A plurality of dimples are defined along the outer surface of at least one of the plurality of electrodes, the plurality of dimples configured and arranged to provide a larger surface area for the at least one dimpled electrode than that of a similarly-sized electrode with a flat outer surface. A plurality of terminal are disposed at the proximal end of the at least one lead body. A plurality of conductive wires couple each of the plurality of electrodes to at least one of the plurality of terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Vipin Ayanoor-Vitikkate, Anne Margaret Pianca, Michael S. Colvin, John Michael Barker
  • Patent number: 8768488
    Abstract: An implantable lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation to a patient includes a lead body; a terminal disposed along a proximal end of the lead body; and an orthopedic implant coupled to a distal end of the lead body. The orthopedic implant is configured and arranged for anchoring to a bony structure. At least one mounting region is disposed along the orthopedic implant. The at least one mounting region is configured and arranged for anchoring the orthopedic implant to the at least one bony structure. An electrode is disposed along a stimulation region of the orthopedic implant. A conductor electrically couples the terminal to the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: John Michael Barker
  • Patent number: 8764767
    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: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: John Michael Barker
  • Patent number: 8731686
    Abstract: A burr hole plug comprises a plug base configured for being mounted around a 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 further includes first and second slidable clamping mechanisms configured for securing the medical devices therebetween within the aperture of the plug base. A method comprises introducing the medical device through the burr hole, mounting a plug base around the burr hole, such that the medical device extends through the plug base aperture, mounting the retainer within the aperture of the plug base, and sliding the first and second clamping mechanisms secure the medical device therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Courtney Lane, Jesse Geroy, James C. Makous, Todd Whitehurst, Matthew Flowers, John Michael Barker, Terry Ferrell, John Swoyer, Brett Schleicher, Jeff Gagnon, Andrew DiGiore, Ellis Garai, Kristen Jaax, Rafael Carbunaru
  • Patent number: 8712528
    Abstract: A lead includes a plurality of electrodes disposed on the distal end of the lead, a plurality of contact terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead, a plurality of conductor wires extending along the lead to couple the electrodes electrically to the contact terminals, a central lumen defined by the lead and extending from the proximal end of the lead towards the distal end of the lead, and a tubular stiffener disposed in the proximal end of the central lumen. The tubular stiffener is configured and arranged to facilitate insertion of the proximal end of the lead into a connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: John Michael Barker
  • Publication number: 20140067035
    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: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: John Michael Barker
  • Patent number: 8666510
    Abstract: A lead connection system includes a connector housing. A plurality of lead retainers disposed in the connector housing are configured and arranged to removably attach to a proximal end of one of a received plurality of leads. The plurality of lead retainers include at least one of a slidable drawer and at least one pivotable hinged panel. A plurality of connector contacts are configured and arranged for making electrical contact with one or more of the terminals of one or more of the plurality of received leads. A single connector cable has a distal end that is electrically coupled to the plurality of connector contacts and a proximal end that is configured and arranged for insertion into a trial stimulator. A cable connector is electrically coupled, via the connector contacts, to at least one terminal of each of the received plurality of leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Kenny Kinyen Chinn, John Michael Barker
  • Publication number: 20140039586
    Abstract: A multi-lead introducer for facilitating implantation of stimulation leads includes a needle assembly for concurrently implanting multiple leads into a patient. The needle assembly includes a first needle with a first needle lumen configured to receive a first lead. A first sharpened tip is disposed along a first end of the first needle for piercing patient tissue. A second needle defines a second needle lumen configured to receive a second lead. A second sharpened tip is disposed along a first end of the second needle for piercing patient tissue. A hub is coupled to second ends of both the first needle and the second needle. The hub defines a hub lumen that is in communication with both the first needle lumen and the second needle lumen. The hub lumen is configured to concurrently receive both the first lead and the second lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Michael Barker, Jacob B. Leven, Michelle Deng
  • Publication number: 20140012358
    Abstract: A lead connection system includes a connector housing. A plurality of lead retainers disposed in the connector housing are configured and arranged to removably attach to a proximal end of one of a received plurality of leads. The plurality of lead retainers include at least one of a slidable drawer and at least one pivotable hinged panel, A plurality of connector contacts are configured and arranged for making electrical contact with one or more of the terminals of one or more of the plurality of received leads. A single connector cable has a distil end that is electrically coupled to the plurality of connector contacts and a proximal end that is configured and arranged for insertion into a trial stimulator. A cable connector is electrically coupled, via the connector contacts, to at least one terminal of each of the received plurality of leads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Kenny Kinyen Chinn, John Michael Barker
  • Patent number: 8615307
    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: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: John Michael Barker
  • Publication number: 20130317585
