Patents Assigned to Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.
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Publication number: 20070112393Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a neurological disorder comprising determining a first set of neural stimulation parameters capable of treating a first subset of symptoms, determining a second set of neural stimulation parameters capable of treating a second subset of symptoms, and applying a neural stimulation therapy based upon the first set of neural stimulation parameters and the second set of neural stimulation parameters to the patient. The first set of neural stimulation parameters can include electrical stimulation at a first frequency, and the second set of neural stimulation parameters can include electrical stimulation at a second frequency. In other embodiments, a treatment method comprises applying a first neural stimulation therapy to the patient in a continuous or generally continuous manner during a first time interval, and applying a second neural stimulation therapy to the patient in a noncontinuous or interrupted manner following the first time interval.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2006Publication date: May 17, 2007Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.Inventor: Bradford Gliner
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Publication number: 20070100398Abstract: Neural stimulation and optical monitoring systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for treating a neural condition includes a signal delivery device configured to be implanted into a patient proximate to a skull of the patient and positioned to apply electromagnetic signals to one or more target sites within the patient. The apparatus also includes an implantable optical monitoring assembly configured to monitor optical properties at one or more optical monitoring sites within the patient. The apparatus further includes a controller configured to be implanted into the patient. The controller is operatively coupled to the signal delivery device and the optical monitoring assembly and programmed to control both the signal delivery device and the optical monitoring assembly. The controller also includes a power source to power both the signal delivery device and the optical monitoring assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.Inventor: Leif Sloan
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Publication number: 20070055320Abstract: Methods for treating temporal lobe epilepsy, associated neurological disorders, and other patient functions are disclosed. Methods for treating patients in accordance with several embodiments include implanting a signal delivery device subdurally proximate to a target neural site at a cortical location of a patient. The method can further include applying electrical signals to the target neural site via the signal delivery device, on a generally continual basis at a frequency of from about 0.9 Hz to about 250 Hz. The electrical signals can be applied to epileptic patients to at least reduce ictal and interictal epileptic senicity, and/or to patients functioning at normal or better levels to improve patient functioning.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2006Publication date: March 8, 2007Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.Inventor: Martin Weinand
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Publication number: 20070043392Abstract: Test procedures for determining a neural stimulation threshold of a patient. In one embodiment, the procedure includes applying a test stimulation signal to the patient and monitoring the patient for a response to the test stimulation signal. The procedure can further include determining a first neural stimulation threshold and calculating a second neural stimulation threshold. The first neural stimulation threshold corresponds to the lowest intensity test stimulation signal that evokes a patient response. The second neural stimulation threshold corresponds to a treatment stimulation signal directed toward affecting a neural activity within the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2006Publication date: February 22, 2007Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.Inventors: Bradford Gliner, Kent Leyde
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Publication number: 20070032834Abstract: Methods and devices for automatically optimizing the stimulus parameters and/or the configuration of electrodes to provide neural stimulation to a patient. In one embodiment, a system includes an electrode array having an implantable support member configured to be implanted into a patient and a plurality of therapy electrodes carried by the support member. The system can also have a pulse system operatively coupled to the therapy electrodes to deliver a stimulus to the therapy electrodes, and a sensing device configured to be attached to a sensing location of the patient. The sensing device generates response signals in response to the stimulus. The system can also include a controller operatively coupled to the pulse system and to the sensing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2006Publication date: February 8, 2007Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.Inventors: Bradford Gliner, Jeffrey Balzer, Andrew Firlik
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Patent number: 7146217Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2002Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Alan J. Levy, Bradford Evan Gliner
