Placed In Body Patents (Class 607/116)
  • Patent number: 10357174
    Abstract: An adjustable leadwire device for connecting at least one surface electrode to a physiological monitor includes a length of insulated wire between a first attachment end and a second attachment end. The first attachment end includes a first connection means configured to conductively connect to the surface electrode and the second attachment end includes a second connection means configured to conductively connect to the physiological monitor. At least a portion of the length of insulated wire is coiled to form a helix. A sheath surrounds the helix and has a first end opening and a second opening. The sheath is configured such that coiled insulated wire is extendable out of at least one of the first end opening or the second end opening by pulling a respective one of the first attachment and the second attachment end in order to adjust a length of the adjustable leadwire device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Robert Filip Arnold Santala
  • Patent number: 10357650
    Abstract: An implantable stimulation lead is disclosed that includes an elongated lead body having opposed proximal and distal end portions, the lead body being formed from a material having at least one circumferential seal region associated with the distal end portion thereof within which a cylindrical electrode is positioned, the seal region being formed from at least one transition component made from a material that is softer than the material from which the lead body is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Oscor Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas P. Osypka
  • Patent number: 10357649
    Abstract: The neural interface system of the preferred embodiments includes an electrode array having a plurality of electrode sites and a carrier that supports the electrode array. The electrode array is coupled to the carrier such that the electrode sites are arranged both circumferentially around the carrier and axially along the carrier. A group of the electrode sites may be simultaneously activated to create an activation pattern. The system of the preferred embodiment is preferably designed for deep brain stimulation, and, more specifically, for deep brain stimulation with fine electrode site positioning, selectivity, tunability, and precise activation patterning. The system of the preferred embodiments, however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment (such as the spinal cord, peripheral nerve, muscle, or any other suitable anatomical location) and for any suitable reason.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic Bakken Research Center B.V.
    Inventors: Rio J. Vetter, Daryl R. Kipke, David Pellinen, David J. Anderson, Jamille Farraye Hetke
  • Patent number: 10349978
    Abstract: This disclosure provides various embodiments of implant tools and implant techniques utilizing those tools. In one embodiment, an implant tool comprises a handle and a shaft. The shaft includes a proximal end adjacent the handle, a distal end, an open channel that extends from near the proximal end to the distal end, and at least one lumen that extends from a proximal end of the shaft to a location near the distal end of the shaft. The implant tool may also include a coupler configured to connect to a fluid delivery device. In one example, the fluid delivery device may be a syringe. In some instances, the handle of the implant tool may include a compartment or a recess configured to receive the fluid delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Seifert, Nathan L. Olson, Becky L. Dolan
  • Patent number: 10335590
    Abstract: A lead for an implanted medical device is disclosed in which the lead is adapted for electrical communication with an electrical signal source and has a distal tip with an electrode. The lead comprises a wire adapted to be placed in electrical communication with electrode. The wire includes: (i) a core comprising a polymeric material, and (ii) a metallic layer surrounding an outer surface of the core. The metallic layer includes a first section having a first thickness and a second section having a second thickness, wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness. The lead is substantially transparent to radio frequency waves in clinically-applicable magnetic resonance environments to reduce radio frequency absorption and avoid substantial heating effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Husam Katnani, Giorgio Bonmassar
  • Patent number: 10327810
    Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced implantation of an electrode lead for neuromuscular electrical stimulation of tissue associated with control of the lumbar spine for treatment of back pain, in a midline-to-lateral manner are provided. The implanted lead may be secured within the patient and used to restore muscle function of local segmental muscles associated with the lumbar spine stabilization system without disruption of the electrode lead post-implantation due to anatomical structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Mainstay Medical Limited
    Inventors: Jason Alan Shiroff, Henry Demorett, John Beck, Sidney Hauschild
  • Patent number: 10321839
    Abstract: An electrocardiogram system is provided. The system includes an array of sensors configured to generate electrical signals relating to cardiac activity. The system further includes a plurality of lead cables. Each lead cable includes a sensor terminal, an opposing sensor terminal, and an intermediate segment. The intermediate segment is interposed between the sensor terminal and the opposing sensor terminal. The array of sensors are electrically coupled to the sensor terminals. The intermediate segment is configured to carry the electrical signals from the sensor terminal to the opposing sensor terminal. The intermediate segment is enclosed by a non-conductive enclosure. The non-conductive enclosure having opposing linear surfaces and opposing lateral surfaces extending from the opposing linear surfaces. The opposing linear surfaces are parallel with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Michael P. McLeod
  • Patent number: 10322288
