Patents Examined by William J Levicky
  • Patent number: 11446509
    Abstract: A medical device includes: a case at least a portion of which functions as a first electrode; a second electrode disposed in a header coupled to the case; a core assembly, the core assembly including operational circuitry enclosed within a core assembly housing, wherein the case includes the core assembly housing; and a battery assembly, the battery assembly including a battery enclosed within a battery housing, where the case further comprises the battery housing; where the operational circuitry is configured to drive a regulated voltage onto the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron A. Balczewski, William J. Linder, Dan C. Goldman, Nicholas J. Stessman, Aleksandra Kharam
  • Patent number: 11446506
    Abstract: An example system and method associated with identifying and treating a source of a heart rhythm disorder are disclosed. In accordance therewith, a spatial element associated with a region of the heart is selected. Progressive rotational activations or progressive focal activations are determined in relation to the selected spatial element over a period of time. The selecting and determining are repeated over multiple periods of time. A source parameter of rotation activations or focal activations is determined, wherein the source parameter indicates consistency of successive rotational activations or focal activations in relation to a portion of the region of the heart. The determining of a source parameter is repeated for multiple regions of the heart. Thereafter, representation of the source parameter is displayed for each of the multiple regions of the heart to identify a shape representing the source of the heart rhythm disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, The United States of America as Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Topera, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanjiv M. Narayan, Carey Robert Briggs, Ruchir Sehra
  • Patent number: 11439831
    Abstract: Tissue stimulation systems generally include a pulse generating device for generating electrical stimulation pulses, at least one implanted electrode for delivering the electrical stimulation pulses generated by the pulse generating device, and a programmer capable of communicating with the pulse generating device. Stimulation pulses may be defined by several parameters, such as pulse width and amplitude. In methods of stimulating the tissue with the stimulation system, a user may adjust one of the parameters such as pulse width. The programmer may automatically adjust the pulse amplitude in response to the change in pulse width in order to maintain a substantially constant effect of the stimulation pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Thacker, Harold Haut, Robert Nathan, David K. L. Peterson, Kerry Bradley
  • Patent number: 11433232
    Abstract: Anchoring mechanisms for an implantable electrical medical lead that is positioned within a substernal space are disclosed. The anchoring mechanisms fixedly-position a distal portion of the lead, that is implanted in the substernal space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Amy E. Thompson-Nauman, Melissa G. T. Christie
  • Patent number: 11426593
    Abstract: An implantable medical device includes an implantable coil case that contains a communications coil. A magnet receptacle is located within the coil case at the radial center and has a magnet opening in one of the lateral surface or the medial surface of the coil case. A magnet fitting groove is recessed into one of the lateral or medial surface of the coil case and extends from the magnet opening to the outer circumference of the coil case. A u-shaped implant magnet clip has parallel clip legs that are connected at a closed end of the u-shape, and an implant magnet is attached to one of the clip legs. The coil case and the magnet clip are configured to cooperate for a portion of the coil case to fit between the clip legs and the implant magnet to slide through the magnet fitting groove and fit through the magnet opening into the magnet receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
    Inventors: Anandhan Dhanasingh, Claude Jolly, Martin Zimmerling
  • Patent number: 11413454
    Abstract: A delivery device for delivering a pacing lead to the His bundle of a patient's heart includes an elongated sheath having a distal end, and a plurality of mapping electrodes positioned at the distal end. The distal end of the sheath may have a distal end face, and the mapping electrodes may include two electrodes that diametrically oppose one another at a position exposed on or spaced from the distal end face. The sheath includes a plurality of flexible sections spaced apart from one another, and a pull wire that causes the sheath to deflect from a substantially straight configuration to a dual hinged curved configuration that maneuvers and positions the electrodes in the vicinity of the bundle of His. The sheath may include a PTFE liner having axially oriented, platelet-like fibril features that enable the sheath to be split along its length from a proximal end to the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoping Guo, Erich W. Stoermer
  • Patent number: 11400295
    Abstract: Systems and methods for His bundle pacing and classifying response to pacing impulses include applying, using a pulse generator, an impulse through a stimulating electrode to induce a response from a patient heart. A response to the impulse is measured using at least one sensing electrode and time-domain based characteristics of the response are analyzed to determine whether His bundle capture has occurred and, if so, what type of capture has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoyi Min, Yun Qiao, Wenwen Li, Jan O. Mangual-Soto, Luke C. McSpadden
  • Patent number: 11400300
    Abstract: Methods and systems for optimizing invasive and noninvasive brain stimulation are described herein. In a particular embodiment, methods and systems for a combinatorial, iterative approach to modify behavior are presented wherein deep brain stimulation (DBS) and other brain stimulation therapies are implemented in combination with monitoring the brain activity of an individual to optimize the effectiveness of the combinatorial approach to modify behavior. Methods described herein are iterative and systems described herein are utilized in iterative fashion. In a particular embodiment, modifying behavior provides a therapy for an individual in need thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: NEUROSTEER INC.
