Patents Assigned to Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
  • Patent number: 7949410
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for securing a lead within a burr hole comprises: an annular body structure adapted to be at least partially inserted within the burr hole; a lead retainer structure mechanically coupled to the annular body structure and adapted to be rotated along an inner perimeter of the annular body structure; the lead retainer structure including a lead engaging member for capturing the lead, wherein the lead engaging member pivots relative to the lead retainer structure; and a fixation member that is adapted to lock the lead retainer structure in place after the lead has been captured by the lead engaging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7945330
    Abstract: Methods and devices for automatically optimizing the stimulus parameters and/or the configuration of electrodes to provide neural stimulation to a patient. In one embodiment, a system includes an electrode array having an implantable support member configured to be implanted into a patient and a plurality of therapy electrodes carried by the support member. The system can also have a pulse system operatively coupled to the therapy electrodes to deliver a stimulus to the therapy electrodes, and a sensing device configured to be attached to a sensing location of the patient. The sensing device generates response signals in response to the stimulus. The system can also include a controller operatively, coupled to the pulse system and to the sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradford Evan Gliner, Jeffrey Balzer, Andrew D. Firlik
  • Patent number: 7937145
    Abstract: Described are apparatus and methods for electrically modulating a nerve in a mammal. An electrical signal that includes a signal intensity pattern and a signal frequency pattern is delivered to a nerve. The combination of the signal intensity pattern and the signal frequency pattern is effective to result in weight loss, fat loss, and/or lean-mass gain, in a mammal. In some embodiments the nerve is modulated in response to a physiological parameter. In some embodiments, the physiological parameter is measured by a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Dobak
  • Patent number: 7937158
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide trial stimulators suited for use interoperatively and during patient trial. Trial stimulator embodiments provide a patient interface and/or clinician interface which appears and functions substantially the same as an interface of a pulse generator controller which will be used after a trial period. A compliance monitor feature may be provided to facilitate verifying the proper use of the trial stimulator during a trial period. A diagnostic feature may be provided to facilitate verifying proper operation of various aspects of a trial stimulator, such as electrode impedance analysis. Trial stimulators of embodiments provide stimulation to a plurality of tissues and/or areas of the body, such as spinal cord stimulation, deep brain stimulation, etcetera. Embodiments provide for multi-electrode stimulation and multi-stimulation programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John H Erickson, George Van Campen, Patrick M Cullen, Thomas K Hickman
  • Patent number: 7934366
    Abstract: A wire wrapping device that includes a turntable assembly that is made up of a turntable and a driver adapted to rotate the turntable. Also, a set of payout carriers are mounted on the turntable, each payout carrier adapted to let out wire to be wrapped. A driver is adapted to turn each payout carrier relative to the turn table, the driver being user adjustable to turn each payout carrier by a selectable amount, per each complete rotation of the turntable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Don Dye, John W Swanson, Jerome J Boogaard, Dave Locke
  • Patent number: 7937144
    Abstract: A method is described for the treatment of obesity or other disorders, by electrical activation or inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system. This activation or inhibition can be accomplished by electrically stimulating the greater splanchnic nerve or other portion of the sympathetic nervous system using an implantable pulse generator. This nerve activation can result in reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure. Reduced food intake may occur through a variety of mechanisms that reduce appetite and cause satiety. Increased adrenal gland hormone levels will result in increased energy expenditure. Fat and carbohydrate metabolism, which are also increased by sympathetic nerve activation, will accompany the increased energy expenditure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John Daniel Dobak
  • Patent number: 7928995
    Abstract: A database methodology that concerns the mapping of any arbitrary object into a plurality of regions, enabling the assignment of multiple region-specific attributes thereto and facilitating the concurrent, graphical presentation of any assigned attributes. Attribute storage, manipulation, and presentation are driven by the individual regions and characteristics of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J Daignault, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7917225
    Abstract: Methods and systems for treating movement disorders are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment can include determining that the movement disorder affects the patient's gait, oral functioning, and/or other functioning, and applying electrical stimulation proximate to the interhemispheric fissure, the Sylvian fissure, or between the two fissures, respectively. In another embodiment, the method can include selecting at least one neural process from among a plurality of processes sequentially carried out by a patient to cause a muscle movement in the patient (e.g., a planning process, an initiation process, and an execution process), and applying electrical stimulation to a location of the patient's brain associated with the at least one neural process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen Wyler, Brad Fowler
  • Patent number: 7908009
    Abstract: Methods and systems for treating movement disorders are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment can include determining that the movement disorder affects the patient's gait, oral functioning, and/or other functioning, and applying electrical stimulation proximate to the interhemispheric fissure, the Sylvian fissure, or between the two fissures, respectively. In another embodiment, the method can include selecting at least one neural process from among a plurality of processes sequentially carried out by a patient to cause a muscle movement in the patient (e.g., a planning process, an initiation process, and an execution process), and applying electrical stimulation to a location of the patient's brain associated with the at least one neural process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen Wyler, Brad Fowler
  • Patent number: 7896018
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a dose control apparatus. The apparatus has two armatures pressed against a valve seat by at least one spring. A coil induces a magnetic field that motivates the armatures against the force of the spring, thereby opening the valve. The armatures may move along a common axis in opposite directions. The apparatus may also include a core located between the armatures and a casing about the coil. The core and casing act to guide the magnetic field, reducing the power requirements for creating the field. Current may be periodically reversed in the coil to provide a degaussing field. In addition, a signal may be produced by the coil in the presence an externally applied magnetic field such as an MRI. An opposing magnetic field may be produced by the coil or the current provided to the coil may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Erickson