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and techniques for managing heat generated in coils for wireless energy transmission are disclosed. Inductive coupling between two coils may be used to recharge the power source of an implantable medical device. A phase change material may be thermally coupled to a flexible coil to absorb heat generated during the inductive coupling and reduce temperature increases of the flexible coil. The flexible coil may be configured to at least one of transmit energy to or receive energy from a second coil, and the phase change material may be configured to deform with the flexible coil and absorb heat from the flexible coil. The phase change material may be contained within thermally conductive tubes or channels configured in shapes that promote flexibility of the flexible coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A. Kallmyer, John E. Kast, David P. Olson, Randy S. Roles, Venkat R. Gaddam
  • Patent number: 10315027
    Abstract: A proto microelectrode from which a micro electrode is formed in situ upon insertion into soft tissue comprises a flexible oblong electrode body of electrically conducting material having a front end and a rear end. The electrode body having a metal or a metal alloy or an electrically conducting form of carbon or an electrically conducting polymer or a combination thereof. A first coat of a water soluble and/or swellable and/or degradable material is disposed on the electrode body and extends along is at least over a distal portion thereof. A second coat of electrically insulating, water insoluble flexible polymer material is disposed on the first coat. The second coat comprises one or more through openings at or near its front end. Also disclosed is a corresponding micro electrode and a method of manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: NEURONANO AB
    Inventor: Jens Schouenborg
  • Patent number: 10301421
    Abstract: Sulfur containing, hydroxyl-telechelic PIBs, hydrolytically and oxidatively resistant, biocompatible and biostable polyurethanes (PUs) made therefrom, and methods for making both are disclosed. Well-defined hydroxyl telechelic PIBs are synthesized by a thiol-ene click photochemical reaction between PIBs carrying unsaturated end groups and 2-mercaptoethanol (HS—CH2CH2—OH). This regioselective process affords HO—CH2CH2—S-PIB-S—CH2CH2—OH (abbreviated herein as HO—S-PIB-S—OH) in high yield. In some embodiments, these HO—S-PIB-S—OH polymers may be reacted with diisocyanates and a chain extender to form sulfur containing PIB-based PUs. These sulfur containing PIB-based PUs have been found to have properties and chemical stability that are very similar to that of PUs made from di-hydroxyl terminated PIBs (OH-PIB-OHs) without sulfur, but have surprisingly increased creep resistance and are easier and less expensive to make.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
    Inventors: Joseph Kennedy, Kalman Toth, Nihan Nugay, Turgut Nugay
  • Patent number: 10279172
    Abstract: A lead wire assembly apparatus for an implantable medical device (IMD), the apparatus including a lead having first and second ends and a plurality of separate conductive segments serially located therebetween; a cover defining at least one cavity situated about ends of adjacent conductive segments; and a fluid located in the at least one cavity and coupling the adjacent conductive segments to each other. The fluid electrically couples adjacent conductive segments to pass driving signals of the implantable medical device. The fluid may further attenuate induced signals generated by radiofrequency (RF) signals of a magnetic resonance (MR) system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Inventor: Dilys Gore
  • Patent number: 10272253
    Abstract: A feedthrough subassembly is attachable to an active implantable medical device. A via hole is disposed through an electrically insulative and biocompatible feedthrough body extending from a body fluid side to a device side. A composite fill partially disposed within the via hole extends between a first and a second composite fill end. The first composite fill end is disposed at or near the device side of the feedthrough body. The second composite fill end is disposed within the via hole recessed from the body fluid side. The composite fill includes a first portion of a ceramic reinforced metal composite including alumina and platinum and a second portion of a substantially pure platinum fill and/or a platinum wire. A via hole metallization covers a portion of the second composite fill end. A metallic leadwire is at least partially disposed within the via hole and gold brazed via hole metallization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Keith W. Seitz, Thomas Marzano, Robert A. Stevenson, Christine A. Frysz, Jason Woods, Richard L. Brendel
  • Patent number: 10238782
    Abstract: A catheter apparatus can include a first magnet coupled to a catheter and a second magnet configured to couple to a patient's skin. When the catheter and the first magnet are positioned within a patient's body, the second magnet can exert a magnetic force on the first magnet that stabilizes the catheter relative to the second magnet. The second magnet can be directly attached to the patient's skin or secondary devices such as straps can be used to place the second magnet in a fixed position relative to the patient's body. In some implementations, a plurality of magnets can facilitate holding the catheter in a substantially fixed position within the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Abiomed, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent Barry
  • Patent number: 10226617
    Abstract: In various examples, a therapy delivery element for at least partial implantation in a patient includes an elongate body. The elongate body includes a substantially tubular braided structure that extends from proximate a proximal end to proximate a distal end of the elongate body. A substantially tubular structure is coaxially disposed with respect to the braided structure. The tubular structure is attached to the braided structure proximate a distal braid end. At least a majority of the braided structure proximal from the distal braid end is unattached to the tubular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: NUVECTRA CORPORATION
    Inventors: James Finley, Jesse Geroy
  • Patent number: 10209328
