Placed In Body Patents (Class 607/116)
  • Patent number: 11660115
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and compositions are provided for implanting an implantable device into a biological tissue (e.g., muscle, brain). A subject implantable device includes: (i) a biocompatible substrate, (ii) a conduit (e.g., an electrode, a waveguide) that is disposed on the biocompatible substrate, and (iii) an engagement feature (e.g., a loop) for reversible engagement with an insertion needle. The biocompatible substrate can be flexible (e.g., can include polyimide). The implantable device is implanted using an insertion needle that includes an engagement feature corresponding to the engagement feature of the implantable device. To implant, an implantable device is reversibly engaged with an insertion needle, the device-loaded insertion needle is inserted into a biological tissue (e.g., to a desired depth), and the insertion needle is retracted, thereby disengaging the implantable device from the insertion needle and allowing the implantable device to remain implanted in the biological tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Timothy L. Hanson, Michel M. Maharbiz, Philip N. Sabes
  • Patent number: 11654289
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an implant comprising an electrode connection device and a housing, wherein a cover for closing the housing is formed on the electrode connection device. A method for producing an implant is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: BIOTRONIK SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Doerr, Ulrich Feese, Rolf Klenner, Torsten Oertmann
  • Patent number: 11642062
    Abstract: An electrode for producing electrical contact with skin is provided. The electrode includes a first electrical connection, a second electrical connection that is electrically insulated from the first electrical connection, and a skin contact. The skin contact has a first contact region that is electrically coupled to the first electrical connection, and a second contact region that is electrically insulated from the first contact region and is electrically coupled to the second electrical connection. The skin contact is configured to produce electrical contact between the skin and the skin contact when the electrode is in a state placed on the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Batzer
  • Patent number: 11628297
    Abstract: A biomedical device having improved handling features to be easily inserted into a cavity or recess is disclosed, as well as methods for using thereof, said device comprising a flat and soft substrate, comprising electrically conductive tracks, configured to interface a biological surface; and a rigid member located on a portion of said flat and soft substrate, said member being substantially composed of a mechanically adaptive material being fully or partially degradable upon a degrading/softening trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE (EPFL)
    Inventors: Nicolas Vachicouras, Jennifer Macron, Stephanie P. Lacour
  • Patent number: 11617649
    Abstract: Transcatheter delivery systems, delivery catheters and associated methods for percutaneous delivery of prosthetic mitral valves using a retrograde approach are disclosed herein. A heart valve delivery system configured in accordance herewith includes a delivery catheter having an elongated tubular component and an articulation assembly at a distal end thereof. The articulation assembly includes an arm portion coupled to the tubular component by an elbow or hinge portion. In a closed, delivery state, the elbow portion positions the arm portion generally parallel to the tubular component for delivery of the delivery catheter through the vasculature. In an open, deployed state, the elbow portion positions the arm portion in a non-axial direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tubular component for orienting and positioning a prosthetic valve device carried by the arm portion, e.g., within the native mitral valve region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC VASCULAR, INC.
