Patents Assigned to Medtronic
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Publication number: 20040220638Abstract: Methods and devices for improving ventricular contractile status of a patient suitably exploit changes in ventricular pressure and/or dP/dtmax to provide and/or optimize a response to a patient. The ventricular pressure may be appropriately correlated to intracellular calcium regulation, which is indicative of contractile status. To assess ventricular contractile status, the device suitably observes a cardiac perturbation of the patient and measures force interval potentiation following the perturbation. The contractile potentiation can then be stored and/or quantified in the implantable medical device to determine the ventricular contractile status of the patient, and an appropriate response may be provided to the patient as a function of the ventricular contractile status. Examples of responses may include administration of drug or neuro therapies, modification of a pacing rate, or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence J. Mulligan, Ursula Gebhardt
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Publication number: 20040220623Abstract: An implantable cardioverter defibrillator system and method are provided having configurable shock therapies selected based on an evaluation of the atrial rhythm status following a ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation detection. A dual chamber shock configuration is selected if the ventricular arrhythmia is co-existing with an atrial arrhythmia of recent onset. A ventricular only shock configuration is selected if the ventricular arrhythmia is co-existing with a sustained atrial arrhythmia.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Michael F. Hess
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Publication number: 20040220132Abstract: The present invention provides devices, small interfering RNA, 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, and methods for treating neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and/or dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2004Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: William F. Kaemmerer
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Publication number: 20040220632Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to monitoring fluid retention that may accompany congestive heart failure and pulmonary edema. A medical device, such as an implanted pacemaker or an external defibrillator, senses electrical signals associated with the periodic depolarization and re-polarization of a heart. The device processes the electrical signals to obtain one or more “cardiac parameters,” which reflect pulmonary edema. By monitoring the cardiac parameters, the device monitors pulmonary edema. Cardiac parameters comprise the amplitude of the QRS complex, the integral of the QRS complex, or the integral of the QRST segment and the like. When the device detects fluid buildup, the device may respond by taking remedial action and/or generating an alert.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: John E. Burnes
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Publication number: 20040220634Abstract: A method and device for delivering anti-tachycardia pacing pulses that may be used to treat episodes of atrial or ventricular tachycardia. Episodes of atrial or ventricular tachycardia can occur while the heart is at a normal rhythm or an accelerated rhythm. The method and device is directed to determining an estimate of action potential duration of a heart that experiences episodes of atrial or ventricular tachycardia for use in determining a pacing interval for anti-tachycardia pacing pulses that may more effectively terminate the tachycardia.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Paul Belk
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Publication number: 20040220624Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling atrial anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) delivery based on detection of ventricular pro-arrhythmia during or immediately after atrial ATP. Ventricular pro-arrhythmia is detected based on one or more criteria relating to pro-arrhythmic changes including, but not limited to, ventricular rate changes, R-wave morphology changes, and/or 1:1 or nearly 1:1 atrial-ventricular conduction patterns persisting at high ventricular rates. Upon detecting ventricular pro-arrhythmia, a current atrial ATP sequence is aborted. Atrial ATP therapies may subsequently be temporarily or permanently disabled.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: David E. Ritscher, Jeffrey M. Gillberg, Mark L. Brown
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Publication number: 20040220640Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling extra systolic intervals during extra systolic stimulation delivered to effectively produce post-extra systolic potentiation (PESP) to improve hemodynamic function for the treatment of cardiac mechanical insufficiency. Controlling the interval is based on measurements of the electrical restitution properties of myocardial tissue. A parameter related to the action potential duration is measured from an electrical signal received from the heart during extra systolic stimulation at different intervals. An electrical restitution condition is determined from the measured action potential duration related parameter. An operating interval is set based on the measured electrical restitution. Methods for controlling the interval further include setting the operating ESI based on electrical restitution and/or the mechanical effect of PESP on post-extra systoles.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: John E. Burnes, Vincent E. Splett
