Patents Examined by Angela D. Sykes
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Patent number: 7164952Abstract: A system for treating the heart includes a cardiac harness associated with a cardiac rhythm management devise which includes at least electrodes and a power source. The cardiac harness applies a compressive force on the heart during diastole and systole. The electrodes will deliver an electrical shock to the heart for defibrillation and/or can be used for pacing/sensing. The cardiac harness and electrodes are delivered and implanted on the heart by minimally invasive access.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2004Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Paracor Medical, Inc.Inventors: Lilip Lau, Matthew G. Fishler, Craig Mar
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Patent number: 7158839Abstract: A system for treating the heart includes a cardiac harness associated with a cardiac rhythm management devise which does not have a lead system. The cardiac harness applies a compressive force on the heart during diastole and systole, and the cardiac rhythm management devise will deliver an electrical shock to the heart for defibrillation and/or can be used for pacing/sensing. The cardiac harness and cardiac rhythm management devise are both delivered and implanted by minimally invasive access.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Paracor Medical, Inc.Inventor: Lilip Lau
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Patent number: 7149583Abstract: The present invention provides a cochlear stimulation system and method for capturing and translating FTS in incoming sounds and delivering this information spatially to the cochlea. An embodiment of the system may comprise an FTS estimator/analyzer and a current navigator. An embodiment of the method of the invention can comprise: analyzing the incoming sounds within a time frequency band, extracting the slowly varying frequency components and estimating the FTS to obtain a more precise dominant FTS component within a frequency band. After adding the fine structure to the carrier to identify a precise dominant FTS component in each frequency band (or stimulation channel), a stimulation current is steered to the precise spatial location on the cochlea that corresponds to the dominant FTS component, the steering accomplished by delivering non-simultaneous stimuli through at least two electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Advanced Bionics CorporationInventor: Leonid M Litvak
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Patent number: 7149587Abstract: An anchoring device and a delivery method thereof can effectively provide a means for securing an implant to a wall of an internal organ within a patient in a variety of clinical applications. In one embodiment, an anchoring device used to retain a cardiac pressure measurement device is provided. The device is implanted in the body by deforming it to a small cross section profile, sliding it through a low profile delivery device and ejecting from the delivery device at a targeted site. The anchoring mechanism, when ejected from the delivery device, reverts back to pre-formed configuration and engages opposite sides of an organ wall, thereby anchoring the implant in the organ wall.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2003Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventors: John L. Wardle, Neal L. Eigler
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Patent number: 7149588Abstract: A system for treating the heart includes a cardiac harness associated with a cardiac rhythm management devise which includes at least electrodes and a power source. The cardiac harness applies a compressive force on the heart during diastole and systole. The electrodes will deliver an electrical shock to the heart for defibrillation and/or can be used for pacing/sensing. The cardiac harness and electrodes are delivered and implanted on the heart by minimally invasive access.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Paracor Medical, Inc.Inventors: Lilip Lau, Matthew G. Fishler, Craig Mar
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Patent number: 7146226Abstract: A system for treating the heart includes a cardiac harness associated with a cardiac rhythm management devise which includes at least electrodes and a power source. The cardiac harness applies a compressive force on the heart during diastole and systole. The electrodes will deliver an electrical shock to the heart for defibrillation and/or can be used for pacing/sensing. The cardiac harness and electrodes are delivered and implanted on the heart by minimally invasive access.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2004Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Paracor Medical, Inc.Inventors: Lilip Lau, Matthew G. Fishler, Craig Mar
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Patent number: 7127290Abstract: This document describes, among other things, systems, devices, and methods for predicting how the status of the patient's congestive heart failure (CHF) condition will progress in the future. In one example, a therapy is provided or adjusted at least in part in response to the prediction.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2002Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.Inventors: Steven D. Girouard, Jeffrey E. Stahmann, Robert J. Sweeney, Bruce H. KenKnight
