Patents by Inventor Jeffrey Balzer

Jeffrey Balzer 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: 7577481
    Abstract: The following disclosure describes a method for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Evan Gliner, Alan J. Levy, Carlton B. Morgan, Katrina S. Firlik
  • Publication number: 20090171416
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating an impaired neural function in a brain of a patient. In one embodiment, a method for treating a neural function in a brain of a patient includes determining a therapy period during which a plurality of therapy sessions are to be performed to recover functional ability corresponding to the neural function. The method continues by identifying a stimulation site in or on the brain of the patient associated with the neural function, and positioning an electrode at least proximate to the identified stimulation site. The patient is then treated by providing electrical stimulation treatments to the stimulation site. The treatment can comprise delivering electrical stimulation signals to the electrode during the therapy sessions. After expiration of the therapy period, the method includes preventing electrical stimulation signals from being delivered to the stimulation site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Alan J. Levy, Bradford Evan Gliner, Katrina S. Firlik
  • Publication number: 20090118788
    Abstract: The present disclosure suggests methods of selecting a stimulation site for stimulating a patient's brain or methods of effectuating a neural-function of a patient associated with an impaired body function. In one exemplary implementation, such a neural function may be effectuated by selecting a stimulation site, positioning at least a first electrode at the stimulation site, and applying an electrical potential to pass a current through the first electrode. If one aspect, this stimulation site may be selected by a) identifying a second body function that is a corollary to the impaired body function, and b) determining a corollary location of the patient's brain that is associated with the second body function and is ipsilateral to the impaired body function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: NORTHSTAR NEUROSCIENCE, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Evan Gliner
  • Publication number: 20090093862
    Abstract: Methods and devices for automatically optimizing the stimulus parameters and/or the configuration of electrodes to provide neural stimulation to a patient. In one embodiment, a system includes an electrode array having an implantable support member configured to be implanted into a patient and a plurality of therapy electrodes carried by the support member. The system can also have a pulse system operatively coupled to the therapy electrodes to deliver a stimulus to the therapy electrodes, and a sensing device configured to be attached to a sensing location of the patient. The sensing device generates response signals in response to the stimulus. The system can also include a controller operatively, coupled to the pulse system and to the sensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradford Evan Gliner, Jeffrey Balzer, Andrew D. Firlik
  • Publication number: 20080215112
    Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Evan Gliner, Alan J. Levy, Carlton B. Morgan, Katrina S. Firlik
  • Publication number: 20080195175
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating movement disorders using cortical stimulation. In one embodiment, a method for treating movement disorders comprises determining a site at the cortex of the brain of a patient related to a movement disorder of an afflicted body part. The site can be determined by obtaining a representation of neural activity occurring in the cortex of the patient and correlating an area of neural activity with the afflicted body part. The method can also include applying neural stimulation, such as electrical or magnetic waveforms, directly to the site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Balzer, Allen Wyler
  • Publication number: 20080161879
    Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Evan Gliner, Alan J. Levy, Carlton B. Morgan, Katrina S. Firlik
  • Publication number: 20080161881
    Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Evan Gliner, Alan J. Levy, Carlton B. Morgan, Katrina S. Firlik
  • Publication number: 20080161882
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating an impaired neural function in a brain of a patient. In one embodiment, a method for treating a neural function in a brain of a patient includes determining a therapy period during which a plurality of therapy sessions are to be performed to recover functional ability corresponding to the neural function. The method continues by identifying a stimulation site in or on the brain of the patient associated with the neural function, and positioning an electrode at least proximate to the identified stimulation site. The patient is then treated by providing electrical stimulation treatments to the stimulation site. The treatment can comprise delivering electrical stimulation signals to the electrode during the therapy sessions. After expiration of the therapy period, the method includes preventing electrical stimulation signals from being delivered to the stimulation site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Evan Gliner, Alan J. Levy, Katrina S. Firlik
  • Publication number: 20080161880
    Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Evan Gliner, Alan J. Levy, Carlton B. Morgan, Katrina S. Firlik
  • Patent number: 7305268
    Abstract: Methods and devices for automatically optimizing the stimulus parameters and/or the configuration of electrodes to provide neural stimulation to a patient. In one embodiment, a system includes an electrode array having an implantable support member configured to be implanted into a patient and a plurality of therapy electrodes carried by the support member. The system can also have a pulse system operatively coupled to the therapy electrodes to deliver a stimulus to the therapy electrodes, and a sensing device configured to be attached to a sensing location of the patient. The sensing device generates response signals in response to the stimulus. The system can also include a controller operatively coupled to the pulse system and to the sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Northstar Neurscience, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradford Evan Gliner, Jeffrey Balzer, Andrew D. Firlik
