Patents by Inventor Gregory F. Molnar

Gregory F. Molnar 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: 12082905
    Abstract: Ultra-high field (“UHF”) magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) is used to localize the endopiriform nucleus (“EPN”) as a target for neuromodulation treatment. Single or multiple different image contrasts can be used to guide localization of the EPN. Treatment plan data are generated based on the localized EPN, and may include coordinate data, trajectory data, or both, for delivering neuromodulation treatment to the localized EPN.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
    Inventors: Thomas R. Henry, Gregory F. Molnar, Michael C. Park, Pierre-Francois Van De Moortele
  • Patent number: 11813467
    Abstract: The present invention comprises implantable neuromodulation systems and methods comprising a protective pouch that at least partially encases an implantable pulse generator prior to implanting in a patient and is adapted to be secured within the surgical site. A lead placement tool configured to receive an electrical lead(s) along at least part of the length of the tool within an open channel or groove to assist in placing electrical leads at the desired target. The lead placement tool may have at least one, or two, angles that provide a bend or angle between first and/or second end regions relative to a straight central region and an open channel along at least one of these regions. A harness for receiving and protecting at least a portion of the length of electrical leads in operative communication with an implantable pulse generator is provided. The harness is adapted to be secured within the surgical site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: SynerFuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory F. Molnar, Nazmi Peyman, Kari W. Wright, Justin D. Zenanko, Beth A. Lindborg, Kathleen W. Hill, Kyle R. Grube, Michael C. Park, Matthew A. Hunt
  • Publication number: 20230310859
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for implanting neuromodulation systems and, in some cases, spinal fixation systems using a single surgical incision and placing the system components with direct visual and physical access through an open access. Implantable pulse generators of the neuromodulation systems include lead receptacles and, in some cases, the leads may bifurcate into two leads at a proximal side of the leads. Anchors are provided that are capable of anchoring a body of a neuromodulation lead to the rod of a spinal fixation system and/or engaging bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Gregory F. Molnar, Rohan R. Lall, Michael Park, Christopher G. Frank
  • Publication number: 20230241377
    Abstract: The present invention provides a single surgical method, procedure and/or system that creates open direct visual and/or physical access to an identified spinal treatment site that comprises both targeted vertebral and spinal levels to be treated, wherein the spinal levels comprise at least one dorsal root ganglion. A spinal treatment procedure may be performed generally in combination with implantation of a neuromodulation system that may comprise placement of electrical lead(s) on the at least one dorsal root ganglion, wherein each lead is in operative connection with a pulse generator that may also be implanted during the surgical method. Electrical stimulation may be generated with the pulse generator through the electrical leads to the at least one dorsal root ganglion during and/or after the closure of the identified spinal treatment site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: Gregory F. Molnar, Christopher G. Frank, Justin D. Zenanko, Beth A. Lindborg, Nazmi Peyman, Kyle Grube, Michael Park, Matthew Hunt, Kathy Hill
  • Publication number: 20230190105
    Abstract: Ultra-high field (“UHF”) magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) is used to localize the endopiriform nucleus (“EPN”) as a target for neuromodulation treatment. Single or multiple different image contrasts can be used to guide localization of the EPN. Treatment plan data are generated based on the localized EPN, and may include coordinate data, trajectory data, or both, for delivering neuromodulation treatment to the localized EPN.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Applicant: REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
    Inventors: Thomas R. HENRY, Gregory F. MOLNAR, Michael C. PARK, Pierre-Francois VAN DE MOORTELE
  • Patent number: 11638817
    Abstract: The present invention provides a single surgical method, procedure and/or system that creates open direct visual and/or physical access to an identified spinal treatment site that comprises both targeted vertebral and spinal levels to be treated, wherein the spinal levels comprise at least one dorsal root ganglion. A spinal treatment procedure may be performed generally in combination with implantation of a neuromodulation system that may comprise placement of electrical lead(s) on the at least one dorsal root ganglion, wherein each lead is in operative connection with a pulse generator that may also be implanted during the surgical method. Electrical stimulation may be generated with the pulse generator through the electrical leads to the at least one dorsal root ganglion during and/or after the closure of the identified spinal treatment site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: SynerFuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory F. Molnar, Christopher G. Frank, Justin D. Zenanko, Beth A. Lindborg, Nazmi Peyman, Kyle Grube, Michael Park, Matthew Hunt, Kathy Hill
  • Publication number: 20230110885
    Abstract: The present invention provides various embodiments of neuromodulation systems, and improvements thereof, capable of being implanted at a spinal treatment site and capable of being implanted at the same time and/or in combination with a spinal procedure being performed at the spinal treatment site. The present invention further includes improvements in the number and types of neuromodulation therapies that can be implanted at the spinal treatment site and improvements to the neuromodulation systems used for delivering such neuromodulation therapies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: Gregory F. Molnar, Ryan Campion
