Patents Examined by Pamela M Bays
  • Patent number: 9610441
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for modulating, suppressing or preventing a dermatological disorder in a subject. One step of the method can include positioning at least one electrode on or proximate to at least one of a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), a sphenopalatine nerve (SN), a vidian nerve (VN), a greater petrosal nerve (GPN), a deep petrosal nerve (DPN), or a branch thereof, of the subject. Next, the at least one electrode can be activated to apply an electrical signal to at least one of the SPG, the SN, the VN, the GPN, the DPN, or the branch thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: AUTONOMIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Amy M. Goodman, Anthony V. Caparso
  • Patent number: 9604067
    Abstract: A neurostimulator system includes a portable component configured for storing patient-specific data, and an external control device configured for obtaining the patient-specific data from the portable component. The portable component is an implantable neurostimulator, a patient's remote controller, and/or an external charger. The patient-specific data is imaging-related data. A method of storing data in a neurostimulation system includes generating patient-specific data, and storing the patient-specific data in at least one of the portable components. A method for programming the implantable neurostimulator includes receiving the patient-specific data from the portable component, simulating a volume of tissue activation for each of one or more candidate stimulation parameters, wherein the simulation is based at least in part on the patient-specific data, selecting at least one of the candidate stimulation parameters, and programming the implantable neurostimulator with the selected stimulation parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Sridhar Kothandaraman, Michael A. Moffitt
  • Patent number: 9604057
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for suppressing or preventing a medical condition in a subject. One step of the method can include positioning at least one electrode on or proximate to at least one of a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), a sphenopalatine nerve (SPN), a vidian nerve (VN), or a branch thereof, of the subject. Next, the at least one electrode can be activated to apply an electrical signal to at least one of the SPG, the SPN the VN, or the branch thereof. The medical condition can include pain resulting from one or more of atypical odontalgia, cluster tic syndrome, geniculate neuralgia, occipital neuralgia and temporal arteritis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Autonomic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony V. Caparso
  • Patent number: 9597018
    Abstract: Methods for treating a patient using therapeutic renal neuromodulation and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology is directed to biomarker sampling in the context of neuromodulation devices, systems, and methods. Some embodiments, for example, are directed to catheters, catheter systems, and methods for sampling biomarkers that change in response to neuromodulation. A system can include, for example, an elongated shaft and a neuromodulation and sampling assembly having a neuromodulation and a sampling element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Rudy Beasley, Ayala Hezi-Yamit, Michele Lee Silver, Christopher W. Storment
  • Patent number: 9592397
    Abstract: Thermal management solutions for wireless power transfer systems are provided, which may include any number of features. In one embodiment, an implantable wireless power receiver includes at least one thermal layer disposed on an interior surface of the receiver configured to conduct heat from a central portion of the receiver towards edges of the receiver. The thermal layer can comprise, for example, a copper layer or a ceramic layer embedded in an acrylic polymer matrix. In some embodiments, a plurality of thermal channels can be formed within the receiver to transport heat from central regions of the receiver towards edges of the receiver via free convection. In yet another embodiment, a fluid pipe can be connected to the receiver and be configured to carry heat from the receiver to a location remote from the receiver. Methods of use are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Thoratec Corporation
    Inventors: John Freddy Hansen, Joseph C. Stark, III
  • Patent number: 9585583
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring signals representative of muscle activity are provided. One method includes detecting an ECG signal through a plurality of electrodes. The ECG signal includes a plurality of ECG sample signals, and each ECG sample signal is a bipolar signal associated with two of the plurality of electrodes and includes a cardiac signal component and a myographic signal component. The method further includes filtering each of the ECG sample signals to remove at least a portion of the cardiac signal component and generate a combined myographic power signal for the two of the plurality of electrodes with which the ECG sample signal is associated. Each combined myographic power signal represents a myographic potential between the two electrodes. The method further includes calculating individual myographic power signals for each of the plurality of electrodes by applying the combined myographic power signals within a covariance matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: MORTARA INSTRUMENT, INC.
