Abstract: An apparatus (10) for applying stimulation therapy to a patient includes an implantable medical device (20) and a remote controller (50) for inductively powering the medical device and communicating with the medical device. The remote controller (50) includes a feedback portion (220) for helping to establish a communication link between the remote controller and the implantable medical device (20).

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present disclosure is directed to a method of improving a patient's recovery after a neuro-ischemic event. The method can include identifying a patient who has suffered a neuro-ischemic event, and stimulating, for a period of time, a parasympathetic structure in the patient's cranium before, during, and/or after the patient undergoes a task-oriented therapy to improve the patient's recovery.

Abstract: Methods for intra-operatively monitoring nerve evoked potentials such as somatosensory nerve evoked potentials during a surgical procedure. The methods include orthodromic and antidromic monitoring of nerve evoked potentials. Monitoring includes navigating the surgical pathway to avoid insult to anatomical tissue, minimizing activation of sensory nerves that result in undesirable side effects in a patient, and determining the suitable location for placement of an implantable medical device.

Abstract: A surgical tool configured to facilitate delivery of a neurostimulator to a craniofacial region of a subject includes a handle portion, an elongate shaft having a contoured distal portion, and an insertion groove on the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft is configured to be advanced under a zygomatic bone along a maxillary tuberosity towards a pterygopalatine fossa. The distal portion includes a distal dissecting tip. The insertion groove is configured to receive, support, and guide a medical device or instrument.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that can facilitate delivery of a medical device in proximity to a target region within a patient's body. Data representing an image of a portion of the patient's body can be received. Based on the data representing the image, a first three dimensional (3D) model of the medical device can be generated. A second 3D model of the medical device can be fitted within the first 3D model at a location in proximity to the target region to create a combined 3D model. A two dimensional (2D) projection of the combined 3D model can be created. In some instances, the 2D projection can be used to facilitate delivery of a medical device in proximity to the target region within a patient's body.

Abstract: Various methods for laser welding biocompatible material for use in implantable medical devices are disclosed. A method for laser processing includes applying a laser beam to a biocompatible material comprising at least 85% by weight zirconium oxide (ZrO2) or “zirconia” in an oxygen-free environment and depleting the material of oxygen. The depletion of oxygen converts the zirconium oxide to elemental zirconium at an interface where the material is applied to the elemental zirconium. In one embodiment, the present invention provides for an implantable medical device or component thereof made of a biocompatible material comprising zirconium oxide. The device includes a substrate that has an intrinsic conductive pathway comprising elemental zirconium that extends from a first surface to a second surface of the substrate.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for modulating, suppressing or preventing an ocular disorder in a subject. One step of the method can include positioning at least one electrode on or proximate to at least one of a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), a sphenopalatine nerve (SN), a vidian nerve (VN), a greater petrosal nerve (GPN), a deep petrosal nerve (DPN), or a branch thereof, of the subject. Next, the at least one electrode can be activated to apply an electrical signal to at least one of the SPG, the SN, the VN, the GPN, the DPN, or the branch thereof.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a surgical guidance tool configured to facilitate delivery of a neurostimulator to a target craniofacial region of a subject. The surgical guidance tool can include a main body, a securing mechanism, and an adjustable guide mechanism. The main body can have a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the distal and proximal ends. The securing mechanism can be disposed at the distal end and configured to secure a neurostimulator delivery tool to the main body. The guide mechanism can be configured to temporarily mate with a bodily target location of the subject and facilitate positioning of the neurostimulator delivery tool about the target craniofacial region. The guide member can be slidably attached to the distal end and selectively translatable along the longitudinal axis of the main body.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for modulating, suppressing or preventing a dermatological disorder in a subject. One step of the method can include positioning at least one electrode on or proximate to at least one of a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), a sphenopalatine nerve (SN), a vidian nerve (VN), a greater petrosal nerve (GPN), a deep petrosal nerve (DPN), or a branch thereof, of the subject. Next, the at least one electrode can be activated to apply an electrical signal to at least one of the SPG, the SN, the VN, the GPN, the DPN, or the branch thereof.

