Patents Assigned to Pacesetter
  • Devices, systems and methods for characterizing a tachycardia and/or selecting treatment for a tachycardia using results of a fractionation analysis
    Patent number: 8548587
    Abstract: Provided herein are implantable systems, and methods for use therewith, for characterizing a tachycardia and/or selecting treatment for a tachycardia using results of a fractionation analysis. One or more electrogram (EGM) signal(s) indicative of cardiac electrical activity are obtained. At least one of the EGM signal(s) is analyzed to determine whether the EGM signal is fractionated, and the results of the analyzing are used to characterize a tachycardia and/or to select treatment for a tachycardia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Fujian Qu, Timothy A. Fayram, Michael E. Benser, Taraneh Ghaffari Farazi, Mark Carlson
  • Inducing premature atrial contractions for the purpose of monitoring autonomic tone risk of sudden cardiac death and ischemic events
    Patent number: 8548589
    Abstract: Implantable systems, and methods for use therein, perform at least one of a cardiac assessment and an autonomic assessment. Premature atrial contractions (PACs) are induced to thereby cause corresponding premature contractions in the ventricles. Short-term fluctuations in cardiac intervals, that follow the premature contractions in the ventricles caused by the induced PACs, are monitored. At least one of a cardiac assessment and an autonomic assessment is performed based on the monitored fluctuations in cardiac intervals that follow the premature contractions in the ventricles caused by the induced PACs. This can include assessing a patient's risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), assessing a patient's autonomic tone and/or detecting myocardial ischemic events based on the monitored fluctuations in cardiac intervals that follow the premature contractions in the ventricles caused by the induced PACs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Taraneh Ghaffari Farazi, Eric Falkenberg
  • MONITORING VARIATION PATTERNS IN PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS ASSOCIATED WITH MYOCARDIAL INSTABILITY
    Publication number: 20130253351
    Abstract: A method of analyzing myocardial instability includes obtaining a physiological parameter representative of myocardial behavior over a set of cardiac cycles and determining reversal points in the physiological parameter over the set of cardiac cycles. The method also includes identifying myocardial instability based on the reversal points in the physiological parameter. A reversal point may correspond to a value of the physiological parameter, during a current cardiac cycle, that exceeds or is less than the values of the physiological parameter during prior and subsequent cardiac cycles. Optionally, the method includes calculating differences between values of the physiological parameter for consecutive cardiac cycles and detecting the reversal points when a current difference exceeds or is less than differences for prior and subsequent cardiac cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventor: Fujian Qu
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING A POTENTIAL LEAD FAILURE IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE
    Publication number: 20130253352
    Abstract: A method for detecting potential failures by an implantable medical lead is disclosed. The method includes sensing first, second and third signals between at least first and second combinations of electrodes, on the lead; determining whether at least one of the first, second and third signals is representative of a potential failure in the lead and identifies a failure and the electrode associated with the failure based on which of the first, second and third sensed signals is representative of the potential failure. Optionally, when the first and second sensed signals are both representative of the potential failure, the method further includes determining whether the first and second sensed signals are correlated with one another. When the first and second sensed signals are correlated, the method declares an electrode common to both of the first and second combinations to be associated with the failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Gene A. Bornzin, Richard Williamson
  • PRECISION RIBBON RESISTANCE WELDING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20130248496
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a resistance welding system for welding a ribbon to a bond site of a bond surface. The system includes a welding header, a bond header, a ribbon dispenser, a cutter, and a support surface. The welding header includes a resistance welding tip. The bond header includes a bond foot displaceable relative to the bond surface. The bond foot includes a welding aperture. The ribbon dispenser feeds the ribbon to the bond foot. The support surface is configured to support the bond surface. The bond foot is configured to press the ribbon against the bond site of the bond surface, which is thereby forced against the support surface. With the ribbon so pressed against the bond site, the system is configured to cause the welding tip to enter the welding aperture to resistance weld the ribbon to the bond site of the bond surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Reza Imani, Asghar Dadashian, Dro Darbidian, Hamid Habibi
  • Early detection of lead failure using an impedance histogram
    Patent number: 8543206
    Abstract: Testing lead conditions in an implantable medical device includes continuously sampling the impedance values of a lead associated with the implantable medical device. The sampling is conducted over a predetermined period of time. An impedance histogram is then generated using the sampled impedance values by separating each measured impedance value into a specific bin assigned to contain a particular range of impedance levels. The lead condition of the tested lead can then be determined based on one or more characteristics of the impedance histogram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Mihir Naware, Cecilia Qin Xi
  • Method and device for motion and noise immunity in hemodynamic measurement
    Patent number: 8540643