    Inventors: Barry O'Connell, Patrick Griffin, Michael Bateman, William Haynes
  • Patent number: 11616397
    Abstract: A transcutaneous energy transfer system (TETS) that includes external and internal coils that have permeable cores is provided. According to one aspect, the TETS includes an external coil having disposed in proximity thereto, a first set of at least one permeable core that is wound by windings of the external coil. The TETS also includes an internal coil having disposed in proximity thereto, for each permeable core disposed in proximity to the external coil, a corresponding permeable core that is wound by windings of the internal coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric A. Schilling
  • Patent number: 11612327
    Abstract: A method and system for continuously measuring animal body temperature are disclosed. The system includes: an external device for transmitting wireless power into an animal's body from outside the animal's body; and an implant device inserted into the animal's body, that periodically measures the animal's body temperature by a temperature sensor by using battery power and stores continuous body temperature information in storage, and that, when wireless power is received from the external device, sends the continuous body temperature information stored in the storage to the external device by using the received wireless power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: SB SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Seungup Seo, Namhwan Sung, Hae Dong Lee, Seong Mun Kim, Ji Woong Song, Jagannath Malik
  • Patent number: 11607120
    Abstract: Provided are a capsule endoscopic receiving device, a capsule endoscope system including the same, and an operating method of the capsule endoscopic receiving device, the capsule endoscopic receiving device including an analog front end configured to receive a preamble from one receiving electrode pair from among a plurality of receiving electrodes, a valid signal detection circuit configured to compare a reference voltage with input data generated on a basis of a voltage level of the preamble, and a preamble processor configured to select a final electrode pair configured to receive the image data on a basis of a correlation value of the preamble and a comparison result of the input data and the reference voltage. According to the inventive concept, stability of receiving image data may be secured by selecting an optimal receiving electrode pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Kwang Il Oh, Hyung-Il Park, Tae Wook Kang, Sung Eun Kim, Mi Jeong Park, Jae-Jin Lee, In Gi Lim
  • Patent number: 11583674
    Abstract: Systems and methods for deploying a paddle neurostimulation lead within a patient. A delivery tool includes a delivery tube including a first linear segment, a second linear segment, and an arcuate segment coupled between the first and second linear segments, the second linear segment defining an elongated opening. The delivery tool further includes a stylet positioned within an interior of the delivery tube, and a handle coupled to the delivery tube and including a stylet actuation mechanism, the stylet actuation mechanism configured to selectively advance and retract the stylet between a deployed position and a retracted position, wherein the stylet extends across the elongated opening in the deployed position to engage an engagement member of the paddle neurostimulation lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 11559350
    Abstract: A medical device includes a body and at least one electrode disposed thereon. The electrode includes a metallic substrate, such as a platinum group metal, an alloy of platinum group metals, or gold. The surface of the substrate is modified in a manner that increases its effective surface area without inducing bulk heating. For example, the surface of the substrate can be laser textured and/or coated, such as with titanium nitride or iridium oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Sutermeister, Edward E. Parsonage, Gregory K. Olson
  • Patent number: 11559658
    Abstract: A lumen extension member is provided for a catheter having a catheter body and an elongate electrode coupled to the catheter body. The elongate electrode defines an electrode lumen extending therethrough. The lumen extension member is positioned within the electrode lumen and is coupled to the catheter body. The lumen extension member includes a tubular member including a sidewall and at least one opening that extends through the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan de la Rama, Cary Hata, William Du, Yongxing Zhang
  • Patent number: 11547850
    Abstract: A lead fixation device for securing a first portion of a lead relative to a hole formed through a skull includes a skull attachment member having an upper surface and a lower surface and a bore extending through and between the upper surface and the lower surface. The lead fixation device also includes a lead compression mechanism integral with the skull attachment member and aligned with the bore of the skull attachment member. The lead compression mechanism defines a passageway through the lead fixation device, which passageway is characterized by a diameter that is defined by the lead compression mechanism. The lead compression mechanism is configured to transition the diameter from a first size to a second size greater than the first size upon insertion of an implant tool through the passageway, and from the second size to the first size upon removal of the implant tool from the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: NeuroPace, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfonso Chavez, David A. Greene
  • Patent number: 11547471
    Abstract: A medical device that has a first array of loop electrodes and a second array of loop electrodes. The first array of loop electrodes and the second array of loop electrodes are configured to expand within a uterus and deliver a therapy current to tissue defining the uterus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Gyrus ACMI, Inc.