  • Patent number: 7899544
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an implantable pump. The implantable pump has a port with light emitters indicating the location of the port. The port can be useful in providing bolus injections or the refilling of reservoirs. The light emitters can be arranged in various forms about the port including linear, triangular, square, or circular, among others. If more than one port is located on a device, these ports can be differentiated by differing colors and arrangements of emitters. In addition, various circuitries can be used to activate the emitters. These circuitries can include a coil and capacitor arrangement that provide a separate power source from that of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt Cantlon
  • Patent number: 7896866
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an implantable drug pump device comprises: a port for transferring infusate to the device; a collapsible reservoir for storing infusate received via the port; the port extending through a housing of the device and into the reservoir; the reservoir comprising a bottom surface that moves in relation to an amount of infusate in the reservoir; the bottom surface being connected to an extensible structure; and wherein when the reservoir is at least partially emptied of infusate, the reservoir is in a substantially collapsed state with the bottom surface being disposed above an interior surface of the port and the extensible structure surrounds a portion of the port that extends into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian R. Blischak
  • Patent number: 7887550
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises: a base structure adapted to be inserted within the burr hole; a lead securing member for securing the lead, the lead securing member comprising a first arm structure and a second arm structure, at least one spring loaded structure adapted to exert a force to bring the first arm structure and the second arm structure together; and a positioning tool having a distal end adapted to be inserted within the lead securing member. When the positioning tool is positioned within the lead securing member, the distal end holds the first and second arm structures a sufficient distance apart to receive a lead between the first and second arm structures; wherein the positioning tool comprises a control structure at a proximal end that, when engaged, causes the distal end of the positioning tool to be released from between the first and second arm structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry D. Daglow, Robert E. Jones
  • Patent number: 7869882
    Abstract: According to one aspect, an electrical stimulation system for treating tinnitus is provided. The system includes an electrical stimulation lead adapted for implantation into the person's skull for electrical stimulation of target brain tissue located in the person's temporal lobe. The lead includes one or more electrodes adapted to be positioned near the target brain tissue and to deliver electrical stimulation energy to the target brain tissue. The system also includes a stimulation source operable to generate signals for transmission to the electrodes of the lead to cause the electrodes to deliver electrical stimulation energy to the target brain tissue located in the person's temporal lobe to reduce tinnitus effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dirk DeRidder
  • Patent number: 7856264
    Abstract: Systems and methods for patient interactive neural stimulation and/or chemical substance delivery are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes affecting a target neural population of the patient by providing to the patient at least one of an electromagnetic signal and a chemical substance. The method can further include detecting at least one characteristic of the patient, with the characteristic at least correlated with the patient's performance of an adjunctive therapy task that is performed in association with affecting the target neural population. The method can still further include controlling at least one parameter in accordance with which the target neural population is affected, based at least in part on the detected characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Bradford Evan Gliner, W. Douglas Sheffield, Leif R. Sloan
  • Patent number: 7840268
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide management of historical information associated with a medical device, such as an implantable neurostimulation pulse generator, drug pump, cardiac device, hearing enhancement device, or vision enhancement device. Such management of historical information includes storage of historical information within an associated medical device. Historical information stored within a medical device may provide a complete summary of the use, configuration, and operation of the medical device, e.g., information spanning the entire in-service life of the medical device. Historical information for which management is provided may include both static data and dynamic data. The historical information may be used in configuring the medical device, analyzing the operation of the medical device, autonomously altering operation of the medical device, etcetera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Blischak, Roger J. Hill, Robert L. McCormick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7833463
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of removing an organic film from a selected portion of an implantable medical device includes: selecting a portion of an implantable medical device from which to remove an organic film comprising a silane primer and a polymer of para-xylylene; using a laser set at a first value for an operational parameter, tracing the perimeter of the selected portion to ablate the organic film along the perimeter; using an infrared laser set at a second value for the operational parameter, scanning the selected portion of the device to heat the surface of the device within the perimeter of the selected portion and thereby separate the organic film from the surface of the device within the perimeter of the selected portion; and mechanically removing the chemically separated organic film from the surface of the device within the perimeter to expose the selected portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Connell Munson, Jr., Jeffery Lee Green
  • Patent number: 7831305
    Abstract: A neural stimulation system responsive to collateral neural activity that may arise in association with a neural stimulation procedure includes a stimulation interface configured to deliver stimulation signals to a target neural population, a monitoring interface positioned to receive signals corresponding to a neural activity within the target neural population, a stimulus unit coupled to deliver stimulation signals to the stimulation interface, and a sensing unit coupled to the monitoring device and the stimulus unit. The neural stimulation procedure may be directed toward rehabilitating, restoring, and/or enhancing one or more neural functions by facilitating and/or effectuating a neuroplastic change or reorganization; and/or affecting a neurological condition that exists on a continuous or essentially continuous basis absent the stimulation procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradford Evan Gliner
  • Patent number: D637297
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Erickson, Claudio A. Feler, Jazzmyne Buckels
  • Patent number: D638130
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Erickson, Jazzmyne Buckels, Claudio A. Feler, Tommy Cushing, Stephen L. Goldman