Patents Examined by Carl Layno
  • Cardiac Ventricular Geometry Restoration Device and Treatment for Heart Failure
    Patent number: 7320665
    Abstract: Methods for cardiac ventricular restoration include delivering an implantable expandable device into the ventricle via a catheter. The expandable device is anchored either to the wall of the left ventricle or to the inter-ventricular septum and then expanded. When expanded, the device assumes a size and shape which fills the lower portion of the ventricular cavity restoring the normal volume and ellipsoid shape of the remaining portion of the cavity and favorably altering myocardial oxygen demand and wall stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Inventor: Venkataramana Vijay
  • Compositions for electric stimulation of the eye
    Patent number: 7321795
    Abstract: The present application discloses an ocular stimulation device including a contact lens with a member embedded in a surface thereof for electrically stimulating an eye of a wearer of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Inventor: Les Bogdanowicz
  • Sensing techniques for implantable medical devices
    Patent number: 7319899
    Abstract: The invention is directed to sensing techniques that can be executed by an implantable medical device (IMD). The sensing techniques exploit the fact that useful information can be sensed during the periods where the sympathetic and vagal tone balance changes in a patient's nervous system. This balance generally changes when a patient is falling asleep or waking up from sleep. In accordance with the invention, sensed information is recorded specifically during the times where a patient is either falling asleep or waking up. The IMD can be designed to sense or identify when a patient is falling asleep or waking up, and can record the useful sensed information specifically during those times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Diederick M. Keizer
  • Method and device for electrochemical rejuvenation of skin and underlying tissue, and muscle building
    Patent number: 7319902
    Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for using electrochemistry to rejuvenate skin and underlying tissue and to build and strengthen muscles by applying pulses of DC electrical charge, at a duration in the range of about 0.2 to about 1 millisecond and a variable frequency in the range of about 400 to about 1200 Hertz, to the skin immersed into an container of an electrolyte by means of an anode immersed in or connected to the container to cause the muscle to twitch or only slightly contract with each pulse. The DC is applied at variable current amplitude of from about 1 to about 50 milliamperes, and a voltage in the range of about 50 to about 120 volts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventor: Gregory O'Kelly
  • Passive fixation mechanism for epicardial sensing and stimulation lead placed through pericardial access
    Patent number: 7319905
    Abstract: An implantable lead having an elongated lead body that includes an electrical conductor extending between a distal end of the lead body and a proximal end of the lead body is disclosed. The lead further includes an electrode formed at the distal end of the lead body, the electrode being coupled to the electrical conductor and one or more passive fixation mesh sections coupled to the distal end of the lead body that promotes tissue over growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Morgan, Michael Yang, Sheldon Williams, Andrew W. McGarvey
  • Optional telemetry antenna for implantable medical devices
    Patent number: 7319901
    Abstract: An implantable medical device (“IMD”) configured in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention generally includes a housing, a connector header block coupled to the housing, and an optional telemetry antenna coupled to the header block. The optional antenna assembly is suitably configured to support the intended IMD application (e.g., the desired telemetry range, the intended IMD implant location, or other practical considerations). The optional antenna assembly may be utilized by itself or in cooperation with a permanent telemetry antenna of the IMD. In one practical embodiment, the optional antenna assembly has a connection end that is compliant with known pacemaker electrode lead standards, which allows the IMD to leverage existing connection methodologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Garry L. Dublin, William D. Verhoef, Rodney S. Wallace
  • Telemetry antenna for an implantable medical device
    Patent number: 7317946