    Inventor: David W. Mortara
  • Patent number: 9579032
    Abstract: A method and system for electrocardiographic monitoring includes receiving cardiac signals recorded from electrodes attached to a patient according to a known electrode configuration and determining the known electrode configuration. The cardiac signal is then automatically analyzed based on the alternative electrode configuration. In one embodiment, the method includes acquiring a cardiac signal through electrodes connected to the patient according to a known electrode configuration and analyzing the cardiac signal to detect whether the known electrode configuration deviates from a standard 12 lead ECG configuration. If a deviation is detected, then an estimated electrode configuration is determined for the electrodes connected to the patient and the estimated electrode configuration is presented to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Brian J. Young, Matthew Lane Pemberton
  • Patent number: 9579503
    Abstract: Concepts presented herein relate to an interface module that can be electrically coupled to an electrical stimulation generator, a radio frequency generator and an instrument. A selection module is coupled to the interface module and operates in a first mode to deliver electrical stimulation signals from the electrical stimulation generator to the instrument and in a second mode to deliver radio frequency signals from the radio frequency generator to the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Michael McKinney, Wenjeng Li, Kevin Lee McFarlin
  • Patent number: 9572990
    Abstract: A medical device system and method for detecting cardiac lead dislodgement measures intervals between sensed cardiac events for detecting an event interval pattern including at least one short event interval consecutively followed by a long event interval. Responsive to detecting the event interval pattern, a cardiac signal amplitude associated with a detected short event interval is measured. Dislodgement of the cardiac lead is detected in response to the measured amplitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce D. Gunderson
  • Patent number: 9555249
    Abstract: In accordance with the techniques for heart monitoring described in this disclosure, an implantable medical device (IMD) may assess cardiac wall motion using impedance measurements through cardiac leads. As an example, the IMD may calculate an amount or rate of change in impedance due to the motion of a wall of the heart during at least a portion of one cardiac cycle, e.g., systole, in order to assess the strength of systolic contraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore Chow
  • Patent number: 9550057
    Abstract: A surgical guide to facilitate delivery of a therapy delivery device into the pterygopalatine fossa of a subject includes a curvilinear body having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the distal and proximal end portions. The proximal end portion is defined by oppositely disposed first and second surfaces. The proximal end portion and the intermediate portion define a longitudinal plane that extends between the proximal and distal end portions. The distal end portion has an arcuate configuration relative to the longitudinal plane and is defined by oppositely disposed third and fourth surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventors: Francis A. Papay, Carl Lance Boling
  • Patent number: 9545207
    Abstract: A temporary implantable medical device lead includes a connector configured to connect the lead to an external control module. A helically coiled conductor includes a proximal end that is mechanically and electrically connected to the connector. The conductor includes a plurality of insulated filars. An insulative layer is removed from an uninsulated portion of each of the filars near a distal end of the conductor. The uninsulated portion of each of the filars is exposed at an outer surface of the conductor such that the exposed uninsulated portions of the filars define a plurality of electrodes at longitudinally spaced sections near the distal end of the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan A. Clark, Timothy R. Jackson, Benjamin J. Haasl
  • Patent number: 9538922
    Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure describe measuring intervals within a cardiac cycle to, for example, determine whether a patient is a candidate for cardiac therapy initiation or modification. The intervals may be measured in response to a trigger identifying a physiological event. The intervals and an identification of the physiological event may be stored. A physician or clinician may determine whether the patient is a candidate for cardiac therapy modification based on the measured intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Li Wang
  • Patent number: 9526906
