Patents Examined by Eugene Wu
  • Patent number: 8965506
    Abstract: Methods and/or devices may be configured to monitor the performance of pacing therapy and provide fault-tolerant operation to provide therapy in the event of certain failure modes occurring in the pacing delivery circuits, leads, and/or lead/tissue interfaces. Generally, the methods and/or devices may provide fault-detection, fault-recovery and fault-handling to, e.g., handle potential faults.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Hareland, Kenneth J Kahle, Leonard P Radtke, John D. Wahlstrand, Jeffrey M Gillberg
  • Patent number: 8965482
    Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning implanted devices in a patient are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes, for each of a plurality of patients, receiving a target location from which to deliver a modulation signal to the patient's spinal cord. The method further includes implanting a signal delivery device within a vertebral foramen of each patient, and positioning an electrical contact carried by the signal delivery device to be within ±5 mm. of the target location, without the use of fluoroscopy. The method can still further include, for each of the plurality of patients, activating the electrical contact to modulate neural activity at the spinal cord. In further particular embodiments, RF signals, ultrasound, magnetic fields, and/or other techniques are used to locate the signal delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Nevro Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Thacker, Jon Parker, Yougandh Chitre
  • Patent number: 8965517
    Abstract: A device and method for carrying out a dialysis of a patient and a stimulation of said patient at the same time either during dialysis sessions, or between dialysis sessions or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventors: Stefan Farese, Dominik Uehlinger, Klaus Schonenberger, Felix Buhlmann
  • Patent number: 8954165
    Abstract: The present technology is directed generally to a lead anchor for positioning and securing spinal cord modulation leads and associated systems and methods. In at least some contexts, the lead anchor includes a central lumen surrounded by a restriction feature. The restriction feature can interface with a tightening screw or other actuator and can be configured to provide a radial compressive fit around the lead body. In some embodiments, the clamp can be disengaged upon twisting or other unlocking motion to release the lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Nevro Corporation
    Inventors: Vivek Sharma, Yougandh Chitre, Andre B. Walker, Jon Parker, Ellen Moore, Daniel Villamil
  • Patent number: 8939882
    Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials for providing blood flow for a blood pump recipient. For example, cannulae that can be connected to the circulatory system of a mammal and can be used in conjunction with a blood pump (e.g., an assist device) are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Thoratec Corporation
    Inventors: Steven H. Reichenbach, Yu Fai Law
  • Patent number: 8918176
    Abstract: Various embodiments concern assessing a degenerative cognitive disorder of a patient based on a plurality of episodes of non-motor epileptiform bioelectrical activity. The non-motor epileptiform bioelectrical activity can be detected from one or more bioelectrical brain signals. A worsening cognitive disorder may be indicated by an increase in one or more of intensity, duration, and frequency of occurrence of the episodes of non-motor epileptiform bioelectrical activity. A therapy can be delivered to reduce one or more of intensity, duration, and frequency of occurrence of the episodes of non-motor epileptiform bioelectrical activity. The delivery of the therapy can be controlled based on the plurality of episodes of non-motor epileptiform bioelectrical activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Dwight E. Nelson, Jonathon E. Giftakis
  • Patent number: 8918188
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode array for a medical implant device, comprising a substrate supporting a plurality of electrodes, the substrate comprising at least two layers of material including a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer of material and the second layer of material have different coefficients of thermal expansion. The plurality of electrodes may be supported on the first layer of material, and are preferably incorporated in and/or project from the second layer of material. The second layer of material may itself have a layered structure comprising multiple material layers, with the plurality of electrodes incorporated within the said multiple material layers. The first layer of material preferably has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the second layer of material. The invention furthermore provides a medical implant device including an electrode array according to the invention, and a method of manufacturing such an electrode array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Pixium Vision SA
    Inventor: Hans-Jürgen Tiedtke
  • Patent number: 8914110
    Abstract: An implantable stimulator includes a device for delivering a stimulus and a casing having a first, metal portion and a second, portion which is formed from a plastic or polymer. A method of forming an implantable stimulator includes preparing a coil on a ferrite tube and molding a casing body on the coil, such that the coil is embedded in a wall of the casing which is formed of a plastic or polymer. Another method of forming an implantable stimulator includes forming an annular metal connector and molding a plastic or polymer casing body on the metal connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Tom X. He, Matthew I. Haller
  • Patent number: 8903481