    Inventor: Nathan Intrator
  • Patent number: 11389658
    Abstract: Methods and systems for treating cardiac malfunction are disclosed, which according to an embodiment, may involve delivering a stimulation pattern of stimulation pulses to at least one cardiac chamber of a heart, with at least one of the stimulation pulses having a first stimulation setting configured to reduce at least one of end systolic volume (ESV) and end diastolic volume (EDV) in the heart and at least one of the stimulation pulses having a second stimulation setting different from the first stimulation setting, and with the stimulation pattern being configured to reduce the at least one of end systolic volume (ESV) and end diastolic volume (EDV) by at least 5% and maintain the at least one of end systolic volume (ESV) and end diastolic volume (EDV) on average at such reduced volume for a time period of at least one hour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: BackBeat Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Yuval Mika, Darren Sherman, Daniel Burkhoff
  • Patent number: 11393587
    Abstract: Systems and techniques are disclosed for improvement of machine learning systems based on enhanced training data. An example method includes accessing a database storing associations between objects included in medical images and classifications of the objects. A risk assessment model adapted to determine a risk condition for an object is accessed, the assessment based on features of the object. Risk conditions associated with respective objects are determined based on the risk assessment model. A group of objects associated with a first risk condition is identified. An interactive user interface is generated for display, the user interface concurrently displaying images of the group of objects. The interactive user interface enables a user to select subsets of images to be concurrently assigned a user-selected classification. User selected classifications are provided to a machine learning system adapted to update the risk assessment model based on the classifications to increase accuracy of the model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Aviad Zlotnick, Ayelet Akselrod-Ballin, Murray A. Reicher, Sivan Ravid
  • Patent number: 11357450
    Abstract: Provided are apparatuses for and methods of measuring a biological signal. The biological signal measuring apparatus includes reference point sensors configured to detect signals detected from at least two reference marks on a surface of a subject and a biological signal measuring position detector configured to generate information about a biological signal measuring position based on the signals detected from the at least two reference marks. The biological signal measuring apparatus measures the biological signal according to the information about the biological signal measuring position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Juneyoung Lee
  • Patent number: 11350983
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes an elongated shaft extending distally from a housing and an actuating mechanism operably coupled to a proximal portion of the elongated shaft and configured to move the elongated shaft. First and second jaw members are coupled to a distal portion of the elongated shaft. The first jaw member is pivotable relative to the second jaw member between open and closed positions. An electrically conductive tissue sealing surface is disposed on each of the jaw members and is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. A tissue-dissecting electrode is disposed on a distal end of at least one of the jaw members in spaced relation to the tissue sealing surface and is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. An insulator couples the tissue-dissecting electrode to the jaw member and electrically insulates the tissue-dissecting electrode from the jaw member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Ryan C. Artale, Gary M. Couture, William Ross Whitney, Gene H. Arts
  • Patent number: 11351386
    Abstract: Methods and tool kits for implanting a lead subcutaneously. Examples include tool kits and methods for establishing first and second subcutaneous tunnels at an angle relative to one another to facilitate introduction of a lead to the subcutaneous space. In an example, a tunneling tool and lead assembly are advanced simultaneously into the subcutaneous space. The tunneling tool may include a curved region configured to transition the tool from the first subcutaneous tunnel to the second subcutaneous tunnel with the use of a single incision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC.
