Patents by Inventor Robert Skime
Robert Skime 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: 20080065173Abstract: The invention is directed to a recharging system and associated techniques to recharge an implantable medical device (IMD). In particular, a recharging system according to the invention comprises a headset having an energy delivery module that delivers energy to a power source of an IMD implanted on or within the cranium of a patient. The energy delivery module may comprise a coil for inductive transfer of energy to the power source. The headset may be configured for placement over the head of the patient, and may further only partially cover the top of the head. The energy delivery module may be adjustably coupled to the headset. In some embodiments, the position of the energy delivery module may be adjusted along three or four axes, including a rotational axis, allowing the coil to be placed over an IMD located at any of a variety of locations on or within the cranium.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2007Publication date: March 13, 2008Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Carl Wahlstrand, William Phillips, Robert Skime
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Publication number: 20080021511Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) including a nonhermetic battery is described. The IMD includes components and a power source module that includes the nonhermetic battery. The IMD also includes a barrier to substantially impede movement of substances from the nonhermetic battery to the components. The barrier may include a hermetic feedthrough, a gel, a polymer, or a solid electrolyte within the nonhermetic battery, and a seal member. The barrier may also be a material that encapsulates the nonhermetic battery and a getter within the IMD. In some embodiments, the IMD comprises a modular IMD including an interconnect member. In that case, the barrier may include a material that fills at least a portion of a void defined by the interconnect member. A length and a cross-sectional area of the interconnect member may also act as a barrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2007Publication date: January 24, 2008Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Erik Scott, Carl Wahlstrand, Robert Skime, Craig Schmidt
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Publication number: 20070255354Abstract: Implantable medical device adapted to provide a therapeutic output to a patient. A therapy module, operatively coupled to a battery, is adapted to provide the therapeutic output. A control circuit provides an action indicative of recharging the battery when the voltage of the battery reaches a recharge voltage wherein the recharge voltage is varied as the battery ages. Also a method of providing a therapeutic output to a patient using an implantable medical device having a battery having a voltage. An action indicative of recharging the battery is provided when the voltage of the battery reaches a recharge voltage. The recharge voltage is varied as the battery ages.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2006Publication date: November 1, 2007Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Carl Wahlstrand, Robert Skime, Erik Scott, Craig Schmidt
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Publication number: 20070208391Abstract: The disclosure describes a process for non-invasively screening a patient to select a stimulation site for treatment of head, neck or facial pain and tension symptoms caused by disorders such as occipital neuralgia. The screening process involves application of a transcutaneous stimulation screening device, a percutaneous micro-electrode screening device, and a temporary implantable screening device to the patient to select a site for chronic implantation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2007Publication date: September 6, 2007Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Carl Wahlstrand, Robert Skime
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Publication number: 20070185539Abstract: A modular implantable medical device permits implantable medical devices to have a smaller profile in order to better fit into locations within the human body. A modular implantable medical device separates various functional components of the implantable medical device into a set of interconnected modules. This distributed architecture of a modular implantable medical device may permit the device footprint to be distributed over a larger area while making the profile smaller, and may permit the overall shape of the implantable medical device to better match the body location into which it is to be implanted. An overmold integrates the modules of a modular implantable medical device into a single structure. In some embodiments the overmold is flexible and provides a biocompatible interface from the component modules and the patient, while restraining potentially harmful intermodule motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2007Publication date: August 9, 2007Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Ruchika Singhal, Darren Janzig, Carl Wahlstrand, Robert Skime, Paulette Olson
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Publication number: 20070162087Abstract: The disclosure describes a process for non-invasively screening a patient to select a stimulation site for treatment of head, neck or facial pain and tension symptoms caused by disorders such as occipital neuralgia. The screening process involves application of a transcutaneous stimulation screening device, a percutaneous micro-electrode screening device, and a temporary implantable screening device to the patient to select a site for chronic implantation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2007Publication date: July 12, 2007Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Carl Wahlstrand, Robert Skime
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Publication number: 20070156206Abstract: Techniques for selectably providing either constant voltage or constant current stimulation are described. A programming device provides a user interface by which a user selects either constant voltage or constant current stimulation, and selects either a voltage or current amplitude based on the selected stimulation mode. The programming device configures a medical device to provide the selected mode of stimulation at the selected amplitude. For example, when a medical device has constant voltage stimulation circuitry, e.g., circuitry including a voltage source, and the user selects constant current stimulation, the programming device configures the medical device to adjust the voltage amplitude based on a measured impedance to provide substantially constant current amplitude.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2007Publication date: July 5, 2007Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Carl Wahlstrand, Robert Skime
