Patents Assigned to Medtronic
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Publication number: 20040095698Abstract: An overvoltage protection device is formed in a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of doped regions for forming semiconductor devices. The overvoltage protection device is adapted to draw current away from a device to be protected from excess voltage and has a switchable device having a terminal adapted to be coupled to a potential source of excess voltage and to the semiconductor substrate for drawing current away from the potential source of excess voltage when the switchable device is triggered, and for directing the current to the semiconductor substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2002Publication date: May 20, 2004Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Paul F. Gerrish, Tyler J. Mueller, Andreas A. Fenner, Mark Blanchfield
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Patent number: 6738671Abstract: An implantable medical device system that includes an implantable medical device, along with a transceiver device that exchanges data with the patient, between the patient and the implantable medical device, and between a remote location and the implantable medical device. A communication device coupled to the transceiver device exchanges data with the transceiver device, the implantable medical device through the receiver device, and between the transceiver device and the remote location to enable bi-directional data transfer between the patient, the implantable medical device, the transceiver device, and the remote location. A converter unit converts transmission of the data from a first telemetry format to a second telemetry format, and a user interface enables information to be exchanged between the transceiver device and the patient, between the implantable medical device and the patient through the transceiver device, and between the patient and the remote location through the transceiver device.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2001Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Christophersom, Adrianus P. Donders, Keith A. Miesel, Len D. Twetan
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Patent number: 6738670Abstract: An implantable medical device with a main processor also has a telemetry processor to perform some telemetry processing functions resulting under some circumstances in reducing demands on the main processor, conserving energy, increasing telemetry processing speed, and many other advantages. A wide variety of implantable medical devices can be configured with a telemetry processor including neuro stimulators, pacemakers, defibrillators, drug delivery pumps, diagnostic recorders, and cochlear implants. The telemetry processor includes control logic, a data decoder, a receive buffer, a data encoder, and a transmit buffer. Methods of receiving messages and transmitting messages with a telemetry processor are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2000Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Allen Dale Almendinger, Martinus A G M Bakx
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Patent number: 6736810Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for producing a virtual electrode within or upon a tissue to be treated with radio frequency alternating electric current, such tissues including but not limited to liver, lung, cardiac, prostate, breast, and vascular tissues and neoplasms. An apparatus in accord with the present invention includes a supply of a conductive or electrolytic fluid to be provided to the patient, an alternating current generator, and a processor for creating, maintaining, and controlling the ablation process by the interstitial or surficial delivery of the fluid to a tissue and the delivery of electric power to the tissue via the virtual electrode.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2001Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Michael F. Hoey, Mark A. Christopherson, Steven M. Goetz
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Patent number: 6738667Abstract: An implantable stimulator and monitor measures a group of heart failure parameters indicative of the state of heart failure employing EGM signals, measures of blood pressure including absolute pressure P, developed pressure (DP=systolic P−diastolic P), and/or dP/dt, and measures of heart chamber volume (V) over one or more cardiac cycles. These parameters include: (1) relaxation or contraction time constant tau (&tgr;); (2) mechanical restitution (MR), i.e., the mechanical response of a heart chamber to premature stimuli applied to the heart chamber; (3) recirculation fraction (RF), i.e., the rate of decay of PESP effects over a series of heart cycles; and (4) end systolic elastance (EES), i.e., the ratios of end systolic blood pressure P to volume V. These heart failure parameters are determined periodically regardless of patient posture and activity level.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2000Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: D. Curtis Deno, Lawrence J. Mulligan, Tom D. Bennett, David A. Igel, Michael R. S. Hill, Richard J. Shaw
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Patent number: 6736827Abstract: A medical device for stenting within a patient's vascular system is a low profile fixed-wire balloon catheter. The balloon is not attached directly to the wire-like structure of the catheter, providing a degree of independent rotation therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2000Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Medtronic AVE, Inc.Inventors: Eamonn Joseph McAndrew, Paula Marie McDonnell
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Publication number: 20040092910Abstract: The invention comprises several aspects which are each independently useful or which may be combined in a variety of combinations. One aspect of the invention is placing an atmospheric reference vent at or near the top of a rigid drip chamber for draining CSF from a patient. In the preferred embodiment, the vent is placed on the inside of the drip assembly, immediately next to the CSF. The vent, in another aspect of the invention, is made of a hydrophobic material. In the preferred embodiment, the hydrophilic material is expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE). In yet another aspect of the invention, the vent is made of a porous material having a pore size that allows air to readily pass through while preventing CSF from passing through. A preferred embodiment of this aspect includes making the vent of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) with a pore size ranging from about 0.22 &mgr;m to about 5.0 &mgr;m and more preferable a pore size of about 3 &mgr;m.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Derek Jonathan Harper, Jeffrey A. Vasek, Paul Stanley Vaskelis
