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).
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Publication number: 20140249600Abstract: A medical device delivers a therapy to a patient. The medical device or another device may periodically determine an activity level or gait parameter of the patient, and associate each determined level or parameter with a current therapy parameter set. A value of at least one activity metric is determined for each of a plurality of therapy parameter sets based on the activity levels or parameters associated with that therapy parameter set. Whether the patient is currently experiencing or anticipated to experience gait freeze caused by their neurological disorder, such as Parkinson's disease, may also be determined. Gait freeze events may be associated with current therapy parameters and used to determine activity metric values. In some examples, the activity metric associated with certain therapy parameters may be presented to a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth T. Heruth, Keith A. Miesel, Gregory F. Molnar
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Patent number: 8744587Abstract: A medical device delivers a therapy to a patient. The medical device or another device may periodically determine an activity level or gait parameter of the patient, and associate each determined level or parameter with a current therapy parameter set. A value of at least one activity metric is determined for each of a plurality of therapy parameter sets based on the activity levels or parameters associated with that therapy parameter set. Whether the patient is currently experiencing or anticipated to experience gait freeze caused by their neurological disorder, such as Parkinson's disease, may also be determined. Gait freeze events may be associated with current therapy parameters and used to determine activity metric values. In some examples, the activity metric associated with certain therapy parameters may be presented to a user.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2007Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Keith A. Miesel, Kenneth T. Heruth, Gregory F. Molnar
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Publication number: 20140142549Abstract: Systems (10), devices (16), and methods may be used for treating bladder dysfunction, such as urgency and pelvic pain. In one example, a method includes administering a pharmacological agent to a patient (14) in a dosage sufficient to desensitize a C-afferent nerve fiber of the patient. Additionally, the method includes delivering stimulation to activate a nerve fiber proximate to the C-afferent nerve fiber via an electrode (19A, 19B, 21A, 21B, 29A-29D) electrically coupled to an implantable medical device (16). In some examples, the nerve fiber may be different than the C-afferent nerve fiber, the stimulation of the nerve fiber may elicit an inhibitory physiological response related to voiding in the patient, and/or the stimulation substantially may not activate the C-afferent nerve fiber after desensitization of the nerve fiber via the administration of the pharmacological agent.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2011Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Xin Su, Gregory F. Molnar, Nelson E. Dwight
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Patent number: 8688221Abstract: A medical device, programmer, or other computing device may determine values of one or more activity and, in some embodiments, posture metrics for each therapy parameter set used by the medical device to deliver therapy. The metric values for a parameter set are determined based on signals generated by the sensors when that therapy parameter set was in use. Activity metric values may be associated with a postural category in addition to a therapy parameter set, and may indicate the duration and intensity of activity within one or more postural categories resulting from delivery of therapy according to a therapy parameter set. A posture metric for a therapy parameter set may indicate the fraction of time spent by the patient in various postures when the medical device used a therapy parameter set. The metric values may be used to evaluate the efficacy of the therapy parameter sets.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Keith A. Miesel, Kenneth T. Heruth, Gregory F. Molnar
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Publication number: 20140012131Abstract: A method and apparatus can be used to guide or navigate an instrument relative to a body. Various types of information can be used to assist in the navigation, such as MRI data, diffusion tensor image data, and the like. The information can assist in identifying the portions of the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth T. HERUTH, Gabriela C. MOLNAR (FORMERLY MIYAZAWA), Paul W. WACNIK, Gregory F. MOLNAR
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Patent number: 8554325Abstract: A movement state of a patient is detected based on brain signals, such as an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal. In some examples, a brain signal within a dorsal-lateral prefrontal cortex of a brain of the patient indicative of prospective movement of the patient may be sensed in order to detect the movement state. The movement state may include the brain state that indicates the patient is intending on initiating movement, initiating movement, attempting to initiate movement or is actually moving. In some examples, upon detecting the movement state, a movement disorder therapy is delivered to the patient. In some examples, the therapy delivery is deactivated upon detecting the patient is no longer in a movement state or that the patient has successfully initiated movement. In addition, in some examples, the movement state detected based on the brain signals may be confirmed based on a signal from a motion sensor.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2012Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Gregory F. Molnar, Steven S. Gill, Keith A. Miesel, Mark S. Lent, Timothy J. Denison, Eric J. Panken, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Jonathan C. Werder
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Patent number: 8532741Abstract: A method and apparatus can be used to guide or navigate an instrument relative to a body. Various types of information can be used to assist in the navigation, such as MRI data, diffusion tensor image data, and the like. The information can assist in identifying the portions of the body.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2007Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth T. Heruth, Gabriela C. Miyazawa, Paul W. Wacnik, Gregory F. Molnar