  • Patent number: 7299096
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating movement disorders using cortical stimulation. In one embodiment, a method for treating movement disorders comprises determining a site at the cortex of the brain of a patient related to a movement disorder of an afflicted body part. The site can be determined by obtaining a representation of neural activity occurring in the cortex of the patient and correlating an area of neural activity with the afflicted body part. The method can also include applying neural stimulation, such as electrical or magnetic waveforms, directly to the site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Balzer, Allen Wyler
  • Publication number: 20070179558
    Abstract: Systems and methods for varying electromagnetic and adjunctive neural therapies are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment includes applying electromagnetic signals to a target neural population of a patient over a first period of time in accordance with a first mode (e.g., including signal delivery to the central nervous system or peripheral nervous system, via implanted or non-implanted devices). The method can further include applying electromagnetic stimulation to the patient over a second period of time in accordance with a second mode different than the first mode. Varying the mode between the first period of time and second period of time can increase the efficacy and/or longevity of the stimulation. Systems in accordance with other embodiments can support multiple signal delivery devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Bradford Gliner, Jeffrey Balzer, Brad Fowler, Leif Sloan
  • Patent number: 7236831
    Abstract: The present disclosure suggests methods of selecting a stimulation site for stimulating a patient's brain or methods of effectuating a neural-function of a patient associated with an impaired body function. In one exemplary implementation, such a neural function may be effectuated by selecting a stimulation site, positioning at least a first electrode at the stimulation site, and applying an electrical potential to pass a current through the first electrode. If one aspect, this stimulation site may be selected by a) identifying a second body function that is a corollary to the impaired body function, and b) determining a corollary location of the patient's brain that is associated with the second body function and is ipsilateral to the impaired body function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Evan Gliner
  • Publication number: 20070032834
    Abstract: Methods and devices for automatically optimizing the stimulus parameters and/or the configuration of electrodes to provide neural stimulation to a patient. In one embodiment, a system includes an electrode array having an implantable support member configured to be implanted into a patient and a plurality of therapy electrodes carried by the support member. The system can also have a pulse system operatively coupled to the therapy electrodes to deliver a stimulus to the therapy electrodes, and a sensing device configured to be attached to a sensing location of the patient. The sensing device generates response signals in response to the stimulus. The system can also include a controller operatively coupled to the pulse system and to the sensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradford Gliner, Jeffrey Balzer, Andrew Firlik
  • Publication number: 20060200206
    Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Publication date: September 7, 2006
    Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Gliner, Alan Levy, Carlton Morgan
  • Publication number: 20060195155
    Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 31, 2006
    Applicant: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Gliner, Alan Levy, Carlton Morgan
  • Patent number: 7010351
    Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford E. Gliner, Alan J. Levy, Carlton B. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20050075679
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treating neurological disorders by electrically stimulating cells implanted in the nervous system are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes preparing cells for implantation while the cells are in a first, at least partially undifferentiated state. The cells are then implanted at an implantation site within the patient's skull cavity while in the first state, and at least one electrode is positioned to be in electrical communication with the implantation site. The patient's neural dysfunction is at least partially corrected by differentiating the cells at least until the cells achieve a second state, with the cells in the second state having an increased level of differentiation and increased neurocharacteristics when compared to the cells in the first state. Differentiating the cells can include applying an electrical potential to the at least one electrode while the electrode is in electrical communication with the implantation site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Publication date: April 7, 2005
    Inventors: Bradford Gliner, Alan Levy, Jeffrey Balzer, Andrew Firlik, W. Sheffield, Allen Wyler
  • Publication number: 20050021107
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating an impaired neural function in a brain of a patient. In one embodiment, a method for treating a neural function in a brain of a patient includes determining a therapy period during which a plurality of therapy sessions are to be performed to recover functional ability corresponding to the neural function. The method continues by identifying a stimulation site in or on the brain of the patient associated with the neural function, and positioning an electrode at least proximate to the identified stimulation site. The patient is then treated by providing electrical stimulation treatments to the stimulation site. The treatment can comprise delivering electrical stimulation signals to the electrode during the therapy sessions. After expiration of the therapy period, the method includes preventing electrical stimulation signals from being delivered to the stimulation site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Publication date: January 27, 2005
    Inventors: Andrew Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Gliner, Alan Levy