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Publication number: 20070074732Abstract: An implantable medical device with lubricious material permits implantable medical devices to have a reduced friction between the device and at least a portion of the surrounding tissue. The implantable medical device may have a housing or it may have a housing and a member for providing a smooth interface between the device and the tissue. The lubricious material may be provided on or impregnated in the housing or the member. In some embodiments, the device is configured for implantation in the head of a human body. In other embodiments, the device is configured for implantation between the cranium and the scalp. In some embodiments, the device includes a single module while in other embodiments a plurality of modules are coupled together to provide a smaller profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2006Publication date: April 5, 2007Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Ruchika Singhal, Darren Janzig, Carl Wahlstrand, Robert Skime, Paulette Olson, Erik Scott, James Randall
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Publication number: 20060247739Abstract: Techniques for selectably providing either constant voltage or constant current stimulation are described. A programming device provides a user interface by which a user selects either constant voltage or constant current stimulation, and selects either a voltage or current amplitude based on the selected stimulation mode. The programming device configures a medical device to provide the selected mode of stimulation at the selected amplitude. For example, when a medical device has constant voltage stimulation circuitry, e.g., circuitry including a voltage source, and the user selects constant current stimulation, the programming device configures the medical device to adjust the voltage amplitude based on a measured impedance to provide substantially constant current amplitude.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2005Publication date: November 2, 2006Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Carl Wahlstrand, Robert Skime
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Publication number: 20060206162Abstract: The disclosure describes an implantable neurostimulator device for delivery of neurostimulation to treat head, neck, or facial pain or tension, including pain or tension caused by occipital neuralgia. The device may be a neurostimulation device having a miniaturized housing with a low profile that permits subcutaneous implantation at a stimulation site directly adjacent a neuralgic region at the back of the neck of a patient. For example, the device may be subcutaneously implanted at the back of the neck of a patient to relieve symptoms of occipital neuralgia.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2005Publication date: September 14, 2006Inventors: Carl Wahlstrand, Robert Skime
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Publication number: 20060206163Abstract: The disclosure describes a process for non-invasively screening a patient to select a stimulation site for treatment of head, neck or facial pain and tension symptoms caused by disorders such as occipital neuralgia. The screening process involves application of a transcutaneous stimulation screening device, a percutaneous micro-electrode screening device, and a temporary implantable screening device to the patient to select a site for chronic implantation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2005Publication date: September 14, 2006Inventors: Carl Wahlstrand, Robert Skime
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Publication number: 20060195156Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to apparatus and techniques that aid in the removal or explantation of an implantable medical device (IMD) under the scalp of a patient. The various embodiments of the invention address risks associated with the explantation, such as the risk of damage to leads, the risk of damage to the IMD, the risk that the incision may hinder the explantation, and the risk that the IMD may be difficult to remove. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to apparatus that help the surgeon identify the location of the implanted elements, and that protect the implanted elements from inadvertent damage. In other embodiments, the invention is directed to techniques that facilitate the removal of the IMD.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2006Publication date: August 31, 2006Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Ruchika Singhal, Carl Wahlstrand, Robert Skime, Ashwini Sharan
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Publication number: 20060184210Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to apparatus and techniques that aid in the removal or explantation of an implantable medical device (IMD) under the scalp of a patient. The various embodiments of the invention address risks associated with the explantation, such as the risk of damage to leads, the risk of damage to the IMD, the risk that the incision may hinder the explantation, and the risk that the IMD may be difficult to remove. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to apparatus that help the surgeon identify the location of the implanted elements, and that protect the implanted elements from inadvertent damage. In other embodiments, the invention is directed to techniques that facilitate the removal of the IMD.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2006Publication date: August 17, 2006Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Ruchika Singhal, Carl Wahlstrand, Robert Skime, Ashwini Sharan