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the disclosure may include a device for wirelessly powering an implant unit in a body of a subject from a location outside of the body of the subject, wherein the implant unit includes a secondary antenna for wirelessly receiving energy. The device may include a primary antenna configured to be located external to the body of the subject, a circuit electrically connected to the primary antenna, and at least one processor electrically connected to the primary antenna and the circuit. The at least one processor may determine a resonant frequency mismatch between a first resonant frequency associated with the primary antenna and a second resonant frequency associated with the secondary antenna associated with the implant unit; and apply an adjustment to at least one component of the circuit to cause a change in the first resonant frequency associated with the primary antenna and a reduction in the resonant frequency mismatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: NYXOAH SA
    Inventor: Adi Mashiach
  • Patent number: 9510777
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices, compositions, and kits for monitoring neuromodulation efficacy based on detecting changes in the level or activity of one or more target biomarkers associated with neuromodulation, as well as methods and processes of performing neuromodulation that incorporate monitoring of neuromodulation efficacy based on changes in level or activity of one or more target biomarkers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Ayala Hezi-Yamit, Rudy Beasley, Susan Thornton Edwards, Lori Garcia, Michele Lee Silver, Christopher W. Storment, Carol M. Sullivan, Joseph A. Traina, Stefan Stoyanov Tunev
  • Patent number: 9492651
    Abstract: RF/MRI compatible leads include at least one conductor that turns back on itself at least twice in a lengthwise direction, and can turn back on itself at least twice at multiple locations along its length. The at least one electrical lead can be configured so that the lead heats local tissue less than about 10 degrees Celsius (typically about 5 degrees Celsius or less) or does not heat local tissue when a patient is exposed to target RF frequencies at a peak input SAR of at least about 4 W/kg and/or a whole body average SAR of at least about 2W/kg. Related devices and methods of fabricating leads are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignees: MRI Interventions, Inc., Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Bottomley, Parag V. Karmarkar, Justin M. Allen, William A. Edelstein
  • Patent number: 9462957
    Abstract: A portable electrocardiography (ECG) device includes a first pair of first type snap-in buttons at a first plane of a case. The first type snap-in buttons are configured for coupling to ECG electrodes having a second type snap-in button. The portable ECG device also includes a processor in electrical connection with the first pair of first type snap-in buttons. The processor is configured for monitoring and processing electrocardiography signals obtained by the ECG electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: IMEC Taiwan Co.
    Inventors: Ting Cheng Lin, Svend Larsen, Peter Lemmens
  • Patent number: 9456836
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure includes a neurostimulator delivery apparatus. The apparatus includes a handle portion, an elongate shaft extending from the handle portion, and a distal deployment portion. The distal deployment portion is configured to releasably mate with a neurostimulator. The neurostimulator is sized and configured for implantation into a craniofacial region of a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: AUTONOMIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Carl Lance Boling, Anthony V. Caparso, Ryan Powell, Jennifer Teng, Morgan Clyburn
  • Patent number: 9451895
    Abstract: A general-purpose mobile communication device, general-purpose computer user-interface device, and other non-health-related electronic devices with cardiovascular monitoring capability. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise a general-purpose mobile communication device (e.g., a cellular telephone, portable email device, personal digital assistant, etc.) comprising a communication interface module adapted to communicate with a general-purpose communication network, and at least one module operational to acquire cardiac information from a user of the general-purpose mobile communication device. The general-purpose communication device may, for example, comprise a cardiac sensor (e.g., electrodes) disposed on the mobile communication device, which may be utilized to acquire cardiac information during use of the mobile communication device. Various aspects of the present invention may also comprise a non-health related electronic device (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Gal Markel
  • Patent number: 9446228
    Abstract: Various system embodiments comprise a medical device, comprising a flexible tether, a neural stimulation circuit, and a controller. The flexible tether is adapted to be fed into a patient's throat. The flexible tether includes a plurality of electrodes. The neural stimulation circuit is adapted to deliver neural stimulation. The controller is adapted to control the neural stimulation circuit to provide a neural stimulation therapy using at least one electrode from the plurality of electrodes, and to implement a neural stimulation test routine. The neural stimulation test routine is adapted to assess neural stimulation efficacy for electrode subsets of the plurality of electrodes to identify a desired electrode subset for use in delivering the neural stimulation therapy to elicit a desired response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Imad Libbus, Stefan Nikles