Patents Assigned to Medtronic
  • Patent number: 8883716
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treating diseases associated with loss of neuronal function are described. The methods are designed to promote proliferation, differentiation, migration, or integration of endogenous progenitor stem cells of the central nervous system (CNS). A therapy, such as an electrical signal or a stem cell enhancing agent, or a combination of therapies, is applied to a CNS region containing endogenous stem cells or a CNS region where the endogenous stem cells are predicted to migrate and eventually reside, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Lisa L. Shafer
  • Patent number: 8886311
    Abstract: Disclosed techniques include monitoring a physiological characteristic of a patient with a sensor that is mounted to an inner wall of a thoracic cavity of the patient, and sending a signal based on the monitored physiological characteristic from the sensor to a remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Anderson, Noah D. Barka, Erin D. Grassl, Matthew D. Bonner
  • Patent number: 8886276
    Abstract: A method for making a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes the steps of: forming an insulative carrier from an insulative material; coupling at least one conductive component to the carrier by inserting a pre-formed tab of the conductive component through the carrier, from a first side thereof to a second side thereof, so that the conductive component is secured to the carrier with the tab extending along a surface of the second side of the carrier and an inward facing surface of an electrode portion of the conductive component being disposed against a surface of the first side of the carrier; coupling an elongate flexible conductor to the tab of the component; and forming an insulative layer over the second side of the carrier, the tab and the conductor electrically coupled to the tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Michael E. Metzler, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower
  • Patent number: 8886465
    Abstract: A medical device for sensing cardiac events that includes a plurality of light sources capable of emitting light at a plurality of wavelengths, and a detector to detect the emitted light. A processor determines a plurality of light measurements in response to the emitted light detected by the detector, updates, for each of the plurality of wavelengths, a first normalization coefficient and a second normalization coefficient in response to the detected emitted light, and adjusts the determined plurality of light measurements in response to the first normalization coefficient and the second normalization coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Can Cinbis, James K. Carney
  • Patent number: 8886296
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the classification of cardiac episodes using an algorithm. In various examples, an episode classification algorithm evaluates electrogram signal data to determine whether T-wave oversensing has occurred. The T-wave oversensing analysis may include, for example, identifying beat runs within the cardiac episode whether the beats within the run have at least one characteristic that alternates beat to be or clustering beats within the cardiac episode based on beat to beat interval length. The T-wave oversensing determination may be based on probabilistic analysis in some examples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Amisha S. Patel
  • Patent number: 8886315
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the effectiveness of VSR and for taking action to improve the effectiveness of VSRs, if they are determined to be ineffective, includes comparing the a VSR evoked electrogram to a template electrogram of a pure biventricular paced CRT beat. If the electrograms, or features thereof, are similar, the VSR is determined to be effective. If the VSR is determined to be ineffective, the AV delay of biventricular CRT is shortened in a step-wise fashion in an incremental manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Subham Ghosh
  • Patent number: 8886307
    Abstract: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) delivered to a heart of a patient may be adjusted based on detection of a surrogate indication of the intrinsic atrioventricular conduction of the heart. In some examples, the surrogate indication is determined to be a sense event of the first depolarizing ventricle of the heart within a predetermined period of time following the delivery of a fusion pacing stimulus to the later depolarizing ventricle. In some examples, the CRT is switched from a fusion pacing configuration to a biventricular pacing configuration if the surrogate indication is not detected, and the CRT is maintained in a fusion pacing configuration if the surrogate indication is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Aleksandre T. Sambelashvili, Thomas J. Mullen, Todd J. Sheldon
  • Publication number: 20140330368
