Patents Assigned to Medtronic
  • Patent number: 8758365
    Abstract: A guiding accessory, for use in conjunction with a guidewire and a catheter of an implant system, facilitates passage of an elongate and flexible conductor of a relatively compact therapy delivery device to an implant site, for example, within the cardiac venous system, when a therapy generator of the device is held within a distal portion of the catheter, and the catheter, device and guiding accessory are advanced along the guidewire. The guiding accessory includes a helically extending wall that forms a lumen within which the device conductor and guidewire extend. After advancing the catheter, guiding accessory and device to the implant site, the helically extending wall is unwound from around the device conductor, for removal, preferably, by pulling proximally on a tension line, which is attached to a proximal end of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Bonner, Vladimir P. Nikolski
  • Patent number: 8761890
    Abstract: In one example, the disclosure relates to a method comprising receiving at least one electrical stimulation parameter value defining electrical stimulation for delivery via one or more electrodes to a tissue site, and determining, via one or more processors, a volume of sub-activation threshold impact for tissue from the delivery of the electrical stimulation to the tissue site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Rahul Gupta, Steven M. Goetz, Maciej T. Lazarewicz, Gabriela C. Molnar, Dwight E. Nelson, Jianping Wu
  • Patent number: 8761886
    Abstract: Techniques are described for controlling effects caused when an implantable medical device (IMD) is subject to a disruptive energy field. The IMD may include an implantable lead that includes one or more electrodes. The IMD may further include a first component having a parasitic inductance. The IMD may further include a second component having a reactance. In some examples, the reactance of the second component may be selected based on the parasitic inductance of the first component such that an amount of energy reflected along the lead in response to energy produced by an electromagnetic energy source is below a selected threshold. In additional examples, the parasitic inductance of the first component and the reactance of the second component are configured such that an amount of energy reflected along the lead in response to a frequency of electromagnetic energy is below a selected threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher C. Stancer, Piotr J. Przybyszewski, Sandy K. Wixon, Joel Peltier, Sung-Min Park, David E. Manahan, Jonathan Edmonson, Ben W. Herberg
  • Patent number: 8758242
    Abstract: At least one of a medical device, such as an implantable medical device, and a programming device determines values for one or more metrics that indicate the quality of a patient's sleep. Sleep efficiency, sleep latency, and time spent in deeper sleep states are example sleep quality metrics for which values may be determined. In some embodiments, determined sleep quality metric values are associated with a current therapy parameter set. In some embodiments, a programming device presents sleep quality information to a user based on determined sleep quality metric values. A clinician, for example, may use the sleep quality information presented by the programming device to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy delivered to the patient by the medical device, to adjust the therapy delivered by the medical device, or to prescribe a therapy not delivered by the medical device in order to improve the quality of the patient's sleep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Miesel, Kenneth T. Heruth
  • Patent number: 8758325
    Abstract: Thrombectomy catheters are presented that have curved tip portions. A suction lumen extends from at or near the proximal end of the catheter to a suction port at or near the tip portion of the catheter. The curves of the thrombectomy catheter can be selected to place a suction port at or near a vessel wall for the more effective removal of thrombus resulting from directing the suction in the direction of the thrombus. In some embodiments, the tip portion of the catheter can be transitioned from a first configuration for delivery of the catheter into the vessel to a second more curved configuration with a desired design for application of suction. The catheter can be moved in a circumferential and/or lateral direction to cover selected portions of the inner vessel wall. In some embodiments, a partially occlusive structure can be used to reduce and/or redirect flow within the vessel to improve performance of the thrombectomy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. I. Webster, Jason A. Galdonik, Matthew F. Ogle, Edward Anderson, Gregory A. Boldenow
  • Publication number: 20140171822
    Abstract: A medical device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a control module, and an energy storage device. The first substrate includes at least one of a first semiconductor material and a first insulating material. The second substrate includes at least one of a second semiconductor material and a second insulating material. The second substrate is bonded to the first substrate such that the first and second substrates define an enclosed cavity between the first and second substrates. The control module is disposed within the enclosed cavity. The control module is configured to at least one of determine a physiological parameter of a patient and deliver electrical stimulation to the patient. The energy storage device is disposed within the cavity and is configured to supply power to the control module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. O'Brien, John K. Day, Paul F. Gerrish, Michael F. Mattes, David A. Ruben, Malcolm K. Grief
