Patents by Inventor Gabriel A. Mouchawar

Gabriel A. Mouchawar 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: 8391980
    Abstract: A method for detecting potential failures by a lead of an implantable medical device is provided. The method includes sensing a first signal over a first channel between a first combination of electrodes on the lead and sensing a second signal from a second channel between a second combination of electrodes on the lead. The method determines whether at least one of the first and second signals is representative of a potential failure in the lead and identifies a failure and the electrode associated with the failure based on which of the first and second sensed signals is representative of the potential failure. Optionally, when the first and second sensed signals are both representative of the potential failure, the method further includes determining whether the first and second sensed signals are correlated with one another. When the first and second sensed signals are correlated, the method declares an electrode common to both of the first and second combinations to be associated with the failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene A. Bornzin, John W. Poore, Richard Williamson, Gabriel A. Mouchawar, Eric S. Fain
  • Publication number: 20120226140
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for allowing an implantable medical device, such as pacemaker, to properly sense electrophysiological signals and hemodynamic signals within a patient during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure. Systems and methods are also provided for allowing the implantable medical device to transmit the sensed data to an external monitoring system during the MRI procedure so that attending medical personnel can closely monitor the health of the patient and the operation of the implantable device during the MRI. These improvements provide the attending personnel with information needed to determine whether the MRI should be suspended in response to induced tachyarrhythmias or other adverse conditions within the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Xiaoyi Min, Gabriel A. Mouchawar
  • Publication number: 20120197325
    Abstract: A high voltage switching and control circuit is provided for an implantable medical device (IMD). The circuit includes a high voltage positive (HVP) node, configured to receive a positive high voltage signal from a high energy storage source, and a high voltage negative (HVN) node, configured to receive a negative high voltage signal from a high energy storage source. Additionally, the circuit includes first, second and third output terminals that are configured to be connected to electrodes for delivering high voltage energy. First and second SCR switches are connected to the first and second output terminals, respectively. The first and second SCR switches are connected in series with one another and are connected to one of the HVP and HVN nodes. The first and second SCR switches have gating terminals. A control circuit is connected to the gating terminals and delivers first and second gating signals to turn ON the first and second SCR switches, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Christian Sauer, Jeff Alves, Gabriel A. Mouchawar
  • Patent number: 8200334
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for allowing an implantable medical device, such as pacemaker, to properly sense electrophysiological signals and hemodynamic signals within a patient during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure. Systems and methods are also provided for allowing the implantable medical device to transmit the sensed data to an external monitoring system during the MRI procedure so that attending medical personnel can closely monitor the health of the patient and the operation of the implantable device during the MRI. These improvements provide the attending personnel with information needed to determine whether the MRI should be suspended in response to induced tachyarrhythmias or other adverse conditions within the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoyi Min, Gabriel A. Mouchawar
  • Patent number: 8200330
    Abstract: An implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) delivers an electrical therapy signal to the heart of a patient. When ventricular fibrillation or another condition of the heart requiring high voltage therapy is sensed, the therapy signal is delivered to the heart. When a partial short-circuit or other low impedance condition occurs, an over-current protection circuit will stop delivery of a shocking pulse. The ICD will then reduce the voltage of the shocking pulse and try again to deliver electrical therapy. This process is repeated until a voltage level is found that is able to deliver the electrical therapy without causing an over-voltage condition. Alternate lead configurations may also be tried in an attempt to find a signal path that is not affected by the low impedance or short-circuit condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Kroll, Gabriel A. Mouchawar, J. Christopher Moulder, Andre Walker
  • Patent number: 8170689
    Abstract: An implantable cardiac defibrillation device diminishes fibrosis of a defibrillation electrode. The device includes an implantable lead having a defibrillation electrode adapted for implant in one of the superior vena cava and right ventricle of a heart, a pulse generator adapted to be coupled to the defibrillation electrode that provides defibrillation energy to the defibrillation electrode, and a power supply that maintains a negative voltage on the defibrillation electrode in the absence of defibrillating energy being provided to the defibrillation electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Kroll, Gabriel A. Mouchawar, J. Christopher Moulder
  • Patent number: 8147486
    Abstract: A catheter or lead having a flexible printed circuit for conveying signals and/or energy. Each trace may be in electrical connection with one or more external electrical contacts. More specifically, each trace is typically electrically connected to a single contact. The traces and contacts may assist in diagnosis and/or detection of bio-electrical signals emitted by organs, and may transmit such signals to a connector or diagnostic device affixed to the catheter. The external electrical contacts may detect bioelectric energy or may deliver electrical or thermal energy to a target site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk S. Honour, Michael J. Johnson, Gabriel A. Mouchawar, Jeremy D. Dando, Christine M. Byam
