Patents Examined by Mark W Bockelman
  • Patent number: 11324959
    Abstract: A method of treating a patient and on external programmer for use with a neurostimulator. Electrical stimulation energy is conveyed into tissue of the patient via a specified combination of a plurality of electrodes, thereby creating one or more clinical effects. An influence of the specified electrode combination on the clinical effect(s) is determined. An anatomical region of interest is displayed in registration with a graphical representation of the plurality of electrodes. The displayed anatomical region of interest is modified based on the determined influence of the specified electrode combination on the clinical effect(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Moffitt, John J. Reinhold
  • Patent number: 11317842
    Abstract: An exemplary system includes an electro-acoustic stimulation (“EAS”) sound processor, a cochlear implant communicatively coupled to the EAS sound processor, an electrode array communicatively coupled to the cochlear implant, and a receiver communicatively coupled to the EAS sound processor and configured to be in communication with an ear of a patient. The EAS sound processor 1) directs, while in a self-fitting mode, the receiver to apply acoustic stimulation to the patient, 2) records, using at least one electrode included in the electrode array, an evoked response that occurs in response to the acoustic stimulation, 3) compares the evoked response to a baseline evoked response recorded by the EAS sound processor prior to recording the evoked response, and 4) performs a predetermined action based on the comparison between the evoked response and the baseline evoked response. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics AG
    Inventors: Kanthaiah Koka, Leonid M. Litvak
  • Patent number: 11298531
    Abstract: An elastic neural electrode is provided, having at least one planar metal layer which comprises conductive material and which is placed on an elastomer layer (PDMS), wherein, for reinforcement of the electrode, a high-tensile-strength polymer layer, in particular parylene layer is applied directly onto the at least one metal layer, the high-tensile-strength polymer layer, in particular parylene layer being the outermost layer of the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: CorTec GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Henle, Martin Schuettler, Fabian Kohler, Miguel Ulloa, Juan Sebastian Ordonez, Matthias Mueller
  • Patent number: 11285312
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for evaluation and adjustment of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The systems and methods may utilize at least a plurality of external electrodes to monitor cardiac electrical activity before and during LVAD therapy. The cardiac electrical activity as well as other information such cardiac sound information may be used to determine and adjust one or more LVAD output parameters such as pump speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Gillberg, Subham Ghosh, Michael F. Hess, Troy E. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11246754
    Abstract: A target volume of ocular tissue is treated with a laser having a direction of propagation toward the target volume, where the target volume is characterized by a distal extent, a proximal extent, and a lateral extent. A layer of tissue at an initial depth corresponding to the distal extent of the target volume is initially photodisrupted using a femtosecond laser by scanning the laser in multiple directions defining an initial treatment plane. Tissue at one or more subsequent depths between the distal extent of the target volume and the proximal extent of the target volume is subsequently photodisrupted using a femtosecond laser by moving a focus of the laser in a direction opposite the direction of propagation of the laser and then scanning the laser in multiple directions defining an subsequent treatment plane. Photodisruption is repeated at different subsequent depths until tissue at the proximal extent of the target volume is photodisrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: VIALASE, INC.
    Inventors: Guy Holland, Tibor Juhasz, Wesley W. Lummis, Eric R. Mikula, Ferenc Raksi, Manu Sharma, Carlos G. Suarez
  • Patent number: 11241184
    Abstract: In various examples, a component for a medical device is described. The component includes a conductor wire including a connection portion. An electrode is formed from a conductive tube. The conductive tube is compressed at least partially around the connection portion of the conductor wire to at least partially surround and couple to the connection portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Hugh D. Hestad, Jeff Fleigle, Christopher Mauhar, Krishna Vedula, Hitesh Mehta, Rommy U. Huleis
  • Patent number: 11241592
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for more locally stimulating a desired stimulation region in a predetermined part of an object, the apparatus including a first ultrasonic wave generator configured to output a first ultrasonic beam to a predetermined part of an object, a second ultrasonic wave generator configured to output a second ultrasonic beam to the predetermined part of the object, and a controller configured to control the first ultrasonic wave generator and the second ultrasonic wave generator such that central axes of the first ultrasonic wave generator and the second ultrasonic wave generator are disposed on the same plane, and a crossing angle between the first ultrasonic beam and the second ultrasonic beam is a predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Hyunjoo Lee, HyungGuk Kim, Seongyeon Kim
  • Patent number: 11234658
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed that may be used for photoplethysmogram data analysis and presentation. For example, photoplethysmogram (PPG) signal data is received as communicated by a PPG sensor of a wearable device worn by a user. A heartbeat interval may be determined from at least the PPG signal data. Also, an electrocardiogram (ECG)-type waveform spanning the heartbeat interval may be generated at a graphical interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: LIVMOR, INC.