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Patent number: 7096060Abstract: A method and system for automatically detecting heart sounds. The sound system receives sound data corresponding to beats of the heart. The sound system analyzes the sound data to detect the presence of a heart sound within the beats. The sound system then outputs an indication of the heart sounds that were detected. The sound system may use ECG data to identify various locations (e.g., R peak) within a beat and use those locations to assist in the detection of heart sounds.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: Innovise Medical, Inc.Inventors: Patricia Arand, David Lynn Burton
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Apparatus and method for risk stratification of patients with chest pain of suspected cardiac origin
Patent number: 7074194Abstract: The subject invention relates to the detection, diagnosis and risk stratification of clinical events such as acute coronary syndrome, in patients with signs and symptoms of suspected cardiac origin. In one embodiment, a clinical event in a patient is diagnosed by obtaining the patient's ECG, and at least one in vitro diagnostic assay, preferably an assay for a marker of ischemia, and optionally in vitro diagnostic assays for necrotic markers or other cardiac indicators, and combining the foregoing results in an algorithm to provide a diagnosis or a risk stratification of the clinical condition.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2003Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Ischemia Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Peter A. Crosby, Deborah L. Morris, Mark M. Soane -
Patent number: 7076291Abstract: The invention relates to a heart rate monitor. The essential point of the invention is that a display element (201) of a display (20) of the heart rate monitor for displaying a settable minimum limit for a heart rate level is located at a first end (211) of a display element unit (210) controlled according to the heart rate level, on the same side of the display as the first end of the display element unit. Similarly, a display element (202) for displaying a settable maximum limit for a heart rate level is located at a second end (220) of the display element unit (210), on the same side of the display as the second end of the display element unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2002Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Polar Electro OyInventors: Iiris Pulkkinen, Eeva Kiuru, Tapani Lähdesmäki
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Patent number: 7076292Abstract: A neurostimulation lead includes fiber optic cable. A human-implantable neurostimulator and neurostimulation lead each include an opto-electric transducer. The opto-electric transducers can be an optical transmitter, an optical receiver, or an optical transducer, that converts: electrical energy to optical energy; optical energy to electrical energy; or both electrical energy to optical energy and optical energy to electrical energy. Neurostimulation-lead electrodes can be activated, and/or lead-status information can be transmitted, over the fiber optic cable, between the neurostimulator and the neurostimulation lead. A neurostimulation-lead power converter may be coupled to a pulse generator of the neurostimulator such that the power converter derives and stores power for the lead from stimulation pulses received from the stimulation-pulse generator.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2002Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: John W. Forsberg
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Patent number: 7072708Abstract: A method in a computer system for detecting myocardial infarction including the steps of (a) receiving ECG data, (b) analyzing that data for the presence of benign ST data, and (c), when the ST data is not benign, (1) establishing a pathological threshold, (2) normalizing any deviation in the ECG data, (3) applying a pattern analysis to the normalized ECG data, and (4) generating a score indicating the presence of a myocardial infarction based on the pattern analysis and the threshold.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Inovise Medical, Inc.Inventors: Alan Andresen, Rick Myers, Camilo Bruce, Ron Selvester
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Patent number: 7050857Abstract: In a programmer for an implantable medical device, a method for operating and controlling a implantable medical device, and in a computer software product, a graphical representation of a quantity influenced by the operation of the medical device is displayed, and parameters relating to the control of the device are associated with portions of the graphical representation. When an operator selects and alters the shape of the displayed graphical representation to illustrate a desired operational effect of the medical device on the quantity, a value associated with the altered shape is automatically modified and communicated to the implanted medical device. The operator thus is able to select parameters on the basis of the intended effect, rather than setting parameter values and then observing the effect.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2000Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: St. Jude Medical ABInventors: Eric Samuelsson, Jonas Andersson
