Patents by Inventor Frans L. H. Gielen

Frans L. H. Gielen 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).

  • Publication number: 20080255583
    Abstract: A system and procedure for using the system are disclosed for guiding instruments of varying sizes. The instruments can be guided into various portions of the anatomy for performing a procedure, providing a treatment, measuring a physiological response, or the like. Two or more instruments of varying sizes can be driven or guided relative to one another with the same system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Frans L.H. Gielen, Peter Appenrodt, Paulus Cornelis van Venrooij, Victor Duysens
  • Publication number: 20080123922
    Abstract: A method for planning a procedure, which can include determining anatomical landmarks is disclosed. The anatomical landmarks can be used to determine anatomical targets of a patient. The plan can include a path or trajectory to reach a selected target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Frans L.H. Gielen, Frank Hertel, Peter Gemmar, Peter Appenrodt
  • Publication number: 20080123923
    Abstract: A method for determining anatomical landmarks is provided. The anatomical landmarks can be used to determine anatomical targets of a patient. The method may be used for planning a procedure and performing a procedure, such as performing a procedure in the brain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Frans L.H. Gielen, Frank Hertel, Peter Gemmar, Peter Appenrodt
  • Publication number: 20080123921
    Abstract: A system for determining anatomical landmarks is disclosed. The anatomical landmarks can be used to determine anatomical targets of a patient. The system can allow for the detection of landmarks in the brain or other appropriate anatomical regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Frans L.H. Gielen, Frank Hertel, Peter Gemmar, Peter Appenrodt
  • Publication number: 20080097187
    Abstract: An apparatus can be used to navigate a planned procedure. The plan for the procedure can be based on various elements, such as anatomical landmarks that can be used to determine anatomical targets of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Frans L.H. Gielen, Frank Hertel, Peter Gemmar, Peter Appenrodt
  • Patent number: 7295880
    Abstract: System and method for end of battery life operation of an implantable bilateral brain stimulator. The present system and method automatically measures one or more levels of electrical parameters in a battery system of the implantable stimulator. The measurement can be compared to threshold values. The implantable bilateral brain stimulator can then make automatic adjustments to the therapy when the levels of the electrical parameters in the battery system reach the threshold values. Adjustments to the therapy are made such that the patient is provided with an adjusted, but sufficiently safe, amount of therapy so as to extend the life of the battery and also to allow some physical symptoms alleviated by the system to return, thereby signaling the patient that medical attention needs to be sought.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Frans L. H. Gielen
  • Patent number: 7107104
    Abstract: A neural lead and method of treating neurological disorders by stimulation of the cerebral cortex of the brain is provided. The lead is designed for reduction of strain between the lead body and the lead paddle caused by the position of the lead body above the cranium and the lead paddle beneath the cranium. The lead is also designed to include a two dimensional chronic electrode array for better stimulation coverage of the target area of the cerebral cortex. A method of treating a neurological disorder by stimulating the cerebral cortex is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Yves Keravel, Jean Paul N'Guyen, Paulus Van Venrooij, Frans L. H. Gielen, Thomas E. Cross, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7006872
    Abstract: A system and method for predicting the likelihood of occurrence of an impending neurological episode. Electrical stimuli are delivered to a structure of the brain. Response field potentials evoked by the stimuli are sensed. Analysis of these field potentials allows for predictions as to the occurrence of an impending, but not yet occurring, neurological disorder. In one example, a measurement of change in response pulses is used to determine a level of interconnectivity in the structures of the brain. The level of functional interconnectivity is used in predicting the occurrence of the neurological event. An example of such a neurological event includes an epileptic seizure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Frans L. H. Gielen, Wytse J. Wadman
  • Patent number: 6871098
    Abstract: A method for treating a patient with an obsession, a compulsion, an anxiety or a depression disorder, comprising applying chronic electrical stimulation to at least a portion of the patient's anterior limb of the internal capsule under conditions effective to provide the patient with at least a partial relief from obsession and/or compulsion and/or anxiety and/or depression, by means of an electrical signal generator and at least an implantable electrode having a proximal end coupled to the said signal generator and a stimulation end capable of applying said chronic electrical stimulation, wherein the distance between the two outer contacts of the electrode corresponds to the depth of the internal capsule. A method is disclosed for treating a patient with an obsession, a compulsion, an anxiety or a depression disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Bart Nuttin, Frans L. H. Gielen, Paul B. Cosyns, John Gybels, Bjorn Meyerson, Marianne Wilof-Mindus, Per Mindus