    Inventor: Nikhil M. Murdeshwar
  • Patent number: 11534607
    Abstract: A shield layer is added to an existing lead or lead extension by applying the shield layer to the lead body between the proximal contact and distal electrode of the lead body. The shield layer may be covered with an outer insulative layer. An inner insulative layer may be applied over the lead body prior to adding the shield layer and the outer insulative layer. The shield layer may have a terminator applied to the end of the shield layer to prevent migration of the shield layer through the outer insulative layer. The shield layer may be of various forms including a tubular braided wire structure or a tubular foil. The tubular braided wire structure may be applied to the lead body by utilizing the lead body as a mandrel within a braiding machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan D. Stem, James M. Olsen
  • Patent number: 11534227
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of confirming successful ablation of targeted cardiac tissue of a subject using a high-resolution mapping electrode comprises pacing said cardiac tissue at a predetermined pacing level to increase the heart rate of the subject from a baseline level to an elevated level, the predetermined pacing level being greater than a pre-ablation pacing threshold level but lower than a post-ablation pacing threshold level, delivering ablative energy to the ablation electrode, detecting the heart rate of the subject, wherein the heart rate detected by the high-resolution mapping electrode is at the elevated level before the post-ablation pacing threshold level is achieved, and wherein the heart rate detected by the high-resolution mapping electrode drops below the elevated level once ablation achieves its therapeutic goal or target, and terminating the delivery of ablative energy to the ablation electrode after the heart rate drops below the elevated level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: EPiX Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventor: Dorin Panescu
  • Patent number: 11524155
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for stimulating the dorsal root ganglion of a patient comprises an elongate flexible implantable stimulation lead adapted to apply the stimulation pulses to the dorsal root ganglion of the patient, wherein the distal end comprises at least one electrode. A first segment and a second segment of the anchor are configured to transition between a collapsed configuration and deployed configuration. A central channel in the first segment and the second segment allows the anchor to be advanced along the stimulation lead from a proximal end toward the distal end while in the collapsed configuration. The central channel of each segment grips onto the stimulation lead in the deployed configuration so that the segment does not move from a deployed position on the stimulation lead. The first segment and the second segment may be deployed on opposite sides of foraminal ligament to anchor the stimulation lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew K. Dion
  • Patent number: 11517716
    Abstract: A medical probe includes a generally tubular member with a tip portion coupled to the tubular member. A puller wire is disposed in the tubular member and configured for movement along the longitudinal axis to bend the tip portion with respect to the longitudinal axis. An anchor is disposed within the tubular member and connected to the puller wire such that the anchor has a t-bar. The t-bar includes a generally transverse extension and a ferrule connected to the puller wire. The t-bar has a polymeric member disposed on the generally transverse extension to increase a strength of the anchor with respect to forces applied to the puller wire to deflect the tip of the medical probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL) LTD.
    Inventors: Thanh Nguyen, Anand Rao, Joy Baybay, Keshava Datta
  • Patent number: 11511107
    Abstract: Skin treatment device by application of plasma to a skin, the device includes: a body having a handle; and an electrode unit generating an atmospheric pressure plasma by application of electric power, wherein first and second grounds are provided on two opposite sides of the handle, respectively, wherein the electrode unit is detachably attached to a mounting portion recessed from one surface of the body, wherein the electrode unit comprises: a first film, a second film, and a third film laminated together; and a first conductor disposed between the first and second films, and a second conductor disposed between the second and third films, such that a dielectric barrier discharge is generated between the first and the second conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventor: Min Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 11497448
    Abstract: A deep intracranial electrode which comprises a conducting wires, an electrode contact, a connector and a nonelastic sleeve is provided, one end of the conducting wires connected to the electrode contact, the other end connected to the connector; the nonelastic sleeve sheathes around the conducting wires, and one end of the nonelastic sleeve is capable of being connected to the connector, the other end connected to the fixing nut which is fixed to a skull. When the deep intracranial electrode is under a pulling force, the fixing nut may avoid the nonelastic sleeve from moving, thereby avoiding the deep intracranial electrode from being pulled out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: NEUROECHOS MEDICAL (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD
    Inventors: Xijun Guan, Xiaolong Mo
  • Patent number: 11497428
