Patents Assigned to Medtronic
  • Medical Device And Its Construction
    Publication number: 20140324012
    Abstract: A tube can include an elongated cannulated member that has an external wall. The tube can be navigated during a selected procedure. The tube can be shaped to selected configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventor: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
  • Fluid infusion device and related sealing assembly for a needleless fluid reservoir
    Patent number: 8870829
    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: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Edgardo C. Halili, Eric M. Lorenzen, Matthew William Yavorsky
  • Endolumenal prosthesis
    Patent number: 8870940
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an endolumenal prosthesis comprising a tubular body adapted to convert from a contracted condition to an expanded condition. The tubular body develops along a longitudinal axis and comprises: a plurality of coils and at least one bridge. The coils develop along a substantially circumferential direction and the bridge connects two coils. The coils are realized in a persistent material, while the bridge is realized in a bioabsorbable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Venturelli, Silvio Schaffner
  • Medical devices and coatings therefore comprising biodegradable polymers with enhanced functionality
    Patent number: 8871238
    Abstract: Biodegradable polymers useful for fabricating implantable medical devices and as coatings for medical devices are provided. The biodegradable polymers are biocompatible and can be tuned to provide optimum bioactive agent elution rates as well as degradation rates. Also provided are methods for making medical devices and medical device coatings using the biodegradable polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Peiwen Cheng, Mingfei Chen, Kishore Udipi
  • Systems and methods for alignment and detection of a consumable component
    Patent number: 8870818
    Abstract: Systems and methods for alignment and detection of a consumable component are disclosed herein. For example, a method for determining if a consumable component is coupled to a durable component to enable dispersion of a medicine is provided. The method includes determining if a signal from an electrical contact coupled to a durable component has changed an electrical state, and comparing the signal to a reference signal from a second electrical component coupled to the durable component. The method includes sampling a sensor coupled to the durable component to acquire sensor data indicative of a magnetic field observed by the sensor, and outputting data that a consumable component is coupled to the durable component if the signal is different than the reference signal, and the sensor data is within an acceptable range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan M. Alderete, Jr., R. Marie Tieck
  • Method and/or system for multicompartment analyte monitoring
    Patent number: 8870763
    Abstract: Subject matter disclosed herein relates to monitoring and/or controlling levels of an analyte in bodily fluid. In particular, estimation of a concentration of the analyte in a first physiological compartment based upon observations of a concentration of the analyte in a second physiological compartment may account for a latency in transporting the analyte between the first and second physiological compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ning Yang, Rebecca K. Gottlieb, Keith Nogueira, Xiaolong Li, Bradley Liang, Brian T. Kannard
  • Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for renal neuromodulation
    Patent number: 8870863
    Abstract: Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a catheter treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver an energy delivery element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermal or electrical renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or cool, or otherwise electrically modulate, neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Mark S. Leung, Benjamin J. Clark, Kenneth J. Michlitsch, Erik Thai, Andrew Wu, Denise Zarins
  • System and method for delivery of biologic agents
    Patent number: 8870848
    Abstract: A delivery system for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient includes a catheter, a stop feature, a container and a bar. The catheter has a proximal end and a distal end and includes a body defining a lumen that extends to the distal end of the catheter. The stop feature is in proximity to the distal end of the catheter. The container is configured to house the therapeutic agent and is insertable and slidably disposable in the lumen of the catheter. The container is also configured to engage the stop feature of the catheter. The bar is slidably disposable in the lumen of the catheter. Sliding of the bar distally in the lumen forces the therapeutic agent out of the container and out of the lumen when the container is engaged with the stop feature. The stop feature is configured to inhibit the container from exiting the lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Prasanga D Hiniduma-Lokuge, Daniel Sigg, Xiaohong Qiu
  • Balloon catheter with integrated optical sensor for determining balloon diameter