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a common mode trap for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus. In one embodiment, a common mode trap comprises: a first conductor and a second conductor counterwound around a length of a central conductor, the first and the second conductors radially spaced a distance from the central conductor, the first and second conductors fixed to a first side of the central conductor; and a third conductor and a fourth conductor counterwound around the length of the central conductor, the third and fourth conductors are radially spaced the distance from the central conductor, the third and fourth conductors fixed to a second side of the central conductor opposite the first side. In this way, the density of common mode trap conductors in a common mode trap may be increased, thereby increasing the mutual inductance between the common mode trap and the central conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Victor Taracila, Robert Steven Stormont, Fraser John Laing Robb, Louis Jay Vannatta
  • Patent number: 10206820
    Abstract: A percutaneous implant for reducing the risk of post-implant infection by reducing the likelihood of epidermal down-growth between the dermis of the skin and the implant. In one example, the implant comprises a barrier member between the epidermis and the dermis about the implant. In another example, a barrier is provided by removing a portion of the epidermis from the dermis about the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventor: Marcus Andersson
  • Patent number: 10201713
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes a receptacle body that defines a portion of a connector lumen and further includes connector contacts disposed within the receptacle body along the connector lumen. The connector assembly further includes a rotational member that defines another portion of the connector lumen and includes a head portion and an elongated portion. The elongated portion defines an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface is rotatably coupled to the receptacle body. Fastener threading is disposed along at least a portion of the inner surface of the elongated portion. The receptacle body and rotational member are configured and arranged to receive a portion of a lead or a lead extension in the connector lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jacob B. Leven
  • Patent number: 10179233
    Abstract: An implantable lead protector, comprising, an upper surface; a lower surface; a spool disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface; and, a protective channel disposed at least partially therethrough the spool, the protective channel further comprising a curved outer wall and a curved inner wall; whereby a least a portion of a lead can be slidably received into the protective channel and at least a portion of the lead may be wound around the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventor: Arnold B. Vardiman
  • Patent number: 10172559
    Abstract: A device and method for manufacturing an implantable cardiac monitor device are provided. The method joins a feed-through assembly to a device housing having electronic components therein. The feed-through assembly includes conductors having distal ends connected to the electronic components and has proximal ends projecting from the feed-through assembly. The method assembles a header having a sensing electrode and an antenna embedded within a non-conductive header body. The electrode and antenna includes corresponding interconnection plates. The header body includes a housing mounting surface that includes at least one passage aligned with an interconnect cavity that includes the interconnection plates. The header body further includes a window exposing the interconnect cavity and interconnect regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Wisit Lim, Reza Imani, Brett Villacencio, Mitch Goodman, Ofer Rosenzweig
  • Patent number: 10173051
    Abstract: A neural probe comprising an array of stimulation and/or recording electrodes supported on a tape spring-type carrier is described. The neural probe comprising the tape spring-type carrier is used to insert flexible electrode arrays straight into tissue, or to insert them off-axis from the initial penetration of a guide tube. Importantly, the neural probe is not rigid, but has a degree of stiffness provided by the tape spring-type carrier that maintains a desired trajectory into body tissue, but will subsequently allow the probe to flex and move in unison with movement of the body tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: NEURONEXUS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: David S. Pellinen, Bencharong Suwarato, Rio J. Vetter, Jamille Farraye Hetke, Daryl R. Kipke
  • Patent number: 10159832
    Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable electrode with increased stability wherein the surface is of the electrode comprises mesh grids which are filled with sticks which are filed with a conducting or insulating material. The present invention further provides a method of manufacturing an electrode with increased stability, comprising: depositing a metal layer on an base layer; applying photoresist layer on the metal layer; patterning the photoresist layer providing openings; electroplating the openings with metal; removing the photoresist layer leaving spaces; and filling the spaces with polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dao Min Zhou, Jerry Ok, Neil Hamilton Talbot, Brian V. Mech, James Singleton Little, Robert J. Greenberg
  • Patent number: 10123742
    Abstract: In some examples, cardiac cycle detection may be used as an approach to cardiac activity tracking, with one or more second approaches to cardiac activity tracking also available for use. Additional rate measurement relying on different sources or analyses may require extra power consumption over the cycle detection methods. Therefore, new methods and devices are disclosed that selectively activate a second cardiac rate measurement. In some illustrative methods and devices, decisions are made as to whether and which previously collected data, if any, is to be discarded, replaced, or corrected upon activation of the second cardiac rate measurement. In some illustrative methods and devices, a cardiac cycle detection approach to cardiac activity tracking may be bypassed by a second cardiac rate measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC.