    Abstract: A system includes a medical device for implanting in a valve of a subject, the implantable medical device having a self-expanding frame; and a holder configured to retain the frame of the implantable medical device in a constricted configuration and to control expansion of the frame. The holder has a controllably constrictable and expandable loop, wherein the loop is disposed about at least a portion of the self-expanding frame such that constriction or expansion of the first loop controls constriction or expansion of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Gloss, Timothy Groen, Carolyn Majkrzak, Behrooz Nadian, Matthew Rust, Timothy Ryan, Matthew Weston, Marc Anderson, Evelyn Birmingham, Mark Casley, Deirdre McGowan Smyth
  • Publication number: 20140330325
    Abstract: An implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) system includes an ICD implanted subcutaneously in a patient, a defibrillation lead having a proximal portion coupled to the ICD and a distal portion having a defibrillation electrode configured to deliver a defibrillation or cardioversion shock to a heart of the patient, and a pacing lead that includes a distal portion having one or more electrodes and a proximal portion coupled to the ICD. The distal portion of the pacing lead is implanted at least partially along a posterior side of a sternum of the patient within the anterior mediastinum. The ICD is configured to provide pacing pulses to the heart of the patient via the pacing lead and provide defibrillation shocks to the patient via the defibrillation lead. As such, the implantable cardiac system provides pacing from the substernal space for an extravascular ICD system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Amy E. Thompson-Nauman, Melissa G.T. Christie, Paul J. DeGroot, Rick D. McVenes, Becky L. Dolan
  • Publication number: 20140330326
    Abstract: Implantable cardiac systems and methods for providing substernal pacing in an ICD system are described. In one example, an implantable cardiac system comprises an ICD system and an implantable leadless pacing device (LPD) communicatively coupled to the ICD system. The ICD system includes an ICD and an implantable defibrillation lead having a proximal portion coupled to the ICD and a distal portion having a defibrillation electrode configured to deliver a defibrillation shock to a heart of the patient. The LPD includes a housing, a first electrode on the housing, a second electrode on the housing, and a pulse generator within the housing and electrically coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode. The housing of the LPD is implanted substantially within an anterior mediastinum of the patient and the pulse generator is configured to deliver pacing pulses to a heart via the first and second electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Amy E. Thompson-Nauman, Melissa G.T. Christie, Paul J. DeGroot, Rick D. McVenes
  • Publication number: 20140330331
    Abstract: Implantable leadless cardiac pacing systems and methods for providing substernal pacing using the leadless cardiac pacing systems are described. In one embodiment, an implantable leadless cardiac pacing system includes a housing, a first electrode on the housing, a second electrode on the housing, and a pulse generator within the housing and electrically coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode. The housing is implanted substantially within an anterior mediastinum of a patient and the pulse generator is configured to deliver pacing pulses to a heart of the patient via a therapy vector formed between the first and second electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Amy E. Thompson-Nauman, Melissa G.T. Christie, Paul J. DeGroot, Rick D. McVenes
  • Publication number: 20140326671
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for the performance of kidney replacement therapy having or using a dialyzer, control components, a sorbent cartridge with at least two separate flow paths, and fluid reservoirs configured to be of a weight and size suitable to be worn or carried by an individual requiring treatment. The system for performing kidney replacement therapy has a controlled compliance dialysis circuit, where a control pump controls the bi-directional movement of fluid across a dialysis membrane. The dialysis circuit and an extracorporeal circuit for circulating blood are in fluid communication through the dialysis membrane. The flux of fluid moving between the extracorporeal circuit and the dialysis circuit is modified by the rate at which the control pump is operating such that a rate of ultrafiltration and convective clearance can be controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Kelly, SuPing Lyu
  • Publication number: 20140330371
    Abstract: A valve prosthesis includes an expandable frame comprising an outflow portion and an inflow portion connected to the outflow portion. The frame defines a central lumen extending between the outflow portion and the inflow portion. The frame is generally cylindrical in a fully expanded configuration. When the frame is in the fully expanded configuration, an outer surface of the inflow portion is concave. The inflow portion has an upper inflow portion and a lower inflow portion. When the frame is in the fully expanded configuration, the upper inflow portion flares outwardly from the central lumen of the frame to greater extent than the lower inflow portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Gloss, Timothy Groen, Carolyn Majkrzak, Matthew Rust, Timothy Ryan, Matthew Weston