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Publication number: 20040220639Abstract: Methods and devices for improving ventricular contractile status of a patient suitably exploit changes in ventricular pressure and/or dP/dtmax to provide and/or optimize a response to a patient. The ventricular pressure may be appropriately correlated to intracellular calcium regulation, which is indicative of contractile status. To assess ventricular contractile status, the device suitably observes a cardiac perturbation of the patient and measures force interval potentiation following the perturbation. The contractile potentiation can then be stored and/or quantified in the implantable medical device to determine the ventricular contractile status of the patient, and an appropriate response may be provided to the patient as a function of the ventricular contractile status. Examples of responses may include administration of drug or neuro therapies, modification of a pacing rate, or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence J. Mulligan, Michael R.S. Hill, John E. Burnes
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Publication number: 20040220518Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for delivering one or more drugs to one or more internal body locations (such as the cerebrospinal fluid) are disclosed. In various aspects, the systems and methods may involve catheters having infusion sections with permeable membranes that develop significant back pressure to enhance uniform delivery of the drug over an infusion section; catheters that have two or more infusion sections spaced apart along the length of the same catheter, catheters that include two or more infusion sections serviced by independent lumens (such that, e.g., different drug solutions can be delivered to the different infusion sections); implantable drug delivery systems with pumps and multiple reservoirs from which drugs can be delivered; systems that are capable of delivering drug solutions with selected densities; etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth T. Heruth, Mark S. Lent, Justin A. Blanco
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Publication number: 20040220553Abstract: A medical device known as an implantable therapeutic substance delivery device is configured for implanting in humans to deliver a therapeutic substance such as pharmaceutical compositions, genetic materials, and biologics to treat a variety of medical conditions such as pain, spastisity, cancer, and many other conditions. The therapeutic substance delivery device has a permanent magnet solenoid pump that is energy efficient, accurate, small, compatible with therapeutic substances, and has many other improvements. The implantable therapeutic substance delivery device has a housing, a therapeutic substance reservoir, a power source, electronics, and a permanent magnet solenoid pump. The therapeutic substance reservoir is configured to contain a therapeutic substance and is coupled to the housing. The power source is carried in the housing to power the electronics and solenoid pump. The electronics are coupled to the solenoid pump and the solenoid pump is coupled to the therapeutic substance reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2004Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: James M. Olsen
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Publication number: 20040220609Abstract: The present invention is a temporary intraluminal filter guidewire for use during interventional procedures, such as angioplasty or stent deployment. A braided filter is mounted near the distal end of a steerable guidewire, which guides a therapeutic catheter. An actuator rod slides over the guidewire and is removably connected to the filter. The rod controls relative displacement of the filter ends, causing transformation of the filter between a deployed configuration and a collapsed configuration. In several embodiments, the guidewire distal to the filter has a fixed tip length. Other embodiments of the invention include a mechanism for damping longitudinal movement between the distal and proximal ends of the filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2004Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.Inventors: Nareak Douk, Nasser Rafiee, David S. Brin, Peter G. Strickler, James F. Crittenden
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Publication number: 20040220522Abstract: An autoinflating catheter and balloon assembly having an autoregulating structure to prevent overinflation of the balloon as a result of variable fluid flow rates through the catheter lumen. A tight-fitting elastomeric balloon is provided on the distal end of the catheter body, and the assembly is constructed so that at least a portion of the fluid flow through the lumen is directed to the balloon to inflate it. As the balloon is inflated, more and more of the fluid flow through the catheter is discharged from the catheter, thereby preventing overinflation of the balloon.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2004Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Roderick E. Briscoe, Russell A. Corace
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Publication number: 20040220631Abstract: An implantable system and method are provided for detecting myocardial electrical recovery time and for controlling the delivery of cardiac stimulation pulses relative to the detected recovery time. One or more fiducial points on a T-wave signal sensed from one or more intracardiac EGM or subcutaneous ECG signals are detected for estimating myocardial recovery time. Extra systolic stimulation pulses are delivered at an extra systolic interval based on a detected recovery time to effectively produce post-extra systolic potentiation while preventing delivery of extra systolic stimuli during the vulnerable period.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: John E. Burnes, Nirav Vijay Sheth, Chris Zillmer, Vincent E. splett
