Patents Assigned to Medtronic
  • Patent number: 8957198
    Abstract: The present invention provides devices, small interfering RNAs, and methods for treating a neurodegenerative disorder comprising the steps of surgically implanting a catheter so that a discharge portion of the catheter lies adjacent to a predetermined infusion site in a brain, and discharging through the discharge portion of the catheter a predetermined dosage of at least one substance capable of inhibiting production of at least one neurodegenerative protein. The present invention also provides valuable small interfering RNA vectors, systems, and methods for treating Huntington's disease in vivo without impairment of cell endoplasmic reticulum, spontaneous motor activity, or locomotor activity of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Kaemmerer, Michael D. Kaytor
  • Patent number: 8957038
    Abstract: This invention provides treatment compositions as well as systems and methods of determining and administering an effective amount of treatment for a neurological disorder. The treatment composition can contain a labeled interfering RNA (iRNA) agent capable of decreasing expression of a target RNA associated with the neurological disorder. The methods of the invention include determining an effective amount of a therapeutic composition by introducing a solution containing a tracer into the brain of a mammal. The tracing solution is monitored until a target volume of distribution at steady state distribution is substantially achieved, and the rate of delivery of the therapeutic composition is determined. The therapeutic composition can then be administered at the rate determined by use of the tracing solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Dinah W. Y. Sah, Andrei P. Guzaev, Matthew H. Adams, Pei Ge, Muthiah Manoharan, Douglas Ulen Gwost, Gregory Robert Stewart, David Kent Stiles, Brian Dale Nelson, William Frederick Kaemmerer, Don Marshall Gash
  • Patent number: 8958875
    Abstract: Implantable medical devices switch from a constant current mode of operation to a constant voltage mode of operation. The switching may be based on the device determining that tissue impedance stability has occurred. The determination may be a measurement of output voltage stability of the constant current source or based on other factors such as an amount of time that has elapsed. The switching may be as the result of an externally generated request such as by a clinician via an external device. The implantable medical device may begin constant voltage mode by utilizing stimulation parameters based on those initially programmed for constant current mode and based upon a measurement of voltage amplitude being output by the constant current source prior to the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Kelly, Matthew J. Michaels, Gregory F. Molnar, Jonathan C. Werder
  • Patent number: 8958871
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for pulsed electric field neuromodulation via an intra-to-extravascular approach, e.g., to effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, changes in cytokine upregulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, the ITEV PEF system comprises an intravascular catheter having one or more electrodes configured for intra-to-extravascular placement across a wall of patient's vessel into proximity with target neural fibers. With the electrode(s) passing from an intravascular position to an extravascular position prior to delivery of the PEF, a magnitude of applied voltage or energy delivered via the electrode(s) and necessary to achieve desired neuromodulation may be reduced relative to an intravascular PEF system having one or more electrodes positioned solely intravascularly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Denise Demarais, Benjamin J. Clark, Nicolas Zadno, Erik Thai, Hanson Gifford, III
  • Patent number: 8958885
    Abstract: One embodiment relates to a medical device including a sensor to provide signals indicative of a detected posture state of a patient. A memory stores one or more defined vectors, each defined vector being associated with a tolerance describing a relationship with the defined vector. A processor determines a respective similarity between the detected vector and each of one or more of the defined vectors and classifies a posture state of the patient based on whether any similarity has a relationship to the respective defined vector that is described by the associated tolerance. In one embodiment, the similarity is determined without regard to a coordinate system of the patient. Another embodiment relates to determining the similarity based on at least one of an inner product, a length of the defined posture vector and a length of the detected vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Panken, Dennis M. Skelton
  • Publication number: 20150045862
    Abstract: Processes for manufacture and assembly of implantable medical devices are described. In particular, techniques are provided for nondestructive electrical isolation assessment of feedthrough assemblies of the implantable medical devices. The feedthrough assemblies may include an insulating structure, a plurality of terminal pins extending through the insulator and a ferrule having an inner lumen into which the insulating structure is disposed. One or more insulating seals may be disposed at the interface of the ferrule-to-insulating structure and/or the terminal pin-to-insulating structure. The electrical isolation assessments may be based on the dielectric properties of the components of the feedthrough assemblies, such as the insulating structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon E. Goldman, Rajesh V. Iyer, Curtis E. Burgardt, Zhi Fang, Michael J. Galloway, Ryan J. Jensen, James A. Martin, Fabian A. Pena
  • Publication number: 20150045787
    Abstract: An electrosurgical device including an inner catheter, an outer catheter, a balloon, and a plurality of tubular electrodes. The inner catheter extends along a longitudinal axis. The outer catheter includes a first section and a second section each disposed around the inner catheter. The balloon is disposed around the inner catheter and extends between the first and second sections of the outer catheter. The balloon is a tubular member having an outside surface. The plurality of tubular electrodes extends along the longitudinal axis adjacent to the outside surface of the balloon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Medtronic-Xomed, Inc.