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Patent number: 8447413Abstract: Techniques for configuring electrical stimulation therapy utilizing one or more stimulation intensity values are described. In one example, a method includes receiving a stimulation intensity value that corresponds to an equal intensity function; determining a pulse width value and a pulse amplitude value based on the equal intensity function; and controlling delivery of electrical stimulation pulses with the determined pulse width value and amplitude value to a patient. A stimulation intensity value may correspond to a plurality of paired pulse width and amplitude values having substantially the same intensity. For example, the plurality of paired pulse width and amplitude values may activate a substantially equal volume of tissue when a stimulation pulse with the paired values is delivered.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2008Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Richard T. Stone, Steven M. Goetz, Gregory F. Molnar, Gabriela C. Miyazawa, Martin T. Gerber
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Patent number: 8444578Abstract: A wearable ambulatory data recorder that senses physiological parameters of a patient, and stores physiological parameter data for later retrieval, as well as techniques for using such a wearable ambulatory data recorder, are described. The data recorder includes one or more sensors located on or within a housing. The data recorder may include an adhesive layer for attachment to a patient. In some embodiments, the housing may be within a patch, e.g., bandage, which includes the adhesive layer. The housing may be waterproof. Features of the data recorder such as size, waterproofness, and inclusion of an adhesive may allow the data recorder to be unobtrusively worn by a patient during a variety of daily activities. The data recorder may be for single use and thereafter disposable.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2011Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Duane L. Bourget, Keith A. Miesel, Gregory F. Molnar
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Patent number: 8380314Abstract: A patient controls the delivery of therapy through volitional inputs that are detected by a biosignal within the brain. The volitional patient input may be directed towards performing a specific physical or mental activity, such as moving a muscle or performing a mathematical calculation. In one embodiment, a biosignal detection module monitors an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal from within the brain of the patient and determines whether the EEG signal includes the biosignal. In one embodiment, the biosignal detection module analyzes one or more frequency components of the EEG signal. In this manner, the patient may adjust therapy delivery by providing a volitional input that is detected by brain signals, wherein the volitional input may not require the interaction with another device, thereby eliminating the need for an external programmer to adjust therapy delivery. Example therapies include electrical stimulation, drug delivery, and delivery of sensory cues.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2007Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Eric J. Panken, Timothy J. Denison, Gregory F. Molnar
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Patent number: 8290596Abstract: A therapy program is selected based on a patient state, where the patient state comprises at least one of a movement state, sleep state or speech state. In this way, therapy delivery is tailored to the patient state, which may include specific patient symptoms. The therapy program is selected from a plurality of stored therapy programs that comprise therapy programs associated with a respective one at least two of the movement, sleep, and speech states. Techniques for determining a patient state include receiving volitional patient input or detecting biosignals generated within the patient's brain. The biosignals are nonsymptomatic and may be incidental to the movement, sleep, and speech states or generated in response to volitional patient input.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2008Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Xuan Wei, Richard T. Stone, Timothy J. Denison, Gregory F. Molnar
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Publication number: 20120150258Abstract: A medical device, programmer, or other computing device may determine values of one or more activity and, in some embodiments, posture metrics for each therapy parameter set used by the medical device to deliver therapy. The metric values for a parameter set are determined based on signals generated by the sensors when that therapy parameter set was in use. Activity metric values may be associated with a postural category in addition to a therapy parameter set, and may indicate the duration and intensity of activity within one or more postural categories resulting from delivery of therapy according to a therapy parameter set. A posture metric for a therapy parameter set may indicate the fraction of time spent by the patient in various postures when the medical device used a therapy parameter set. The metric values may be used to evaluate the efficacy of the therapy parameter sets.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2012Publication date: June 14, 2012Inventors: Keith A. Miesel, Kenneth T. Heruth, Gregory F. Molnar
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Patent number: 8190251Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for treating patients suffering from movement disorders having the ability to determine one or more biomarkers indicative of a disease state. In some embodiments, the biomarker may be used as a closed-loop feedback signal to control the delivery of therapy (such as electrical stimulation or drug therapy), and which may also be used as an indication of therapy effectiveness. One embodiment uses electrodes placed in the brain to measure EEG or local field potential (LFP) signals, from which the one or more biomarkers may be determined.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Gregory F. Molnar, Gabriela C. Miyazawa, Keith A. Miesel, Jonathan C. Werder, David L. Carlson, Jonathon E. Giftakis
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Publication number: 20120130444Abstract: Techniques for managing urinary or fecal incontinence include delivering a first type of therapy to generate a first physiological response and, upon detecting a trigger event, delivering a second type of therapy to generate a second physiological response. The first type of therapy can be delivered on a substantially regular basis, while the second type of therapy is delivered as needed to provide an additional boost of therapy. The trigger event for activating the delivery of the second type of therapy may include input from a sensor that indicates a bladder condition, patient activity level or patient posture, or patient input. In some examples, the therapy is stimulation therapy.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2010Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.Inventors: Xuan K. Wei, Eric H. Bonde, Keith A. Miesel, Mark S. Lent, Gregory F. Molnar