    Inventors: Ken Persen, Weiguang Shao
  • Patent number: 11235154
    Abstract: A device and algorithm for controlling an autonomic function in an individual. In particular, a controller device that utilizes physiological measurements (such as blood pressure) to regulate spinal cord electrical stimulation to stabilize blood pressure. A control interface and algorithm for controlling an autonomic function in a subject. In particular, an algorithm that utilizes physiological measurements (such as blood pressure) to regulate spinal cord electrical stimulation to stabilize blood pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
    Inventors: Aaron Phillips, Andrei Krassioukov, Jordan Squair
  • Patent number: 11229784
    Abstract: Devices for moving blood within a patient, and methods of doing so. The devices can include a pump portion that includes an impeller and a housing around the impeller, as well as a fluid lumen. The impeller can be activated to cause rotation of the impeller and thereby move fluid within the fluid lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: SHIFAMED HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Amr Salahieh, Tom Saul, Brady Esch, Anna Kerlo, Daniel Hildebrand, Daniel Varghai
  • Patent number: 11219770
    Abstract: A system for validating safety of a medical device in a presence of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) field is provided. The system includes a first electric field generating device configured to form first electric field and configured to receive a medical device at least partially within the first electric field, and a second electric field generating device configured to form a second electric field in proximity to the first electric field and configured to receive the medical device at least partially within the second electric field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Xi Lin Chen, Xiyao Xin, Shiloh Sison, Shi Feng
  • Patent number: 11219755
    Abstract: The invention relates to a blood pump. The blood pump comprises a flexible drive shaft (3) guided in a catheter, a conveying element (6) connected to the drive shaft (3) in a distal region of the drive shaft (3), and a motor (7), wherein the motor (7) has a stator (36) and a rotor (30) mounted such that it can move in the stator (36). The stator (36) comprises a winding (37) and the rotor (30) comprises a rotor magnet (31). In addition, the drive shaft (3) is connected to the rotor (30) at a proximal end of the drive shaft (3). The stator (36) and the rotor (30) are nondetachably connected to one another, and form a gap (40) with a ring-shaped cross-section, which is delimited by the rotor (30) and the stator (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: ECP ENTWICKLUNGSGESELLSCHAFT MBH
    Inventors: Thorsten Siess, Gerd Spanier, Jörg Schumacher
  • Patent number: 11191950
    Abstract: Aspects include high resolution brain-electronic interfaces and related methods. Aspects include forming a semiconductor circuit on a substrate, depositing a tensile stress layer on the circuit, and separating the semiconductor circuit from a portion of the silicon substrate. Aspects also include removing the tensile stress layer from the semiconductor circuit and transferring the semiconductor circuit to a biocompatible film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Qing Cao, Hariklia Deligianni, Fei Liu
  • Patent number: 11185705
    Abstract: An enhanced RF switchable filtered feedthrough for real-time identification of the electrical and physical integrity of an implanted AIMD lead includes a DOUBLE POLE RF switch disposed on the device side. Additionally, the RF switchable filtered feedthrough can optionally include transient voltage suppressors (TVS) and an MRI mode. In an embodiment, a DOUBLE POLE RF switch selectively disconnects EMI filter capacitors so that an RF test/interrogation signal is sent from the AIMD down into an implanted lead(s). The reflected RF signal is then analyzed to assess implanted lead integrity including lead body anomalies, lead insulation defects, and/or lead conductor defects. The Double Pole switch is configured to be controlled by an AIMD control signal to switch between FIRST and SECOND THROW positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert A. Stevenson, Keith W. Seitz, Jason Woods, Christine A. Frysz
  • Patent number: 11185685
    Abstract: An elastic neural electrode is provided, having at least one planar metal layer which comprises conductive material and which is placed on an elastomer layer (PDMS), wherein, for reinforcement of the electrode, a high-tensile-strength polymer layer, in particular parylene layer is applied directly onto the at least one metal layer, the high-tensile-strength polymer layer, in particular parylene layer being the outermost layer of the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: CorTecGmbH
