Patents Assigned to Advanced Bionics Corporation
  • Publication number: 20070239243
    Abstract: A stimulation system is disclosed that may include a stimulator unit coupled to electrode contacts on a cuff. In one embodiment, the cuff may be placed at least partially around a nerve. The stimulation system may include at least two electrode contacts disposed on the cuff such that a distance between the at least two electrode contacts various along a length of the electrode contacts. In another embodiment, a plurality of electrode contacts are disposed on the cuff such that distances between at least one electrode contact within the plurality of electrode contacts and each electrode contact immediately adjacent to the at least one electrode contact are different. The stimulator unit may also be implantable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: Advanced Bionics Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Moffitt, Rafael Carbunaru, Kristen Jaax, Todd Whitehurst
  • Patent number: 7277759
    Abstract: A method of recording neural responses reduces the inaccuracy of the recordings caused by nerve adaptation to repeated exposure of stimuli. In one embodiment, a maximum set of X number of successive stimuli are delivered through an electrode and the resulting neural response recorded and, afterwards, the next stimulation must occur through another electrode. This stimulation sequence prevents the same set of nerves from being stimulated too often, which can result in stimulus adaptation and cause measurement inaccuracy. In one embodiment of the invention, a smart software can be employed to provide visual plots of “growth curves”, including real-time calculated datapoints and their confidence intervals, and automatically terminate the recording session upon reaching a pre-set trigger. Alternatively, a human operator can terminate a recording session, based on visual feedback of growth curves, including their real-time calculated datapoints and confidence intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics Corporation
    Inventors: Edward H Overstreet, Guillermo A Calle, Kevin H Hood
  • Patent number: 7277760
    Abstract: A method for reducing the effects of decreased resolution in a cochlear implant worn by an individual includes 1) determining the value of the individual's resolution region, 2) analyzing a plurality of dominant components within a sound signal, 3) removing a component that has lesser associated energy of two or more components that are within the resolution region of one another, thereby producing a sound signal with a reduced pattern of components, and 4) transmitting the reduced pattern signal to an array of electrodes associated with the cochlear implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics Corporation
    Inventors: Leonid Michael Litvak, Lakshmi Narayan Mishra
  • Publication number: 20070219595
    Abstract: An implantable microstimulator can include a housing with a surface containing a metal region. The housing defines an exterior and an interior. At least one conductive electrode is disposed on the exterior of the housing over the metal region of the housing. Adhesive is disposed between the metal region of the housing and the conductive electrodes. An electronic subassembly is disposed in the interior of the housing and coupled to the conductive electrodes through the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Applicant: Advanced Bionics Corporation
    Inventor: Tom He
  • Publication number: 20070217640
    Abstract: A hearing aid module is shaped for insertion into a tunnel made through the soft tissue that connects the retro-auricular space with the ear canal. The hearing aid module contains a speaker or auditory transducer, a battery or other power source powering the module, signal processing circuitry, a microphone, and a hollow tube which contains a steroid or drug. Telemetry circuitry within the module allows the signal processing circuitry to be programmed with a desired frequency response or signal processing strategy using an external programming unit. A remote control unit permits the user to make simple adjustments, such as volume and/or tone (frequency) control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Applicant: ADVANCED BIONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Albert Maltan, Alfred Mann, James McGivern, Philip Lee
  • Publication number: 20070208403
    Abstract: A system for treating patients affected both by hearing loss and by balance disorders related to vestibular hypofunction and/or malfunction, which includes sensors of sound and head movement, processing circuitry, a power source, and an implantable electrical stimulator capable of stimulating areas of the cochlea and areas of the vestibular system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Applicant: ADVANCED BIONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles Della Santina, Michael Faltys
  • Publication number: 20070208394
    Abstract: A neural stimulation system automatically corrects or adjusts the stimulus magnitude (stimulation energy) in order to maintain a comfortable and effective stimulation therapy. Because the changes in impedance associated with the electrode-tissue interface can indicate obstruction of current flow and positional lead displacement, lead impedance can indicate the quantity of electrical stimulation energy that should be delivered to the target neural tissue to provide corrective adjustment. Hence, a change in impedance or morphology of an impedance curve may be used in a feedback loop to indicate that the stimulation energy needs to be adjusted and the system can effectively auto correct the magnitude of stimulation energy to maintain a desired therapeutic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Applicant: ADVANCED BIONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: John King, James Thacker