    Inventors: Krzysztof Z. Siejko, Venugopal Allavatam, Amy Jean Brisben, Stephen J. Hahn, Keith L. Herrmann
  • Patent number: 10124160
    Abstract: Technology for deep brain stimulating including devices, systems, computer circuitry, and associated methods is provided. A deep brain stimulating device (100) can include a semiconductor substrate, an array of electrodes (140) coupled to the semiconductor substrate, and circuitry operable to control the array of electrodes (140). Each electrode (142) can be operable to function as an anode, a cathode, a common, or a float independent of other electrodes in the array to create highly configurable electric fields (122, 124).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Alan Dale Dorvall, II, Andrew Colin Willsie
  • Patent number: 10105534
    Abstract: An implantable therapy lead is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the therapy lead includes an elongated lead body and a suture sleeve. The elongated lead body has a proximal region and a distal region opposite the proximal region. The suture sleeve is supported on the lead body and has a proximal end, a distal end opposite the proximal end, an outer surface extending between the proximal end and distal end, and an inner surface radially inward of the outer surface and extending between the proximal end and distal end. The inner surface defines a lumen through which the elongated lead body extends. A helical structure helically extends about a longitudinal center axis of the lumen and along the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Tyler Smith, Matthew Malone
  • Patent number: 10105550
    Abstract: Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Circuit Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Stahler, Ananya Mitra, Joyce Huang, Dan Andersen, Alexander Arrow, David Moore
  • Patent number: 10092352
    Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for creating a lesion in adventitia tissue of a renal artery and/or a region of tissue surrounding the adventitia tissue while protecting intima and media tissue of the renal artery from injury. A catheter carrying a microwave antenna is positioned within the renal artery. Cooling fluid is circulated around the microwave antenna in thermal contact with the intima of the renal artery. Power is supplied to the microwave antenna to cause microwave energy to be emitted omnidirectionally from the microwave antenna. The power supplied to the microwave antenna and the cooling fluid circulated around the microwave antenna are controlled to cause the adventitia tissue and/or the region of tissue surrounding the adventitia tissue to be heated to a temperature sufficient to cause thermal damage while the intima and media tissue are maintained at a temperature where thermal damage does not occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Denervx LLC
    Inventor: Eric N. Rudie
  • Patent number: 10094840
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for light-activated cation channel proteins and their uses within cell membranes and subcellular regions. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-activated cation channels to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides millisecond-timescale temporal control of cation channels using moderate light intensities in cells, cell lines, transgenic animals, and humans. The invention provides for optically generating electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells useful for driving neuronal networks, drug screening, and therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Karl Deisseroth, Edward Stuart Boyden
  • Patent number: 10080896
    Abstract: An implantable pulse generator (IPG) that generates spinal cord stimulation signals for a human body has a programmable signal generator that can generate the signals based on stored signal parameters without any intervention from a processor that controls the overall operation of the IPG. While the signal generator is generating the signals the processor can be in a standby mode to substantially save battery power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Cirtec Medical Corp.