    Abstract: A deep intracranial electrode which comprises a flexible wire, an electrode contact, a connector and a shield sleeve, one end of the flexible wire is connected to the electrode contact, the other end connected to the connector; the shield sleeve sheathes around the flexible wire, a sum of a length of a part of the flexible wire arranged outside the shield sleeve and a length of the shield sleeve being adjustable. When the shield sleeve sheaths around the flexible wire, the length of the flexible wire inside the radio-frequency magnetic field of the magnetic resonance equipment may equal to a sum of the length of the shield sleeve and a length of the flexible wire outside the shield sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: NEUROECHOS MEDICAL (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD
    Inventors: Xijun Guan, Xiaolong Mo
  • Patent number: 11497913
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of electrode interfaces for stimulating neurons and nerve cells that provides micro-fabricated electrode interfaces configured for conformal placement adjacent to neuron, nerves and neural tissue to thereby allow the neuron, nerves and neural tissue to grow around the electrode interfaces and allow for the creation depending on configuration of local or far electrical fields and current flows to stimulate them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Bionic Eye Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Bourne Shire, Marcus Gingerich, William Drohan
  • Patent number: 11491311
    Abstract: A medical device control handle has a first actuation assembly and a second actuation assembly, wherein each assembly has a shaft that is axially aligned but not rotationally coupled with the other shaft. The first actuation assembly includes a first actuation member and a clutch mechanism having a friction disk for generating frictional torque in rendering the first actuation member self-holding. The first actuation member has a cam portion adapted to impart translational motion and rotational motion for disengaging the clutch mechanism upon pivotation of the first actuation member, thus allowing rotation of the first shaft to manipulate a feature of the medical device, for example, deflection. The second actuation assembly includes a second actuation member and a translating member that is responsive to rotation of the second shaft so as to manipulate another feature of the medical device. The second actuation member is also self holding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL) LTD.
    Inventor: Thomas V. Selkee
  • Patent number: 11478643
    Abstract: A power element for an implantable medical device is described. The implantable medical device includes sealingly contained circuitry and a sealingly contained power element. The sealingly contained power element supplies power to the circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: INSPIRE MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Verzal, Dave Dieken, John Rondoni
  • Patent number: 11478179
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are improved neural depth probes for detection and stimulation, along with various related improved components, devices, methods, and technologies. More specifically, the devices are layered depth electrodes with at least two layers, with each of the layers containing at least one thin-film trace disposed thereon. Each of the devices can also have a plurality of layers with at least two traces on each layer and contacts coupled to each trace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: NeuroOne Medical Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Bachinski, Mark A. Christianson, Steve Mertens
  • Patent number: 11471647
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a catheter assembly including a proximal catheter assembly portion and a distal catheter assembly portion. The method of manufacturing comprises forming the proximal catheter assembly portion, creating a distal catheter assembly portion, and applying a polymeric coating to at least one of the proximal catheter assembly portion and the distal catheter assembly portion. The proximal catheter assembly portion can include a catheter hub and at least one cannula, the catheter hub including at least one fluid passageway in communication with a lumen of the at least one cannula. The distal catheter assembly portion can include a catheter tube defining at least one lumen designed to receive the at least one cannula. The polymeric coating is configured to provide a seal between the at least one cannula and the catheter tube when the proximal catheter assembly portion and the distal catheter assembly portion are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventor: German Loesener
  • Patent number: 11471669
    Abstract: An implantable medical electrical lead includes an electrode assembly in which an electrical junction between a first conductor and an inner surface of a first electrode of the assembly is wedged within a first channel of at least one core member of the assembly, around which the first electrode extends. The at least one core member is formed from an insulating material, and the first channel may be one of a plurality of longitudinally extending channels arrayed around a circumference of a central lumen of the assembly, which is defined by the at least one core member. The first conductor extends along a length of the assembly, for example, defined between the first electrode and a second electrode thereof, in a helical path that travels around the central lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Inventors: Bret R. Shoberg, Gregory A. Boser, Michael T. Hegland, Robert L. Olson, Dale F. Seeley, Jacob W. Silverberg, Suraj Rama, Jayesh R. Patel
  • Patent number: 11464966
    Abstract: An implant that includes an electrode is advanced to a nerve of a subject using a tube. The tube and the implant are arranged at a nonzero angle with respect to a skin surface of the subject, and the implant is passed distally from an opening of the tube, in a vicinity of a portion of the nerve. A longitudinal axis of the implant is realigned to become generally parallel with the skin surface, by proximally withdrawing the tube from the subject. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: BLUEWIND MEDICAL LTD.