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Publication number: 20040092926Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for producing a virtual electrode within or upon a tissue to be treated with radio frequency alternating electric current, such tissues including but not limited to liver, lung, cardiac, prostate, breast, and vascular tissues and neoplasms. An apparatus in accord with the present invention includes a supply of a conductive or electrolytic fluid to be provided to the patient, an alternating current generator, and a processor for creating, maintaining, and controlling the ablation process by the interstitial or surficial delivery of the fluid to a tissue and the delivery of electric power to the tissue via the virtual electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Michael F. Hoey, Mark A. Christopherson, Steven M. Goetz
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Publication number: 20040092908Abstract: The invention comprises several aspects which are each independently useful or which may be combined in a variety of combinations. One aspect of the invention is placing an atmospheric reference vent at or near the top of a rigid drip chamber for draining CSF from a patient. In the preferred embodiment, the vent is placed on the inside of the drip assembly, immediately next to the CSF. The vent, in another aspect of the invention, is made of a hydrophobic material. In the preferred embodiment, the hydrophilic material is expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE). In yet another aspect of the invention, the vent is made of a porous material having a pore size that allows air to readily pass through while preventing CSF from passing through. A preferred embodiment of this aspect includes making the vent of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) with a pore size ranging from about 0.22 &mgr;m to about 5.0 &mgr;m and more preferable a pore size of about 3 &mgr;m.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Derek Jonathan Harper, Jeffrey A. Vasek, Paul Stanley Vaskelis
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Publication number: 20040093053Abstract: An implantable medical lead for stimulation of the sacral nerves comprises a lead body which includes a distal end and a proximal end, and the distal end having at least one electrode contact extending longitudinally from the distal end toward the proximal end. The lead body at its proximal end may be coupled to a pulse generator, additional intermediate wiring, or other stimulation device. The electrode contact of the permanently implantable neurostimulation lead comprises an elongated, flexible, coiled wire or mesh electrode having an exposed electrode length that is adapted to be inserted through the foramen from a posterior access to locate the coiled wire electrode alongside the sacral nerve extending anteriorly and/or posteriorly therefrom. The coiled wire or mesh electrode structure is flexible and bendable to enable its placement through through the foramen and alongside the sacral nerve and to conform to the surrounding nerves and tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Martin T. Gerber, John M. Swoyer
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Publication number: 20040092909Abstract: The invention comprises several aspects which are each independently useful or which may be combined in a variety of combinations. One aspect of the invention is placing an atmospheric reference vent at or near the top of a rigid drip chamber for draining CSF from a patient. In the preferred embodiment, the vent is placed on the inside of the drip assembly, immediately next to the CSF. The vent, in another aspect of the invention, is made of a hydrophobic material. In the preferred embodiment, the hydrophilic material is expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE). In yet another aspect of the invention, the vent is made of a porous material having a pore size that allows air to readily pass through while preventing CSF from passing through. A preferred embodiment of this aspect includes making the vent of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) with a pore size ranging from about 0.22 &mgr;m to about 5.0 &mgr;m and more preferable a pore size of about 3 &mgr;m.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Derek Jonathan Harper, Jeffrey A. Vasek, Paul Stanley Vaskelis
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Publication number: 20040092868Abstract: A catheter to be used without a guidewire which includes a support wire shaft formed of metal, a balloon mounted on a distal portion of the catheter, and an inflation shaft for inflating the balloon, wherein a core wire may be interchangeably inserted into the support wire shaft when the catheter is within a human body to change the stiffness and improve control thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2002Publication date: May 13, 2004Applicant: Medtronic AVE, Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Murray
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Publication number: 20040092836Abstract: Detection of arrhythmias is facilitated using irregularity of ventricular beats measured by delta-RR (&Dgr;RR) intervals that exhibit discriminatory signatures when plotted in a Lorenz scatter-plot. An “AF signature metric” is established characteristic of episodes of AF that exhibit highly scattered (sparse) distributions or formations of 2-D data points. An “AFL signature metric” is established characteristic of episodes of AFL that exhibit a highly concentrated (clustered) distribution or formation of 2-D data points. A set of heart beat interval data is quantified to generate highly scattered (sparse) formations as a first discrimination metric and highly concentrated (clustered) distributions or formations as a second discrimination metric. The first discrimination metric is compared to the AF signature metric, and/or the second discrimination metric is compared to the AFL signature metric.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2002Publication date: May 13, 2004Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: David E. Ritscher, Shantanu Sarkar
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Publication number: 20040092867Abstract: A catheter to be used without a guidewire which includes a support wire shaft formed of metal, a balloon mounted on a distal portion of the catheter, and an inflation shaft for inflating the balloon, wherein a core wire may be interchangeably inserted into the support wire shaft when the catheter is within a human body to change the stiffness and improve control thereof. In one embodiment, the portion of the support wire shaft that extends just proximal of, through and distal of the balloon is formed entirely of a metal wound coil. The flexibility characteristics of this support wire shaft can be controlled by varying the pitch of the wound coil and the thickness of the wire or ribbon it is made from. An overjacket is also provided on the metal wound coil portion to hold pressure within the inflation lumen and provide a suitable material for bonding a distal end of the balloon to the support wire shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Applicant: Medtronic AVE Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Murray
