Patents by Inventor Wendy A. Berthelsen

Wendy A. Berthelsen 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).

  • Medical electrical lead employing improved penetrating electrode
    Patent number: 5002067
    Abstract: A cardiac pacing lead or other stimulation lead carrying a drug compounded into a matrix, located within the distal portion of the lead. The drug is delivered to the tissue adjacent the distal end of the lead. In connection with the polymer matrix, the lead is provided with a penetrating electrode, which takes the form of a sharpened helix. The electrode is provided with a groove, running the length of the electrode and exposed to the matrix. In use, the drug elutes out of the matrix, through the groove in the electrode, and into the tissue to be stimulated. The drug may be an antiinflammatory agent, such as a glucocorticosteroid, to minimize the effects of implantation of the electrode into the tissue to be stimulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Wendy A. Berthelsen, Kenneth B. Stokes
  • Epicardial lead having low threshold, low polarization myocardial electrode
    Patent number: H356
    Abstract: An epicardial pacing lead for the delivery of stimulation energy to and the sensing of electrical signals from the myocardium of a human heart. The lead includes an electrode which penetrates the myocardium and serves to anchor the lead to the heart. The lead contains a drug for delivery through the electrode, to the myocardium. The electrode is provided with a bore for passage of the drug to the stimulation and fixation site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1987
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Stokes, Gene A. Bornzin, Wendy A. Berthelsen