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are related to data management systems, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes a video output and a processor in communication with the video output, wherein the video output and the processor are configured to display information regarding a patient in a first format and a second format through the video output simultaneously, the first format comprising a graphical formal and the second format comprising a textual format, the information displayed in the first format divided into a plurality of phases, wherein the system is configured to automatically change the information displayed in the second format based on user selection of one of the plurality of phases. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan H. Kelly, James Kalgren, Durga Kulkarni, Daniel Patrick Holmdahl
  • Patent number: 8897882
    Abstract: An electrode for continuously stimulating a facial nerve root capable of a stable holding required for an electrode that continuously stimulates a facial nerve root, and an apparatus for monitoring electromyograms of facial muscles using the electrode for continuously stimulating the facial nerve root, are provided. The electrode for continuously stimulating the facial nerve root comprises an electrode unit, a contact unit, a guard unit, an extension unit, and a wire unit. The electrode for continuously stimulating the facial nerve root is held by clamping the extension unit between the facial nerve root and the anterior inferior cerebellar artery or the small artery so that the contact unit closely contacts to the facial nerve root and is fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventors: Hirofumi Nakatomi, Hidemi Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 8892209
    Abstract: Selective high-frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side effects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Nevro Corporation
    Inventors: Konstantinos Alataris, Andre B. Walker, Jon Parker, Yougandh Chitre, Sangsoo Wesley Park, James R. Thacker
  • Patent number: 8886328
    Abstract: Selective high-frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side effects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nevro Corporation
    Inventors: Konstantinos Alataris, Andre B. Walker, Jon Parker, Yougandh Chitre, Sangsoo Wesley Park, James R. Thacker
  • Patent number: 8886316
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a medical device configured for implantation into a living organism. The medical device comprises processing circuitry, a memory and interface circuitry configured for communication with a monitoring device. The medical device is configured to receive a request for access from the monitoring device, to measure a physiological value of the living organism, to perform a pairing protocol with the monitoring device, the pairing protocol comprising a secure channel set-up phase followed by an authentication phase, and to permit access by the monitoring device responsive to a successful pairing in accordance with the pairing protocol, the successful pairing being based at least in part on a determination that a physiological value supplied by the monitoring device substantially matches the measured physiological value. The medical device performs the secure channel set-up phase before sending the measured physiological value to the monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventor: Ari Juels
  • Patent number: 8886326
    Abstract: Selective high-frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side effects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nevro Corporation
    Inventors: Konstantinos Alataris, Andre B. Walker, Jon Parker, Yougandh Chitre, Sangsoo Wesley Park, James R. Thacker
  • Patent number: 8886327
    Abstract: Selective high-frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side effects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nevro Corporation
    Inventors: Konstantinos Alataris, Andre B. Walker, Jon Parker, Yougandh Chitre, Sangsoo Wesley Park, James R. Thacker
  • Patent number: 8880170
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system, comprising a peripheral nerve field modulation (PNFM) therapy delivery system, PNFM electrodes configured to be implanted subcutaneously, and a controller. The PNFM electrodes are electrically connected to the PNFM therapy system. The PNFM therapy delivery system and the PNFM electrodes are configured to deliver current and/or control the field potentials at one or more peripheral nerve fields. The controller is configured to control the PNFM therapy delivery system to deliver a PNFM therapy to the one or more peripheral nerve fields. The controller includes a scheduler configured to control timing of the PNFM therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Kerry Bradley, Rafael Carbunaru, Jason J. Hamann
  • Patent number: 8876727
    Abstract: A method and system of detecting phrenic nerve stimulation in a patient that includes detecting an activation event, obtaining a heart sound signal of a patient from an implanted heart sound sensor, determining that an electrical stimulation has been applied to the patient, in response to detecting the activation event, monitoring a portion of the heart sound signal, the portion defined by a predetermined window after the application of the electrical stimulation, and determining whether phrenic nerve stimulation occurred based on the portion of the heart sound signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Xusheng Zhang, Jeffrey M. Gillberg, Thomas J. Mullen, Paul J. DeGroot
  • Patent number: 8880177
    Abstract: Selective high-frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side effects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nevro Corporation
    Inventors: Konstantinos Alataris, Andre B. Walker, Jon Parker, Yougandh Chitre, Sangsoo Wesley Park, James R. Thacker
  • Patent number: 8874222
    Abstract: Selective high-frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side effects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Nevro Corporation
    Inventors: Konstantinos Alataris, Andre B. Walker, Jon Parker, Yougandh Chitre, Sangsoo Wesley Park, James R. Thacker
  • Patent number: 8868192
    Abstract: Selective high-frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side effects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Nevro Corporation
    Inventors: Konstantinos Alataris, Andre B. Walker, Jon Parker, Yougandh Chitre, Sangsoo Wesley Park, James R. Thacker