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Publication number: 20060259095Abstract: Methods and systems for treating movement disorders are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment can include determining that the movement disorder affects the patient's gait, oral functioning, and/or other functioning, and applying electrical stimulation proximate to the interhemispheric fissure, the Sylvian fissure, or between the two fissures, respectively. In another embodiment, the method can include selecting at least one neural process from among a plurality of processes sequentially carried out by a patient to cause a muscle movement in the patient (e.g., a planning process, an initiation process, and an execution process), and applying electrical stimulation to a location of the patient's brain associated with the at least one neural process.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2006Publication date: November 16, 2006Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.Inventors: Allen Wyler, Brad Fowler
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Publication number: 20060253169Abstract: Methods and systems for treating movement disorders are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment can include determining that the movement disorder affects the patient's gait, oral functioning, and/or other functioning, and applying electrical stimulation proximate to the interhemispheric fissure, the Sylvian fissure, or between the two fissures, respectively. In another embodiment, the method can include selecting at least one neural process from among a plurality of processes sequentially carried out by a patient to cause a muscle movement in the patient (e.g., a planning process, an initiation process, and an execution process), and applying electrical stimulation to a location of the patient's brain associated with the at least one neural process.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2006Publication date: November 9, 2006Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.Inventors: Allen Wyler, Brad Fowler
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Publication number: 20060253168Abstract: Methods and systems for treating movement disorders are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment can include determining that the movement disorder affects the patient's gait, oral functioning, and/or other functioning, and applying electrical stimulation proximate to the interhemispheric fissure, the Sylvian fissure, or between the two fissures, respectively. In another embodiment, the method can include selecting at least one neural process from among a plurality of processes sequentially carried out by a patient to cause a muscle movement in the patient (e.g., a planning process, an initiation process, and an execution process), and applying electrical stimulation to a location of the patient's brain associated with the at least one neural process.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2006Publication date: November 9, 2006Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.Inventors: Allen Wyler, Brad Fowler
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Publication number: 20060253171Abstract: Methods and systems for treating movement disorders are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment can include determining that the movement disorder affects the patient's gait, oral functioning, and/or other functioning, and applying electrical stimulation proximate to the interhemispheric fissure, the Sylvian fissure, or between the two fissures, respectively. In another embodiment, the method can include selecting at least one neural process from among a plurality of processes sequentially carried out by a patient to cause a muscle movement in the patient (e.g., a planning process, an initiation process, and an execution process), and applying electrical stimulation to a location of the patient's brain associated with the at least one neural process.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2006Publication date: November 9, 2006Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.Inventors: Allen Wyler, Brad Fowler
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Publication number: 20060253170Abstract: Methods and systems for treating movement disorders are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment can include determining that the movement disorder affects the patient's gait, oral functioning, and/or other functioning, and applying electrical stimulation proximate to the interhemispheric fissure, the Sylvian fissure, or between the two fissures, respectively. In another embodiment, the method can include selecting at least one neural process from among a plurality of processes sequentially carried out by a patient to cause a muscle movement in the patient (e.g., a planning process, an initiation process, and an execution process), and applying electrical stimulation to a location of the patient's brain associated with the at least one neural process.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2006Publication date: November 9, 2006Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.Inventors: Allen Wyler, Brad Fowler
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Patent number: 7107097Abstract: Apparatuses, devices, and/or systems that may be configured for placement at one or more cortical and/or other neuroanatomical sites to provide electrical stimulation and/or monitor neuroelectric activity within a patient. In one embodiment, an implantable articulated electrode assembly may include an array of electrodes or electrical contacts carried by a support member configured to be implanted or positioned relative to a set of neuroanatomical sites. Various embodiments of the articulated electrode assemblies may comprise multiple portions, segments, paddles, and/or panels having spatially divergent placement capabilities in relation to one another. Such segments or panels may be positioned in a variety of manners relative to each other and/or one or more neuroanatomical sites or locations, which may facilitate establishment of an intended type of stimulation field distribution and/or monitoring configuration.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.Inventors: Corrinne Stern, Amy C. Kinsella, Bradford C. Fowler, Allen Wyler