    Patent number: 8873900
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining an expanded diameter of a catheter balloon. An optical sensor includes an elongated optical fiber with at least one diffraction grating formed in a core of a distal portion thereof. The fiber distal portion is coupled to the inflatable balloon. Broadband light is transmitted to the diffraction grating by an optical interrogator. A portion of the light is reflected from the diffraction grating and is received by a wavelength detector. The wavelength of the reflected portion of light is dependent on the strain applied to the diffraction grating. The wavelength detector determines the strain in the balloon and correlates the strain to the diameter of the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Patricia O'Beirne, Aram Jamous, John Kelly
  • Hermetic feedthrough
    Patent number: 8872035
    Abstract: A hermetic feedthrough for an implantable medical device includes a sheet having a hole, where the sheet includes a ceramic comprising alumina. The feedthrough also includes a second material substantially filling the hole, where the second material includes a platinum powder mixture and an alumina additive. The platinum powder mixture includes a first platinum powder having a median particle size of between approximately 3 and 10 micrometers and a second platinum powder that is coarser than the first platinum powder and has a median particle size of between approximately 5 and 20 micrometers. The platinum powder mixture includes between approximately 50 and 80 percent by weight of the first platinum powder and between approximately 20 and 50 percent by weight of the second platinum powder. The first and second materials have a co-fired bond therebetween that hermetically seals the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignees: Medtronic, Inc., Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Kengo Morioka, Arne Knudsen, Shingo Satou, Hidekazu Otomaru, Andrew Thom, Hiroshi Makino, Markus Reiterer, Gordon Munns, Thomas Miltich, Joyce Yamamoto, Takahito Hirata
  • Delivery catheter including side port and electrodes
    Patent number: 8874237
    Abstract: A delivery catheter, including a catheter body, a side port, a first electrode, and a second electrode, is described. The catheter body may comprise a proximal end, a distal end, and a perimeter surface. The catheter body defines a delivery lumen extending longitudinally within the catheter body. The side port is defined in the perimeter surface of the catheter body proximate the distal end and in communication with the delivery lumen. The electrodes may be adjacent to and spaced from the side port. Techniques for using the delivery catheter to identify a desired lead implantation location, e.g., via the electrodes, and implant a medical lead or other implantable element at the desired location through the delivery lumen and side port are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard John Schilling
  • Single instrument electrosurgery apparatus and its method of use
    Patent number: 8870864
    Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus includes two assemblies, one of which is the primary assembly intended for a first surgical procedure, such as cutting tissue, and a secondary assembly intended for a second type of electrosurgical procedure, such as tissue coagulation. The secondary assembly fits over the electrode tip of the primary assembly and makes electrical contact with the electrode tip of the primary assembly. This allows for single instrument surgery whereby the secondary (coagulation) assembly provides bleeding control after the primary assembly has cut tissue. This combination significantly reduces operating time. The secondary assembly has a snap fit over the primary assembly so that it may be readily attached and detached several times during any surgical procedure, as the surgeon alternates between cutting tissue and coagulating the resulting incisions using the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Advanced Energy LLC
    Inventors: Paul O. Davison, Ralph I. McNall, III, John R. Tighe, Alexander B. Vankov
  • Risk determination for ventricular arrhythmia
    Patent number: 8874197
    Abstract: Risk determination for a near fatal ventricular arrhythmia of a patient. An electrocardiogram of a heart of the patient is obtained. A parameter is measured, using an electrocardiogram of a heart of the patient, indicative of an autonomic nervous system of the patient. A numeric score is assigned for the parameter indicative of the conduction system of the heart. A numeric score is assigned for the parameter indicative of the autonomic nervous system. A ratio of the numeric score of the parameter indicative of the conduction system of the heart of the patient and the numeric score of the parameter indicative of the autonomic nervous system of the patient is calculated. The risk of the potentially near fatal ventricular arrhythmia of the patient is determined to be significant if the ratio is greater than a predetermined threshold. An action responsive to the determining step is taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Becker, Raphael Schneider
  • APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING BLOOD CLOTTING
    Publication number: 20140315228
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods include evaluation the clotting time or strength of clotting in the presence of various clot-affecting reagents to obtain a profile of clot analysis for determination of bleeding complications. The various reagents may be included in a single cartridge for use in a blood clotting analysis device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Charlene Yuan, Trevor Huang
  • Controlled Neuromodulation Systems and Methods of Use
    Publication number: 20140316402
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods for positioning a neuromodulation device at a treatment site and evaluating the effects of therapeutic energy delivery applied to tissue in a patient. Before, during and/or after therapeutic energy delivery, a system can monitor parameters or values relevant to efficacious neuromodulation by emitting and detecting diagnostic energy at the treatment site. Feedback provided to an operator is based on the monitored values and relates to a relative position of the treatment device at the treatment site, as well as assessment of the likelihood that a completed treatment was technically successful.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventor: Jignesh M. Shah
  • VAGAL STIMULATION
    Publication number: 20140316486
    Abstract: The disclosure herein relates generally to methods for treating heart conditions using vagal stimulation, and further to systems and devices for performing such treatment. Such methods may include monitoring physiological parameters of a patient, detecting cardiac conditions, and delivering vagal stimulation (e.g., electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve or neurons having parasympathetic function) to the patient to treat the detected cardiac conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaohong Zhou, Lilian Kornet, Richard N.M. Cornelussen, Paul D. Ziegler, Robert Stadler, Eduardo Warman, Karen J. Kleckner, Lucy Nichols, Alberto Della Scala
  • Medical device with an electrically conductive anti-antenna member
    Patent number: 8868212
    Abstract: A lead includes a conductor having a distal end and a proximal end and a resonant circuit connected to the conductor. The resonant circuit has a resonance frequency approximately equal to an excitation signal's frequency of a magnetic resonance imaging scanner or a resonance frequency not tuned to an excitation signal's frequency of a magnetic resonance imaging scanner so as to reduce the current flow through a tissue area, thereby reducing tissue damage. The resonant circuit may be included in an adapter that provides an electrical bridge between a lead a medical device such as an electrode, sensor, or signal generator. The resonant circuit may also be included directly in the housing of a medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Gray
  • Combination oxygenator and arterial filter device for treating blood in an extracorporeal blood circuit
    Patent number: 8865067
    Abstract: A combination oxygenator and arterial filter device for treating blood in an extracorporeal circuit includes a housing, an oxygenator, and a depth filter. The oxygenator includes a hollow fiber bundle forming an oxygenator exterior face. The depth filter is disposed (e.g., wound) directly over the exterior face, and includes a plurality of filaments arranged to define filter layers of level wound filaments. A first layer directly abuts the oxygenator exterior face. The oxygenator bundle differs from the depth filter in terms of: fiber and filament materials, construction of the fibers and filaments, and/or minimum gap spacings between axially adjacent ones of the fibers and the filaments. An oxygenator with integrated arterial filtering capability is provided that minimally impacts the extracorporeal blood circuit prime volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Olson, John L. Knoll
  • Device based cardiac monitoring and stress test
    Patent number: 8868182
    Abstract: A medical device and associated method establish an occurrence of a premature atrial contraction. The device senses a ventricular signal. A control unit is configured to determine a metric of the ventricular signal during an interval following the premature atrial contraction and detect a change in cardiac stress tolerance in response to the determined metric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhendong Song, Xiaohong Zhou
  • Pharyngeal wall treatment
    Patent number: 8864788
    Abstract: A patient's pharyngeal wall is treated by inserting an expander member into the airway and positioning an active portion of the expander member in opposition to portions of the pharyngeal wall to be treated. The expander member is activated to urge the wall portions outwardly to an outwardly displaced position. The expander member is then deactivated while leaving the wall portions in the outwardly placed position and the expander member is removed from said airway. A further aspect of the treatment includes stabilization of at least a portion of the pharyngeal wall after compression of portions of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Knudson, Timothy R. Conrad