Patents by Inventor Joseph J. Nolan

Joseph J. Nolan 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: 20120022615
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for shifting between two electrode combinations. An amplitude of a first electrode combination is incrementally decreased while an amplitude of a second, or subsequent, electrode combination is concurrently incrementally increased. Alternatively, an amplitude of the first electrode combination is maintained at a target amplitude level while the amplitude of the second electrode combination is incrementally increased. The stimulation pulses of the electrode combinations are delivered to the patient interleaved in time. In this manner, the invention provides for a smooth, gradual shift from a first electrode combination to a second electrode combination, allowing the patient to maintain a continual perception of stimulation. The shifting techniques described herein may be used during programming to shift between different electrode combinations to find an efficacious electrode combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Gary W. King, Kenneth T. Heruth, Roy L. Testerman, Michael T. Lee, Nathan A. Torgerson, Joseph J. Nolan
  • Publication number: 20110230940
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for shifting between two electrode combinations. An amplitude of a first electrode combination is incrementally decreased while an amplitude of a second, or subsequent, electrode combination is concurrently incrementally increased. Alternatively, an amplitude of the first electrode combination is maintained at a target amplitude level while the amplitude of the second electrode combination is incrementally increased. The stimulation pulses of the electrode combinations are delivered to the patient interleaved in time. In this manner, the invention provides for a smooth, gradual shift from a first electrode combination to a second electrode combination, allowing the patient to maintain a continual perception of stimulation. The shifting techniques described herein may be used during programming to shift between different electrode combinations to find an efficacious electrode combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Gary W. King, Kenneth T. Heruth, Roy L. Testerman, Michael T. Lee, Nathan A. Torgerson, Joseph J. Nolan
  • Patent number: 7974703
    Abstract: Techniques for shifting between two electrode combinations. An amplitude of a first electrode combination is incrementally decreased while an amplitude of a second, or subsequent, electrode combination is concurrently incrementally increased. Alternatively, an amplitude of the first electrode combination is maintained at a target amplitude level while the amplitude of the second electrode combination is incrementally increased. The stimulation pulses of the electrode combinations are delivered to the patient interleaved in time. In this manner, the invention provides for a smooth, gradual shift from a first electrode combination to a second electrode combination, allowing the patient to maintain a continual perception of stimulation. The shifting techniques described herein may be used during programming to shift between different electrode combinations to find an efficacious electrode combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Gary W. King, Kenneth T. Heruth, Roy L. Testerman, Michael T. Lee, Nathan A. Torgerson, Joseph J. Nolan
  • Patent number: 7957814
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for shifting between two electrode combinations. An amplitude of a first electrode combination is incrementally decreased while an amplitude of a second, or subsequent, electrode combination is concurrently incrementally increased. Alternatively, an amplitude of the first electrode combination is maintained at a target amplitude level while the amplitude of the second electrode combination is incrementally increased. The stimulation pulses of the electrode combinations are delivered to the patient interleaved in time. In this manner, the invention provides for a smooth, gradual shift from a first electrode combination to a second electrode combination, allowing the patient to maintain a continual perception of stimulation. The shifting techniques described herein may be used during programming to shift between different electrode combinations to find an efficacious electrode combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Gary W. King, Kenneth T. Heruth, Roy L. Testerman, Michael T. Lee, Nathan A. Torgerson, Joseph J. Nolan
  • Publication number: 20100228322
    Abstract: A user may modify a stimulation parameter in a plurality of stimulation programs with a single adjustment. During stimulation therapy, the user, such as a patient, may desire to change a parameter of the plurality of stimulation programs. The patient may press a single button on an external programmer to make the parameter change, or global adjustment, to all of the plurality of stimulation programs. This global adjustment eliminates the need for the patient to navigate through each of the plurality of stimulation programs separately and adjust the parameter. Additionally, changing the plurality of stimulation programs may be desirable for uniform stimulation therapy between programs used by the patient. The external programmer may calculate an appropriate parameter change for each stimulation program to keep parameter ratios equal between the plurality of stimulation programs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Nolan, Ruth E. Bauhahn, Steven M. Goetz
  • Patent number: 7747330
    Abstract: A user may modify a stimulation parameter in a plurality of stimulation programs with a single adjustment. During stimulation therapy, the user, such as a patient, may desire to change a parameter of the plurality of stimulation programs. The patient may press a single button on an external programmer to make the parameter change, or global adjustment, to all of the plurality of stimulation programs. This global adjustment eliminates the need for the patient to navigate through each of the plurality of stimulation programs separately and adjust the parameter. Additionally, changing the plurality of stimulation programs may be desirable for uniform stimulation therapy between programs used by the patient. The external programmer may calculate an appropriate parameter change for each stimulation program to keep parameter ratios equal between the plurality of stimulation programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Nolan, Ruth E. Bauhahn, Steven M. Goetz
  • Publication number: 20100121415