  • Publication number: 20110301676
    Abstract: An implantable medical lead configured to reduce resonant currents in a resonating circuit during MRI scans and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed herein. The method of manufacturing includes providing a medical lead comprising an electrical pathway from a tip electrode located at a distal end of the lead to a lead connector located at a proximal end and coupling a resonating circuit to the tip electrode such that the resonating circuit is in the electrical pathway for the tip electrode. Further, the method includes coupling a capacitive element to a proximal end of the resonating circuit. The capacitive element is configured to shunt at least part of an RF current induced on the electrical pathway into surrounding tissue or fluid and also works as a heat sink to spread the heat from the internal LC resonant circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Jin Zhang, Xiaoyi Min, Ingmar Viohl, Gabriel A. Mouchawar, Xiangqun Chen
  • Publication number: 20110245888
    Abstract: A medical device (implantable or external) is provided that comprises a power source, a charge storage member, a terminal connector, a switch network, a controller and a leak detection module. The charge storage member is configured to receive and store energy from the power source. The terminal connector is configured to be coupled to a lead to be implanted in a patient proximate to tissue of interest. The switch network is electrically disposed between the charge storage member and the terminal connector. The switch network changes between open and closed states to disconnect and connect the charge storage member and the terminal connector. The controller controls storage of energy in the charge storage member and delivery of stimulating pulses from the charge storage member to the lead coupled to the terminal connector. The leak detection module obtains a leakage measurement by sensing at least one of i) a voltage potential of the charge storage member and ii) current flow from the charge storage member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Steven W. Badelt, Gabriel A. Mouchawar, George I. Isaac, Neal Forss, Lyle Frank Weaver
  • Publication number: 20110112599
    Abstract: A filtering scheme for an implantable medical device mitigates potentially adverse effects that may be caused by MRI-induced signals. In some aspects filtering is provided to attenuate MRI-induced signals on an implanted cardiac lead that is coupled to an implanted device. In some aspects the filter may be configured to complement a capacitor circuit (e.g., a feedthrough capacitor) that reduces the amount of EMI that enters the implanted device via the cardiac lead. In some implementations the filter consists of a LC tank circuit and a series LC circuit, where the LC tank circuit is in series with the cardiac lead and a cardiac stimulation circuit and the series LC circuit is in a shunt configuration across the cardiac stimulation circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Zin Zhang, J. Christopher Moulder, George I. Isaac, Gabriel A. Mouchawar, Peter Boileau, Ingmar Viohl
  • Publication number: 20110009918
    Abstract: A method for detecting potential failures by a lead of an implantable medical device is provided. The method includes sensing a first signal over a first channel between a first combination of electrodes on the lead and sensing a second signal from a second channel between a second combination of electrodes on the lead. The method determines whether at least one of the first and second signals is representative of a potential failure in the lead and identifies a failure and the electrode associated with the failure based on which of the first and second sensed signals is representative of the potential failure. Optionally, when the first and second sensed signals are both representative of the potential failure, the method further includes determining whether the first and second sensed signals are correlated with one another. When the first and second sensed signals are correlated, the method declares an electrode common to both of the first and second combinations to be associated with the failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Gene A. Bornzin, John W. Poore, Richard Williamson, Gabriel A. Mouchawar, Eric S. Fain
  • Publication number: 20100228307
    Abstract: An implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) delivers an electrical therapy signal to the heart of a patient. When ventricular fibrillation or another condition of the heart requiring high voltage therapy is sensed, the therapy signal is delivered to the heart. When a partial short-circuit or other low impedance condition occurs, an over-current protection circuit will stop delivery of a shocking pulse. The ICD will then reduce the voltage of the shocking pulse and try again to deliver electrical therapy. This process is repeated until a voltage level is found that is able to deliver the electrical therapy without causing an over-voltage condition. Alternate lead configurations may also be tried in an attempt to find a signal path that is not affected by the low impedance or short-circuit condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Mark W. Kroll, Gabriel A. Mouchawar, J. Christopher Moulder, Andre Walker
  • Patent number: 7747320
    Abstract: An implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) delivers an electrical therapy signal to the heart of a patient. When ventricular fibrillation or another condition of the heart requiring high voltage therapy is sensed, the therapy signal is delivered to the heart. When a partial short-circuit or other low impedance condition occurs, an over-current protection circuit will stop delivery of a shocking pulse. The ICD will then reduce the voltage of the shocking pulse and try again to deliver electrical therapy. This process is repeated until a voltage level is found that is able to deliver the electrical therapy without causing an over-voltage condition. Alternate lead configurations may also be tried in an attempt to find a signal path that is not affected by the low impedance or short-circuit condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Kroll, Gabriel A. Mouchawar, J. Christopher Moulder, Andre Walker
