Patents by Inventor Carl D. Wahlstrand

Carl D. Wahlstrand has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8880188
    Abstract: Implantable medical leads and systems that include lead utilize reflection points within the lead to control radio frequency current that has been induced onto one or more filars within the lead. The radio frequency current may be controlled by the reflection points to block at least some of the radio frequency current from reaching an electrode of the lead and to dissipate at least some of the radio frequency current as heat on the filar. Controlling the radio frequency current thereby reduces the amount that is dissipated into bodily tissue through one or more electrodes of the lead and reduces the likelihood of tissue damage. The reflection points may be created by physical changes such as to material or size in the filar and/or in insulation layers that may be present such as an inner jacket about the filar and an outer jacket formed by the body of the lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D. Wahlstrand, Thomas B. Hoegh
  • Patent number: 8849417
    Abstract: A medical lead is configured to be implanted into a patient's body and comprises a lead body, and an electrode coupled to the lead body. The electrode comprises a first section configured to contact the patient's body, and a second section capacitively coupled to the first section and configured to be electrically coupled to the patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Olsen, Gregory A. Hrdlicka, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Thomas Barry Hoegh
  • Patent number: 8805541
    Abstract: A medical lead is configured to be implanted into a patient's body and comprises a lead body, and an electrode coupled to the lead body. The electrode comprises a first section configured to contact the patient's body, and a second section electrically coupled to the first section and configured to be capacitively coupled to the patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D. Wahlstrand, Thomas Barry Hoegh, James M. Olsen, Stephen L. Bolea, Gregory A. Hrdlicka
  • Publication number: 20140200643
    Abstract: A stimulation lead is configured to be implanted into a patient's body and includes at least one distal stimulation electrode and at least one conductive filer electrically coupled to the distal stimulation electrode. A jacket is provided for housing the conductive filer and providing a path distributed along at least a portion of the length of the lead for conducting induced RF energy from the filer to the patient's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D. Wahlstrand, Gregory A. Hrdlicka, Thomas E. Cross, Jr., Thomas Barry Hoegh, James M. Olsen, Stephen L. Bolea
  • Patent number: 8744582
    Abstract: The disclosure describes an implantable neurostimulator device for delivery of neurostimulation to treat head, neck, or facial pain or tension, including pain or tension caused by occipital neuralgia. The device may be a neurostimulation device having a miniaturized housing with a low profile that permits subcutaneous implantation at a stimulation site directly adjacent a neuralgic region at the back of the neck of a patient. For example, the device may be subcutaneously implanted at the back of the neck of a patient to relieve symptoms of occipital neuralgia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D. Wahlstrand, Robert M. Skime
  • Publication number: 20140114374
    Abstract: Delivery of peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) in combination with one or more other therapies is described. The other therapy delivered in combination with PNFS may be, for example, a different type of neurostimulation, such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS), or a drug. PNFS and the other therapy may be delivered simultaneously, in an alternating fashion, according to a schedule, and/or selectively, e.g., in response to a request received from a patient or clinician. A combination therapy that includes PNFS may be able to more completely address complex or multifocal pain than would be possible through delivery of either PNFS or other therapies alone. Further, the combination of PNFS with one or more other therapies may reduce the likelihood that neural accommodation will impair the perceived effectiveness PNFS or the other therapies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan A. Rooney, Gary W. King, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Kenneth T. Heruth, Thomas E. Cross, JR., Paul W. Wacnik, Richard T. Stone
  • Publication number: 20140107747
    Abstract: Delivery of peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) in combination with one or more other therapies is described. The other therapy delivered in combination with PNFS may be, for example, a different type of neurostimulation, such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS), or a drug. PNFS and the other therapy may be delivered simultaneously, in an alternating fashion, according to a schedule, and/or selectively, e.g., in response to a request received from a patient or clinician. A combination therapy that includes PNFS may be able to more completely address complex or multifocal pain than would be possible through delivery of either PNFS or other therapies alone. Further, the combination of PNFS with one or more other therapies may reduce the likelihood that neural accommodation will impair the perceived effectiveness PNFS or the other therapies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan A. Rooney, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Gary W. King, Thomas E. Cross, Jr., Kenneth T. Heruth, Paul W. Wacnik, Jeffrey S. Evanson