  • Publication number: 20140330327
    Abstract: Substernal implantable cardioveter-defibrillator (ICD) systems and methods for providing substernal electrical stimulation therapy to treat malignant tachyarrhythmia, e.g., ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) are described. In one example, an implantable cardioveter-defibrillator (ICD) system includes an ICD implanted in a patient and an implantable medical electrical lead. The lead includes an elongated lead body having a proximal end and a distal portion, a connector at the proximal end of the lead body configured to couple to the ICD, and one or more electrodes along the distal portion of the elongated lead body. The distal portion of the elongated lead body of the lead is implanted substantially within an anterior mediastinum of the patient and the ICD is configured to deliver electrical stimulation to a heart of the patient using the one or more electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Amy E. Thompson-Nauman, Melissa G.T. Christie, Paul J. DeGroot, Rick D. McVenes, Becky L. Dolan
  • Publication number: 20140330329
    Abstract: Implantable cardiac pacing systems and methods for providing substernal pacing are described. In one example, a cardiac pacing system includes a pacemaker implanted in a patient and an implantable medical electrical lead. The implantable medical electrical lead includes an elongated lead body having a proximal end and a distal portion, a connector configured to couple to the pacemaker at the proximal end of the elongated lead body, and one or more electrodes along the distal portion of the elongated lead body, wherein the distal portion of the elongated lead body of the lead is implanted substantially within an anterior mediastinum of the patient and the pacemaker is configured to deliver pacing pulses to a heart of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Amy E. Thompson-Nauman, Melissa G.T. Christie, Rick D. McVenes
  • Publication number: 20140330328
    Abstract: Techniques and methods for determining the number and type of leads that are connected to an implantable medical device (IMD) system are disclosed. The IMD system is configured having at least two modes of operation, the modes of operation corresponding to the number and type of leads that are coupled to the IMD system. In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, one of the at least two modes may be selected based on the determination of the number and type of leads that are connected to the IMD system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Melissa G.T. Christie, Amy E. Thompson-Nauman, Becky L. Dolan, Paul J. DeGroot, Rick D. McVenes
  • Publication number: 20140330208
    Abstract: Devices and implantation methods utilizing subcutaneous placement into a patient are disclosed for the insertion, advancement and positioning of a subcutaneous implantable medical device (SIMD) such as a medical electrical lead. The device for implanting the SIMD is configured having a pre-biased distal curve for creating a pathway to an implant location within a substernal space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Melissa G.T. Christie, Amy E. Thompson-Nauman, Noah D. Barka, Rick D. McVenes
  • Publication number: 20140330248
    Abstract: Implant tools and techniques for implantation of a medical lead, catheter or other implantable component are provided. The implant tools and techniques are particularly useful in implanting medical electrical leads in implant locations such as substernal spaces or subcutaneous locations. The implant tools include a sheath coupled to a sealing device. The sheath includes a continuous lumen that is in fluid communication with a passage of the sealing device. The lead is advanced through the passage and the lumen for placement of the distal end of the lead at the implant location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Amy E. Thompson-Nauman, Melissa G.T. Christie, Noah D. Barka
  • Publication number: 20140330372
    Abstract: A device, such as a prosthetic heart valve, for implantation in a patient's valve, having one or more visible markings configured to be aligned with one or more anatomical structures of the patient's valve, such as an annulus or a commissure. The markings facilitating accurate implantation of the device at a proper depth or in a proper orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Weston, Stella H. Kim, Carolyn C. Majkrzak, Michael Gloss, Timothy Groen, Behrooz Nadian, Matthew Rust, Timothy Ryan
  • Publication number: 20140330287
    Abstract: Anchoring mechanisms for an implantable electrical medical lead that is positioned within a substernal space are disclosed. The anchoring mechanisms fixedly-position a distal portion of the lead, that is implanted in the substernal space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Amy E. Thompson-Nauman, Melissa G.T. Christie