Patents Examined by Christopher D. Koharski
  • Patent number: 10384053
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for inducing neurogenesis within a human. The invention utilizes an implantable signal generator to deliver high frequency stimulation to deep brain tissue elements. The implanted device delivers treatment therapy to the brain to thereby induce neurogenesis by the human. A sensor may be used to detect various symptoms of nervous system discovery. A microprocessor algorithm may then analyze the output from the sensor to regulate the stimulation and/or drug therapy delivered to the brain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Functional Neuromodulation Inc.
    Inventors: Andres M. Lozano, Hiroki Toda
  • Patent number: 10307600
    Abstract: One example of a system includes a local user system to interact with an implantable medical device and a local input device communicatively coupled to the local user system to generate local events. To operate the local user system, the local user system is to receive and process local events from the local input device and receive and process remote events from a remote user system communicatively coupled to the local user system over a network communication link. The local user system is to monitor the network communication link and abort processing of a remote event in response to detecting a quality of service issue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Corey E. Ney, Kent D. Magaard
  • Patent number: 10258272
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes: receiving, by a computing device, information identifying a user's activity; determining, by the computing device, the user's tasks based on the information identifying the user's activity; determining, by the computing device, the user's context switches based on the user's tasks; receiving, by the computing device, biometrics data associated with the user via an application programming interface (API); determining, by the computing device, the user's stress levels at various times based on the biometrics data; storing, by the computing device, information linking the user's stress level with the user's context switches; and outputting, by the computing device, the information linking the user's stress level with the user's context switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: John V. Delaney, Sean T. Fornash, Anthony M. Hunt, Maeve O'Reilly, Clea A. Zolotow
  • Patent number: 10258240
    Abstract: In an example, an apparatus includes an elongated assembly, at least a portion of which is sized, shaped, or otherwise configured to be inserted into a human body to measure a physiological parameter at an internal location within the body. The elongated assembly can include an elongated member. The elongated assembly can include an optical fiber pressure sensor, located at a distal portion of the elongated member. The elongated assembly can include a housing disposed about the optical fiber pressure sensor. The elongated assembly can include a guidewire tube, coupled to the housing, the guidewire tube defining a receptacle sized and shaped to accept a guidewire to permit the distal portion of the elongated member to slide along the guidewire during insertion of the elongated assembly into the human body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Vascular Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke, David J. Spamer
  • Patent number: 10245363
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods in which a catheter-based pump is used are disclosed. The catheter-based pump is placed within the inferior vena cava of a patient. The catheter-based pump has a variable obstructor, such as a balloon or some other artificial obstruction, which is sized and dimensioned to compartmentalize the inferior vena cava into an upstream region and a downstream region of the inferior vena cava. The catheter-based pump is configured to pump blood from the upstream region to a fluid line that discharges blood to a discharge location in the downstream region. Thus, a suitable pressure gradient across the organ is provided, which can benefit organ function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Inventor: Stanton J. Rowe
  • Patent number: 10238394
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a system or method for treating heart tissue can include a control system and catheter device operated in a manner to intermittently occlude a heart vessel for controlled periods of time that provide redistribution of blood flow. In particular embodiments, the system and methods may be configured to monitor at least one input signal detected at a coronary sinus and thereby execute a process for determining a satisfactory time period for the occlusion of the coronary sinus. In further embodiments, after the occlusion of the coronary sinus is released, the control system can be configured to select the duration of the release phase before the starting the next occlusion cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Miracor Medical SA
    Inventors: Werner Mohl, Gregor Neumayr, Alem Jusic
  • Patent number: 10226576
    Abstract: Sensors are attached to a living being so as to generate corresponding sensor signals. A monitor is in communications with the sensors so as to derive physiological parameters responsive to the sensor signals. Predetermined limits are applied to the physiological parameters. At least one indicator responsive to the physiological parameters and the predetermined limits signal the onset of a sepsis condition in the living being.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Masimo Corporation
    Inventor: Massi E. Kiani
  • Patent number: 10226639
