Patents by Inventor David C. Hacker

David C. Hacker 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: 11241195
    Abstract: A system includes an endotracheal tube having a plurality of electrodes, wherein the electrodes include at least one stimulating electrode configured to stimulate tissue of a patient and at least one monitoring electrode configured to monitor at least one nerve of a patient. The system includes a nerve integrity monitor device configured to send a stimulation signal to the at least one stimulating electrode to evoke a reflex response, and configured to receive a monitoring signal from the at least one monitoring electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. McFarlin, David C. Hacker, Anirudhan Narasimhan
  • Patent number: 11198002
    Abstract: A system for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is described. The system may include a locking device having a size and shape selected to couple to skin along a jaw of a patient. The locking device may be configured to receive at least one of a needle or an introducer for insertion into a tongue of the patient for lead placement of a lead for OSA treatment, and lock at least a portion of the at least one of the needle or introducer in place to reduce movement of the needle or introducer within the tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Avram Scheiner, David C. Hacker
  • Patent number: 11110240
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface, and a tube coating applied to the exterior surface via spraying of a homogeneous solution onto the endotracheal tube or immersion of the endotracheal tube in the homogeneous solution. A conductive electrode is formed on the tube coating. The conductive electrode is configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Hacker, Wenjeng Li, Matthew L. Cantwell
  • Patent number: 11103700
    Abstract: A stimulation probe includes a proximal end connector and a flexible wire coupled to the end connector. A handle is coupled to the wire and a needle extends from the handle and terminates at a conductive tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Hacker, Wenjeng Li, Kevin Lee McFarlin
  • Publication number: 20210228866
    Abstract: A lead for delivering electrical stimulation therapy is described. The lead includes an elongated member defining a longitudinal axis, one or more electrodes disposed at a distal end of the elongated member, a plurality of collars located along the longitudinal axis, and one or more fixation members. At least one of the fixation members is a bow-like member having a first connection point to a first collar of the plurality of collars and a second connection point to a second collar of the plurality of collars. The distal end of the elongated member is configured for insertion in a tongue of a patient such that the one or more electrodes are implanted proximate to one or more motor points of a protrusor muscle within the tongue of the patient and the bow-like member of the one or more fixation members is implanted within tissue of the tongue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Avram Scheiner, Patrick W. Kinzie, Randal C. Schulhauser, David C. Hacker
  • Publication number: 20210228873
    Abstract: A system for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is described. The system may include a locking device having a size and shape selected to couple to skin along a jaw of a patient. The locking device may be configured to receive at least one of a needle or an introducer for insertion into a tongue of the patient for lead placement of a lead for OSA treatment, and lock at least a portion of the at least one of the needle or introducer in place to reduce movement of the needle or introducer within the tongue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Avram Scheiner, David C. Hacker
  • Publication number: 20210204998
    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: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Lee McFarlin, John C. Bruce, David C. Hacker, Robert Allen Tucker
  • Patent number: 11051736
    Abstract: A nerve monitoring system facilitates monitoring an integrity of a nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Brunnett, David C. Hacker, John A. Meyer, Kevin Lee McFarlin, John Murdock Murphy, Dwayne S. Yamasaki, John N. Gardi
  • Patent number: 10980593
    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: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Lee McFarlin, John C. Bruce, David C. Hacker, Robert Allen Tucker
  • Publication number: 20210007671
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface. Conductive electrodes are formed on the endotracheal tube. The conductive electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. At least wireless sensor is formed on the endotracheal tube, and is configured to wirelessly transmit information to a processing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC XOMED, INC.
    Inventors: David C. Hacker, Maria Charles Vijay Stanislaus, Wenjeng Li, Dwayne S. Yamasaki, William C. Brunnett, Kevin L. McFarlin, James Britton Hissong, Robert K. Vaccaro, John M. Murphy, Carla A. Pagotto, Tino Schuler
  • Publication number: 20200390397
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface and a first location configured to be positioned at the patient's vocal folds. A first electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially below the first location to receive EMG signals primarily from below the vocal folds. A second electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially above the first location to receive EMG signals primarily from above the vocal folds. The first and second electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Hacker
  • Patent number: 10842437
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface. Conductive electrodes are formed on the endotracheal tube. The conductive electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. At least wireless sensor is formed on the endotracheal tube, and is configured to wirelessly transmit information to a processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC XOMED, INC.