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Patent number: 6733446Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and an external device communicate with one another via telemetry messages that are receivable only during windows or listening periods. Each listening period is open for a prescribed period of time and is spaced from successive listening periods by an interval. The prescribed period of time is typically kept small to minimize power consumption. To increase likelihood of successful communication, the window may be forced to an open state, by use of an attention signal, in anticipation of an incoming message. To further minimize power consumption, it is desirable to minimize use of extended attention signals, which is accomplished by the transmitter maintaining an estimate of listening period start times and attempting to send messages only during listening periods. In the communication device, the estimate is updated as a result of information obtained with the reception of each message from the medical device.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2001Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.Inventors: Ronald J. Lebel, Varaz Shahmirian, John C. Gord, John T. Armstrong, John D. Richert
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Patent number: 6733519Abstract: An endolumenal prosthesis delivery assembly includes an endolumenal prosthesis which is delivered to a desired location within a body lumen by used of first and second delivery members. The first delivery member has a prosthesis coupler that is adapted to removeably engage the prosthesis during delivery to the desired location and to release the prosthesis and implant it at the desired location. The second delivery member has an anchor on its distal end portion which is adapted to secure the second delivery member within the body lumen distally of the desired location for stenting. Once the second delivery member is anchored, the first delivery member is slideably advanced over the second delivery member until the prosthesis is positioned at the desired location. The anchor along the second delivery member according to this assembly is either an expandable member, such as a balloon, or is otherwise adapted to engage the body lumen wall, such as by use of suction or other mechanical means.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Medtronic, AveInventors: Robert D. Lashinski, Dennis L. Brooks, Vance E. Swanson
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Patent number: 6735479Abstract: A patient monitoring system in cooperation with IMDs provides information, direction and counseling to patients. Specifically, a combination of lifestyle parameters, such as, for example, diet, exercise, weight, medication and environmental factors such as, for example, temperature, UV factor, pollen count, humidity, air pollution index, are integrated to provide a seamless, comprehensive, chronic monitoring system and support for patients. The system includes a home monitor, IMD, and a remote expert station in operable data communications therebetween. Personal data such as weight, environmental data, food data from refrigerators and pantry, type of exercise equipment, medication, physiologically significant events, physician treatment plan and the like are integrated with IMD data to provide continuous patient care, counseling, consultation and notification.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Willa Fabian, David Moore, Hal Kaufman, David L. Thompson
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Patent number: 6733476Abstract: An implantable drug infusion device includes a pump tube for holding a liquid to be pumped. A race is configured to support the pump tube. A roller assembly is configured to compress the tube against the race at one or more points along the path, and the roller assembly includes at least one roller. A drive assembly drives the roller assembly relative to the tube along the path so as to move the liquid through the tube. At least two biasing members are operably connected to the roller to bias the roller against the tube, the two biasing members forming an angle.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2001Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Steven R. Christenson, James Randall, Micheal Thomas Hegland, James M. Haase, Mark S. Lent, William H. Monsen
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Patent number: 6733471Abstract: A method and system for use in the course of extracorporeal blood flow, e.g., cardiopulmonary bypass, dialysis, and angioplasty procedures, in order to reduce or minimize inflammation, excessive bleeding, and other undesirable side effects. The system can include one or more automated blood parameter sensor modules and one or more blood parameter regulating modules. The system is particularly well suited to monitor and/or regulate blood parameters that include blood analytes (e.g., biomolecules, drugs or metabolites) as well as blood functions (e.g., clotting time, fibrinolytic activity, immune response). The system is particularly well suited for use in the management of clotting (e.g., heparing/protamine) and bleeding (e.g., aprotinin).Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2000Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Daniel G. Ericson, Eric J. Thor, William S. Haworth
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Patent number: 6735471Abstract: A method of performing a medical procedure, such as surgery, is provided. A nerve is stimulated in order to adjust the beating of the heart to a first condition, such as a stopped or slowed condition. The medical procedure is performed on the heart or another organ. The stimulation of the nerve is stopped in order to adjust the beating of the heart to a second condition, such as a beating condition. The heart itself may also be stimulated to a beating condition, such as by pacing. The stimulation of the nerve may be continued in order to allow the medical procedure to be continued. Systems and devices for performing the medical procedure are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2001Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. S. Hill, Scott E. Jahns, James R. Keogh, David E. Euler, Michael R. Ujhelyi, Nancy J. Rakow, Michael A. Colson