    Inventors: Miles Curtis, Kyle Van Leer, Andrew Cameron, Saif Khalil
  • Patent number: 10076606
    Abstract: Insertion devices for installing insertion sets to a user, insertion needles, methods for loading insertion devices with insertion sets, methods for installing insertion sets, methods for instructing others how to load and/or install insertion sets, and certain aspects of insertion sets, including insertion needle hubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: William Ambruzs, Lauren Burns, Joseph Christian, Brian Highley, Jason Adams, Charles Houssiere, Randy Jackson
  • Patent number: 10071242
    Abstract: A lead anchor includes an anchor body having a band section, guide members and a support section. The guide members and the support section are spaced apart from each other and define a band channel. Further, the lead anchor includes a flexible band that is coupleable to the guide members with at least a portion of the flexible band positionable within the band channel. The flexible band and the support section define a first lead channel having a spaced-apart distance between the flexible band and the support section. The first lead channel includes an open side for allowing a lateral ingress or egress of a portion of a lead. The lead anchor further includes a fastener movable relative to the anchor body to reduce or increase the spaced-apart distance of the first lead channel to hold or release, respectively, the portion of the lead within the first lead channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Jacob B. Leven
  • Patent number: 10070992
    Abstract: Described herein is a modular system for a system for electrically stimulating a biological tissue, which includes: a first device (32) including a number of electrodes (45), which in use contact the biological tissue; and a second device (34) including an electronic control circuit (55), which transmits stimulation signals. The second device may be operatively coupled in a releasable way to the first device, in such a way that the first device receives the stimulation signals transmitted by the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventor: Alberto Pagani
  • Patent number: 10022552
    Abstract: Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Circuit Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Stahler, Ananya Mitra, Joyce Huang, Dan Andersen, Alexander K. Arrow, David Moore
  • Patent number: 10022536
    Abstract: One aspect relates to a method of producing an electrode structure, including producing a longitudinal body having a core and at least one layer made of an electrode material surrounding the core. A part of the layer made of electrode material is removed while forming a plurality of electrodes that are arranged such as to be distributed in the longitudinal direction and which are separated from each other, and contact paths that extend in the longitudinal direction and adjoin the electrodes, each, as the same part. A layer made of a polymeric material is applied while embedding, at least in part, the electrodes and/or contact paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Heraeus Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Matthias Frericks, Lydia Buckow
  • Patent number: 10022533
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reinforcement means (400) for a lead (300), especially a lead (300) for neural applications, preferably a lead (300) for a neurostimulation and/or neurorecording system, wherein the reinforcements means (400) has at least predetermined and/or customizable bending motion capabilities and/or is configured such that the minimum bending radius of the lead (300) is at least partially limited. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a lead, a neurostimulation and/or neurorecording system and an interlocking annular element for a reinforcement means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic Bakken Research Center B.V.
    Inventor: Sébastien Jody Ouchouche
  • Patent number: 9993293
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for treating tissue with microwave energy. Such devices and methods are able to treat cavities or surface tissue by creating one or more area or volumetric lesions. Also disclosed are flexible, low-profile devices that can be inserted non-invasively or minimally invasively near or into the target tissue as well as microwave antennas designed to generate ablation profiles that can ablate a large area or a large volume of target tissue in a single ablation. The devices include antennas wherein the field profile generated by an antenna is tailored and optimized for a particular clinical application. The antennas use unique properties of microwaves such as interaction of a microwave field with a metallic object and the use of additional shaping elements to shape the microwave field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: MicroCube, LLC
    Inventors: Chun Yiu Chu, Ketan Shroff, Clarence Emmons, Amrish Jayprakash Walke, Dinesh I. Mody
  • Patent number: 9993643
    Abstract: An implantable electrical stimulation device configured to treat multiple pelvic conditions of a patient includes a pulse generator, memory, first and second electrode leads comprising one or more electrodes, a switch and a controller. The switch has a first state, in which the first electrode lead is electrically coupled to the pulse generator, and a second state, in which the second electrode lead is electrically coupled to the pulse generator. The controller includes at least one processor that is configured to execute at least one stimulation program stored in the memory. The controller is also configured to selectively set the switch in the first or second state. Electrical stimulation pulses generated by the pulse generator responsive to the execution of the stimulation program are delivered to the first or second electrode lead depending on the state of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Yonce