    Inventor: Eliot F. Bloom
  • Publication number: 20150045848
    Abstract: Medical devices and methods for providing breathing therapy (e.g., for treating heart failure, hypertension, etc.) may determine at least the inspiration phase of one or more breathing cycles based on the monitored physiological parameters and control delivery of a plurality of breathing therapy sessions (e.g., each of the breathing therapy sessions may be provided during a defined time period). Further, each of the plurality of breathing therapy sessions may include delivering stimulation after the start of the inspiration phase of each of a plurality of breathing cycles to prolong diaphragm contraction during the breathing cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Yong K. Cho, Shaileshkumar V. Musley, Avram Scheiner
  • Publication number: 20150045861
    Abstract: Processes for manufacture and assembly of implantable medical devices are described. In particular, techniques are provided for nondestructive electrical isolation assessment of feedthrough assemblies of the implantable medical devices. The feedthrough assemblies may include an insulating structure, a plurality of terminal pins extending through the insulator and a ferrule having an inner lumen into which the insulating structure is disposed. One or more insulating seals may be disposed at the interface of the ferrule-to-insulating structure and/or the terminal pin-to-insulating structure. The electrical isolation assessments may be based on the dielectric properties of the components of the feedthrough assemblies, such as the insulating structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon E. Goldman, Rajesh V. Iyer, Curtis E. Burgardt, James A. Martin, Laxmi Kanth Peddi, William R. Schildgen
  • Patent number: 8951280
    Abstract: Devices and methods for performing intravascular procedures without cardiac bypass include embodiments of temporary filter devices, temporary valves, and prosthetic valves. The temporary filter devices have a cannula which provides access for surgical tools for effecting repair of cardiac valves. The cannula may have filters which prevent embolitic material from entering the coronary arteries and aorta. The valve devices may also have a cannula for insertion of the valve into the aorta. The valve devices expand in the aorta to occupy the entire flow path of the vessel and operate to prevent blood flow and to permit flow through the valve. The prosthetic valves include valve fixation devices which secure the prosthetic valve to the wall of the vessel. The prosthetic valves are introduced into the vascular system in a compressed state, advanced to the site of implantation, and expanded and secured to the vessel wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Cohn, Gregory H. Lambrecht, John R. Liddicoat, Robert Kevin Moore, Richard B. Streeter, Todd F. Davenport
  • Patent number: 8954152
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for potentiating a favorable brain state that is associated with relief in symptoms of a brain condition. Techniques include monitoring one or more brain signals and detecting an episode of a favorable brain state based on the one or more brain signals, the favorable brain state associated with a decrease in one or more symptoms of a brain condition of the patient. Then, in response to the detection of the favorable brain state episode, electrical stimulation that potentiates the favorable brain state is delivered to the brain of the patient, the electrical stimulation delivered within a window of time opened for detection of each favorable brain state episode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Rahul Gupta, Gabriela C. Molnar, Dwight E. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8954162
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method for implanting a medical device proximate to a target tissue site within an occipital region of a patient, such as proximate to an occipital nerve or a trigeminal nerve. The method comprises introducing an implant tool into a patient to define an insertion path to the target tissue site. The implant tool includes a shape memory cannula and a malleable needle at least partially disposed within an inner lumen of the cannula. The shape of the needle may be changed to accommodate different anatomical structures/features of the patient. Upon withdrawal of the needle from the cannula, the cannula may change shape, thereby changing the shape of the insertion path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric H. Bonde, Martin T. Gerber
  • Patent number: 8954163
    Abstract: A medical cable connector of a medical cable receives a medical lead while an electrical receptacle within the medical cable connector is placed into a distal position relative to an outer body of the medical cable connector. The electrical receptacle is retracted to a proximal position once insertion of the medical lead into the medical cable connector is completed. The electrical receptacle may be mounted to an inner body which moves relative to the outer body. A biasing member may be present to bias the inner body to a particular position. A slider may be present to provide a clinician with a surface to touch when applying force to position the electrical receptacle in the distal position for insertion of the medical lead. Various other features may be present to facilitate insertion of the medical lead and/or to maintain the position of the electrical receptacle relative to the outer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Stetson, Carole A. Tronnes, David W. Lee
  • Patent number: 8951296
    Abstract: Devices and methods for therapeutic photodynamic modulation of neural function in a human. One embodiment of a method in accordance with the technology includes administering a photosensitizer to a human, wherein the photosensitizer preferentially accumulates at nerves proximate a blood vessel compared to non-neural tissue of the blood vessel. The method can further include irradiating the photosensitizer using a radiation emitter positioned within the human, wherein the radiation has a wavelength that causes the photosensitizer to react and alter at least a portion of the nerves thereby providing a therapeutic reduction in sympathetic neural activity. Several embodiments of the technology are useful for disrupting renal nerves, such as renal denervation, for treating hypertension, diabetes, congestive heart failure, and other indications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Robert J. Melder, Ayala Hezi-Yamit, Christopher W. Storment, Carol M. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8951219
    Abstract: A method includes initiating a blood fluid removal session of a patient; monitoring an indicator of tissue fluid volume of the patient, or a portion thereof, during the blood fluid removal session; monitoring an indicator of blood fluid volume of the patient during the blood fluid removal session; determining whether a ratio of the indicator of tissue fluid volume to indicator of blood fluid volume is outside of a predetermined range; and altering the rate of fluid removal during the blood fluid removal session if the ratio is determined to be outside of the predetermined range. A blood fluid removal system may be configured to carry out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Gerber, John Burnes, Suping Lyu, Manda R. VenKalesh, Bryant Pudil
  • Patent number: 8954008
    Abstract: A medical device communication system transmitter may include a resonator coupled to a local oscillator for stabilizing an operating frequency of the local oscillator. A control device of the transmitter receives an open-loop control signal, and the local oscillator and the control device are configured to generate a direct modulated radio frequency transmission signal in response to the open-loop control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Wang, George C. Rosar
  • Patent number: 8954160
    Abstract: A medical device system and associated method for controlling a cardiac rhythm management therapy detect extracardiac stimulation. Cardiac pacing pulses are delivered, and a cardiac electrical signal comprising myocardial depolarization and repolarization signals is acquired. A processor is configured to, responsive to the cardiac electrical signal, detect extracardiac capture due to the cardiac pacing pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent E. Splett, Robert W. Stadler, Nathan A. Grenz
  • Publication number: 20150039069
    Abstract: A tine portion for an implantable medical device includes a hook segment and a distal segment terminated by a tissue-piercing tip, wherein the distal segment extends from the hook segment to the tip. The hook segment, which is elastically deformable from a pre-set curvature, has one of: a round cross-section and an elliptical cross-section, while the distal segment has a flattened, or approximately rectangular cross-section. One or a pair of the tine portions may be integrally formed, with a base portion, from a superelastic wire, wherein the base portion is configured to fixedly attach to the device, for example, being captured between insulative members of a fixation subassembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Rys, Thomas A. Anderson, Vladimir Grubac, Jonathan I. Kuhn
  • Publication number: 20150039081
    Abstract: A transcatheter valve prosthesis is disclosed that has a compressed, delivery configuration and an expanded configuration for deployment within a native heart valve. The valve prosthesis includes a self-expanding frame and a prosthetic valve component. The self-expanding frame includes a valve receiving portion defining an opening therethrough and first and second anchors at opposing ends of the valve receiving portion. The valve receiving portion is substantially planar and the first and second anchors are oriented substantially perpendicular to the valve receiving portion when the valve prosthesis is in the expanded configuration. The prosthetic valve component is disposed within the opening of the valve receiving portion and secured thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Medtronic Vascular Galway
    Inventor: Declan Costello
  • Publication number: 20150039070
    Abstract: A tine portion of an implantable medical device includes a hook segment and a distal segment terminated by a tissue-piercing tip, wherein the distal segment extends from a distal end of the hook segment to the tip. The hook segment, which is elastically deformable from a pre-set curvature, for example, defined by a single radius, preferably tapers from a first width thereof, in proximity to a proximal end thereof, to a smaller, second width thereof, in proximity to the distal end thereof, wherein the tip has a width that is greater than the second width of the hook segment. Alternately, the tine portion may include a hook segment that is defined by two radii and a straight section extending therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan I. Kuhn, Michael P. Campbell, Vladimir Grubac, Kenneth D. Rys, Richard W. Swenson, Charles L. Wilson