  • Publication number: 20140171903
    Abstract: A transseptal sheath defining a sheath lumen, a proximal end, and a distal end. A valve disposed within the sheath lumen proximate the distal end. The transseptal sheath defining at least one port along a portion of its periphery proximate the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic Ablation Frontiers LLC
    Inventors: Ricardo D. ROMAN, Thomas M. CASTELLANO
  • Publication number: 20140171781
    Abstract: A contrast agent can be infused into a subject and a determination can be made of a VOD and/or a concentration gradient of the contrast agent in the VOD. The contrast agent can be infused in the subject using selected parameters. A correlation to a selected material can be made to determine parameters for infusion the selected material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: David STILES
  • Publication number: 20140171942
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the ablation of tissue. Embodiments include an ablation catheter that has an array of ablation elements attached to a deployable carrier assembly. The carrier assembly can be constrained within the lumen of a catheter, and deployed to take on an expanded condition. The carrier assembly includes multiple electrodes that are configured to ablate tissue at low power. Systems include an interface unit with a visual display that provides a visual representation of the geometry of the ablation elements and/or provides selection means for selecting an icon provided on the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic Ablation Frontiers LLC
    Inventors: Randell L. WERNETH, J. Christopher FLAHERTY, Hakan ORAL, Fred MORADY, Ricardo David ROMAN, Marshall L. SHERMAN
  • Publication number: 20140171992
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus and method according to which a cable assembly is connected to a handpiece and includes a sensing element, and a member adapted to move relative to the sensing element to control the operation of a motor in the handpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Cameron MCPHERSON, Rex W. SHORES, Mitchell SHERRY
  • Publication number: 20140172075
    Abstract: A delivery system for use with a prosthetic heart valve having a stent frame to which a valve structure is attached includes a shaft assembly including a distal end, an intermediate portion, and a first coupling structure disposed near the distal end and configured to be coupled to a distal end of the prosthetic heart valve via a first tether. A sheath assembly defines a lumen sized to slidably receive the shaft assembly. The delivery system is configured to transition from a loaded state in which the sheath assembly encompasses the prosthetic heart valve to a deployed state in which the sheath assembly is withdrawn from the prosthetic heart valve. The first coupling structure is configured to be manipulated in a first direction to provide a controlled expansion or contraction of the distal end of the prosthetic heart valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Murray, III, Charles Tabor, Andrew Crisman, Adam Shipley
  • Publication number: 20140171791
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing a computer assisted procedure is provided. A method and apparatus for performing a procedure is also provided. Data can be accessed and processed to optimize and perform a procedure. The data can be augmented or supplemented with patient specific data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. SIMON, Mark S. Lent, Ruchika Singhal, Andrew N. Csavoy
  • Publication number: 20140172054
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for bilateral renal neuromodulation, e.g., via a pulsed electric field, via a stimulation electric field, via localized drug delivery, via high frequency ultrasound, via thermal techniques, etc. Such neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, 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, neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion. Bilateral renal neuromodulation may provide enhanced therapeutic effect in some patients as compared to renal neuromodulation performed unilaterally, i.e., as compared to renal neuromodulation performed on neural tissue innervating a single kidney.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Douglas Sutton, Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand
  • Publication number: 20140171900
    Abstract: A combination material can be infused into a subject and a determination can be made of a VOD and/or a convection gradient of a liquid material portion in the VOD. The combination material can be infused in the subject using selected parameters. A correlation of data relating to the liquid material can be made to a selected material to determine parameters for infusion the selected material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: David STILES
  • Patent number: 8753326