  • Patent number: 9981122
    Abstract: A system of implanting electrode leads for restoring muscle function to the lumbar spine to treat low back pain is provided. The system provides efficient implantation of the leads, including the ability to verify deployment of anchoring mechanisms on the lead using an impedance assessment, such that the implanted lead may be secured within the patient and used to restore muscle function of local segmental muscles associated with the lumbar spine stabilization system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Mainstay Medical Limited
    Inventors: Prashant Brijmohansingh Rawat, Henry Thomas Demorett, Jason Alan Shiroff
  • Patent number: 9974949
    Abstract: A medical device includes a pulse generator and a filter. The pulse generator is configured to generate a stimulation signal and to provide the stimulation signal to tissue of a patient via an implantable lead assembly. The filter is configured to couple to the implantable lead assembly. A combined impedance of the implantable lead assembly and the filter with respect to a current induced by an external electro-magnetic field satisfies an impedance threshold when the external electro-magnetic field has a first frequency and when the external electro-magnetic field has a second frequency. The combined impedance has a peak impedance value when the external electro-magnetic field has a third frequency that is between the first frequency and the second frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Cyberonics, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Thompson, Jason F. Lindh
  • Patent number: 9974892
    Abstract: An electrical arrangement with an implantable cable element may be provided which comprises a strain relief element which is arranged centrically in the cross section, as well as a group of conductors insulated to one another, said group being stranded around the strain relief element, and a common shielding element surrounding the electrical conductors, as well as a fluid-tight cable sheath. The implantable cable element may have a symmetrical construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Berlin Heart GmbH
    Inventors: Mario Arnold, Kim Peter Winterwerber
  • Patent number: 9973014
    Abstract: A system for charging rechargeable devices. A landing surface includes a plurality of conductive patches, and a rechargeable device includes a plurality of contacts. The configurations of the conductive patches and of the contacts are selected to establish, when the contacts of the rechargeable device come into contact with the landing surface, a plurality of separate conductive paths between a charger and the rechargeable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: RAYTHEON BBN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Edin Insanic, Joshua Cochin, Kyle Francis Usbeck, Jeffrey Anthony Mazurek
  • Patent number: 9962540
    Abstract: A biocompatible carbon based electrode, and its preparation process are described. The electrode is formed by first and second biocompatible chemically oxygen terminated or H-terminated carbon-based materials. The first material is configured to promote the growth or at least the direct interfacing of adult neurons on the first material without substantially promoting the growth and direct interfacing of glial cells on the first material. The second material presents a peptide coating to promote the growth and at least the direct interfacing of adult glial cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignees: UNIVERSITE PIERRE ET MARIE CURIE (PARIS 6), CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE, COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Serge Picaud, Amel Bendali, Philippe Bergonzo, Valerie Forster-Fradot, Jose-Alain Sahel
  • Patent number: 9956394
    Abstract: A connector to couple an electrical stimulation lead to a lead extension can include lead terminals and extension connector contacts that interlock with each other. Another connector can include lead terminals and extension connector contacts that form a hook and loop fastener. Yet another connector defines a lumen for receiving a proximal portion of an electrical stimulation lead and a side-loading slit extending along at least a portion of the longitudinal surface of the connector and extending inwardly to the lumen for side-loading the electrical stimulation lead into the lumen through the side-loading slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua Dale Howard, Michael X. Govea
  • Patent number: 9955886
    Abstract: Neural signal recording apparatus and method is described, in which a micro electrode array is utilized for performing a weighted matrix as a moving window providing superpositioning of electrode signals. A voltage distribution across the electrode array is determined as a Laplacian. The apparatus and method can be utilized in a variety of electrode sensing applications involving registering neural activity, and for electrode stimulation applications, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Wentai Liu, Chih-Wei Chang
  • Patent number: 9950166
    Abstract: An implant unit configured for implantation into a body of a subject is provided. The implant unit may include a flexible carrier unit including a central portion and two elongated arms extending from the central portion, an antenna, located on the central portion, configured to receive a signal, at least one pair of electrodes arranged on a first elongated arm of the two elongated arms. The at least one pair of electrodes may be adapted to modulate a first nerve. The elongated arms of the flexible carrier may be configured to form an open ended curvature around a muscle with the nerve to be stimulated within an arc of the curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: NYXOAH SA