    Inventors: Yossi Gross, Gur Oron, Bar Eytan, Zev Sohn
  • Patent number: 11458300
    Abstract: One aspect is forming a medical lead for implantation. The method includes forming a plurality of non-ground electrodes, at least one non-ground electrode having a plurality of segments. Overmold portions are formed for the at least one of the plurality of non-ground electrodes, including keys and tabs. One of a plurality of conductors is attached to one segment of the at least one non-ground electrode using the keys and tabs. The non-ground electrodes and plurality of conductors are assembled into electrode assembly and the overmold portions are reflowed. The reflowed electrode assembly is then ground to form the medical lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Heraeus Medical Components LLC
    Inventors: Robert R. Cass, Paul Noffke
  • Patent number: 11452877
    Abstract: Shielded sheaths are placed over implantable medical leads and/or implantable medical lead extensions to provide shielding from electromagnetic energy and to prevent heating at the electrodes. The shielded sheaths include insulative bodies with shield layers such as conductive braided wire or conductive foil tubular structures. The shielded sheath may be implanted at the time of implanting the lead and/or lead extension. The shielded sheath may also be implanted at a later time after the lead and/or lead extension has previously been implanted. The shielded sheath may be anchored onto the lead or lead extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel C. Oster, Jonathan P. Bogott, Michael J. Schendel, Nathan A. Torgerson
  • Patent number: 11445946
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of determining dopamine concentration at a target location in neural tissue. In several embodiments, the method comprises measuring current level in response to square wave voltammetry with a coated electrode of a neural probe implanted at the target location, wherein the coated electrode comprises a coating of poly 3,4 ethylene dioxythiophene (PEDOT) doped with negatively charged carbon nanotubes (CNT), and comparing the measured current level to a control current level to determine the dopamine concentration at the target location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Xinyan Cui, Ian Mitchell Taylor
  • Patent number: 11446484
    Abstract: Device (1) for electrotherapy and/or electrophysiology comprising at least one lead (2) having an elongated lead body extending along a longitudinal direction (X-X) and comprising a proximal end (3) and a distal end (4); and at least one paddle (5) having a paddle body comprising two opposite major surfaces (6, 7) defining a paddle thickness (33) there between; wherein said paddle (5) comprising at least one paddle electrode (8) having an exposed surface (9) designed to come into electrical contact with a living anatomy (10) inside a patient's body (11); said paddle (5) is suitable to modify the transverse encumber (12) thereof, so that to assume at least one transport configuration and at least one operative configuration, wherein the transverse encumber (12) of the paddle (5) when in said at least one transport configuration is less than the transverse encumber (12) of the same paddle (5) when in said at least one operative configuration; wherein said lead (2) comprising a connection portion (13) near the d
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: WISE SRL
    Inventors: Alessandro Antonini, Matteo Saini, Laura Spreafico, Sandro Ferrari, Sergio Malorni, Thomas Edward Parker, Georgina Rose Koffler, Caleb Luke Solomon
  • Patent number: 11446071
    Abstract: A resilient washer has a one-piece washer body. The washer body has a central opening, an upper fastener interfacing section or bowl, a lower structure interfacing section or bowl and a resilient middle portion. The resilient middle portion connects the upper fastener interfacing section or bowl and the lower structure interfacing section or bowl. The resilient middle portion is configured to be locally collapsed when a fastener in the central opening is tightened into a structure. In one embodiment, the upper fastener interfacing section or bowl is annular, wherein the upper fastener interfacing section or bowl has a concavity for holding a head of the fastener. The concavity can be of a hemispherical shape. Preferably, the concavity has a smooth surface to allow polyaxial movement of a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Curiteva, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Linder, Ryan Heskett
  • Patent number: 11433241
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for monitoring and regulating physiological states and functions are disclosed. Several embodiments include application of one or more microelectrode arrays to a dorsal root ganglion for measurement of sensory neuron activity, or stimulation of sensory reflex circuits. The methods and apparatuses can be used, for example, for monitoring or controlling bladder function in a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Douglas Weber, Robert Gaunt, Timothy Bruns