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Patent number: 7044940Abstract: A storage container (1) for a suspension used for medical purposes, in particular for ultrasonically assisted treatment of periodontitis, dental cleaning or dental preparation, comprises a flexible pouch (2), the interior of which is accessible via a charging and discharging nozzle (5). Situated in the interior of the pouch (2) is a distance element (6), in which a groove system (8, 9, 10) is incorporated. The groove system communicates with the interior of the charging and discharging nozzle (5). When the pouch (2) of said storage container (1) is pressed flat during removal of the suspension it contains, the opposing sides (3, 4) of the pouch (3) are applied during the final phase of emptying against the distance element (6). The groove system (8, 9, 10) contained in the latter however remains clear and forms a path, via which even the last residues of the suspension may be reliably removed from the pouch (2).Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2000Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Dürr Dental GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Rainer Hahn, Uwe Grotz, Ulrich Prager
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Patent number: 7013182Abstract: An implantable lead includes a distal portion carrying a tissue stimulating electrode, at least a portion of its outer surface being adapted to stimulate cardiac tissue, wherein the electrode is covered by a pliable, electrically conductive sheath. The sheath is made of an electrically conductive material that does not rely on porosity for electrical charge transfer. The sheath is constructed and arranged to minimize or eliminate tissue ingrowth while passing sufficient electrical energy to stimulate the tissue.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2000Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.Inventor: Mohan Krishnan
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Patent number: 7008397Abstract: Cardiac implants include a conduit or scaffold having a first therapeutic agent in at least partial covering relation to at least a first portion of the scaffold, and a second therapeutic agent, different from the first therapeutic agent, in at least partial covering relation to at least a second portion of the scaffold. The first therapeutic agent and second therapeutic agent may include one of: antithrombotic agents, anti-inflammatory agents, antiproliferative agents, antibiotic agents, angiogenic agents, antiplatelet agents, anticoagulant agents, rhestenosis preventing agents, hormones and combinations thereof. Methods for making cardiac implants include providing a scaffold, covering at least a first portion of the scaffold with a first therapeutic agent, and covering at least a second portion of the scaffold, different from the first portion, with a second therapeutic agent different from the first therapeutic agent.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Percardia, Inc.Inventors: Katherine S. Tweden, Michael Schollmeyer
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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: 6999819Abstract: An implantable medical electrical lead particularly for stimulation of the sacral nerves comprises a lead body extending between a distal end and a proximal end, and the distal end having at least one electrode of an electrode array 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. A fixation mechanism is formed on or integrally with the lead body proximal to the electrode array that is adapted to be implanted in and engage subcutaneous tissue, particularly muscle tissue, to inhibit axial movement of the lead body and dislodgement of the stimulation electrodes. The fixation mechanism comprises a M tine elements arrayed in a tine element array along a segment of the lead proximal to the stimulation electrode array.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2001Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: John Matthew Swoyer, Keith Carlton, Martin T. Gerber, George J. Mamo, Michele Spinelli, Steven David Hartle
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Patent number: 6999817Abstract: An implantable cardiac stimulation device comprises a physiologic sensor and one or more pulse generators. The physiologic sensor is capable of sensing a physiologic parameter. The pulse generators can generate cardiac pacing pulses with a timing based on the physiologic parameter. The timed cardiac pacing pulses can prevent a sleep apnea condition. In one example, a cardiac stimulation device has a physiologic sensor and can be configured to pace a patient's heart according to a rest mode of operation. The cardiac stimulation device uses measurements from the physiologic sensor to prevent and treat sleep apnea using a revised rest mode of operation. The revised rest mode operates under a presumption that sleep apnea is primary to a reduced heart rate, rather than secondary, so that pacing at a rate higher than the natural cardiac rate during sleep will prevent sleep apnea.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2002Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Packsetter, Inc.Inventors: Euljoon Park, Steve Koh, Gene A. Bornzin
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Patent number: 6984218Abstract: Systems and related methods pump fluid through a pump. The pump comprises a pump chamber, which is responsive to applied pressures to convey fluid. The systems and methods place an electrode in electrical conductive contact with fluid in the pump chamber which, in use, is coupled to an electrical source. The electrode generates an electrical field in the pump chamber that varies according volume of fluid in the pump chamber. The systems and methods register variations in the electrical field as fluid is conveyed through the pump chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2002Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventors: Abinash Nayak, James Jacobson, Tom Westberg, William E Brach, Richard I Brown