Patents by Inventor Michael E. Metzler

Michael E. Metzler 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: 11759630
    Abstract: An insulative body of a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes a pre-formed channel having a section extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. An electrode portion of a conductive component has an electrode contact surface facing outward from a first side of the body and a coupling portion embedded in the body. A conductor, which is coupled to the coupling portion of the component, is disposed in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
  • Publication number: 20190060639
    Abstract: An insulative body of a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes a pre-formed channel having a section extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. An electrode portion of a conductive component has an electrode contact surface facing outward from a first side of the body and a coupling portion embedded in the body. A conductor, which is coupled to the coupling portion of the component, is disposed in the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
  • Patent number: 10155109
    Abstract: An extensible implantable electrical lead includes a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end. The lead body is formed of a polymeric material that is extensible between a first length and a second length. A plurality of electrical conductors are disposed within the lead body and extend between the proximal end and the distal end. The plurality of electrical conductors are each electrically insulated from each other and form a braided coil extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The plurality of electrical conductors are electrically insulated and separated from each other and have a braided coil diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: James A. Alexander, Michael E. Metzler, Jonathan P. Dorff
  • Patent number: 10112044
    Abstract: An insulative body of a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes a pre-formed channel having a section extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. An electrode portion of a conductive component has an electrode contact surface facing outward from a first side of the body and a coupling portion embedded in the body. A conductor, which is coupled to the coupling portion of the component, is disposed in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
  • Publication number: 20170165477
    Abstract: An insulative body of a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes a pre-formed channel having a section extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. An electrode portion of a conductive component has an electrode contact surface facing outward from a first side of the body and a coupling portion embedded in the body. A conductor, which is coupled to the coupling portion of the component, is disposed in the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
  • Patent number: 9561363
    Abstract: An insulative body of a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes a pre-formed channel having a section extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. An electrode portion of a conductive component has an electrode contact surface facing outward from a first side of the body and a coupling portion embedded in the body. A conductor, which is coupled to the coupling portion of the component, is disposed in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
  • Patent number: 9259572
    Abstract: An implantable medical device that includes a body that includes a proximal end portion configured to be at least partially received by an apparatus, and a distal end portion; a stimulating electrical element at the distal end portion of the body; a stimulating contact at the proximal end portion of the body, wherein the stimulating contact is positioned such that, when received by the apparatus, at least a portion of the apparatus is capable of electrically coupling to the stimulating contact; a stimulating conductor that electrically couples the stimulating electrical element to the stimulating contact; a conductive body, wherein the conductive body is not utilized for application of stimulation; a conductive body contact, wherein the conductive body is electrically connected to the conductive body contact. Systems that include devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: James A. Alexander, Michael E. Metzler, Jay K. Lahti, Robert L. Olson
  • Publication number: 20160038735
    Abstract: An insulative body of a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes a pre-formed channel having a section extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. An electrode portion of a conductive component has an electrode contact surface facing outward from a first side of the body and a coupling portion embedded in the body. A conductor, which is coupled to the coupling portion of the component, is disposed in the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
  • Patent number: 9220890
    Abstract: An extensible implantable electrical lead includes a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end. The lead body is formed of a polymeric material that is extensible between a first length and a second length. A plurality of electrical conductors are disposed within the lead body and extend between the proximal end and the distal end. The plurality of electrical conductors are each electrically insulated from each other and form co-axial coils between the proximal end and the distal end. The co-axial coils include an outer coil disposed about an inner coil. The inner coil has a first plurality of electrical conductors that are electrically insulated and separated from each other and have a first coil diameter. The outer coil includes a second plurality of electrical conductors that are electrically insulated and separated from each other and have a second coil diameter. The second coil diameter is greater than the first coil diameter, and the first plurality is a number less than the second plurality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Alexander, Michael E. Metzler, Jon P. Dorff
  • Patent number: 9192758
    Abstract: An extensible implantable electrical lead includes a lead body having a proximal region and a distal region. The lead body is formed of a polymeric material that is extensible between a first length and a second length. A first plurality of electrical conductors are disposed within the lead body and extend between the proximal region and the distal region. The first plurality of electrical conductors are each electrically insulated and spaced apart from each other and form a side-by-side co-planar first sigmoidal pattern between the proximal region and the distal region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Alexander, Michael E. Metzler, Jon P. Dorff
  • Patent number: 9168371
    Abstract: An insulative body of a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes a pre-formed channel having a section extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. An electrode portion of a conductive component has an electrode contact surface facing outward from a first side of the body and a coupling portion embedded in the body. A conductor, which is coupled to the coupling portion of the component, is disposed in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
  • Patent number: 8886276
