Patents Examined by Paula J Stice
  • Patent number: 12246178
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include systems and method for spinal cord stimulation. A spinal cord stimulator may comprise a pulse generator comprising electronic circuitry configured to generate output current; at least one lead in communication with the generator and configured to extend into the epidural space of a patient's spinal column; at least one electrode contact located proximate to a distal end of the at least one lead and configured to provide electric stimulation to a portion of a patient's spinal cord; and at least one sensor located along the at least one lead configured to determine a distance between the at least one lead and a surface of the patient's spinal cord, wherein the generator receives the determined distance, and wherein the generator is configured to adjust the stimulation provided by the at least one electrode contact based on the determined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2025
    Inventor: John Mansell
  • Patent number: 12246189
    Abstract: A light-emitting, antimicrobial tuber, instrument or catheter includes a thin, flexible tube having an optically transparent wall; and a light transmitter configured and arranged to emit light through the tube, which may be ultraviolet C (UVC) irradiation, photodynamic therapy (PDT), violet-blue light therapy, and other light-based therapies. In one embodiment, violet-blue light from 400-500 nm in wavelength, such as 405 nm, for instance, is used. The device is used on a patient and a therapeutic amount of light is administered to the patient, thereby reducing the risk of infections being transmitted from the instrument, tube or catheter to the patient, generally. The device may be configured for use in the urinary tract or as intravascular, and may be indwelling or temporary. Light may be administered for the duration of use or another time period effective to halt, inhibit, or reduce microbial or fungal growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2025
    Assignee: Luminary, LLC
    Inventor: Adam E. M. Eltorai
  • Patent number: 12246179
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue generate stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide a lower average frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2025
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, Jr., Alan D. Dorval, II, Robert Strother
  • Patent number: 12232846
    Abstract: Optical imaging or spectroscopy described can use laminar optical tomography (LOT), diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS), or the like. An incident beam is scanned across a target. An orthogonal or oblique optical response can be obtained, such as concurrently at different distances from the incident beam. The optical response from multiple incident wavelengths can be concurrently obtained by dispersing the response wavelengths in a direction orthogonal to the response distances from the incident beam. Temporal correlation can be measured, from which flow and other parameters can be computed. An optical conduit can enable endoscopic or laparoscopic imaging or spectroscopy of internal target locations. An articulating arm can communicate the light for performing the LOT, DCS, or the like. The imaging can find use for skin cancer diagnosis, such as distinguishing lentigo maligna (LM) from lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Elizabeth Marjorie Clare Hillman, Sean A. Burgess
  • Patent number: 12233259
    Abstract: A medical electrical lead and methods of implanting medical electrical leads in lumens. Leads in accordance with the invention employ preformed biases to stabilize the lead within a lumen or lumen and to provide feedback to lead implanters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: ZOLL RESPICARDIA, INC.
    Inventor: Randy W. Westlund
  • Patent number: 12232878
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to displaying atrial fibrillation data. A computer system concurrently displays a first representation of atrial fibrillation data for a first period of time and a first representation of non-heart data the first period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Felton, Heather E. Daniel, Vera Carr, Patrick Okechukwu Eronini, Jr., Eamon Francis Gilravi, Ruchi Goswami, Ava Baunoo Rezvani, David Tsay
  • Patent number: 12234858
    Abstract: A flexible catheter with a drive shaft, and associated devices and systems. In some examples, the disclosure describes a flexible catheter with a drive shaft, with a sleeve surrounding the drive shaft and with a sheath surrounding the drive shaft and the sleeve, wherein the drive shaft, the sleeve and the sheath are pliable, wherein the drive shaft at a proximal end of the drive shaft comprises a coupling element for connecting the drive shaft to a drive motor, wherein the drive shaft at least regionally consist of a alloy which contains at least 10% by weight of chromium, nickel and cobalt in each case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: ECP Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Mario Scheckel, Joerg Schumacher
  • Patent number: 12226631
    Abstract: A neuromodulation system, device, and method are disclosed. In an embodiment, a neuromodulation system includes a processor, a signal generator, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The processor in cooperation with the signal generator, the first electrode, and the second electrode are configured to deliver a transcutaneous stimulation to a mammal. The transcutaneous stimulation is configured by the processor for inducing voluntary movement in the mammal. The first electrode is positioned transcutaneously on a spinal cord and/or spinal cord dorsal roots of the mammal. Additionally, the second electrode is placed transcutaneously on or over at least one of the spinal cord and/or the spinal cord dorsal roots, a muscle, a nerve, or on or near a target end organ or bodily structure of the mammal. The second electrode is in communication with the first electrode through a hardwire or wireless connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: The Regents of The University of California