    Abstract: A method and medical device for detecting a cardiac event that includes sensing cardiac signals from a plurality of electrodes, the plurality of electrodes forming a first sensing vector sensing a first interval and a second sensing vector simultaneously sensing a second, determining, for each of the first interval and the second interval, whether each beat of the plurality of beats is one of a match beat and a non-match beat, determining whether each beat of the plurality of beats is one of a high confidence beat and a low confidence beat, determining, for each of the first interval and the second interval, the number of beats determined to be both a non-match beat and a high confidence beat is greater than a non-match threshold, and determining whether to deliver therapy for the cardiac event in response to identifying of each of the first interval and the second interval as being one of shockable and not shockable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Xusheng Zhang
  • Patent number: 10226621
    Abstract: A pacemaker is provided. The pacemaker includes an electrode line having a lead and an electrode. The electrode includes a carbon nanotube composite structure having a matrix and at least one carbon nanotube structure located in the matrix. A first end of each carbon nanotube structure protrudes out of a first surface of the matrix for stimulating the human tissue, and a second end of each carbon nanotube structure protrudes out of a second surface of the matrix to electrically connect to the lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Li Qian, Yu-Quan Wang, Liang Liu, Li Fan, Wen-Mei Zhao, Chen Feng
  • Patent number: 10219708
    Abstract: A device for monitoring the physical activity of a living being is disclosed. In one aspect, there is a data input module configured to receive information about the living being's heart beat rate value, motion intensity and anthropometric characteristics. Further, there is an activity recognition and storage module configured to detect, from information received about the living being's motion intensity, the living being's activity and to store information about the living being's heart beat rate value and the motion intensity associated with that detected activity. Further, there is a heart beat rate analysis module configured to determine, from a plurality of heart beat rate values associated with each detected activity, statistics of the distribution of heart beat rate values for each activity or a subset of activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Stichting IMEC Nederland
    Inventor: Marco Altini
  • Patent number: 10194837
    Abstract: A portable, wearable multi-component measurement and analysis device can be utilized for collecting and analyzing bio-mechanical and human gait analysis data while performing any physical activity. This device may be constructed with one or more sensors that are placed on the various localities of human body to collect bio-mechanical data. This data may be transmitted over a network to a server, where it is analyzed, and feedback may be provided in real time on the bio-mechanical and gait parameters experienced by the user's body while performing any particular activity. The device further may allow specialists and experts located anywhere in the world to analyze this real time data and give feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Vayu Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Karan Harish Kanchan, Prathamesh Mantri
  • Patent number: 10195448
    Abstract: Implantable medical devices include connector enclosure assemblies that utilize conductors that are electrically coupled to feedthrough pins and that extend into a can where electrical circuitry is housed. The conductors may be coupled to the feedthrough pins and to capacitor plates within a filter capacitor by an electrically conductive bonding material and as a single bonding event during manufacturing. The base plate of the connector enclosure assembly may also include a ground pin. Ground capacitor plates may be present at a ground aperture of the filter capacitor where the ground pin passes through so that the ground pin, a ground conductor, and the ground capacitor plate may be coupled. A protective cover may be provided for the connector enclosure assembly to enclose the conductors intended to extend into the can prior to the assembly being joined to the can. Conductors may be attached to a common tab that is subsequently removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Steven T. Deininger, Michael J. Baade, Rajesh V. Iyer
  • Patent number: 10195440
    Abstract: A system for use with a neurostimulator coupled to one or more electrodes implanted adjacent neural tissue of a patient. The system comprises a user input device configured for allowing a user to select different nerve fiber diameters and to select a set of stimulation parameters. The system further comprises processing circuitry configured estimating regions of activation within the neural tissue of the patient based on the selected nerve fiber diameters and the selected stimulation parameter set. The system further comprises a display device configured for displaying the estimated regions of tissue activation. The user input device may further be configured for allowing the user to select different tissue regions of therapy, in which case, the display device may display the different tissue region on a human body map, and different indicia associating the displayed tissue regions for therapy to displayed estimated regions of tissue activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Dongchul Lee, Changfang Zhu
  • Patent number: 10183165