    Inventors: David C. Hacker, Maria Charles Vijay Stanislaus, Wenjeng Li, Dwayne S. Yamasaki, William C. Brunnett, Kevin L. McFarlin, James Britton Hissong, Robert K. Vaccaro, John M. Murphy, Carla A. Pagotto, Tino Schuler
  • Publication number: 20200345257
    Abstract: Stimulation and recording electrode assemblies that are particularly useful for Automatic Period Stimulation (APS). Such embodiments are compatible with nerve monitoring systems to provide continuous stimulation of a nerve during surgery. Certain embodiments include an electrode assembly having cuff including a body and two ears extending from the body. Within the body, at least one electrode is supported and connected to a lead wire assembly. The ears can be brought together to enlarge a gap in the body so that the electrode assembly can be fixated around a nerve. Other embodiments include an electrode assembly including first and second needle electrodes that each have a tip. A body is provided to interconnect the needle electrodes and can be manipulated to move the tips either toward or away from one another. Disclosed embodiments provide nerve monitoring and stimulation in cases where the nerve is only partially dissected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew L. Cantwell, David C. Hacker, John R. Prisco
  • Publication number: 20200345256
    Abstract: Stimulation and recording electrode assemblies that are particularly useful for Automatic Period Stimulation (APS). Such embodiments are compatible with nerve monitoring systems to provide continuous stimulation of a nerve during surgery. Certain embodiments include an electrode assembly having cuff including a body and two ears extending from the body. Within the body, at least one electrode is supported and connected to a lead wire assembly. The ears can be brought together to enlarge a gap in the body so that the electrode assembly can be fixated around a nerve. Other embodiments include an electrode assembly including first and second needle electrodes that each have a tip. A body is provided to interconnect the needle electrodes and can be manipulated to move the tips either toward or away from one another. Disclosed embodiments provide nerve monitoring and stimulation in cases where the nerve is only partially dissected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew L. Cantwell, David C. Hacker, John R. Prisco
  • Publication number: 20200345258
    Abstract: A stimulation electrode assembly configured to be positioned relative to a patient for an operative procedure is disclosed. The stimulation electrode may be a connection or self-contained component to contact a portion of a nerve. The stimulation electrode may provide or receive a signal to and/or from the nerve to assist in testing integrity of the nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Matthew L. Cantwell, Bryan L. Courtney, David C. Hacker, Kevin L. McFarlin
  • Patent number: 10751000
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface and a first location configured to be positioned at the patient's vocal folds. A first electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially below the first location to receive EMG signals primarily from below the vocal folds. A second electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially above the first location to receive EMG signals primarily from above the vocal folds. The first and second electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Hacker
  • Patent number: 10743817
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface. Conductive electrodes are formed on the endotracheal tube. The conductive electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. At least wireless sensor is formed on the endotracheal tube, and is configured to wirelessly transmit information to a processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Hacker, Maria Charles Vijay Stanislaus, Wenjeng Li, Dwayne S. Yamasaki, William C. Brunnett, Kevin L. McFarlin, James Britton Hissong, Robert K. Vaccaro, John M. Murphy, Carla A. Pagotto, Tino Schuler
  • Patent number: 10729342
    Abstract: Stimulation and recording electrode assemblies that are particularly useful for Automatic Period Stimulation (APS). Such embodiments are compatible with nerve monitoring systems to provide continuous stimulation of a nerve during surgery. Certain embodiments include an electrode assembly having cuff including a body and two ears extending from the body. Within the body, at least one electrode is supported and connected to a lead wire assembly. The ears can be brought together to enlarge a gap in the body so that the electrode assembly can be fixated around a nerve. Other embodiments include an electrode assembly including first and second needle electrodes that each have a tip. A body is provided to interconnect the needle electrodes and can be manipulated to move the tips either toward or away from one another. Disclosed embodiments provide nerve monitoring and stimulation in cases where the nerve is only partially dissected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew L. Cantwell, David C. Hacker, John R. Prisco
  • Patent number: 10729343
    Abstract: A stimulation electrode assembly configured to be positioned relative to a patient for an operative procedure is disclosed. The stimulation electrode may be a connection or self-contained component to contact a portion of a nerve. The stimulation electrode may provide or receive a signal to and/or from the nerve to assist in testing integrity of the nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew L. Cantwell, Bryan L. Courtney, David C. Hacker, Kevin L. McFarlin
  • Patent number: 10631912
    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: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Lee McFarlin, John C. Bruce, David C. Hacker, Robert Allen Tucker