    Abstract: A method and device, such as an implantable cardiac device, for motion and noise immunity in hemodynamic measurement is presented. The method includes obtaining a template waveform representing hemodynamic performance of a heart during a first hemodynamic state and obtaining an autocharacterization measure from an autocharacterization (e.g., autocorrelation) of the template waveform. The method further includes obtaining a test waveform during a second hemodynamic state, performing a cross-characterization (e.g., cross-correlation) of the template waveform and test waveform to identify a cross-characterization measure, and comparing the autocharacterization measure with the cross-characterization measure as a measurement of hemodynamic status of the second hemodynamic state. The device includes hardware and/or software for performing the described method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Turcott
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMPLEMENTING AN SCR TOPOLOGY IN A HIGH VOLTAGE SWITCHING CIRCUIT
    Publication number: 20130241628
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a high voltage switching and control circuit for an implantable medical device (IMD) is provided that comprises a high voltage positive (HVP) node configured to receive a positive high voltage signal from a high energy storage source; and a high voltage negative (HVN) node configured to receive a negative high voltage signal from a high energy storage source. First and second output terminals are configured to be connected to electrodes for delivering high voltage energy. First and second Silicon Controlled Rectifiers (SCR) switches are connected to the HVP node, the first and second SCR switches connected to the first and second output terminals respectively, wherein the first and second SCR switches each include a Darlington transistor pair having a first transistor stage joined to a second stage transistor at a common collector node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventor: Jin Zhang
  • Enhanced implantable antenna method
    Patent number: 8538556
    Abstract: As described herein vascular anchoring systems are used to position an implant in a vascular area such as a bifurcated vasculature with relatively high fluid flow, for instance, in an area of a pulmonary artery with associated left and right pulmonary arteries. Implementations include an anchoring trunk member having a first anchoring trunk section and a second anchoring trunk section. Further implementations include a first anchoring branch member extending from the anchoring trunk member. Still further implementations include a second anchoring branch member extending from the anchoring trunk member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: George W. Keilman, Timothy Johnson
  • Cardiac access methods and apparatus
    Patent number: 8538555
    Abstract: A chamber or vasculature of a heart may be accessed via the pericardial space of the heart. Initially, the pericardial space may be accessed via a transmyocardial approach or a subxiphoid approach. A lead or other implantable apparatus may thus be routed into the pericardial space, through myocardial tissue and into the chamber or vasculature. The lead or other apparatus may be used to sense activity in or provide therapy to the heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Yougandh Chitre, Gene A. Bornzin, John R. Helland, Eric Falkenberg, Kevin L. Morgan, Sheldon Williams, Michael Yang, Andrew W. McGarvey
  • MRI compatible implantable lead
    Patent number: 8538553
    Abstract: An implantable lead is provided that includes a lead body configured to be implanted in a patient. The lead body has a distal end and a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal and proximal ends and includes a connector assembly provided at the proximal end of the lead body. The connector assembly is configured to connect to an implantable medical device and includes an electrode provided proximate to the distal end of the lead body with the electrode configured to at least one of deliver stimulating pulses and sense electrical activity. A multi-layer coil is located within the lumen and extends at least partially along a length of the lead body. The coil includes a first winding formed with multiple winding turns, the winding turns being segmented in an alternating pattern of insulated segments and non-insulated segments along the length of the lead body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Yong D. Zhao, Rolf Hill, Ingmar Viohl, Martin Cholette
  • Systems and methods for detecting far-field oversensing based on signals sensed by the proximal electrode of a multipolar LV lead
    Patent number: 8538524
    Abstract: A device senses cardioelectrical signals using a right atrial (RA) lead, which might include far-field R-waves as well as near-field P-waves. The device concurrently senses events using a proximal electrode of an LV lead, which can sense both P-waves and R-waves as substantially near-field events. Suitable templates are then applied to the signals sensed via the proximal LV electrode to identify the origin of the signals (e.g. atrial vs. ventricular) so as to properly classify the corresponding events sensed in the RA as near-field or far-field events. In this manner, far-field oversensing is conveniently detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Rosenberg, Tomas Svensson, Kjell Norén, Edward Karst, Kyungmoo Ryu
  • Electrochemical drilling system and process for improving electrical porosity of etched anode foil
    Patent number: 8535507
    Abstract: A process for creating porous anode foil for use in an electrolytic capacitor of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator is provided. The process includes electrochemical drilling a plurality of etched metal foils in sequence one after the other in a bath containing electrochemical drilling (ECD) solution initially having a pH of less than 5. Alternatively, an etched foil sheet may be passed through the bath in a substantially continuous manner such that a portion of said etched foil sheet is in contact with the ECD solution is electrochemically drilled to generate pores. Electrochemical drilling is achieved when a current is passed to the foil or portion of the foil sheet in solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph Jason Hemphill, Thomas F. Strange
  • RF-POWERED COMMUNICATION FOR IMPLANTABLE DEVICE
    Publication number: 20130238056