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Publication number: 20060200206Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2006Publication date: September 7, 2006Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Gliner, Alan Levy, Carlton Morgan
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Publication number: 20060195155Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2006Publication date: August 31, 2006Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Gliner, Alan Levy, Carlton Morgan
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Publication number: 20060190056Abstract: Systems and methods for neural stimulation may include a stimulus unit; a first electrode assembly having a first set of contacts; and a second set of contacts. The stimulus unit can be an implantable pulse generator including a first terminal that can be biased at a first signal polarity and a second terminal that can be biased at a second signal polarity. The first electrode assembly includes a support member configured to be placed at the stimulation site, the first set of contacts carried by the support member, and a first lead configured to be attached to the first terminal of the implantable pulse generator for biasing the surface contacts at the first polarity. The second set of contacts is detached from the surface electrode assembly. The second set of contacts can be one or more conductive elements fixed to or forming portions of the implantable pulse generator, or a separate electrode array.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2006Publication date: August 24, 2006Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.Inventors: Brad Fowler, Bradford Gliner
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Patent number: 7024247Abstract: Test procedures for determining a neural stimulation threshold of a patient. In one embodiment, the procedure includes applying a test stimulation signal to the patient and monitoring the patient for a response to the test stimulation signal. The procedure can further include determining a first neural stimulation threshold and calculating a second neural stimulation threshold. The first neural stimulation threshold corresponds to the lowest intensity test stimulation signal that evokes a patient response. The second neural stimulation threshold corresponds to a treatment stimulation signal directed toward affecting a neural activity within the patient.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.Inventors: Bradford Evan Gliner, Kent Leyde
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Patent number: 7010351Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2001Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford E. Gliner, Alan J. Levy, Carlton B. Morgan
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Patent number: 6990377Abstract: System and methods for effectuating and/or facilitating visual function in a patient. One embodiment of a system comprises a neural stimulation system and a visual training system. The neural stimulation system can include a pulse generator and a stimulus delivery device coupled to the pulse generator. The stimulus delivery device is configured to deliver a stimulus to the brain of the patient. The visual training system can include a computer and a display coupled to the computer. The computer has a computer operable medium containing instructions to provide a visual output to the patient via the display.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2004Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.Inventors: Bradford E. Gliner, Warren D. Sheffield
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Patent number: 6959215Abstract: A method for treating essential tremor includes directing a patient to perform a muscle action, for example a postural or kinetic muscle action. The method can further include collecting information, with the information corresponding to a level of neural activity in the patient's brain while the patient performs the muscle action. The essential tremor motion of the patient can then be at least reduced by applying an electrical stimulation at least proximate to a stimulation site, with the location of the stimulation site being based at least in part on the collected information. The information can include visual images (e.g. MRI, fMRI, or CT techniques) or be non-visual. In particular embodiments, the location of the stimulation site can be determined by comparing two pieces of information, for example, neural activities before and after drug intake, or neural activities at the left and right hemispheres of the brain.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2003Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.Inventors: Bradford Evan Gliner, Allen Wyler
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Publication number: 20050154435Abstract: Apparatuses, devices, and/or systems that may be configured for placement at one or more cortical and/or other neuroanatomical sites to provide electrical stimulation and/or monitor neuroelectric activity within a patient. In one embodiment, an implantable articulated electrode assembly may include an array of electrodes or electrical contacts carried by a support member configured to be implanted or positioned relative to a set of neuroanatomical sites. Various embodiments of the articulated electrode assemblies may comprise multiple portions, segments, paddles, and/or panels having spatially divergent placement capabilities in relation to one another. Such segments or panels may be positioned in a variety of manners relative to each other and/or one or more neuroanatomical sites or locations, which may facilitate establishment of an intended type of stimulation field distribution and/or monitoring configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2004Publication date: July 14, 2005Applicant: NORTHSTAR NEUROSCIENCE, INC.Inventors: Corrinne Stern, Amy Kinsella, Bradford Fowler, Allen Wyler