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Publication number: 20040220635Abstract: A system and method for monitoring electrical dispersion of the heart is provided including an implantable medical device and associated electrode system for sensing cardiac signals from a combination of two or more local and/or global EGM sensing vectors and/or subcutaneous ECG sensing vectors. Activation and recovery times and the activation-recovery intervals are measured from a selected cardiac cycle for each sensing vector. Dispersion is determined as the differences between activation times, recovery times and/or ARIs measured from each of the sensing vectors. An increase in dispersion indicates a worsening of heart failure and/or an increased risk of arrhythmias. Accordingly, a cardiac therapy may be delivered or adjusted in response to a detected increase in dispersion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: John E. Burnes
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Publication number: 20040220548Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for delivering one or more drugs to one or more internal body locations (such as the cerebrospinal fluid) are disclosed. In various aspects, the systems and methods may involve catheters having infusion sections with permeable membranes that develop significant back pressure to enhance uniform delivery of the drug over an infusion section; catheters that have two or more infusion sections spaced apart along the length of the same catheter, catheters that include two or more infusion sections serviced by independent lumens (such that, e.g., different drug solutions can be delivered to the different infusion sections); implantable drug delivery systems with pumps and multiple reservoirs from which drugs can be delivered; systems that are capable of delivering drug solutions with selected densities; etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth T. Heruth, Mark S. Lent, Justin A. Blanco
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Patent number: 6812217Abstract: The present invention provides a medical device that includes a carrier and a polynucleotide, where the carrier has a surface that includes a polymer with which the polynucleotide is associated. In another aspect, the present invention provides a medical device that includes a carrier and a cell that expresses an antimicrobial peptide, where the carrier has a surface that includes a polymer with which the cell is associated. The present invention further provides methods of making and using medical devices that include a carrier and a polynucleotide or a cell.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2000Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Marc Hendriks
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Patent number: 6812404Abstract: Feed through assemblies and methods for their manufacture are provided. The feedthrough assemblies include a ferrule, an insulating material contacting the ferrule, and a terminal extending through the ferrule and having first and second areas separated by an area contacting the insulating material. A brazing material contacts the insulating material and the terminal's first area, and a conductive material covers the terminal's second area. The presence of the conductive material causes current density to be dispersed away from the brazing material.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Gonzalo Martinez
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Patent number: 6813517Abstract: A defibrillator can be programmed with multiple energy protocols to be followed when the defibrillator administers therapy to a patient. Each energy protocol defines a sequence of energy dosages or levels to be applied during consecutive shocks. When the defibrillator is activated, the first energy dosage in the sequence is administered to the patient. If the first dosage is ineffective, the defibrillator administers subsequent dosages to the patient. Programming multiple energy protocols into the defibrillator allows the defibrillator to be adapted for use on a variety of patients with diverse needs, such as children and large adults, thereby improving the versatility of the defibrillator. Furthermore, because the expert responder can select the energy protocol most appropriate for the needs of the particular patient, therapy may be more effective.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2001Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Medtronic Physio-Control Corp.Inventors: John C. Daynes, Richard M. Lee
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Patent number: 6813521Abstract: A medical electrical lead is provided that is readily manufactured using a minimal number of parts, has a reduced size and improved reliability during implantation and extraction. The lead includes a modular electrode head assembly that is joined to a lead body at a butt joint. The butt joint is stabilized in at least four possible ways: insulation tubing that spans the joint is bonded to the electrode head assembly; two cabled conductors extending the length of the lead body are coupled to the electrode head assembly; an electrode head alignment peg interlocks with and is bonded to the lead body; and a coil electrode is positioned across the butt joint on the outer diameter of the assembly and the lead body. The lead size is minimized by using a compact retraction stop mechanism, a low-friction, press-fit drive shaft seal, and a small diameter coiled conductor insulated by a thin-walled insulating tube.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Thomas C. Bischoff, Marc R. Helmick, Kathryn R. Parsons, Bret R. Shoberg, George M. Huepenbecker, Sandra F. Viktora, James J. Snyder
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Patent number: 6813518Abstract: A method and system for pacing cardiac tissue is provided. Atrial fibrillation is detected in the cardiac tissue. An area of the cardiac tissue is paced with at least one atrial electrode and simultaneously paced with at least one ventricular electrode. A ventricular extra-systole is induced, thereby terminating the atrial fibrillation.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Bernhard C. H. Küpper