    Abstract: A telemetry antenna for an implantable medical device includes one or more portions having a non-linear configuration. In some embodiments, the non-linear configuration provides an antenna having a greater antenna length than the linear lengthwise dimension of the antenna structure. In some embodiments, the non-linear configuration is a serpentine pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Len D. Twetan, Piotr Przybyszewski, Garry L. Dublin, Gregory J. Haubrich, Andrina J. Hougham, Andrew J. Ries, David B. Engmark, Gary M. Grose
  • Capture threshold monitoring
    Patent number: 7317943
    Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to techniques for capture testing of a capture threshold in cooperation with measurement of other cardiac parameters. Physiological or non-physiological parameters may indicate a possible change in the capture threshold, and a significant change in a cardiac parameter may trigger more frequent monitoring of the capture threshold. In addition, measurement of cardiac parameters in relation to measurement of the capture threshold may be useful in diagnosing problems and forecasting possible loss of capture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Bozidar Ferek-Petric
  • Dynamic discrimination utilizing anti-tachy pacing therapy in an implantable medical device
    Patent number: 7317942
    Abstract: A method and medical device for discriminating an arrhythmia that includes an input circuit sensing cardiac signals and a microprocessor identifying an event associated with the sensed cardiac signals as a first arrhythmia event. A first circuit delivers a first therapy, substantially simultaneous with coupling of a charging circuit and an energy storage device to generate stored energy on the energy storage device, in response to the first arrhythmia event, and a control circuit controls delivery of the first therapy by the first circuit. The microprocessor evaluates a physiologic response to the delivered first therapy and determines the event is other than the first arrhythmia event in response to the evaluated physiologic response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark L. Brown
  • System and method for using a multi-contact electrode to stimulate the cochlear nerve or other body tissue
    Patent number: 7317944
    Abstract: A system and method for preserving temporal and spatial resolution in complex sounds for poor performing patients having high stimulation thresholds is described. The system and method employs two or more adjacent electrode contacts to deliver concurrent stimulation. This concurrent delivery of stimuli creates a high current field intensity that overlaps between individual current fields generated by the two or more adjacent electrodes and which individual fields are summed to create an overlapping field that has a higher current field intensity than a single current emanating from an individual electrode. The use of this method reduces or eliminates the need to increase either the stimulus current amplitude or to increase the pulse width, both of which may cause loss of system resolution, i.e., loss of fine structure information that is used to resolve complex sounds such as music.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics Corporation
    Inventor: Edward H Overstreet
  • Electrical stimulation system and method for treating tinnitus
    Patent number: 7315761
    Abstract: According to one aspect, an electrical stimulation system for treating tinnitus is provided. The system includes an electrical stimulation lead adapted for implantation into the person's skull for electrical stimulation of target brain tissue located in the person's temporal lobe. The lead includes one or more electrodes adapted to be positioned near the target brain tissue and to deliver electrical stimulation energy to the target brain tissue. The system also includes a stimulation source operable to generate signals for transmission to the electrodes of the lead to cause the electrodes to deliver electrical stimulation energy to the target brain tissue located in the person's temporal lobe to reduce tinnitus effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dirk De Ridder
  • Regulation of excitable tissue control of the heart based on physiological input
    Patent number: 7310555
    Abstract: A method and apparatus (30) for modifying contractility of the heart of a patient. The method includes receiving signals from a sensor (22, 23, 46) coupled to the body of the patient indicative of physiological activity. The signals are analyzed to derive a measure of the physiological activity, and excitable tissue control (ETC) stimulation is applied to the heart (20) so as to enhance contractility of the heart muscle responsive to the measure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Impulse Dynamics N.V.