    Abstract: In general, the disclosure relates to the delivery of therapy according to a detected posture state of a patient. The disclosure contemplates a variety of techniques for managing therapy delivered to a patent, including patient and clinician interaction with a medical device configured to deliver therapy according to posture state. In one example, the disclosure relates to a technique including receiving an indication from a user indicating that at least one aspect of therapy delivered to a patient from a medical device should be suspended, wherein the at least one aspect of the therapy is delivered from the medical device to the patient according to a detected posture state of the patient; and suspending the at least one aspect of the therapy delivered from the medical device in response to receipt of the indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Dennis M. Skelton, Jon P. Davis, Rajeev Sahasrabudhe, Shyam Gokaldas, Joseph J. Nolan
  • Publication number: 20100010576
    Abstract: In general, the disclosure relates to the delivery of therapy according to a detected posture state of a patient. The disclosure contemplates a variety of techniques for managing therapy delivered to a patent, including patient and clinician interaction with a medical device configured to deliver therapy according to posture state. In one example, the disclosure relates to a technique including obtaining an operational status of a therapy group from a medical device, wherein the medical device is configured to deliver therapy to a patient according to a detected posture state of the patient; and presenting the operational status of the therapy group via an external device, wherein presenting the operational status of the therapy group comprises presenting whether the therapy group is active for delivery of therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Skelton, Jon P. Davis, Rajeev Sahasrabudhe, Shyam Gokaldas, Joseph J. Nolan
  • Publication number: 20100010392
    Abstract: In general, the disclosure describes techniques for modifying therapy provided to a patient by a medical device. The techniques may be applicable to electrical stimulation therapy or other therapies. Modification of therapy may include adjustment of one or more therapy parameter values that define one or more characteristics of stimulation therapy delivered to a patient. The therapy modification may be based on activity of a patient that is detected by an IMD, such as a change in a detected posture state occupied by the patient. Different therapy modifications may be applied for different changes in detected posture state. An IMD may modify therapy based on a transition from one posture state to another posture state, and apply different modifications for different transitions. In some aspects, the modification may include a profile, such as a ramp up or ramp down in a parameter value over a period of time. The profile may be different for different posture transitions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Dennis M. Skelton, Jon P. Davis, Rajeev Sahasrabudhe, Shyam Gokaldas, Joseph J. Nolan, Dennis Bourget, Duane Bourget, Keith A. Miesel, James Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20100010580
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed towards posture-responsive therapy. To avoid interruptions in effective therapy, an implantable medical device may include a posture state module that detects the posture state of the patient and automatically adjusts therapy parameter values according to the detected posture state. A system may include an external programmer comprising a user interface that receives user input defining therapy parameter values for delivery of therapy to a patient, and user input associating one or more of the therapy parameter values with a plurality of posture states based on user input, a processor that automatically defines therapy parameter values for delivery of therapy to a patient when the patient occupies the posture states based on the association, and an implantable medical device that delivers the therapy to the patient in response to detection of the posture states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Dennis M. Skelton, Jon P. Davis, Joseph J. Nolan, Rajeev Sahasrabudhe, Shyam Gokaldas
  • Publication number: 20100010584
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a system that displays a posture state indication to a user. A posture state indication represents the current posture state of the patient, which may be a combination of patient posture and activity. As a patient changes posture and activity throughout a daily routine, a posture state detector may generate a posture state value that may be used to categorize the patient's posture or posture and activity level as one of multiple posture states used to adjust therapy. The posture state may be associated with one of multiple posture state indications that may be presented to the patient. The posture state indication shows the patient the posture state currently detected by the posture state detector. The posture state indication may help the patient to effectively monitor therapy changes due to automatic, semi-automatic or patient-directed therapy adjustments made as a function of posture state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Skelton, Jon P. Davis, Rajeev Sahasrabudhe, Shyam Gokaldas, Joseph J. Nolan
  • Publication number: 20100010575
    Abstract: In general, the disclosure relates to the delivery of therapy according to a detected posture state of a patient. The disclosure contemplates a variety of techniques for managing therapy delivered to a patent, including patient and clinician interaction with a medical device configured to deliver therapy according to posture state. In one example, the disclosure relates to a technique including receiving an indication from an external device to resume delivery of therapy to a patient that was previously turned off, wherein the therapy that was previously turned off comprises therapy delivered to the patient according to a detected posture state of the patient; obtaining therapy information defining the therapy; and resuming the delivery of therapy to the patient in response to the receipt of the indication, wherein the delivery of therapy is resumed according to the obtained therapy information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Skelton, Jon P. Davis, Rajeev Sahasrabudhe, Shyam Gokaldas, Joseph J. Nolan
  • Publication number: 20100010571
    Abstract: In general, the disclosure relates to the delivery of therapy according to a detected posture state of a patient. The disclosure contemplates a variety of techniques for managing therapy delivered to a patent, including patient and clinician interaction with a medical device configured to deliver therapy according to posture state. In one example, the disclosure relates to a technique including delivering a first therapy to a patient via a medical device, the first therapy associated with a first posture state of the patient; receiving an indication from a user indicating that a second therapy should be delivered, the second therapy associated with a second posture state of the patient; and delivering the second therapy to the patient instead of the first therapy based on the indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Medrtonic, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Skelton, Jon P. Davis, Rajeev Sahasrabudhe, Joseph J. Nolan