    Inventors: G. Shantanu Reddy, Andrew L. De Kock
  • Patent number: 11331026
    Abstract: A stealthy conductor that may be placed inside a fascicle in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is described. The conductor is placed using a targeted-fascicle or targeted-axon approach to improve specificity and signal to noise ratio (SNR). The conductor is part of a targeted fascicular interface device and is placed using an insertion tool in a manner that reduces nerve damage as compared to conventional systems. The conductor is so small (e.g., <10 ?m diameter) and so flexible (e.g., approximates flexibility of surrounding neuronal material) that biological reactions (e.g., recruitment of macrophages, edema) to the presence of the conductor may be reduced. The targeted fascicular interface device has an insulated portion and a non-insulated portion that may act as an electrode. The insulated portion may include materials that promote healing at the entry/exit site and that adhere to the perineurium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Dominique Durand, Grant McCallum, Chen Qiu
  • Patent number: 11324432
    Abstract: A signal processing apparatus includes an input voltage selector configured to select an input voltage from a plurality of input voltages; an input element connected to the input voltage selector; and an input current controller configured to control an inflow of an input current in conjunction with an operation of the input voltage selector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., THE INDUSTRY & ACADEMIC COOPERATION IN CHUNGNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY (IAC)
    Inventors: JongPal Kim, TakHyung Lee, Hyoung Ho Ko
  • Patent number: 11317959
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of ablation. The method includes the steps of inserting a probe having an ablation electrode into a body of a living subject and urging the ablation electrode into a contacting relationship with a target tissue. A measurement of at least one electroanatomic parameter is made between the ablation electrode and the target tissue, and the measurement is haptically communicated to an operator. Responsively to the communicated measurement, ablating the target tissue using the ablation electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Yevgeny Bonyak, Dror Shlomo Levy, Meir Bar-Tal, Ronen Krupnik, Natan Sharon Katz
  • Patent number: 11318321
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for determining, by an extracardiovascular implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implanted in a patient, whether one or more test therapy signals generated by another medical device implanted in the patient is detected. In response to detecting the one or more test therapy signals, the extracardiovascular ICD provides an indication that the extracardiovascular ICD has detected the one or more test therapy signals. In some examples, the indication is an audible tone provided to a clinician. In some examples, the other medical device is an intracardiac cardiac pacing device, and the one or more test therapy signals comprises a plurality of anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert T. Sawchuk
  • Patent number: 11311233
    Abstract: A sensing and treatment device includes an array of metal nanorod electrodes formed on a substrate, the array including first electrodes for sensing, and second electrodes for electrical pulsation. A data processing system is configured to monitor a parameter using the first electrodes and to activate the electrical pulsation in the second electrodes in accordance with a reading of the parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hariklia Deligianni, Bruce B. Doris, Steven J. Holmes, Emily R. Kinser, Qinghuang Lin, Roy R. Yu
  • Patent number: 11311234
    Abstract: A sensing and treatment device includes an array of metal nanorod electrodes formed on a substrate, the array including first electrodes for sensing, and second electrodes for electrical pulsation. A data processing system is configured to monitor a parameter using the first electrodes and to activate the electrical pulsation in the second electrodes in accordance with a reading of the parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hariklia Deligianni, Bruce B. Doris, Steven J. Holmes, Emily R. Kinser, Qinghuang Lin, Roy R. Yu
  • Patent number: 11311726
    Abstract: An external control device, neuromodulation system, and method of providing therapy to a patient using an implantable neuromodulator implanted within the patient. Electrical modulation energy is delivered from the neuromodulator to the patient in accordance with the pre-existing modulation program when in one of the super-threshold delivery mode and the sub-threshold delivery mode. Operation of the neuromodulator is switched to the other of the super-threshold delivery mode and the sub-threshold delivery mode. A new modulation program may be derived from a pre-existing modulation program, and the neuromodulator may deliver the electrical modulation energy to the patient in accordance with the pre-existing modulation program during the other of the super-threshold delivery mode and the sub-threshold delivery mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis Allen Vansickle, Dongchul Lee, Sridhar Kothandaraman, Que T. Doan, Changfang Zhu, Jordi Parramon, Justin Holley, Bradley L. Hershey, Christopher E. Gillespie, Rafael Carbunaru, Nazim Wahab