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Patent number: 8185207Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques and systems in which external brain monitoring is used to facilitate implantation and configuration of an implantable medical device. The techniques may create an open loop or closed loop system in which brain signals quantify the efficacy of electrical logical stimulation (or drug therapy via an implantable drug pump) at locations outside of the brain. The techniques may be used to improve placement of leads and electrodes during an implantation procedure, and/or to select or adjust stimulation parameters either during the implantation procedure or possibly following implantation of an implantable medical device. The described techniques have applications for the alleviation of pain, but may find other applications where EEG signals can quantify the efficacy of treatment via an implantable medical device.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Gabriela C. Molnar, Gregory F. Molnar
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Publication number: 20120108998Abstract: A movement state of a patient is detected based on brain signals, such as an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal. In some examples, a brain signal within a dorsal-lateral prefrontal cortex of a brain of the patient indicative of prospective movement of the patient may be sensed in order to detect the movement state. The movement state may include the brain state that indicates the patient is intending on initiating movement, initiating movement, attempting to initiate movement or is actually moving. In some examples, upon detecting the movement state, a movement disorder therapy is delivered to the patient. In some examples, the therapy delivery is deactivated upon detecting the patient is no longer in a movement state or that the patient has successfully initiated movement. In addition, in some examples, the movement state detected based on the brain signals may be confirmed based on a signal from a motion sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2012Publication date: May 3, 2012Inventors: Gregory F. Molnar, Steven S. Gill, Keith A. Miesel, Mark S. Lent, Timothy J. Denison, Eric J. Panken, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Jonathan C. Werder
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Patent number: 8135473Abstract: A medical device, programmer, or other computing device may determine values of one or more activity and, in some embodiments, posture metrics for each therapy parameter set used by the medical device to deliver therapy. The metric values for a parameter set are determined based on signals generated by the sensors when that therapy parameter set was in use. Activity metric values may be associated with a postural category in addition to a therapy parameter set, and may indicate the duration and intensity of activity within one or more postural categories resulting from delivery of therapy according to a therapy parameter set. A posture metric for a therapy parameter set may indicate the fraction of time spent by the patient in various postures when the medical device used a therapy parameter set. The metric values may be used to evaluate the efficacy of the therapy parameter sets.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2007Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Keith A. Miesel, Kenneth T. Heruth, Gregory F. Molnar
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Patent number: 8121694Abstract: A movement state of a patient is detected based on brain signals, such as an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal. In some examples, a brain signal within a dorsal-lateral prefrontal cortex of a brain of the patient indicative of prospective movement of the patient may be sensed in order to detect the movement state. The movement state may include the brain state that indicates the patient is intending on initiating movement, initiating movement, attempting to initiate movement or is actually moving. In some examples, upon detecting the movement state, a movement disorder therapy is delivered to the patient. In some examples, the therapy delivery is deactivated upon detecting the patient is no longer in a movement state or that the patient has successfully initiated movement. In addition, in some examples, the movement state detected based on the brain signals may be confirmed based on a signal from a motion sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2008Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Gregory F. Molnar, Steven S. Gill, Keith A. Miesel, Mark S. Lent, Timothy J. Denison, Eric J. Panken, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Jonathan C. Werder
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Publication number: 20110313261Abstract: A wearable ambulatory data recorder that senses physiological parameters of a patient, and stores physiological parameter data for later retrieval, as well as techniques for using such a wearable ambulatory data recorder, are described. The data recorder includes one or more sensors located on or within a housing. The data recorder may include an adhesive layer for attachment to a patient. In some embodiments, the housing may be within a patch, e.g., bandage, which includes the adhesive layer. The housing may be waterproof. Features of the data recorder such as size, waterproofness, and inclusion of an adhesive may allow the data recorder to be unobtrusively worn by a patient during a variety of daily activities. The data recorder may be for single use and thereafter disposable.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Inventors: Duane Bourget, Keith A. Miesel, Gregory F. Molnar
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Publication number: 20110251583Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques and systems in which external brain monitoring is used to facilitate implantation and configuration of an implantable medical device. The techniques may create an open loop or closed loop system in which brain signals quantify the efficacy of electrical logical stimulation (or drug therapy via an implantable drug pump) at locations outside of the brain. The techniques may be used to improve placement of leads and electrodes during an implantation procedure, and/or to select or adjust stimulation parameters either during the implantation procedure or possibly following implantation of an implantable medical device. The described techniques have applications for the alleviation of pain, but may find other applications where EEG signals can quantify the efficacy of treatment via an implantable medical device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2011Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Gabriela C. Miyazawa, Gregory F. Molnar