  • Publication number: 20090299438
    Abstract: Techniques for providing an indication of coupling between medical devices are disclosed. For example, when a programming device and a telemetry module are coupled, the telemetry module provides a first indication, and the programming device provides a second indication substantially similar to the first indication. The indications may be, for example, colors, and different indications may signify communication with different implantable medical devices, programming different therapies, or use of different applications of the programming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph J. Nolan, Andrew H. Houchins
  • Publication number: 20090234422
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for shifting between two electrode combinations. An amplitude of a first electrode combination is incrementally decreased while an amplitude of a second, or subsequent, electrode combination is concurrently incrementally increased. Alternatively, an amplitude of the first electrode combination is maintained at a target amplitude level while the amplitude of the second electrode combination is incrementally increased. The stimulation pulses of the electrode combinations are delivered to the patient interleaved in time. In this manner, the invention provides for a smooth, gradual shift from a first electrode combination to a second electrode combination, allowing the patient to maintain a continual perception of stimulation. The shifting techniques described herein may be used during programming to shift between different electrode combinations to find an efficacious electrode combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Gary W. King, Kenneth T. Heruth, Roy L. Testerman, Michael T. Lee, Nathan A. Torgerson, Joseph J. Nolan
  • Publication number: 20090228070
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for shifting between two electrode combinations. An amplitude of a first electrode combination is incrementally decreased while an amplitude of a second, or subsequent, electrode combination is concurrently incrementally increased. Alternatively, an amplitude of the first electrode combination is maintained at a target amplitude level while the amplitude of the second electrode combination is incrementally increased. The stimulation pulses of the electrode combinations are delivered to the patient interleaved in time. In this manner, the invention provides for a smooth, gradual shift from a first electrode combination to a second electrode combination, allowing the patient to maintain a continual perception of stimulation. The shifting techniques described herein may be used during programming to shift between different electrode combinations to find an efficacious electrode combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Gary W. `King, Kenneth T. Heruth, Roy L. Testerman, Michael T. Lee, Nathan A. Torgerson, Joseph J. Nolan
  • Patent number: 7519431
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for shifting between two electrode combinations. An amplitude of a first electrode combination is incrementally decreased while an amplitude of a second, or subsequent, electrode combination is concurrently incrementally increased. Alternatively, an amplitude of the first electrode combination is maintained at a target amplitude level while the amplitude of the second electrode combination is incrementally increased. The stimulation pulses of the electrode combinations are delivered to the patient interleaved in time. In this manner, the invention provides for a smooth, gradual shift from a first electrode combination to a second electrode combination, allowing the patient to maintain a continual perception of stimulation. The shifting techniques described herein may be used during programming to shift between different electrode combinations to find an efficacious electrode combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Gary W. King, Kenneth T. Heruth, Roy L. Testerman, Michael T. Lee, Nathan A. Torgerson, Joseph J. Nolan
  • Publication number: 20090018617
    Abstract: The disclosure provides techniques for parameter-directed shifting of electrical stimulation electrode combinations having substantially similar electrode patterns. An external programmer permits a user to shift electrode combinations along the length of a lead or leads. The external programmer accepts parameter-directed shift input and causes an electrical stimulator to shift electrode combinations as indicated. The external programmer may present an electrode combination as a parameter that can be adjusted or selected to shift the electrode combination along the length of a lead. An electrode combination may be presented as a value that can be incremented, decremented, or otherwise adjusted to indicate a shift in a desired direction. An external programmer that permits a patient or other user to shift electrode combinations in a manner similar to adjustments of other parameters may enable the patient to maintain or improve therapeutic efficacy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Skelton, Joseph J. Nolan, Nathan A. Torgerson, Wende L. Dewing, Todd V. Smith, Shyam Gokaldas
  • Publication number: 20090018619
    Abstract: The disclosure provides techniques for parameter-directed shifting of electrical stimulation electrode combinations. An external programmer permits a user to shift electrode combinations, e.g., along the length of a lead or leads. The external programmer accepts shift input and causes an electrical stimulator to shift electrode combinations as indicated by the input. Different sets of electrodes may have different electrode counts. For example, an array of electrodes carried by one lead may have a greater number of electrodes than an array of electrodes carried on another lead. The disclosure provides techniques for shifting electrode combinations among leads with different electrode counts. For example, an external programmer may execute shifts in a series of shift operations, where the number of shift operations along the length of a lead having a greater electrode count is greater than the number of shift steps along the length of a lead having a lesser electrode count.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Skelton, Joseph J. Nolan, Nathan A. Torgerson, Wende L. Dewing, Todd V. Smith, Shyam Gokaldas, Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher