Patents Assigned to Medtronic
  • Publication number: 20150039071
    Abstract: A tine portion of an implantable medical device includes a hook segment and a distal segment extending therefrom, wherein the hook segment is pre-set to extend along a curvature and is elastically deformable therefrom to an open position. The distal segment includes a tooth and an end that surrounds the tooth, wherein the end includes a pair of legs and a distal arch. The legs extend along a length of, and on opposing sides of the tooth, and the distal arch extends between the legs, distal to a tissue-piercing tip of the tooth. When the hook segment is in the open position, and a force is applied along a longitudinal axis of the device, to push the distal arch of the distal segment against tissue, for initial tissue penetration, the legs of the end of the distal segment bend in elastic deformation to expose the tissue-piercing tip to the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Grubac, Jonathan I. Kuhn, Kenneth D. Rys, Richard W. Swenson
  • Patent number: 8948865
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treatment of heart arrhythmia via renal neuromodulation. Such neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, ablation, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is achieved through application of an electric field. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is achieved through application of neuromodulatory agents, of thermal energy and/or of high intensity focused ultrasound. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Hanson Gifford, III
  • Patent number: 8945146
    Abstract: A delivery system assembly includes an outer tube, an inner member, extending within a lumen of the outer tube, and a deflectable shaft, extending within the outer tube lumen and around the inner member; the tube and inner member are longitudinally moveable with respect to the shaft, and a distal end of the inner member is located distal to the shaft within the tube lumen. A medical device can be loaded into the tube lumen, along a distal-most portion of the tube, and contained between the inner member and a distal opening of the tube lumen. Deflecting the shaft orients the distal-most portion for navigation of the assembly, and, when the distal end of the inner member is engaged within the tube lumen, distal movement of the tube, with respect to the shaft, causes similar distal movement of the inner member and the loaded medical device toward an implant site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Allan Steingisser, Don H. Tran, William A. Berthiaume, Brent L. Locsin
  • Patent number: 8945114
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a method and a system that may be used to provide feedback regarding the flow of fluid during ablation therapy. The system includes a generator that generates energy to ablate at least a portion of a target tissue, a needle that delivers the energy to the target tissue, a return electrode that receives energy dispersed from the needle, a catheter that houses at least a portion of the needle, a pump that delivers a fluid to the target tissue via the catheter, a sensor that detects a fluid parameter indicative of at least one of flow or pressure of the fluid, and a processor that analyzes the fluid parameter detected by the sensor. The sensor may be located between the pump and the target tissue. The fluid parameter detected by the system may be pressure or flow. The system may be used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ahmed Elmouelhi, Paul S. Kratoska
  • Patent number: 8945107
    Abstract: Neuromodulation cryotherapeutic devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an elongated shaft having distal portion and a supply lumen along at least a portion of the shaft. The shaft can be configured to locate the distal portion intravascularly at a treatment site proximate a renal artery or renal ostium. The supply lumen can be configured to receive a liquid refrigerant. The cryotherapeutic device can further include a cooling assembly at the distal portion of the shaft. The cooling assembly can include an applicator in fluid communication with the supply lumen and configured to deliver cryotherapeutic cooling to nerves proximate the target site when the cooling assembly is in a deployed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Naomi Buckley, Benjamin J. Clark, Michael Cummins, Danny Donovan, Luke Hughes, Brian Kelly, Gary Kelly, Grace Kelly, John Kelly, Seamus Ledwith, Gwenda McMullin, Karun D. Naga, Stephen Nash, Francesco Piccagli, Eric Ryba, Fiachra Sweeney, Vincenzo Tilotta, Roman Turovskiy, Lana Woolley, Denise Zarins, Mark Gelfand, Mark S. Leung, Barry Mullins
  • Patent number: 8945145
    Abstract: A delivery system assembly includes an elongate inner member that extends distally through a lumen of an elongate outer tube of the assembly; the outer tube is moveable relative to the inner member between first and second positions to deploy an implantable medical device that is held within the outer tube lumen. The inner member may include a flared distal end that abuts, and preferably conforms to, the proximal end of the device, when the device is held within the outer tube lumen. The assembly further includes a stability sheath that surrounds a limited length of the outer tube, in proximity to the handle, to provide an interface for both an operator, who handles the assembly, and for an introducer sheath that provides passage for the assembly into the venous system, so that movement of the outer tube is not hindered by either during device deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Don H. Tran, William A. Berthiaume, H. Allan Steingisser, Maria Valdovinos, Brent L. Locsin, Suruchi Anand
  • Patent number: 8948868
    Abstract: The capability to suspend a patient alert relating to a monitored physiologic parameters addresses a need to selectively shut off a patient-alert signal or signals during the time a patient is being treated for an excursion in the parameter. Of course, in general a signal call attention to a patient's a potentially deleterious status or condition for which they should seek medical attention. Once a chronically-implanted monitoring device has detected or provided information about the parameter relative to a desired value, trend, or range and a clinician has been notified and intervened the alert signal is temporarily disabled for a predetermined period. That is, once the notification occurs and alert has served its purpose, the alert mechanism is selectively deactivated while the patient ostensibly begins to gradually correct the monitored physiologic parameter under a caregiver's direction and control. After which time, the alert will reactivate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Holly S. Vitense, Li Wang, Denise Dirnberger, Melissa M. Rhodes, Douglas A. Hettrick, Shantanu Sarkar
  • Patent number: 8948883
    Abstract: A fixation member of an electrode assembly for an implantable medical device includes a tissue engaging portion extending along a circular path, between a piercing distal tip thereof and a fixed end of the member. The circular path extends around a longitudinal axis of the assembly. A helical structure of the assembly, which includes an electrode surface formed thereon and a piercing distal tip, also extends around the longitudinal axis and is located within a perimeter of the circular path. The tissue engaging portion of the fixation member extends from the distal tip thereof in a direction along the circular path that is the same as that in which the helical structure extends from the distal tip thereof. The electrode assembly may include a pair of the fixation members, wherein each tissue engaging portion may extend approximately one half turn along the circular path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D Eggen, Zhongping Yang, Rick D McVenes, Noelle C Hurtig, Raymond W Usher
  • Patent number: 8945753
    Abstract: The present teachings include an electrochemical cell including an anode, a cathode, an electrolyte, a separator disposed between the cathode and anode, and a housing containing the anode, cathode, electrolyte, and separator. The separator can include a first sheet consisting essentially of a single layer material and a second sheet distinct from the first sheet. The second sheet can include an inner microporous layer laminated between two more outer layers. In some cells, the inner layer can have a transition temperature between a porous configuration and a substantially non-porous configuration that is between about 80 degrees C. and 150 degrees C., and in which the two more outer layers maintain their structural integrity to at least about 10 degrees C. greater than the first layer transition temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kaimin Chen, Craig L. Schmidt, Paul M. Skarstad
  • Patent number: 8945089
    Abstract: A catheter for use with a medical infusion or other fluid system. The catheter may include a flexible elongate tubular core that is resistant to radial collapse, and a separate tubular tip member forming the catheter distal tip. The catheter may further include a flexible, e.g., elastomeric, jacket that surrounds at least a portion of the tubular core. The jacket may have a radial compliance that is greater than that of the tubular core. The jacket may further define an outer diameter that is about 4 to about 6 times greater than an outer diameter of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Johnson, Matthew H. Adams, James G. Skakoon
  • Patent number: 8948882
    Abstract: A fixation component for a medical electrical lead includes a tubular sidewall that has an outer surface from which a plurality of deformable barb-like projections extend, each projection being in proximity to an aperture that extends through the sidewall. The projections are spaced apart from one another along a length of the component, and each extends from a first end, attached to the sidewall, in proximity to an edge of the corresponding aperture, to a second, free end, spaced apart from the outer surface of the sidewall, when the projection is un-deformed. The outer surface of the sidewall preferably includes reduced diameter end portions, to maintain a relatively low profile, when tubing members overlap thereon to secure the component around a body of the medical electrical lead. The body of the lead may include a conductor coil whose outer surface is directly overlaid by the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian T. Stolz, Carole A. Tronnes
  • Patent number: 8945451
    Abstract: Methods for forming an insulative body of an implantable medical device connector module assembly employ an injection molding process, whereby first and second shots of insulative material form core and an overlay portions, respectively. In some methods, a panel portion of an electrical component is mounted between opposing surfaces of a mold such that a finger-like portion of the component extends into a cavity of the mold, with a first side thereof touching another surface of the mold and a second, opposite side exposed within the cavity; following first shot injection, the core portion captures the finger-like portion in relatively rigid relation thereto. When two types of connector bores are formed, a color indicator may be engaged with a feature of the core portion that is located in proximity to a connector bore of the first type, and then the overlay portion is formed over the indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ries, Jeevan M. Prasannakumar, Richard P. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8948338
    Abstract: An x-ray imaging system for imaging a subject includes an x-ray source configured to project an x-ray radiation toward a portion of the subject and a panel detector positioned opposite the x-ray source relative to the subject and configured to receive x-ray radiation passing through the subject. The panel detector includes a scintillation layer converting x-ray radiation to light rays of a selected spectrum and a plurality of microelectromechanical scanners. Each microelectromechanical scanner includes a photodetector mounted on a corresponding movable platform and configured to detect light in the selected light spectrum. The panel detector includes a scanning control module configured to move each platform in a selected scan pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis J. Barbato, Patrick A. Helm, Jigney Shah
  • Patent number: 8948869
    Abstract: Generally, the disclosure is directed one or more methods or systems of cardiac pacing employing a right ventricular electrode and a plurality of left ventricular electrodes. Pacing using the right ventricular electrode and a first one of the left ventricular electrodes and measuring activation times at other ones of the left ventricular electrodes. Pacing using the right ventricular electrode and a second one of the ventricular electrodes and measuring activation times at other ones of the left ventricular electrodes. Employing sums of the measured activation times to select one of the left ventricular electrodes for delivery of subsequent pacing pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Subham Ghosh, Robert W. Stadler
  • Patent number: 8948836
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing multiple parameters includes an implantable housing and a plurality of implantable sensors disposed within the implantable housing. The plurality of implantable sensors sense parameters in a patient, such as biological or physiological parameters, for example, and each responds to an analyte in the patient. The plurality of implantable sensors may include, but is not limited to, electrochemical, potentiometric, current and optical sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Bahar Reghabi, Rebecca K. Gottlieb, Rajiv Shah, Bradley J. Enegren, William P. Van Antwerp
  • Patent number: 8945068
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Edgardo C. Halili, Eric M. Lorenzen, Matthew William Yavorsky
  • Patent number: 8945164
    Abstract: A guard for use with a surgical cutting system. The guard includes a housing and wiring. The housing defines a longitudinal passageway, and is configured for releasable attachment to an instrument handpiece. The wiring is coupled to the housing and includes an electrically conductive wire and an insulative material. The wire defines opposing, first and second ends, with the first end being positioned within the passageway. The insulative material covers the wire apart from the first end such that the first end of the wire is exposed within the passageway. The first end of the wire establishes an electrical connection with a cutting tool shank upon placement within the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: William Charles Brunnett, Kevin Lee McFarlin, Benjamin Morris Rubin, Robert Vaccaro
  • Publication number: 20150032172
    Abstract: A method and system of cardiac pacing is disclosed. A baseline rhythm is determined. The baseline rhythm includes a baseline atrial event and a baseline right ventricular RV event from an implanted cardiac lead or a leadless device, a pre-excitation interval determined from the baseline atrial event and the baseline RV event, and a plurality of activation times determined from a plurality of body-surface electrodes. A determination is made as to whether a time interval measured from an atrial event to a RV event is disparate from another time interval measured from the atrial event to an earliest RV activation time of the plurality of activation times. A correction factor is applied to the pre-excitation interval to obtain a corrected pre-excitation interval in response to determining the RV event is disparate from the earliest RV activation time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Subham Ghosh
  • Publication number: 20150032174
    Abstract: A system and method select a pacing site for a cardiac pacing therapy. A change from a baseline mechanical activity is extracted from a signal of mechanical heart activity during pacing at each one of multiple pacing sites along a heart chamber. A change from a baseline electrical activity is extracted from a signal of electrical heart activity during pacing at each of the of pacing sites. The pacing sites are sorted in a first order based upon the changes in mechanical heart activity and in a second order based upon the changes in electrical heart activity. A pacing site is selected from the multiple pacing sites as a common pacing site between the first order and the second order.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Subham Ghosh
  • Patent number: D722081
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin T. Gerber, David B. Lura, Bryant J. Pudil, Thomas E. Meyer, Brian Mullins