  • Publication number: 20140107731
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a method and system that allows a user to configure electrical stimulation therapy by defining a three-dimensional (3D) stimulation field. After a stimulation lead is implanted in a patient, a clinician manipulates the 3D stimulation field in a 3D environment to encompass desired anatomical regions of the patient. In this manner, the clinician determines which anatomical regions to stimulate, and the system generates the necessary stimulation parameters. In some cases, a lead icon representing the implanted lead is displayed to show the clinician where the lead is relative to the 3D anatomical regions of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Stone, Warren W. Ball, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Steven M. Goetz, Lynn M. Otten
  • Publication number: 20140107743
    Abstract: A medical lead is provided for use in a pulse stimulation system of the type which includes a pulse generator for producing electrical stimulation therapy. The lead comprises an elongate insulating body and at least one electrical conductor within the insulating body. The conductor has a proximal end configured to be electrically coupled to the pulse generator and has a DC resistance in the range of 375-2000 ohms. At least one distal electrode is coupled to the conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D. Wahlstrand, Robert M. Skime, Gregory A. Hrdlicka, James M. Olsen, Stephen L. Bolea
  • Publication number: 20140107749
    Abstract: The disclosure describes an implantable neurostimulator device for delivery of neurostimulation to treat head, neck, or facial pain or tension, including pain or tension caused by occipital neuralgia. The device may be a neurostimulation device having a miniaturized housing with a low profile that permits subcutaneous implantation at a stimulation site directly adjacent a neuralgic region at the back of the neck of a patient. For example, the device may be subcutaneously implanted at the back of the neck of a patient to relieve symptoms of occipital neuralgia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D. Wahlstrand, Robert M. Skime
  • Publication number: 20140100640
    Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a housing formed of a first material and a first electronic component provided within the housing. The implantable medical device also includes a second material provided in contact with at least a portion of the housing. At least one of the housing and the first electronic component has a magnetic permeability in a magnetic field that differs from the magnetic permeability of water. The second material is provided in an amount effective to reduce MRI image distortion caused by the implantable medical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kast, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Mark J. Conroy, Erik R. Scott
  • Patent number: 8694123
    Abstract: A medical lead includes a lead body having a proximal end for electrical connection to an implantable electric signal generator and a distal end portion having a plurality of electrodes extending in a helical manner longitudinally along the distal end portion. Adjacent helical electrodes may be offset, for example, 90 degrees or 180 degrees. The helical electrodes may extend less than, greater than, or 360 degrees. The electrode arrangement provides increased surface area, improving the capability of positioning the lead against the nerve as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D. Wahlstrand, Dale F. Seeley, Gabriela C. Molnar, Lisa M. Johanek
  • Publication number: 20140088666
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to programming implantable stimulators to deliver stimulation energy via one or more implantable leads having complex electrode array geometries. The disclosure also contemplates guided programming to select electrode combinations and parameter values to support efficacy. The techniques may be applied to a programming interface associated with a clinician programmer, a patient programmer, or both. A user interface permits a user to view electrodes from different perspectives relative to the lead. For example, the user interface provides a side view of a lead and a cross-sectional view of the lead. The user interface may include an axial control medium to select and/or view electrodes at different axial positions along the length of a lead, and a rotational control medium to select and/or view electrodes at different angular positions around a circumference of the lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Richard T. Stone, Warren W. Ball, Carl D. Wahlstrand
  • Patent number: 8676340