    Abstract: A communication circuit of an implantable device is coupled to a power source (e.g., including a battery) upon receipt of a radiofrequency (RF) signal at the implantable device. A circuit that controls whether the communication circuit is to be coupled to the power source obtains its power from the received RF signal. Thus, the implantable device is able to perform RF signal monitoring (e.g., RF “sniffing”) without using battery power. Battery power is then used for subsequent communication operations after it has been determined that the implantable device is receiving RF signals (e.g., from a verified external device).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: John W. Poore, Gene A. Bornzin
  • SILVER NANOPARTICLE ANTIMICROBIAL COATING FOR LONG-TERM AND SHORT-TERM INFECTION RESISTANCE
    Publication number: 20130238085
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an implantable medical device including an antimicrobial layer. The antimicrobial layer may include a first distinct size of silver nanoparticles, a second distinct size of silver nanoparticles, and a third distinct size of silver nanoparticles. The antimicrobial layer extends over a surface of the implantable medical device, and, in some instances, the surface of the implantable medical device may serve as a substrate on which the antimicrobial layer is deposited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Yelena Nabutovsky, Gene A. Bornzin, Annapurna Karicherla, Nirav Dalal, Prashant Dinesh, Richard Samade, John W. Poore
  • IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE HAVING FEEDTHRU ASSEMBLY WITH HEADER SIDE BUNCHED CONDUCTOR ARRAY AND CAN SIDE LINEAR CONDUCTOR ARRAY
    Publication number: 20130231718
    Abstract: An implantable pulse generator includes a header, a can, a grouped array feedthru, and an inline array feedthru board. The feedthru includes a header side, a can side and a grouped array of feedthru wires extending through the feedthru. A first end of each feedthru wire is electrically coupled to a lead connector block. The inline array feedthru board includes a grouped array of first electrical contact holes and an inline array of conductor wires. The grouped array of first electrical contact holes receives therein second ends of the feedthru wires. The inline array of conductor wires projects from a side of the board opposite the feedthru. Each first electrical contact hole is in electrical communication with a respective conductor wire. Each conductor wire is in electrical contact with at least a portion of an electrical connection region of an electronic substrate housed within the can.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Reza Imani, Micah Meulmester
  • LEAD WITH BIOABSORBABLE METALLIC FIXATION STRUCTURE
    Publication number: 20130231727
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an implantable medical lead includes a lead connector end, a tubular body, at least one electrode and at least one fixation structure. The lead connector end is configured to couple to the implantable pulse generator. The tubular body extends distally from the lead connector end and includes a distal portion distally terminating in a distal end. The at least one electrode is located on the distal portion. The at least one fixation structure is located on the distal portion and includes a bioabsorbable metal. For example, the bioabsorbable metal may be iron, an iron alloy with 35% manganese, or a magnesium alloy. The bioabsorbable metal is configured such that the at least one fixation structure will last long enough at an implantation site so as to secure the distal portion of the tubular body in place via fibrotic tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Carlson, Gene A. Bornzin
  • Cardiac resynchronization therapy optimization using vector measurements obtained from realtime electrode position tracking
    Patent number: 8527049
    Abstract: An exemplary method includes selecting multiple electrodes located in a patient; acquiring position information during one or more cardiac cycles for the multiple electrodes where the acquiring includes using each of the electrodes for measuring one or more electrical potentials in an electrical localization field established in the patient; calculating one or more vector metrics based on the acquired position information for one or more vectors, each vector defined by two of the multiple electrodes; and analyzing the one or more vector metrics to assess cardiac performance during the one or more cardiac cycles. Various other methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Koh, Stuart Rosenberg, Kyungmoo Ryu, Michael Yang, Allen Keel
  • Shielding telemetry communications between active implantable medical devices and external instruments from high power electrical interferers
    Patent number: 8527060
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shield for shielding a telemetry wand from electromagnetical interference capable of interfering with telemetry communications between the telemetry wand and an AIMD in a patient. The telemetry wand may include a first side that is configured to be placed against a patient, a second side generally opposite the first side, a lateral side between the first and second sides, a hole extending between the first and second sides, and a cable extending from the lateral side. The shield may include a shell including a wall that defines a volume and an opening in the shell. The volume may be configured to receive therein the telemetry wand such that the second and lateral sides of the telemetry wand face respective portions of the wall and the first side faces the opening in the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Jorge N. Amely-Velez, Armando M. Cappa, J. Terry Benson, Robel Borja, Allan R. Schwartz, Anthony Li
  • Dual therapy electrical stimulation system for treating metabolic and eating disorders
    Patent number: 8521291
    Abstract: An exemplary method for treating an eating or metabolism disorder includes calling for delivery of energy to the stomach using a pulse train that includes use of pulses with a pulse width less than approximately 20 ms, a duty cycle greater than approximately 20% and a pulse train duration of less than approximately 10 seconds and calling for delivery of energy to a vagal nerve. Various other methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Cholette, Ruth Lyons