  • Patent number: 7684870
    Abstract: An implantable cardiac device to induce fibrillation in the heart of a patient to allow testing of the defibrillation capability of the device. The device induces fibrillation using a direct current across the heart. The shock to the heart may be applied in a method to minimize discomfort to the patient. The heart is monitored during application of the shock. The voltage of shock at the heart is gradually increased until fibrillation is induced. Once the fibrillation is detected the shock may be stopped. This results in a minimized voltage level and duration for the shock to the heart, thereby diminishing pain and discomfort to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Kroll, J. Christopher Moulder, Gabriel A. Mouchawar
  • Patent number: 7620453
    Abstract: An electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter is provided to attenuate potentially damaging high frequency electromagnetic interference from interfering with the operation of a hermetically sealed implantable medical device. In one embodiment, the EMI filter is joined to a bypass unit that is configured to provide an energy path for the delivery of an energy pulse. The bypass unit, in one embodiment, may include a non-linear device in parallel with an impedance component. The non-linear device can be a DIAC, a MOSFET, or any other non-linear semiconductor array. The EMI filter may be located within the header assembly, the feedthrough assembly, or located proximate to a pulse generator along the energy delivery path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Claudio Propato, Gabriel A. Mouchawar, Chris Sorensen
  • Patent number: 7450995
    Abstract: An output circuit for use in an implantable cardiac defibrillation provides an output pulse having a waveform of virtually any desired shape. The device includes a sensing circuit that senses cardiac activity. An arrhythmia detector detects fibrillation responsive to the cardiac activity signal. The device further includes an output circuit that provides a stimulation output pulse when the arrhythmia detector detects a cardiac arrhythmia. The output circuit includes an H-bridge having a pair of switching devices which control the output pulse waveform with pulse-width modulation and a second pair of switching devices that control the output pulse polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Christopher Moulder, Gabriel A. Mouchawar, Steven W. Badelt, Mark W. Kroll
  • Publication number: 20080015646
    Abstract: An implantable cardiac defibrillation device diminishes fibrosis of a defibrillation electrode. The device includes an implantable lead having a defibrillation electrode adapted for implant in one of the superior vena cava and right ventricle of a heart, a pulse generator adapted to be coupled to the defibrillation electrode that provides defibrillation energy to the defibrillation electrode, and a power supply that maintains a negative voltage on the defibrillation electrode in the absence of defibrillating energy being provided to the defibrillation electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Applicant: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Kroll, Gabriel Mouchawar, J. Moulder
  • Publication number: 20070219551
    Abstract: A catheter or lead having a flexible printed circuit for conveying signals and/or energy. Each trace may be in electrical connection with one or more external electrical contacts. More specifically, each trace is typically electrically connected to a single contact. The traces and contacts may assist in diagnosis and/or detection of bio-electrical signals emitted by organs, and may transmit such signals to a connector or diagnostic device affixed to the catheter. The external electrical contacts may detect bioelectric energy or may deliver electrical or thermal energy to a target site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventors: Kirk Honour, Michael Johnson, Gabriel Mouchawar, Jeremy Dando, Christine Byam
  • Patent number: 7231255
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for generating pre-pulse pain inhibition (PPI) pulses and subsequent main cardioversion shocks. The PPI pulses are relatively low-voltage pulses each having a chevron-shaped waveform. The main shocks are relatively high-voltage shocks each having a plateau-shaped waveform. By employing plateau-shaped waveforms for the main shocks, a greater cardiac membrane response can be achieved at an equivalent peak voltage as compared to conventional shock waveforms. Peak voltage is a significant contributor to pain caused by cardioversion shocks. Hence, by using the plateau-shaped waveform, pain reduction can be achieved without loss of shock effectiveness. Moreover, by employing chevron-shaped PPI pulses in combination with plateau-shaped main shocks, a relatively simple shocking circuit having a single high-voltage shocking capacitor may be used, thus eliminating the need for both low-voltage PPI capacitors and higher voltage main shock capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Kroll, Gabriel A. Mouchawar
  • Patent number: 7211884
    Abstract: A high density electronic circuit for use in an implantable stimulation device that comprises a flexible substrate that has the advantage of integrating “chip-and-wire” microelectronic circuits and flexible interconnections that are adapted to conform to the body compatible housing into a single structure. The flexible substrate has die attach pads, each die attach pad having a set of wire bond pads therearound, each wire bond pad being connected to conductors formed within the substrate according to circuit function. A plurality of chip-and-wire integrated circuit (IC) chips are mounted by epoxy die attachment on the die attach pads, each IC chip has a plurality of contact pads formed on a top surface thereof, and gold wire bonds electrically connect the plurality of contact pads to the wire bonds pads. The wire bonds include a primary bond and, optionally, a safety bond for reinforcement. Other techniques are disclosed to enable the use of the gold wire bonds on a flexible substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Dion F. Davis, Gabriel A. Mouchawar, Alvin H. Weinberg