  • Publication number: 20230032093
    Abstract: The present invention provides a single surgical method, procedure and/or system that creates open visual and physical access to an identified spinal treatment site that comprises both targeted vertebral and spinal levels to be treated, wherein the spinal levels comprise at least one dorsal root ganglion. A spinal treatment procedure is performed generally in combination with implantation of a neuromodulation system that may comprise placement of electrical lead(s) on the at least one dorsal root ganglion, wherein each lead is in operative connection with a pulse generator that may also be implanted during the surgical method. Electrical stimulation may be generated with the pulse generator through the electrical leads to the at least one dorsal root ganglion during and/or after the closure of the identified spinal treatment site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Gregory F. Molnar, Christopher G. Frank, Justin D. Zenanko, Beth A. Lindborg, Nazmi Peyman, Kyle Grube, Michael Park, Matthew Hunt, Kathy Hill
  • Publication number: 20230018739
    Abstract: The present invention provides a robotic navigation system for identifying a target nerve for guiding and/or performing the implanting a neuromodulation device at the target nerve wherein the neuromodulation device includes a pulse generator and at least one lead in electrical or operative connection with the pulse generator. In some embodiments, the location of the robotically advanced lead and electrode may be imaged and displayed on a display and/or may be visually annunciated using one or more lights to indicate whether the placement location of the lead or electrode is within or outside of a predetermined distance of the target nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Gregory F. Molnar, Justin D. Zenanko, Christopher G. Frank
  • Patent number: 11471673
    Abstract: The present invention provides a single surgical method, procedure and/or system that creates open visual and physical access to an identified spinal treatment site that comprises both targeted vertebral and spinal levels to be treated, wherein the spinal levels comprise at least one dorsal root ganglion. A spinal treatment procedure is performed generally in combination with implantation of a neuromodulation system that may comprise placement of electrical lead(s) on the at least one dorsal root ganglion, wherein each lead is in operative connection with a pulse generator that may also be implanted during the surgical method. Electrical stimulation may be generated with the pulse generator through the electrical leads to the at least one dorsal root ganglion during and/or after the closure of the identified spinal treatment site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: SynerFuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory F. Molnar, Christopher G. Frank, Justin D. Zenanko, Beth A. Lindborg, Nazmi Peyman, Kyle Grube, Michael Park, Matthew Hunt, Kathy Hill
  • Publication number: 20220161026
    Abstract: The present invention provides a single surgical method, procedure and/or system that creates open visual and physical access to an identified spinal treatment site that initially comprises spinal levels to be treated, wherein the spinal levels comprise at least one dorsal root ganglion. A spinal treatment procedure is performed generally in combination with implantation of a neuromodulation system that may comprise placement of electrical lead(s) on the at least one dorsal root ganglion, wherein each lead is in operative connection with a pulse generator that may also be implanted during the surgical method. Electrical stimulation may be generated with the pulse generator through the electrical leads to the at least one dorsal root ganglion during and/or after the closure of the identified spinal treatment site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2022
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Gregory F. Molnar, Christopher G. Frank, Justin D. Zenanko, Beth A. Lindborg, Nazmi Peyman, Kyle Grube, Michael Park, Matthew Hunt, Kathy Hill
  • Publication number: 20220111200
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lead template for optimal lead placement and spacing during a surgical method and procedure for implantation of a neuromodulation system at a spinal treatment site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventors: Michael Park, Daniel Craig Oster, Gregory F. Molnar, Matthew Hunt, Christopher G. Frank
  • Publication number: 20220080200
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved lead design and method for optimal lead placement during a single surgical method for implantation at a spinal treatment site that comprises both targeted vertebral and spinal levels to be treated, wherein the spinal levels comprise at least one dorsal root ganglion. Electrical fields may be generated and shifted in location to optimize stimulation targeting. A spinal treatment procedure is performed generally in combination with implantation of a neuromodulation system that may comprise placement of electrical lead(s) on the at least one dorsal root ganglion, wherein each lead is in operative connection with a pulse generator that may also be implanted during the surgical method. Electrical stimulation may be generated with the pulse generator through the electrical leads to the at least one dorsal root ganglion during and/or after the closure of the identified spinal treatment site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Gregory F. Molnar, Nazmi Peyman, Christopher G. Frank
  • Patent number: 11247046