    Inventors: Christian Henle, Martin Schuettler, Fabian Kohler, Miguel Ulloa, Juan Sebastian Ordonez, Matthias Mueller
  • Patent number: 11185691
    Abstract: Described are a system and method that “reads” cancer tumors real time and custom delivers individualized bioelectric therapy to the patient. For example, the system reads a cancer tumor, and based upon this read, delivers to the subject “a confounding signal” to jam communication within that tumor. A cancer tumor may change its communication patterns and the therapy is designed to change with these patterns, attempting to always jam the relevant communication signaling pathway. The described system includes parameters not tied to communication jamming, which should also be customized to induce apoptosis to the cancer tumor. Such parameters include signals for starving a cancer tumor of blood supply and signals for changing the cancer tumor's surface proteins and/or charge so that the immune system attacks the cancer tumor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: LEONHARDT VENTURES LLC
    Inventors: Howard J. Leonhardt, Jorge Genovese
  • Patent number: 11172852
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods of using near infra-red radiation, such as from a near infra-red spectroscopy device, to monitor physical activity in a person. In one aspect, a method of measuring physiological parameters is provided. The method further includes determining a NIRS-derived measure of a tissue of a person using near infra-red spectroscopy over a time period, associating the NIRS-derived measure to the time period to determine a function-related change, and associating the function-related change to a biomechanical function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: University of Houston System
    Inventors: Luca Pollonini, Clifford C. Dacso
  • Patent number: 11166763
    Abstract: A laser resonator includes a gain medium that produces light from pump energy and a variable light attenuator, which receives light and emits either (i) a first light including a continuous series of micropulses, or (ii) a second light including a series of macropulses at spaced time intervals, where each macropulse includes a series of micropulses. Each micropulse has a duration of 0.1 to 10 microseconds, and a duration of each macropulse is less than the time interval between each macropulse, and the micropulses have a frequency of 5 kHz to 40 kHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun Wook Kang, Raymond Adam Nemeyer, Michael Ray Hodel
  • Patent number: 11167141
    Abstract: Described are a system and method that utilize bioelectric signaling to balance electrical potentials in a subject's body via neuro-hormonal circuit loops, to increase elasticity of the subject's arteries to promote protein release to dampen arterial blood pressure, and to change arterial electrical charges to reduce narrowing of the arteries. The described system is designed to localize and stimulate the fibers inside the vagus nerve without inadvertent stimulation of non-baroreceptive fibers causing side effects like bradycardia and bradypnea. The system also controls release of specific proteins known to lower blood pressures including tropoelastin (known to increase elasticity in the aorta and other peripheral blood vessels).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: LEONHARDT VENTURES LLC
    Inventor: Howard J. Leonhardt
  • Patent number: 11167128
    Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead includes terminals disposed along the proximal portion of the electrical stimulation lead; segmented electrodes disposed along the distal portion of the electrical stimulation lead; conductors electrically coupling the terminals to the electrodes; and an electrode carrier with divider segments extending from shoulder segments and disposed between, and separating, at least two of the segmented electrodes. The electrical stimulation lead can be formed by disposing electrode strips on an electrode carrier, each of the electrode strips comprising a plurality of pre-electrodes and at least one connection region in an alternating, longitudinal arrangement with one of the at least one connection region disposed between each adjacent pair of the pre-electrodes of the electrode strip; and removing each of the connection region(s) to separate the pre-electrodes into segmented electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Geoffrey Abellana Villarta