  • Patent number: 7263402
    Abstract: A system and method for rapidly switching stimulation parameters of a Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) system increases the number of stimulation parameter sets that may be tested during a fitting procedure, or alternatively, reduces the time required for the fitting procedure. The switching method comprises selecting a new stimulation parameter set, and setting the initial stimulation levels to levels at or just below an estimated perception threshold of the patient. The estimated perception level is based on previous stimulation results. The stimulation level is then increased to determine a minimum stimulation level for effective stimulation, and/or an optimal stimulation level, and/or a maximum stimulation level, based on patient perception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics Corporation
    Inventors: James R Thacker, John D King, Kerry Bradley
  • Publication number: 20070185551
    Abstract: An implantable medical device, such as an implantable pulse generator (IPG) used with a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system, includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery having an anode electrode with a substrate made substantially from titanium. Such battery construction allows the rechargeable battery to be discharged down to zero volts without damage to the battery. The implantable medical device includes battery charging and protection circuitry that controls the charging of the battery so as to assure its reliable and safe operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Applicant: ADVANCED BIONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul Meadows, Carla Mann, Hisashi Tsukamoto, Joey Chen
  • Publication number: 20070179565
    Abstract: A multichannel cochlear implant system spatially spreads the excitation pattern in the target neural tissue by either: (1) rapid sequential stimulation of a small group of electrodes, or (2) simultaneously stimulating a small group of electrodes. Such multi-electrode stimulation stimulates a greater number of neurons in a synchronous manner, thereby increasing the amplitude of the extra-cellular voltage fluctuation and facilitating its recording. The electrical stimuli are applied simultaneously (or sequentially at a rapid rate) on selected small groups of electrodes while monitoring the evoked compound action potential (ECAP) on a nearby electrode. The presence of an observable ECAP not only validates operation of the implant device at a time when the patient may be unconscious or otherwise unable to provide subjective feedback, but also provides a way for the magnitude of the observed ECAP to be recorded as a function of the amplitude of the applied stimulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: ADVANCED BIONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Edward Overstreet, Leonid Litvak, Michael Faltys
  • Patent number: 7251530
    Abstract: Errors in pitch (frequency) allocation within a cochlear implant are corrected in order to provide a significant and profound improvement in the quality of sound perceived by the cochlear implant user. In one embodiment, the user is stimulated with a reference signal, e.g., the tone “A” (440 Hz) and then the user is stimulated with a probe signal, separated from the reference signal by an octave, e.g., high “A” (880 Hz). The user adjusts the location where the probe signal is applied, using current steering, until the pitch of the probe signal, as perceived by the user, matches the pitch of the reference signal, as perceived by the user. In this manner, the user maps frequencies to stimulation locations in order to tune his or her implant system to his or her unique cochlea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics Corporation
    Inventors: Edward H Overstreet, Leonid M Litvak, William Vanbrooks Harrison
  • Publication number: 20070173683
    Abstract: An In The Ear (ITE) microphone improves the acoustic response of a Behind The Ear (BTE) Implantable Cochlear Stimulation (ICS) system during telephone use. An acoustic seal provided by holding a telephone earpiece against the ear provides improved coupling of low frequency (up to about 1 KHz) sound waves, sufficient to overcome losses due to the near field acoustic characteristics common to telephones. In an exemplary embodiment, the ITE microphone is connected to a removable ear hook of the BTE ICS system by a short bendable stalk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: Advanced Bionics Corporation
    Inventors: William Harrison, Lee Hartley, Philip Segel, Scott Crawford, C. Geoffrey Fernald
  • Patent number: 7248926
    Abstract: A status indicator is provided for use with a medical device that employs a power transmitting coil. In one embodiment, the status indicator comprises a receiving coil and feedback element. The feedback element, such as a light emitting diode (LED) or liquid crystal display (LCD), is electrically coupled to the receiving coil. In another embodiment a status indicator is incorporated into the medical device, which status indicator comprises a feedback element and electronic circuitry for detecting device function and program selection. The circuitry and feedback element are incorporated into the medical device such as on the earhook of a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics Corporation
    Inventors: Carla Mann Woods, Michael A Faltys, Lee F Hartley
  • Patent number: 7248929