    Abstract: The present invention provides a single surgical method, procedure and/or system that creates open visual and physical access to an identified spinal treatment site that initially comprises spinal levels to be treated, wherein the spinal levels comprise at least one dorsal root ganglion. A spinal treatment procedure is performed generally in combination with implantation of a neuromodulation system that may comprise placement of electrical lead(s) on the at least one dorsal root ganglion, wherein each lead is in operative connection with a pulse generator that may also be implanted during the surgical method. Electrical stimulation may be generated with the pulse generator through the electrical leads to the at least one dorsal root ganglion during and/or after the closure of the identified spinal treatment site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: SynerFuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory F. Molnar, Christopher G. Frank, Justin D. Zenanko, Beth A. Lindborg, Nazmi Peyman, Kyle Grube, Michael Park, Matthew Hunt, Kathy Hill
  • Patent number: 11027121
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, mechanisms (which can, for example, include systems, methods, and media) for directional coordinated reset deep brain stimulation are provided. In some embodiments, a method is provided, comprising: implanting a lead with segmented electrodes into an anatomical structure; selecting a first subset of the electrodes corresponding to the anatomical structure as active electrodes; causing electrical pulses at a first stimulation level to be applied at the active electrodes in a first sequence; causing electrical pulses at a second stimulation level that is lower than the first stimulation level to be applied at the active electrodes in a second sequence during a second time period; and inhibiting electrical pulses from being applied at inactive electrodes during the second time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Jing Wang, Gregory F. Molnar, Jerrold L. Vitek
  • Publication number: 20210154469
    Abstract: A pain management system includes a spinal stabilization device and a neuromodulation device. The spinal stabilization device includes a rod, a plurality of pedicle screws each having a screw-head defining a screw-head cavity configured to receive a portion of the rod, and a corresponding plurality of inserts configured to engage with the inner wall of the cavity to secure the rod in place in the cavity. The neuromodulation device includes a therapy module comprising electronics packaged within a housing. The housing has a form factor having at least one feature configured to mate with a corresponding feature of the screw-head of one of the plurality of pedicle screws. The respective features mate in a manner that enables the therapy module to mechanically couple to and subsequently decouple from the screw-head of the pedicle screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventors: Gregory F. Molnar, Harry Puryear, Nazmi Peyman, Justin D. Zenanko
  • Publication number: 20210093855
    Abstract: The present invention provides various embodiments of neuromodulation systems, and improvements thereof, capable of being implanted at a spinal treatment site and capable of being implanted at the same time and/or in combination with a spinal procedure being performed at the spinal treatment site. The present invention further includes improvements in the number and types of neuromodulation therapies that can be implanted at the spinal treatment site and improvements to the neuromodulation systems used for delivering such neuromodulation therapies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Gregory F. Molnar, Nazmi Peyman, Beth A. Lindborg, Kathleen W. Hill, Kyle R. Grube, Michael C. Park, Matthew A. Hunt, Justin D. Zenanko, Susan Alpert
  • Publication number: 20210093875
    Abstract: The present invention comprises implantable neuromodulation systems and methods comprising a protective pouch that at least partially encases an implantable pulse generator prior to implanting in a patient and is adapted to be secured within the surgical site. The pouch may be secured to a pedicle screw and/or a fixation rod, or to a vertebral body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Gregory F. Molnar, Nazmi Peyman, Justin D. Zenanko, Beth A. Lindborg, Kathleen W. Hill, Kyle R. Grube, Michael C. Park, Matthew A. Hunt
  • Publication number: 20210069501
    Abstract: The present invention provides various embodiments of neuromodulation systems, and improvements thereof, capable of being implanted at a spinal treatment site and capable of being implanted at the same time and/or in combination with a spinal procedure being performed at the spinal treatment site. The present invention further includes improvements in the number and types of neuromodulation therapies that can be implanted at the spinal treatment site and improvements to the neuromodulation systems used for delivering such neuromodulation therapies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Gregory F. Molnar, Nazmi Peyman, Beth A. Lindborg, Kathleen W. Hill, Kyle R. Grube, Michael C. Park, Matthew A. Hunt, Justin D. Zenanko, Susan Alpert
  • Publication number: 20210069499
    Abstract: The present invention provides a single surgical method, procedure and/or system that creates open direct visual and/or physical access to an identified spinal treatment site that initially comprises spinal levels to be treated, wherein the spinal levels include at least one dorsal root ganglion. A spinal treatment procedure is performed generally in combination with implantation of a neuromodulation system that may comprise placement of electrical lead(s) on the at least one dorsal root ganglion, wherein each lead is in operative connection with a pulse generator that may also be implanted during the surgical method. Electrical stimulation may be generated with the low-profile pulse generator through the electrical leads to the at least one dorsal root ganglion during and/or after the closure of the identified spinal treatment site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Gregory F. Molnar, Christopher G. Frank, Justin D. Zenanko, Beth A. Lindborg, Nazmi Peyman, Kyle Grube, Michael Park, Matthew Hunt, Kathy Hill