    Inventors: Adi Mashiach, Itzik Mashiach
  • Patent number: 9949652
    Abstract: An intravascular catheter for nerve activity ablation and/or sensing includes one or more needles advanced through supported guide tubes (needle guiding elements) which expand to contact the interior surface of the wall of the renal artery or other vessel of a human body allowing the needles to be advanced though the vessel wall into the extra-luminal tissue including the media, adventitia and periadvential space. The catheter also includes structures which provide radial and lateral support to the guide tubes so that the guide tubes open uniformly and maintain their position against the interior surface of the vessel wall as the sharpened needles are advanced to penetrate into the vessel wall. Electrodes near the distal ends of the needles allow sensing of nerve activity before and after attempted renal denervation. In a combination embodiment ablative energy or fluid is delivered from the needles in or near the adventitia to ablate nerves outside of the media while sparing nerves within the media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Ablative Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Fischell, Tim A. Fischell, Vartan Ghazarossian, Steven Almany, Michael Sasha John
  • Patent number: 9937341
    Abstract: A lead is configured and arranged for brain stimulation. The lead includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end includes a plurality of terminals disposed at the proximal end. The distal end has a non-circular transverse cross-sectional shape and includes a plurality of electrodes disposed at the distal end. A plurality of conductive wires electrically couple at least one of the plurality of electrodes to at least one of the plurality of terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Anne M. Pianca, Courtney C. Lane, James C. Makous, Andrew DiGiore, Ellis Garai
  • Patent number: 9925368
    Abstract: Disclosed is a carbon material for a neurostimulation electrode. The carbon material is composed of a carbon fiber. The carbon fiber has a thickness of 1 to 1000 ?m, a linear density of 0.01 to 5.00 g/cm, and an aspect ratio of 100 to 1,000,000. Particularly, the carbon fiber material can be obtained by dry spinning carbon nanotubes, followed by liquid-based densification. The carbon material can be used in the fields of deep brain stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, etc. Also disclosed are an electrode assembly and a neurostimulation device, each including the carbon material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: INNOTHERAPY INC.
    Inventors: Seong Woo Ryu, Hae Shin Lee, Moon Sue Lee, Sun Ha Paek, Mi Young Koh
  • Patent number: 9918675
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface. Conductive electrodes are formed on the endotracheal tube. The conductive electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. At least wireless sensor is formed on the endotracheal tube, and is configured to wirelessly transmit information to a processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Hacker, Maria Charles Vijay Stanislaus, Wenjeng Li, Dwayne S. Yamasaki, William C. Brunnett, Kevin L. McFarlin, James Britton Hissong, Robert K. Vaccaro, John M. Murphy, Carla A. Pagotto, Tino Schuler
  • Patent number: 9889293
    Abstract: In various examples, an apparatus includes a stimulation lead including an elongate body including a distal end and a proximal end. At least one first electrode is disposed proximate the distal end of the elongate body and is configured to stimulate a first target nerve. At least one second electrode is disposed between the at least one first electrode and the proximal end of the elongate body and is configured to stimulate a second target nerve. At least one first fixation structure is disposed between the at least one second electrode and the proximal end of the elongate body. The at least one first fixation structure is configured to anchor the stimulation lead proximate the sacrum, wherein the at least one first fixation structure is located on the elongate body and spaced a first distance proximally along the elongate body from the at least one first electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: NUVECTRA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven Siegel, Michele Spinelli, Scott F. Drees, Giancarlo Barolat, John M. Swoyer
  • Patent number: 9892847
    Abstract: A power-supplying resonator of a power-supplying module and a power-receiving resonator of a power-receiving module are arranged to face each other. On inner circumferential surface sides of the power-supplying resonator and the coil of the power-receiving resonator, cylindrical magnetic members which cover the entire inner circumferential surface of the coils of the power-supplying resonator and the power-receiving resonator are arranged. By conducting power transmission between the power-supplying resonator and the power-receiving resonator while varying a magnetic field, the magnetic field occurring around the power-supplying resonator and the power-receiving resonator is shielded by the magnetic members, and there is formed, on the coil inner circumferential surface sides of the power-supplying resonator and the coil of the power-receiving resonator, a magnetic field space whose magnetic field strength is smaller than the magnetic field strength of areas other than the inner circumferential surface sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takezo Hatanaka, Hisashi Tsuda