Patents Examined by David M. Reddy
  • Patent number: 6443950
    Abstract: The present invention provides an ablation lead for treating atrial flutter wherein the tip of the lead is fixed in the patient's heart by screwing and wherein the electrodes are arranged on the lead so as to overlie the area between the tricuspid annulus and the inferior vena cava. Radiofrequency energy is applied through the electrodes to cause ablation of the tissue. With the tips screwed in position, the lead can then be manipulated so that the RF energy can be applied to the area between the coronary sinus the tricuspid annulus to cause ablation of the tissue in that area also.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Sutton
  • Patent number: 6445940
    Abstract: A dry electrode, which is a single-plate capacitor, is particularly adapted to be placed on a patient's scalp to detect brain waves in an EEG system. The electrode comprises a metal disk sandwiched between very thin and relatively thicker layers of ceramic. The metal disk is attached to a small disk printed circuit board that carries an amplifier to amplify the brain waves detected by the electrode. The quality of contact of the electrode with the patient is measured by applying a pulse or voltage step through the ground electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Sam Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan S. Gevins, David Blau