  • Publication number: 20040243205
    Abstract: A neural lead and method of treating neurological disorders by stimulation of the cerebral cortex of the brain is provided. The lead is designed for reduction of strain between the lead body and the lead paddle caused by the position of the lead body above the cranium and the lead paddle beneath the cranium. The lead is also designed to include a two dimensional chronic electrode array for better stimulation coverage of the target area of the cerebral cortex. A method of treating a neurological disorder by stimulating the cerebral cortex is also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Yves Keravel, Jean Paul N'Guyen, Paulus Van Venrooij, Frans L. H. Gielen, Thomas E. Cross
  • Publication number: 20040073099
    Abstract: Medical disorders with a neurological origin may be treated by modifying the ion concentration of brain fluid in the brain of a patient. The ion concentration of the fluid of the brain may be modified by delivering fluid to the brain, the ion concentration of the delivered fluid being such as to cause the ion concentration in the brain to be modified. The method may include replacing brain fluid, and may include replacing such fluid with fluid previously extracted from the brain. Epilepsy and other neurological disorders that are affected by the electrical potential difference between intracellular fluid and extra-cellular fluid and therefore the cell membrane potentials, and therefore the thresholds for the communication between brain cells can be controlled by re-circulating extra cellular brain fluid after the fluid has been treated to alter its ion concentrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Johan F.M. Gijsbers, Frans L.H. Gielen
  • Patent number: 6709426
    Abstract: Epilepsy and other neurological disorders that are affected by the electrical potential difference between intracellular fluid and extra-cellular fluid and therefore the cell membrane potentials, and therefore the thresholds for the communication between brain cells can be controlled by re-circulating extra-cellular brain fluid after the fluid has been treated to alter its ion concentrations. A computer-controlled pump can precisely control the extraction and delivery of brain fluid after the ion concentration of the fluid is appropriately adjusted, e.g. guided by the Goldmann equation. Well-known techniques for modifying ion concentrations can be used to raise or lower ion concentrations as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Johan F. M. Gijsbers, Frans L. H. Gielen
  • Patent number: 6671555
    Abstract: A system and method for predicting the likelihood of occurrence of an impending neurological episode. Electrical stimuli are delivered to a structure of the brain. Response field potentials evoked by the stimuli are sensed. Analysis of these field potentials allows for predictions as to the occurrence of an impending, but not yet occurring, neurological disorder. In one example, a measurement of change in response pulses is used to determine a level of interconnectivity in the structures of the brain. The level of functional interconnectivity is used in predicting the occurrence of the neurological event. An example of such a neurological event includes an epileptic seizure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Frans L. H. Gielen, Wytse J. Wadman
  • Publication number: 20030181955
    Abstract: A system and method for predicting the likelihood of occurrence of an impending neurological episode. Electrical stimuli are delivered to a structure of the brain. Response field potentials evoked by the stimuli are sensed. Analysis of these field potentials allows for predictions as to the occurrence of an impending, but not yet occurring, neurological disorder. In one example, a measurement of change in response pulses is used to determine a level of interconnectivity in the structures of the brain. The level of functional interconnectivity is used in predicting the occurrence of the neurological event. An example of such a neurological event includes an epileptic seizure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Frans L. H. Gielen, Wytse J. Wadman
  • Patent number: 6551301
    Abstract: Epilepsy and other neurological disorders that are affected by the electrical potential difference between intracellular fluid and extra-cellular fluid and therefore the cell membrane potentials, and therefore the thresholds for the communication between brain cells can be controlled by re-circulating extra-cellular brain fluid after the fluid has been treated to alter its ion concentrations. A computer-controlled pump can precisely control the extraction and delivery of brain fluid after the ion concentration of the fluid is appropriately adjusted, e.g. guided by the Goldmann equation. Well-known techniques for modifying ion concentrations can be used to raise or lower ion concentrations as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Medtronic Inc.