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to equalizing pressure in a reservoir containing fluidic media, possibly due to imperfect installation of the reservoir or an external influence such as an altitude or a temperature change. In various embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled from the reservoir through a needle and contained in an interior volume of a pierceable member before the needle pierces the pierceable member to establish a flow path to a user. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a port of the reservoir into a chamber. In further embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a channel in a plunger head and out a passage in the reservoir when the channel and passage are aligned. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a valve, and the valve may be pierceable by a needle to establish a flow path to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin A. Chong, Julian D. Kavazov, Eric M. Lorenzen
  • Patent number: 8755881
    Abstract: Techniques for adjusting pacing therapy based on ventriculo-atrial delay are described herein. These techniques may be used to control ventricular filling times during the delivery of pacing therapy. In some examples, a device or system delivers pre-excitation fusion pacing therapy to a ventricular chamber, determines a ventriculo-atrial delay interval for the ventricular chamber for at least one cardiac cycle, and adjusts the pacing therapy delivered by the implantable medical device to compensate for decreased ventricular filling time when the ventriculo-atrial delay interval is less than a threshold. In some examples, the device or system may adjust the pacing therapy by decreasing a pacing rate of the implantable medical device, increasing a pre-excitation interval for pacing of the ventricular chamber, and/or switching from a fusion pacing mode to a biventricular pacing mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Kaiser, Nicholas D. Skadsberg, Steven R. Hornberger, Thomas J. Mullen
  • Patent number: 8753330
    Abstract: A syringe adapter tool facilitates inline connection of a syringe with a catheter lumen, as well as torque transfer between the syringe and catheter. The adapter tool may further facilitate passage of an instrument through a seal zone portion of the catheter lumen, which seal zone portion is located in a proximal section of the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A Drake, Stanten C Spear, Lester O Stener, Gary R Fiedler, Scott W Hayden, Kendra Yasger
  • Patent number: 8755269
    Abstract: Operating techniques and methodologies for a body area network of medical devices are provided. One technique relates to an intelligent channel hopping scheme that detects loss of wireless synchronization on an initial wireless channel, thereafter obtains a measure of quality for the initial wireless channel, and then selects a new wireless channel when the obtained measure of quality fails to satisfy a threshold criteria. Another operating technique dynamically adapts an ordered list of available wireless channels in accordance with a quality measure of the available wireless channels. Thus, when quality degradation associated with a first wireless channel is detected, the ordered list can be updated to indicate a lower preference for the first wireless channel and to indicate a higher preference for a second wireless channel that does not suffer from quality degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventor: James Jollota
  • Patent number: 8755889
    Abstract: A method and apparatus stimulating a vagus nerve of a patient. The apparatus includes a pulse generator having an adjustable pulse output parameter and adapted to be electrically coupled to the vagus nerve. The pulse generator generates pulses for a burst period that is followed by a rest period. The apparatus also includes a respiration sensor coupled to the pulse generator. The respiration sensor detects the inspiration and the expiration phases of the respiration. The pulse generator generates stimulation pulses during both the detected inspiration and expiration phases. The pulses are delivered with the output parameter adjusted to provide greater stimulation strength during the inspiration phase than during the expiration phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Avram Scheiner
  • Patent number: 8753366
    Abstract: The inventions described in this patent application include i) a torqueable introducer sheath which is useable in conjunction with a transvascular passageway forming catheter to effect precise rotational control of the catheter; ii) an anchorable guide catheter which is useable in conjunction with an intravascular imaging catheter and a transvascular passageway-forming catheter to effect precise positioning and aiming of the passageway-forming catheter; iii) a passageway forming catheter having a torqueable proximal portion to facilitate precise rotational positioning of the distal portion of the catheter; iv) a deflectable-tipped passageway forming catheter, v) various markers and other apparatus useable in conjunction with any of the passageway-forming catheters to facilitate precise positioning and aiming of the catheter, and vi) an apparatus which may be formed within a catheter to prevent a member, apparatus of flow of material from being inadvertently advanced through a lumen of the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Makower, J. Christopher Flaherty, Timothy R. Machold, Jason Brian Whitt, Philip Christopher Evard, Patrick Edward Macaulay, John Thomas Garibotto, Margaret W. Tumas, Alan Robert Selfridge