    Inventors: Victor Reggie Edgerton, Yuri P. Gerasimenko, Nicholas A. Terrafranca, Daniel C. Lu
  • Patent number: 12220582
    Abstract: Examples disclosed herein are relevant to monitoring and treating sensory conditions affecting an individual. Sensors and intelligence integrated within a sensory prosthesis (e.g., an auditory prosthesis) can automatically obtain objective data regarding the ability of one or more of an individuals senses during day-to-day activities. A treatment action can be taken based on the objective data. Further disclosed herein are techniques relating to reducing the gathering of irrelevant sensory input and automatically transmitting relevant data to a caregiver device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2025
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Matthew Zygorodimos, James Davies, Rishi Wadhwani
  • Patent number: 12214197
    Abstract: A gait management apparatus applies stimulation to a user suffering from a neurological disease (such as Parkinson's Disease) gait dysfunction. Motion sensors are arranged to be worn by a patient, and electrical stimulation electrodes are on the legs for stimulation. A controller receives motion sensing signals, and processes these signals to generate stimulation signals for operation of the electrodes to stimulate limb movement upon detection of a gait abnormality. There may be a user actuator for user actuation of electrical stimulation, and the inputs may be a series of taps. The controller may provide signals to prevent occurrence of freezing of gait when it senses that a patient is walking or has an intention to walk. Also, it may apply stimulation at an intensity level which is insufficient for functional muscle stimulation but sufficiently high to trigger activation of efferent nerves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: National University of Ireland, Galway
    Inventors: Gearóid Ó Laighin, Leo Quinlan, Dean Sweeney, Gavin Corley, James Feehilly, Patrick Browne
  • Patent number: 12208259
    Abstract: A fixation component includes tines extending from a base portion of the fixation component. Each tine is elastically deformable between a pre-set position and an open position. Each tine includes a hook segment extending from a proximal end near the base portion to a distal end. Each tine also includes a distal segment extending from the distal end of the hook segment to a tissue-piercing tip. When positioned in the pre-set position, the hook segment extends along a pre-set curvature that encloses an angle between 135 degrees and 270 degrees, and the distal segment extends away from a longitudinal axis of the fixation component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan L. Kuhn, Michael P. Campbell, Vladimir Grubac, Kenneth D. Rys, Richard W. Swenson, Charles Lowell Wilson
  • Patent number: 12201829
    Abstract: A medical apparatus for a patient comprises an external system and an implantable system. The external system is configured to transmit one or more transmission signals, each transmission signal comprising at least power or data. The implantable system is configured to receive the one or more transmission signals from the external system, and to deliver stimulation energy to the patient. Methods of delivering stimulation energy are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Assignee: Nalu Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Linden, Andre Castillo, Logan Palmer, Ji-Jon Sit, Daniel M. Pivonka, Lakshmi Narayan Mishra, James C. Makous, Lee Fason Hartley, James C. Lee, J. Christopher Flaherty
  • Patent number: 12201832
    Abstract: A medical system for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment includes therapy delivery circuitry configured to output one or more electrical stimulation signals to a tongue of a patient; sensing circuitry configured to sense one or more compound muscle action potential (CMAP) signals, wherein the one or more CMAP signals are generated in response to the delivery of the one or more electrical stimulation signals; and processing circuitry configured to: cause the therapy delivery circuitry to output the one or more electrical stimulation signals to the tongue; receive information indicative of the one or more CMAP signals from the sensing circuitry; determine, based on the one or more CMAP signals, one or more therapeutic stimulation parameters for the OSA treatment; and cause the therapy delivery circuitry to deliver therapeutic electrical stimulation signals according to at least the determined one or more therapeutic stimulation parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonid M. Litvak, Avram Scheiner, Kristin N. Hageman, Kanthaiah Koka, James Britton Hissong, Erik J. Peterson, David J. Miller, Robert T. Sandgren, Adam J. Rivard, Sean P. Skubitz, Thomas I. Miller
  • Patent number: 12201839
    Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and techniques are described for using evoked compound action potential (ECAP) signals to monitor lead position and/or detect lead migration. An example system includes sensing circuitry configured to sense an ECAP signal, and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry controls the sensing circuitry to detect, after delivery of an electrical stimulation pulse, a current ECAP signal, and determines one or more characteristics of the current ECAP signal. The processing circuitry also compares the one or more characteristics of the current ECAP signal to corresponding one or more characteristics of a baseline ECAP signal, and determines, based on the comparison, a migration state of the electrodes delivering the electrical stimulation pulse. Additionally, the processing circuitry outputs, based on the migration state, an alert indicative of migration of the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiashu Li, David A. Dinsmoor, Duane L Bourget, Kristin N. Hageman, Hank Bink, Christopher L. Pulliam