    Abstract: A method for making a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes the steps of: forming an insulative carrier from an insulative material; coupling at least one conductive component to the carrier by inserting a pre-formed tab of the conductive component through the carrier, from a first side thereof to a second side thereof, so that the conductive component is secured to the carrier with the tab extending along a surface of the second side of the carrier and an inward facing surface of an electrode portion of the conductive component being disposed against a surface of the first side of the carrier; coupling an elongate flexible conductor to the tab of the component; and forming an insulative layer over the second side of the carrier, the tab and the conductor electrically coupled to the tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Michael E. Metzler, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower
  • Publication number: 20140288626
    Abstract: An implantable medical device that includes a body that includes a proximal end portion configured to be at least partially received by an apparatus, and a distal end portion; a stimulating electrical element at the distal end portion of the body; a stimulating contact at the proximal end portion of the body, wherein the stimulating contact is positioned such that, when received by the apparatus, at least a portion of the apparatus is capable of electrically coupling to the stimulating contact; a stimulating conductor that electrically couples the stimulating electrical element to the stimulating contact; a conductive body, wherein the conductive body is not utilized for application of stimulation; a conductive body contact, wherein the conductive body is electrically connected to the conductive body contact. Systems that include devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Alexander, Michael E. Metzler, Jay K. Lahti, Robert L. Olson
  • Patent number: 8744598
    Abstract: An implantable medical device that includes a body that includes a proximal end portion configured to be at least partially received by an apparatus, and a distal end portion; a stimulating electrical element at the distal end portion of the body; a stimulating contact at the proximal end portion of the body, wherein the stimulating contact is positioned such that, when received by the apparatus, at least a portion of the apparatus is capable of electrically coupling to the stimulating contact; a stimulating conductor that electrically couples the stimulating electrical element to the stimulating contact; a conductive body, wherein the conductive body is not utilized for application of stimulation; a conductive body contact, wherein the conductive body is electrically connected to the conductive body contact. Systems that include devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Alexander, Michael E. Metzler, Jay K. Lahti, Robert L. Olson
  • Publication number: 20140114386
    Abstract: An insulative body of a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes a pre-formed channel having a section extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. An electrode portion of a conductive component has an electrode contact surface facing outward from a first side of the body and a coupling portion embedded in the body. A conductor, which is coupled to the coupling portion of the component, is disposed in the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
  • Publication number: 20140107746
    Abstract: An implantable medical device that includes a body that includes a proximal end portion configured to be at least partially received by an apparatus, and a distal end portion; a stimulating electrical element at the distal end portion of the body; a stimulating contact at the proximal end portion of the body, wherein the stimulating contact is positioned such that, when received by the apparatus, at least a portion of the apparatus is capable of electrically coupling to the stimulating contact; a stimulating conductor that electrically couples the stimulating electrical element to the stimulating contact; a conductive body, wherein the conductive body is not utilized for application of stimulation; a conductive body contact, wherein the conductive body is electrically connected to the conductive body contact. Systems that include devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Alexander, Michael E. Metzler, Jay K. Lahti, Robert L. Olson
  • Patent number: 8694126
    Abstract: A medical electrical lead for spinal cord stimulation includes a first column of electrode surfaces and a second columns of electrode surfaces extending alongside and spaced apart from the first column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc
    Inventors: Michael E. Metzler, Jessica L. Tower, Mary L. Boatwright
  • Patent number: 8634893
    Abstract: An insulative body of a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes a pre-formed channel having a section extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. An electrode portion of a conductive component has an electrode contact surface facing outward from a first side of the body and a coupling portion embedded in the body. A conductor, which is coupled to the coupling portion of the component, is disposed in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Patrick Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
  • Patent number: 8620455
    Abstract: An implantable medical device that includes a body that includes a proximal end portion configured to be at least partially received by an apparatus, and a distal end portion; a stimulating electrical element at the distal end portion of the body; a stimulating contact at the proximal end portion of the body, wherein the stimulating contact is positioned such that, when received by the apparatus, at least a portion of the apparatus is capable of electrically coupling to the stimulating contact; a stimulating conductor that electrically couples the stimulating electrical element to the stimulating contact; a conductive body, wherein the conductive body is not utilized for application of stimulation; a conductive body contact, wherein the conductive body is electrically connected to the conductive body contact. Systems that include devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc
    Inventors: James A. Alexander, Michael E. Metzler, Jay K. Lahti, Robert L. Olson
  • Publication number: 20130296991
    Abstract: An implantable medical device that includes a body that includes a proximal end portion configured to be at least partially received by an apparatus, and a distal end portion; a stimulating electrical element at the distal end portion of the body; a stimulating contact at the proximal end portion of the body, wherein the stimulating contact is positioned such that, when received by the apparatus, at least a portion of the apparatus is capable of electrically coupling to the stimulating contact; a stimulating conductor that electrically couples the stimulating electrical element to the stimulating contact; a conductive body, wherein the conductive body is not utilized for application of stimulation; a conductive body contact, wherein the conductive body is electrically connected to the conductive body contact. Systems that include devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: James A. Alexander, Michael E. Metzler, Jay K. Lahti, Robert L. Olson