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Publication number: 20060184220Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to apparatus and techniques that aid in the removal or explantation of an implantable medical device (IMD) under the scalp of a patient. The various embodiments of the invention address risks associated with the explantation, such as the risk of damage to leads, the risk of damage to the IMD, the risk that the incision may hinder the explantation, and the risk that the IMD may be difficult to remove. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to apparatus that help the surgeon identify the location of the implanted elements, and that protect the implanted elements from inadvertent damage. In other embodiments, the invention is directed to techniques that facilitate the removal of the IMD.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2006Publication date: August 17, 2006Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Ruchika Singhal, Carl Wahlstrand, Robert Skime, Ashwini Sharan
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Publication number: 20060009806Abstract: Implantable medical devices (IMDS) having anti-infective properties are described. Anti-infective agents are disposed in, on, or about at least a portion of a surface of the medical device. The anti-infective agents are disposed in or on a vehicle, which may be in the form of a coating layer or covering. The vehicle may be biodegradable so that, over time, the anti-infective agent is removed from a tissue location into which the device is implanted, reducing the likelihood that microorganisms resistant to the anti-infective agent will develop. IMDs having an anti-infective agent and an anti-activity agent disposed therein, thereabout, or thereon are also described. The anti-activity agent interferes with the activity of the anti-infective agent, may be released from a surface at the IMD at a time when activity of the anti-infective agent is no longer desired, and may reduce the likelihood that microorganisms resistant to the anti-infective agent will develop.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2004Publication date: January 12, 2006Applicant: MEDTRONIC INCInventors: Kenneth Heruth, Christopher Hobot, William Hooper, Mark Lent, Ruchika Singhal, Robert Skime, Randall Sparer, Maura Donovan, William Bertrand
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Publication number: 20050267543Abstract: An anti-infective covering for an implantable medical device is described. The covering may be a polymeric boot that comprises an anti-infective agent in an amount effective to prevent an infection when implanted in a pocket of a patient. The boot is configured to snuggly engage at least a portion of the implantable medical device. The boot may contain a side hole that allows a housing of the implantable medical device to serve as a return electrode. The boot may be placed about the implantable medical device to render the device anti-infective.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2004Publication date: December 1, 2005Applicant: MEDTRONIC INCInventors: Kenneth Heruth, Christopher Hobot, William Hooper, Mark Lent, Ruchika Singhal, Robert Skime, Randall Sparer, Maura Donovan, Richard Ries, Kenneth Cobian
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Publication number: 20050245984Abstract: An implantable medical device with lubricious material permits implantable medical devices to have a reduced friction between the device and at least a portion of the surrounding tissue. The implantable medical device may have a housing or it may have a housing and a member for providing a smooth interface between the device and the tissue. The lubricious material may be provided on or impregnated in the housing or the member. In some embodiments, the device is configured for implantation in the head of a human body. In other embodiments, the device is configured for implantation between the cranium and the scalp. In some embodiments, the device includes a single module while in other embodiments a plurality of modules are coupled together to provide a smaller profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2004Publication date: November 3, 2005Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Ruchika Singhal, Darren Janzig, Carl Wahlstrand, Robert Skime, Paulette Olson, Erik Scott, James Randall
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Publication number: 20050245806Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to strategies pertaining to implantation of an implantable medical device between a scalp and a skull of the patient. The invention pertains to collection of data such as data pertaining to the skull of the patient, the scalp of the patient, the vascular structure or neurological structures in the head of the patient, and the like. The data may be in the form of images, such as images generated by X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, CT-scan and fluoroscopy. A surgeon can use the collected data to determine, for example, whether the patient is a candidate for a cranial implantation, whether the patient's skull and scalp can support the implantation, what configuration of device should be implanted, where the device should be implanted, and how the surgical incisions should be made.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2004Publication date: November 3, 2005Inventors: Ruchika Singhal, Carl Wahlstrand, Robert Skime, Steven Urquhart
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Publication number: 20050222656Abstract: A medical lead is provided for use in a pulse stimulation system of the type which includes a pulse generator for producing electrical stimulation therapy. The lead comprises an elongate insulating body and at least one electrical conductor within the insulating body. The conductor has a proximal end configured to be electrically coupled to the pulse generator and has a DC resistance in the range of 375-2000 ohms. At least one distal electrode is coupled to the conductor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2004Publication date: October 6, 2005Inventors: Carl Wahlstrand, Robert Skime, Gregory Hrdlicka, James Olsen, Stephen Bolea
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Publication number: 20050070972Abstract: A neurostimulation system is configured for implantation into a patient's body and comprises a neurostimulator, a conductive stimulation lead having a first proximal end and a first distal end, at least one distal electrode electrically coupled proximate the first distal end, and a lead extension having a second proximal end electrically coupled to the neurostimulator and having a second distal end electrically coupled to the first proximal end. A shunt is electrically coupled to the first proximal end for diverting RF energy from the lead.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2004Publication date: March 31, 2005Inventors: Carl Wahlstrand, Gregory Hrdlicka, Robert Skime, Piotr Przybyszewski, Thomas Cross