  • Patent number: 11426111
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to flexible high-density mapping catheters with a high-density array of mapping electrodes. These mapping catheters may be used to detect electrophysiological characteristics of tissue in contact with the electrodes, and may be used to diagnose cardiac conditions, such as cardiac arrhythmias for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory K. Olson
  • Patent number: 11420058
    Abstract: A system comprises a bendable, pre-formed lead body operable to be implanted proximate a neural pathway of a patient. A first electrode comprising a plurality of first segments at a first longitudinal location of the lead body is configured to be positioned at a lateral epidural region proximate at least one nerve root of the patient, and a second electrode comprising a plurality of second segments at a second longitudinal location of the lead body is configured to be positioned along a midline of the patient's spinal column. The system further includes a signal generator electrically coupled to at least one of the first and second electrodes and a processor coupled to the signal generator and operable to apply a stimulation signal to at least one of the first and second electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Jay Cleland, Melanie D. Goodman Keiser, Louis Vera-Portocarrero, Phillip C. Falkner, Brooke Kelley, Jiashu Li
  • Patent number: 11406818
    Abstract: A method and device to impart the ability to selectively quantify chemical/biochemical analytes occupying physiological fluids via an automated process that allow the precise and spatially-defined simultaneous deposition of a thin-film of polymer containing an immobilized biorecognition element dispersed therein. A tissue penetrating electrochemical sensor comprises at least one working electrode and at least one of a reference electrode and a counter electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Biolinq Incorporated
    Inventor: Joshua Windmiller
  • Patent number: 11389649
    Abstract: Delivery devices, systems, and methods for delivering implantable leadless pacing devices are disclosed. An example delivery device may include an intermediate tubular member and an inner tubular member slidably disposed within a lumen of the intermediate tubular member. A distal holding section may extend distally of a distal end of the intermediate tubular member and define a cavity therein for receiving an implantable leadless pacing device. The device may further include a handle assembly including at least an intermediate hub portion affixed adjacent to the proximal end of the intermediate tubular member and a proximal hub portion affixed adjacent to the proximal end of the inner tubular member. A longitudinally extending groove having a proximal end and a distal end may be disposed in the intermediate hub portion. A first locking mechanism may be configured to releasably couple the intermediate hub portion and the proximal hub portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Soltis, Benjamin J. Haasl, Allan C. Shuros, Brian L. Schmidt, James P. Goodman
  • Patent number: 11375895
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a stretchable and flexible electronic device includes forming each of the functional layers is by: (i) forming on an elastomer substrate a conductive interconnect pattern having islands interconnected by bridges; (ii) applying a conductive paste to the islands; (iii) positioning at least one functional electronic component on each island; and (iv) applying heat to cause the conductive paste to reflow. An elastomer encapsulant is formed over the functional electronic components and the conductive interconnect pattern on each of the functional layers. The elastomer encapsulant has a Young's modulus equal to or less than that of the substrate. The encapsulant includes a pigment to increase absorption of laser light. At least one via is laser ablated, which provides electrical connection to any two functional layers. The via is filled with solder paste to create a bond and electrical connection between the functional layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Sheng Xu, Yang Li
  • Patent number: 11376431
    Abstract: An exemplary sound processor within a cochlear implant system directs a cochlear implant to concurrently apply first and second pulses by way of first and second electrodes disposed on an electrode lead configured to be inserted into a cochlea of a patient. The first and second pulses have substantially equal magnitudes and opposite phases such that the application of the first and second pulses forms a dipole that generates a field. The sound processor further directs the cochlear implant to detect, by way of a third electrode disposed on the electrode lead, an energy magnitude of the field that reflects from cochlear tissue located within the field. Based on a difference between the detected energy magnitude of the field and a baseline energy magnitude of the field, the sound processor determines a proximity of the electrode lead to the cochlear tissue. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics AG