  • Patent number: 12201823
    Abstract: The invention relates to a line device (105) for conducting a blood flow for a heart support system. The heart support system has a head unit and an outlet unit. The line device (105) has a main part (205). The main part (205) has, at a first end, a first attachment section (210) for attaching the line device (105) to the head unit and, at a second end, a second attachment section (215) for attaching the line device (105) to the outlet unit. Furthermore, the main part (205) has a mesh section (220) between the attachment sections (210, 215), wherein the mesh section (220) has a mesh structure (230) formed from at least one mesh wire (225). In addition, the main part (205) has an inlet section (235), arranged in the first attachment section (210), for introducing the blood flow into the main part (205).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Assignee: Kardion GMBH
    Inventors: Hardy Baumbach, Inga Schellenberg, David Minzenmay
  • Patent number: 12186549
    Abstract: A subcutaneously implantable device includes a housing, a clip attached to a top side of the housing, a first prong with a proximal end attached to the housing and a distal end extending away from the housing, and a first electrode on the first prong. The clip is configured to anchor the device to a muscle, a bone, and/or a tissue. The first prong is configured to contact a heart. The first electrode is configured to contact the heart. Sensing circuitry in the housing that is configured to sense an electrical signal from the heart, and therapeutic circuitry in the housing is in electrical communication with the first electrode and is configured to deliver electrical stimulation to the heart through the first electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: Manicka Institute LLC
    Inventor: Yatheendhar D. Manicka
  • Patent number: 12186566
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and techniques are described for adjusting electrical stimulation based on detected ECAPs. In one example, a medical device includes processing circuitry configured to control stimulation circuitry to deliver a first electrical stimulation pulse and sensing circuitry to detect, after delivery of the first electrical stimulation pulse, an ECAP signal. The processing circuitry may be configured to determine a characteristic value of the ECAP signal, determine an ECAP differential value that indicates whether the characteristic value of the ECAP signal is one of greater than a selected ECAP characteristic value or less than the selected ECAP characteristic value, determine, based on the ECAP differential value, a gain value, determine, based on the gain value, a parameter value that at least partially defines a second electrical stimulation pulse, and control the stimulation circuitry to deliver the second electrical stimulation pulse according to the parameter value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Dinsmoor, Christopher L Pulliam, Hank T. Bink, Kristin N. Hageman
  • Patent number: 12186088
    Abstract: A recording device includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire vital signs through a sensor device having a plurality of electrodes, a recording unit configured to record a bipolar potential of a main channel which is defined by combining the plurality of electrodes, using the vital signs, an addition unit configured to add a mark to each waveform plotted based on variation of the bipolar potential over time, at a predetermined position on a time axis, and an adjusting unit configured to adjust a position of the mark added to each waveform. The adjusting unit is configured to adjust the position of the mark added to the bipolar potential of the main channel, based on bipolar potentials of reference channels including electrodes included in the main channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignees: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION SHIGA UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCE, NIHON KOHDEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Ashihara, Koji Takizawa, Takeshi Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 12186550
    Abstract: A subcutaneously implantable device is implantable into a body of a patient, and includes a prong and an electrode. The prong has a contact portion at or adjacent to a distal end thereof that is configured to contact an organ. The prong is constructed to apply pressure to the organ with spring action so as to maintain contact between the contact portion and the organ without fixing the contact portion to the organ. The electrode is provided at the contact portion of the prong, is configured to contact the organ, and is electrically coupled or couplable with circuitry that is configured to provide monitoring, therapeutic, and/or diagnostic capabilities with respect to the organ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: Manicka Institute LLC
    Inventor: Yatheendhar D. Manicka
  • Patent number: 12178585
    Abstract: A method including the steps of receiving a first signal sensed from a patient, receiving a first physiological signal sensed from the patient, and processing the first signal based at least on the first physiological signal to obtain a second signal that is a measurement of the patient's Heart Rhythm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: Pertech Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Enrico Negrello