    Inventors: Shlomo Ben-Haim, Nissim Darvish, Itzhak Shemer, Yehuda Snir
  • Apparatus for indirectly stimulating the vagus nerve with an electrical field
    Patent number: 7310552
    Abstract: An apparatus for indirectly stimulating a vagus nerve of a patient includes electrodes positioned within the esophagus, trachea, or a jugular vein of a patient, on the neck of the patient, or in combinations of these locations. The apparatus further includes a means for actuating the electrodes to create an electrical field for stimulating the vagus nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: John D. Puskas
  • Delivery system and method using pulmonary artery for placement of RV leads
    Patent number: 7308319
    Abstract: A delivery system and method for delivering a right ventricular lead into a right ventricle includes a delivery device having an inflatable balloon at a distal end. The device is inserted into the venous system, the balloon is inflated and the device is floated along a blood flow path within the venous system through the heart and into the pulmonary artery. The lead is delivered into the right ventricle using the device. In one embodiment, the device is a catheter that facilitates placement of a guide wire into the right ventricle for delivery of the lead. The catheter is then removed and the lead is inserted into the right ventricle over the guide wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric G. Lovett, Bruce A. Tockman, Yongxing Zhang, Yunlong Zhang
  • Storable implantable medical device assembly allowing in package charging
    Patent number: 7308316
    Abstract: A storable implantable medical device assembly. An implantable medical device has a secondary coil operatively coupled to therapeutic componentry. A container holds the implantable medical device, the container having a first face. The implantable medical device being arranged in the container such that the secondary coil is positioned within a distance of the first face. The distance allows charging of the implantable medical device without disturbing the container. The first face of the container having indicia representative of a lateral location on the first face aligned with the secondary coil of the implantable medical device. The may then be utilized to place an external antenna in order to charge the implantable medical device without disturbing the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E. Schommer
  • Method and apparatus for detecting a cardiac arrhythmia
    Patent number: 7308301
    Abstract: A method is provided for detecting whether a patient is likely experiencing a cardiac arrhythmia. The method includes acquiring baseline ECG samples that exhibit an arrhythmia that is to be detected, and a baseline arrhythmia-free ECG sample. Each acquired baseline ECG sample is manipulated to determine an equation that describes a reconstructed phase space related to the sample. Next, an ECG sample to be tested is acquired, and a reconstructed phase space is mapped. Finally, it is determined which of the equations most accurately describes the reconstructed phase space of the ECG sample to be tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Marquette University
    Inventors: Richard J. Povinelli, Felice M. Roberts, Jack E. Lohman
  • Setscrew retention in connector block for implantable medical device
    Patent number: 7308313
    Abstract: A header assembly for coupling a medical electrical lead to a medical stimulating device includes a header having a first bore for receiving a proximal terminal pin of the lead. A connector block coupled to the header has a second bore aligned with the first bore and a tapped bore transverse of, and in communication with, the second bore, and the assembly includes a setscrew with mounting threads of defined length threadedly engaged with the tapped bore. The tapped bore defines a tapped region adjacent the second bore, and a smooth bore region which is longer than the length of the threaded portion of the setscrew to prevent the setscrew from being completely backed out of the tapped bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Wisit Lim, Russell Bruch
  • Setscrew retention in connector block for implantable medical device
    Patent number: 7308312
    Abstract: A header assembly for coupling a medical electrical lead to a medical stimulating device includes a header having a first bore for receiving a proximal terminal pin of the lead. A connector block coupled to the header has a second bore aligned with the first bore and a tapped bore transverse of, and in communication with, the second bore, and the assembly includes a setscrew with mounting threads of defined length threadedly engaged with the tapped bore. The tapped bore has first and second tapped regions spaced by a smooth bore region which is longer than the length of the threaded portion of the setscrew. As the setscrew is tightened, it has already been threaded through the first tapped region and resides within the smooth bore region, and then becomes threadedly engaged with the second tapped region such that the tip end becomes firmly engaged with the proximal terminal pin of the lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Wisit Lim, Russell Bruch
  • Connector module having reduced insertion force
    Patent number: 7305267
    Abstract: A medical device connector module includes a lead retention element extending through an opening in a sidewall of the connector module. The retention element includes a flow passage in fluid communication with a connector bore of the connector module and an outer surface of the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne M. Hector
  • Electrical stimulation system and methods for treating phantom limb pain and for providing sensory feedback to an amputee from a prosthetic limb
    Patent number: 7302296
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system and methods for relieving phantomlimb pain in amputees, and for providing an amputee with sensory feedback from a prosthetic limb. The system employs implantable multichannel, multi-chambered interface structures, namely, nerve cuffs. The implanted nerve cuffs have electrodes which transmit electrical signals generated by a signal generator to nerves, recruiting certain neurons to send sensory signals to the cerebral cortex, suggesting sensory sensations to the amputee. Such signals can arise directly from the signal generator, approximating the train of signals seen by the cortex in a normally innervated limb, or can originate from sensors in a prosthetic limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Neurostream Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joaquin Andres Hoffer