    Inventors: Kanthaiah Koka, Leonid M. Litvak
  • Patent number: 11369301
    Abstract: A device and system for providing mapping and treatment capabilities without increasing stiffness of the device. An embodiment of a device may include a flexible elongate body and at least one mapping element on the distal portion of the elongate body. Each mapping element may be an area of thermally conductive material, such as metallic nanoparticles, that is embedded within, integrated with, or deposited on the elongate body. The flexibility of the areas of thermally conductive material is at least substantially the same as that of the elongate body so the device may include many electrodes without compromising flexibility and maneuverability of the device. Alternatively, the device may include a treatment element coupled to the elongate body, such as a balloon. The mapping elements may be embedded within, integrated with, or deposited on the balloon and may have at least substantially the same flexibility as that of the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Inventors: Dan Wittenberger, Claudia Lueckge
  • Patent number: 11357993
    Abstract: A medical lead includes a lead body, an electrical connector, an electrical conductor, and a sleeve. The lead body includes a distal end and a proximal end defining a longitudinal axis of the lead body. The electrical connector is positioned near the proximal end of the lead body. The electrical conductor extends about the longitudinal axis of the lead body. The sleeve is coupled to an insulative material of the lead body and positioned around the electrical conductor. The electrical conductor is electrically coupled to the electrical connector. The sleeve is not fixed to the electrical conductor. In response to bending of the medical lead, the conductor may move within the sleeve to relieve strain created by the bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Zweber, Joseph Bradley, Vincent Whelan, Ian Johnson, Sean P. Skubitz
  • Patent number: 11351369
    Abstract: A stimulation probe includes a proximal end connector and a flexible wire coupled to the end connector. A handle is coupled to the wire and a needle extends from the handle and terminates at a conductive tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC XOMED, INC.
    Inventors: David C. Hacker, Wenjeng Li, Kevin Lee McFarlin
  • Patent number: 11344734
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed filtered feedthrough assembly attachable to an AIMD includes an insulator hermetically sealing the opening of a ferrule with a gold braze. The ferrule includes a peninsula extending into the ferrule opening and the insulator has a cutout matching the peninsula. A sintered platinum-containing paste hermetically seals at least one via hole extending through the insulator. At least one capacitor is disposed on the device side. An active electrical connection electrically connects the capacitor active metallization to the sintered paste. A ground electrical connection electrically connects the capacitor ground metallization disposed within a capacitor ground passageway to the portion of the gold braze along the ferrule peninsula. The dielectric of the capacitor may be less than 1,000 k.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert A. Stevenson, Christine A. Frysz, Keith W. Seitz, Thomas Marzano, Marc Gregory Martino
  • Patent number: 11331136
    Abstract: An electrode for use on a medical device is disclosed. The electrode may have a main body of electrically conductive material extending along an axis and may have a proximal end and a distal end. The electrode may also include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tracking coil disposed in the body. The MRI tracking coil may comprise electrically insulated wire. A catheter including an electrode, as well as a method for determining the location of an electrode, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Saurav Paul, Troy T. Tegg, Chou Thao, Harry A. Puryear
  • Patent number: 11324957