    Abstract: A method of reducing renal hypertension applied for electrically stimulating a target zone of an organism having a symptom of renal hypertension by using an electronic stimulation device. The electronic stimulation device comprises at least one electronic stimulation unit. The electronic stimulation unit includes at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode. The method includes the following steps. The electrical stimulation unit is placed near the target zone. The electrical stimulation unit generates an electrical stimulation signal and the electrical stimulation signal is introduced to the target zone so as to stimulate the target zone. An electric field is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode and covers the target zone. The strength of the electric field ranges from 100 V/m to 1000 V/m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: GIMER MEDICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Tso Lin, Fu-Jung Lee
  • Patent number: 10179234
    Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead includes a lead body that defines a central lumen extending along the longitudinal length of the lead body. The stimulation lead includes electrodes disposed along the distal end of the lead body, terminals disposed along the proximal end of the lead body, and conductors. Each conductor electrically couples at least one of the electrodes to at least one of the terminals. The stimulation lead also includes a tubular reinforcing member disposed in the central lumen of the lead body within a portion of the distal end of the lead body or at least one reinforcing member disposed upon the distal end of the lead body proximal of the plurality of electrodes. The reinforcing member stiffens a portion of the distal end of the lead body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Jacob B. Leven
  • Patent number: 10172539
    Abstract: Quantitatively determining an amount of reperfusion in an artery after angioplasty and quantitatively assessing an effectiveness of thrombolysis by non-invasively sensing from outside the subject mechanical vibrations from a mechanical contraction of at least one ventricle to simultaneously measure (a) IVCT (time duration of an isovolumetric contraction portion of a systole phase) and (b) a peak endocardial acceleration (PEA) during the IVCT. PEA is measured before and after opening the artery (or before and after thrombolysis) and in some embodiments one calculates a myocardial contractility index (MCI) of the subject, for example MCI=PEA/IVCT. A determination unit compares the first and second PEA (or the first and second MCI), and then determines an amount of reperfusion based on the comparison. The amount of reperfusion is proportionate to a viable myocardium and, in the case of thrombolysis, the amount of reperfusion quantitatively assesses the effectiveness of thrombolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: CORSENS MEDICAL LTD.
    Inventor: Alon Marmor
  • Patent number: 10173056
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for improving male fertility inter alia by increasing sperm count in a male subject. The methods of the invention comprise applying a positive electrical current below sensation level to at least one site of a scrotum of a subject in need thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Tel Hashomer Medical Research Infrastructure and Service Ltd.
    Inventors: Gil Raviv, David Shashar, Yoram Shadmi, Itzchak Shvitlowsky, David Castel
  • Patent number: 10165981
    Abstract: A surgical navigation system is disclosed including a camera that is fixedly attached to a patient. The camera space merges with the patient space and thereby eliminates the need for a separate patient tracker. The surgical navigation system calculates the position of a surgical tool with a tracking device in view of the camera and shows on a display device the position of the surgical tool with respect to the patient superimposed and in correlation with a scan image of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: STRYKER EUROPEAN HOLDINGS I, LLC
    Inventor: Hans Schoepp
  • Patent number: 10166319
    Abstract: An implantable cardiovascular blood pump system is provided, suitable for use as a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) system, having an implantable cardiovascular pump, an extracorporeal battery and a controller coupled to the implantable pump, and a programmer selectively periodically coupled to the controller to configure and adjust operating parameters of the implantable cardiovascular pump. The implantable cardiovascular blood pump includes a coaxial inflow cannula and outflow cannula in fluid communication with one another and with a pumping mechanism. The pumping mechanism may be a vibrating membrane pump which may include a flexible membrane coupled to an electromagnetic actuator assembly that causes wavelike undulations to propagate along the flexible membrane to propel blood through the implantable cardiovascular pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: CorWave SA
    Inventors: Carl N. Botterbusch, Silvere Lucquin, Jean-Baptiste Drevet, Adrien Guignabert, Patrick Meneroud
  • Patent number: 10159423
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe methods of adaptive arrhythmia detection comprising monitoring ECG signals of a patient via a patient medical device, detecting and capturing ECG segments based on a heart rate threshold and an initial sensitivity level associated with the heart rate threshold; and adjusting the sensitivity level based on previously captured ECG segments. Embodiments of the present disclosure further describe patient medical devices comprising one or more electrodes and sensing circuitry for monitoring ECG signals of a patient; and a processing module configured to receive the monitored ECG signal, wherein the processing module detects and captures ECG segments based on a plurality of heart rate thresholds and one or more sensitivity levels associated with each of the heart rate thresholds, and adjusts at least one of the one or more sensitivity levels associated with each of the heart rate thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic Monitoring, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodolphe Katra, Niranjan Chakravarthy