    Abstract: An implantable lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation to a patient includes a lead body; a terminal disposed along a proximal end of the lead body; and an orthopedic implant coupled to a distal end of the lead body. The orthopedic implant is configured and arranged for anchoring to a bony structure. At least one mounting region is disposed along the orthopedic implant. The at least one mounting region is configured and arranged for anchoring the orthopedic implant to the at least one bony structure. An electrode is disposed along a stimulation region of the orthopedic implant. A conductor electrically couples the terminal to the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventor: John Michael Barker
  • Publication number: 20130317587
    Abstract: A method of stimulating a dorsal root ganglion includes providing an electrical stimulation lead having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal length, a circumference, a plurality of electrodes disposed along the distal end of the lead, a plurality of terminals disposed along the proximal end of the lead, and a plurality of conductors. Each conductor electrically couples at least one of the electrodes to at least one of the terminals. The plurality of electrodes includes a plurality of segmented electrodes and each of the segmented electrodes extends around no more than 75% of the circumference of the lead. The method further includes implanting the electrical stimulation lead adjacent to the dorsal root ganglion and applying electrical stimulation to the dorsal root ganglion using at least one of the plurality of segmented electrodes of the electrical stimulation lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventor: John Michael Barker
  • Publication number: 20130296956
    Abstract: A lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue includes at least one elongated lead body, each of the at least one lead bodies having a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of electrodes are disposed at the distal end of the at least one lead body, each of the electrodes having an outer surface. A plurality of dimples are defined along the outer surface of at least one of the plurality of electrodes, the plurality of dimples configured and arranged to provide a larger surface area for the at least one dimpled electrode than that of a similarly-sized electrode with a flat outer surface. A plurality of terminal are disposed at the proximal end of the at least one lead body. A plurality of conductive wires couple each of the plurality of electrodes to at least one of the plurality of terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Vipin Ayanoor-Vitikkate, Anne Margaret Pianca, Michael S. Colvin, John Michael Barker
  • Publication number: 20130268040
    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: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: John Michael Barker
  • Patent number: 8548601
    Abstract: A lead connection system includes a connector housing. A plurality of lead retainers disposed in the connector housing are configured and arranged to removably attach to a proximal end of one of a received plurality of leads. The plurality of lead retainers include at least one of a slidable drawer and at least one pivotable hinged panel. A plurality of connector contacts are configured and arranged for making electrical contact with one or more of the terminals of one or more of the plurality of received leads. A single connector cable has a distal end that is electrically coupled to the plurality of connector contacts and a proximal end that is configured and arranged for insertion into a trial stimulator. A cable connector is electrically coupled, via the connector contacts, to at least one terminal of each of the received plurality of leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Kenny Kinyen Chinn, John Michael Barker
  • Patent number: 8504157
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes a lead or a lead extension, a connector, and a retention assembly disposed in the connector. The connector includes a connector housing defining a port at a distal end of the connector, and a plurality of connector contacts disposed in the connector housing. The port is configured and arranged for receiving a proximal end of the lead or the lead extension. The connector contacts are configured and arranged to couple to at least one terminal disposed on the proximal end of the lead or the lead extension. The retention assembly includes a retention mechanism that can be engaged and reversibly disengaged without the use of tools beyond conventional operating-room surgical instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: John Michael Barker
  • Patent number: 8504171
    Abstract: A lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue includes at least one elongated lead body, each of the at least one lead bodies having a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of electrodes are disposed at the distal end of the at least one lead body, each of the electrodes having an outer surface. A plurality of dimples are defined along the outer surface of at least one of the plurality of electrodes, the plurality of dimples configured and arranged to provide a larger surface area for the at least one dimpled electrode than that of a similarly-sized electrode with a flat outer surface. A plurality of terminal are disposed at the proximal end of the at least one lead body. A plurality of conductive wires couple each of the plurality of electrodes to at least one of the plurality of terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Vipin Ayanoor-Vitikkate, Anne Margaret Pianca, Michael Colvin, John Michael Barker
  • Patent number: 8478426
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: John Michael Barker
  • Patent number: 8469971
    Abstract: A lead assembly includes a lead and a stylet. The lead has a distal end, a proximal end, and an outer lead covering. The lead includes a plurality of electrodes disposed at the distal end, a plurality of terminals disposed at the proximal end, and at least one lumen defined in the lead that extends from the distal end to the proximal end. The lead also includes a plurality of conductive wires electrically coupling the plurality of electrodes to the plurality of terminals. The stylet is configured and arranged for inserting into one of the at least one lumens of the lead. The stylet includes an elongated body and a protective feature that is coupled to the elongated body. The protective feature is configured and arranged for absorbing or redirecting an amount of force applied to the stylet above a threshold amount of force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: John Michael Barker