    Abstract: A stimulation lead is configured to be implanted into a patient's body and includes at least one distal stimulation electrode and at least one conductive filer electrically coupled to the distal stimulation electrode. A jacket is provided for housing the conductive filer and providing a path distributed along at least a portion of the length of the lead for conducting induced RF energy from the filer to the patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D. Wahlstrand, Gregory A. Hrdlicka, Thomas E. Cross, Jr., Thomas Barry Hoegh, James M. Olsen, Stephen L. Bolea
  • Patent number: 8666497
    Abstract: In an implantable medical device having individual modules, a coupling module couples the modules to one another. The coupling module supports electrical and/or mechanical coupling of the modules. The coupling module may assume a variety of shapes or configurations. The various embodiments of the coupling module may offer the modules varying degrees of freedom of movement relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren A. Janzig, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Robert M. Skime, Mark S. Lent, Keith A. Miesel, James E. Cabak
  • Publication number: 20140052227
    Abstract: Implantable medical leads and systems utilize reflection points within the lead to control radio frequency current that has been induced onto one or more filars. The radio frequency current may be controlled by the reflection points to block at least some of the radio frequency current from reaching an electrode of the lead and to dissipate at least some of the radio frequency current as heat on the filar. Controlling the radio frequency current thereby reduces the amount that is dissipated into bodily tissue through one or more electrodes of the lead and reduces the likelihood of tissue damage. The reflection points may be created by physical changes such as to material or size in the filar and/or in insulation layers that may be present such as an inner jacket about the filar and an outer jacket formed by the body of the lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic ,Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D. Wahlstrand, Thomas B. Hoegh
  • Patent number: 8644941
    Abstract: Delivery of peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) in combination with one or more other therapies is described. The other therapy delivered in combination with PNFS may be, for example, a different type of neurostimulation, such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS), or a drug. PNFS and the other therapy may be delivered simultaneously, in an alternating fashion, according to a schedule, and/or selectively, e.g., in response to a request received from a patient or clinician. A combination therapy that includes PNFS may be able to more completely address complex or multifocal pain than would be possible through delivery of either PNFS or other therapies alone. Further, the combination of PNFS with one or more other therapies may reduce the likelihood that neural accommodation will impair the perceived effectiveness PNFS or the other therapies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan A. Rooney, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Gary W. King, Thomas E. Cross, Jr., Jeffrey S. Evanson, Kenneth T. Heruth, Paul W. Wacnik
  • Patent number: 8620454
    Abstract: A medical lead is provided for use in a pulse stimulation system of the type which includes a pulse generator for producing electrical stimulation therapy. The lead comprises an elongate insulating body and at least one electrical conductor within the insulating body. The conductor has a proximal end configured to be electrically coupled to the pulse generator and has a DC resistance in the range of 375-2000 ohms. At least one distal electrode is coupled to the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc
    Inventors: Carl D. Wahlstrand, Robert M. Skime, Gregory A. Hrdlicka, James M. Olsen, Stephen L. Bolea
  • Patent number: 8620437
    Abstract: The disclosure describes an implantable neurostimulator device for delivery of neurostimulation to treat head, neck, or facial pain or tension, including pain or tension caused by occipital neuralgia. The device may be a neurostimulation device having a miniaturized housing with a low profile that permits subcutaneous implantation at a stimulation site directly adjacent a neuralgic region at the back of the neck of a patient. For example, the device may be subcutaneously implanted at the back of the neck of a patient to relieve symptoms of occipital neuralgia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D. Wahlstrand, Robert M. Skime
  • Patent number: 8620453
    Abstract: A medical lead is provided for use in a pulse stimulation system of the type which includes a pulse generator for producing electrical stimulation therapy. The lead comprises an elongate insulating body and at least one electrical conductor within the insulating body. The conductor has a proximal end configured to be electrically coupled to the pulse generator and has a DC resistance in the range of 375-2000 ohms. At least one distal electrode is coupled to the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D. Wahlstrand, Robert M. Skime, Gregory A. Hrdlicka, James M. Olsen, Stephen L. Bolea