    Abstract: A passive implantable relay module includes a first coupler arm configured to wirelessly receive electromagnetic energy radiated through electric radiative coupling from a transmitting antenna located outside a subject's body; a second coupler arm; and a connector portion comprising a first metal core and a first dielectric coating surrounding the first metal core, the connector portion configured to connect the first coupler arm to the second coupler arm such that when the passive implantable relay module is implanted inside the subject's body and the transmitting antenna initiates wireless energy transfer to the first coupler arm via non-inductive coupling, electromagnetic waves carrying the electromagnetic energy received at the first coupler arm propagate along the first metal core to arrive at the second coupler arm, where the electromagnetic energy arriving is wirelessly transferred, again via non-inductive coupling, to a receiving antenna on a passive wireless neural stimulator device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Stimwave Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard LeBaron, Laura Tyler Perryman
  • Patent number: 11311730
    Abstract: This disclosure describes, among other embodiments, systems and related methods for selecting electrode combinations to be used during nerve pacing procedures. A first set of electrode combinations of a nerve pacing system, such as a phrenic nerve pacing system for diaphragm activation, may be mapped (or tested) to determine the location of the electrode combinations relative to a target nerve. Once the general location of the target nerve is known, a more localized second set of electrode combinations may be tested to determine the most suitable electrode combinations for nerve stimulation. At various stages of the mapping process, electrode combinations that are non-optimal may be discarded as candidates for use in a nerve pacing procedure. The systems and methods described herein may allow for the selection of electrode combinations that are most suitable for stimulation of the left and right phrenic nerves during diaphragm pacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Lungpacer Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Joaquin Andres Hoffer, Gautam Sadarangani, Marc-Andre Nolette, Viral S. Thakkar, Bao Dung Tran
  • Patent number: 11305122
    Abstract: Representative methods, apparatus and systems are disclosed for providing concurrent electrical stimulation and electrical recording in a human or non-human subject, such as for neuromodulation, with the apparatus coupleable to an electrode array. A representative apparatus is typically an integrated circuit including: stimulation circuits, recording circuits, and blocking circuits responsive to control signals to block the stimulation voltage or current on an electrode from a corresponding recording circuit, while other recording circuits may simultaneously record electrical signals from other electrodes and generate recorded data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Nia Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Rikky Muller, Benjamin Johnson, Igor Izyumin
  • Patent number: 11285316
    Abstract: A system and method for securing an implantable medical device to an anatomical feature, such as bony structures and/or soft tissues near the spine. The system includes a tissue fixation device and a tissue fixation device delivery tool. The tissue fixation device includes at least one bone or tissue anchor and a connecting element coupled thereto. The tissue fixation device optionally includes a flexible anchoring strap for engaging the implantable medical device. The bone or tissue anchor are configured to be deployed into the anatomical feature, and the connecting element is tightened to secure the implantable medical device to the anatomical feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Ishmael Bentley, Dale Brady, Emily Daley, Michael E. Lancial, Lawrence W. Wales, Steven L. Griffith
  • Patent number: 11278356
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating and monitoring conditions such as rhinitis are disclosed herein. The technology utilizes ultrasound scans to identify target treatment sites, and monitor the treatment of a patient undergoing a treatment. The treatment may be an ablation treatment of a nasal nerve, for example the PNN for the treatment of nasal conditions, such as rhinitis. The ultrasound scans are performed within the nasal cavity with an ultrasound probe or a combined ultrasound and ablation probe and may use Doppler, A-mode, B-mode, M-mode or other ultrasound and non-ultrasound modalities to detect and monitor the target treatment sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Arrinex, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Fahey, William Jason Fox, Bryant Lin, Mojgan Saadat, Vahid Saadat
  • Patent number: 11278469
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for treating a subject having a disease or disorder comprising providing the subject with an acoustic energy stimulus derived from a disease-specific, condition-specific, endogenous mediator-specific or pharmacologic agent-specific neurogram in an amount and manner effective to treat the disease or disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: THE FEINSTEIN INSTITUTES FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH
    Inventors: Kevin J. Tracey, Sangeeta S. Chavan