    Abstract: An implantable medical device, such as an implantable pulse generator (IPG) used with a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system, includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery having an anode electrode with a substrate made substantially from titanium. Such battery construction allows the rechargeable battery to be discharged down to zero volts without damage to the battery. The implantable medical device includes battery charging and protection circuitry that controls the charging of the battery so as to assure its reliable and safe operation. A multi-rate charge algorithm is employed that minimizes charging time while ensuring the battery cell is safely charged. Fast charging occurs at safer lower battery voltages (e.g., battery voltage above about 2.5 V), and slower charging occurs when the battery nears full charge higher battery voltages (e.g., above about 4.0 V). When potentially less-than-safe very low voltages are encountered (e.g., less than 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignees: Advanced Bionics Corporation, Quallion, LLC
    Inventors: Paul M Meadows, Carla Mann Woods, Hisashi Tsukamoto, Joey Chen
  • Publication number: 20070168004
    Abstract: An implantable lead includes a tubular polymer body having a plurality of wire conductors embedded or carried within the inner tube body. A ring contact, e.g., a platinum ring contact, is electrically and mechanically connected to at least one of the plurality of wires at at least one end of the tubular body. In one embodiment, ring contacts are attached at both ends of the tubular body. In another embodiment, a lumen passes longitudinally through the length of the lead body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Applicant: Advanced Bionics Corporation
    Inventor: Jeryle Walter
  • Publication number: 20070168007
    Abstract: A lead assembly and a method of making a lead are provided. The lead comprises a terminal, proximal end having a plurality of terminal contacts and material separating the terminal contacts. In one embodiment of the lead, the terminal contacts are separated by a preformed spacer, that may be made from various hard materials such as polyurethane, PEEK and polysulfone. Epoxy may be used to fill spaces at the proximal lead end, including between the spacer and terminal contacts. In one embodiment of the lead, the terminal contacts are separated by epoxy only. The lead may include a plurality of conductor lumens that contain conductors. The lead may also include a stylet lumen for accepting a stylet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Applicant: Advanced Bionics Corporation
    Inventors: Janusz Kuzma, Anne Pianca, Jeryle Walter, Milad Girgis
  • Patent number: 7244150
    Abstract: A connector includes a unitary body defining a hollow center region configured and arranged to receive a proximal contact portion of a lead. The unitary body may define connector pockets and seal features within the hollow center region. The connector pockets can be spaced-apart and may define openings through the unitary body. The seal features may be disposed between the connector pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics Corporation
    Inventors: Randall Lee Brase, Robert Randall Tong
  • Publication number: 20070161294
    Abstract: A connector includes a unitary body defining a hollow center region configured and arranged to receive a proximal contact portion of a lead. The unitary body may define connector pockets and seal features within the hollow center region. The connector pockets can be spaced-apart and may define openings through the unitary body. The seal features may be disposed between the connector pockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Applicant: Advanced Bionics Corporation
    Inventors: Randall Brase, Robert Tong
  • Patent number: 7242985
    Abstract: Contrast between various frequency components of sound is enhanced through a lateral suppression strategy to provide increased speech perception in the electrically stimulated cochlea. A received audio signal is divided into a plurality of input signals, wherein each input signal is associated with a frequency band. A plurality of envelope signals are generated by determining the envelope of each of a plurality of the input signals. At least one of the envelope signals is scaled in accordance with a scaling factor to generate at least one scaled envelope signal. An output signal is generated by combining at least one envelope signal with at least one scaled envelope signal, and the cochlea is stimulated based on the generated output signal. The lateral suppression strategy can be applied to one or more frequency bands using scaled amplitude signals associated with one or more neighboring frequency bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics Corporation
    Inventors: Gene Y. Fridman, Leonid M. Litvak
  • Patent number: 7239920
    Abstract: A neural stimulation system automatically corrects or adjusts the stimulus magnitude in order to maintain a comfortable and effective stimulation therapy. Auto correction of the stimulus magnitude is linked to the measurement of pressure in the vicinity of the electrode-tissue interface. Because the pressure near the electrode-tissue interface can provide a measure of the electrode contacts' proximity to the neural tissue, and hence quantity of electrical energy delivered to the neural tissue, a change in the measured pressure or pressure morphology indicates that the stimulation energy may need to be adjusted. Hence, changes in pressure provide a feedback mechanism that permit the system to effectively auto correct the stimulus amplitude in order to maintain a desired therapeutic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics Corporation
    Inventors: James R Thacker, Carla Mann Woods