    Inventors: Johan F. M. Gijsbers, Frans L. H. Gielen
  • Publication number: 20030036781
    Abstract: A method for treating a patient with an obsession, a compulsion, an anxiety or a depression disorder, comprising applying chronic electrical stimulation to at least a portion of the patient's anterior limb of the internal capsule under conditions effective to provide the patient with at least a partial relief from obsession and/or compulsion and/or anxiety and/or depression, by means of an electrical signal generator and at least an implantable electrode having a proximal end coupled to the said signal generator and a stimulation end capable of applying said chronic electrical stimulation, wherein the distance between the two outer contacts of the electrode corresponds to the depth of the internal capsule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Bart Nuttin, Frans L. H. Gielen, Paul B. Cosyns, John Gybels, Bjorn Meyerson, Marianne Wilof-Mindus, Nora Strand
  • Publication number: 20020188330
    Abstract: A system and method for predicting the likelihood of occurrence of an impending neurological episode. Electrical stimuli are delivered to a structure of the brain. Response field potentials evoked by the stimuli are sensed. Analysis of these field potentials allows for predictions as to the occurrence of an impending, but not yet occurring, neurological disorder. In one example, a measurement of change in response pulses is used to determine a level of interconnectivity in the structures of the brain. The level of functional interconnectivity is used in predicting the occurrence of the neurological event. An example of such a neurological event includes an epileptic seizure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Frans L. H. Gielen, Wytse J. Wadman
  • Patent number: 6484059
    Abstract: There is provided apparatus and a method for testing to optimally place a deep brain lead, particularly for stimulating the GPi or other deep brain target to treat neurological disorders such as Parkinson's Disease and the like. The invention embraces determining the location of a feedback target such as the motor cortex, the location of the deep brain target, and inserting a test lead along a substantially linear trajectory so as to be able to stimulate both concurrently. The test lead has an electrode at about its distal end for stimulation of the deep brain target, and an electrode adjustably positioned 3-8 cm proximal for stimulation of the motor cortex. When stimulation is applied concurrently through both electrodes, the affected body portion, e.g., limb, can be made to move when and if the deep brain electrode is optimally positioned. The position can be checked during surgical implant of the system, and the lead position adjusted until the optimum position is found.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Frans L. H. Gielen
  • Patent number: 6481440
    Abstract: A prosthetic lamina that replaces a portion of the lamina bone structure is described. The prosthetic lamina may be configured with means for delivering a variety of medical treatments, such as electrodes for electrical stimulation, fluid channels, catheters for dispensing drugs and means for healing bone tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Frans L. H. Gielen, Henricus M. P. Knuth
  • Publication number: 20020161350
    Abstract: Epilepsy and other neurological disorders that are affected by the electrical potential difference between intracellular fluid and extra-cellular fluid and therefore the cell membrane potentials, and therefore the thresholds for the communication between brain cells can be controlled by re-circulating extra-cellular brain fluid after the fluid has been treated to alter its ion concentrations. A computer-controlled pump can precisely control the extraction and delivery of brain fluid after the ion concentration of the fluid is appropriately adjusted, e.g. guided by the Goldmann equation. Well-known techniques for modifying ion concentrations can be used to raise or lower ion concentrations as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: Medtronic, Incorporated
    Inventors: Johan F.M. Gijsbers, Frans L.H. Gielen