Abstract: The patient identification system of the preferred embodiments includes a transponder that is affixed to a patient and functions to communicate information that identifies the patient to a device or series of devices. The series of devices includes at least a first device that collects data from the patient and communicates with the transponder. The patient identification system is preferably designed to identify a patient, and more specifically to identify a patient to be associated with the data collected by the device. The patient identification system, however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment and for any suitable reason.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for suppressing or preventing a medical condition in a subject. One step of the method can include positioning at least one electrode on or proximate to at least one of a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), a sphenopalatine nerve (SPN), a vidian nerve (VN), or a branch thereof, of the subject. Next, the at least one electrode can be activated to apply an electrical signal to at least one of the SPG, the SPN the VN, or the branch thereof. The medical condition can include pain resulting from one or more of atypical odontalgia, cluster tic syndrome, geniculate neuralgia, occipital neuralgia and temporal arteritis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering a neurostimulator to a target tissue are provided which may include any number of features. One feature is a delivery tool comprising a handle portion, an elongate shaft comprising a contoured distal portion, a visualization system embedded in the elongate shaft, and an insertion groove on the elongate shaft configured to deploy the neurostimulator. The contoured distal portion can be shaped and configured to maintain contact with a posterior maxilla and elevate a periosteum off of the posterior maxilla to avoid soft tissue dissection. In some embodiments, the neurostimulator is implanted in close proximity to or touching the sphenopalatine ganglion.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure includes a neurostimulator delivery apparatus. The apparatus includes a handle portion, an elongate shaft extending from the handle portion, and a distal deployment portion. The distal deployment portion is configured to releasably mate with a neurostimulator. The neurostimulator is sized and configured for implantation into a craniofacial region of a subject.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for treating a menopause-related condition in a subject. One step of the method can include inserting a therapy delivery device into a vessel of the subject. Next, the therapy delivery device can be advanced to a point substantially adjacent a target site of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) that is associated with the menopause-related condition. The therapy delivery device can then be activated to deliver a therapy signal to the target site of the SNS in an amount and for a time sufficient to effect a change in sympathetic activity in the subject and thereby treat the menopause-related condition.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering therapy from an implanted neurostimulator to a patient are provided. One feature is an external controller that acts as a gateway for therapy. The external controller can be a handheld controller that communicates wirelessly with the implanted neurostimulator. In some embodiments, the controller communicates with a database to determine a therapy approval status of the neurostimulator. Therapy can be approved by a physician prescription, or by prepayment, for example. In some embodiments, the neurostimulator is deactivated when no approved therapies remain.

Abstract: A surgical tool configured to facilitate delivery of a neurostimulator to a craniofacial region of a subject includes a handle portion, an elongate shaft having a contoured distal portion, and an insertion groove on the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft is configured to be advanced under a zygomatic bone along a maxillary tuberosity towards a pterygopalatine fossa. The distal portion includes a distal dissecting tip. The insertion groove is configured to receive, support, and guide a medical device or instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for applying stimulation therapy to a patient includes an implantable medical device (20) and a remote controller (50a) for inductively powering the medical device and communicating with the medical device. The remote controller (50a) includes an improved coil configuration to improve communication performance between the remote controller (50a) and an implanted medical device (20).

Abstract: An implantable medical device is provided for the suppression or prevention of pain, movement disorders, epilepsy, cerebrovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, sleep disorders, autonomic disorders, abnormal metabolic states, disorders of the muscular system, and neuropsychiatric disorders in a patient. The implantable medical device can be a neurostimulator configured to be implanted on or near a cranial nerve to treat headache or other neurological disorders. One aspect of the implantable medical device is that it includes an electronics enclosure, a substrate integral to the electronics enclosure, and a monolithic feed-through integral to the electronics enclosure and the substrate. In some embodiments, the implantable medical device can include a fixation apparatus for attaching the device to a patient.

Abstract: Methods for intra-operatively monitoring nerve evoked potentials such as somatosensory nerve evoked potentials during a surgical procedure. The methods include orthrodromic and antidromic monitoring of nerve evoked potentials. Monitoring includes navigating the surgical pathway to avoid insult to anatomical tissue, minimizing activation of sensory nerves that result in undesirable side effects in a patient, and determining the suitable location for placement of an implantable medical device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering a neurostimulator to a target tissue are provided which may include any number of features. One feature is a delivery tool comprising a handle portion, an elongate shaft comprising a contoured distal portion, a visualization system embedded in the elongate shaft, and an insertion groove on the elongate shaft configured to deploy the neurostimulator. The contoured distal portion can be shaped and configured to maintain contact with a posterior maxilla and elevate a periosteum off of the posterior maxilla to avoid soft tissue dissection. In some embodiments, the neurostimulator is implanted in close proximity to or touching the sphenopalatine ganglion.