Patents by Inventor Kristen Jaax
Kristen Jaax 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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Patent number: 8670833Abstract: A system and method for applying stimulation to a target stimulation site within a patient, while avoiding undesirable eye movement side effects of the stimulation, are provided. The method includes determining whether eye movement, sensed by internal or external electrodes, is a side effect of a conveyed electrical stimulus. If the eye movement is a side effect, the electrical current distribution of the stimulus is modified in order to steer a locus of the electrical stimulus from one tissue region of the patient to another different tissue region of the patient, thereby mitigating the eye movement side effects. For example, the locus of the electrical stimulus may be steered away from the oculomotor nerve. Eye movement side effects of DBS treatment may include apraxia of lid opening, downward movement and adduction of only one eyeball, and/or continuous deviation of both eyeballs.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2010Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: James Makous, Brett Schleicher, Rafael Carbunaru, Kristen Jaax, Andrew DiGiore
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Patent number: 8660644Abstract: A method of operating a neurostimulation device comprises outputting a pulsed electrical waveform from the neurostimulation device between a plurality of electrodes while at least one of the electrodes has a first polarity, thereby stimulating neural tissue adjacent the electrode(s), allowing the neural tissue to undergo neurological accommodation in response to the electrical energy output between the electrodes, switching the electrode(s) from the first polarity to a second polarity, outputting the pulsed electrical waveform from the neurostimulation device between the electrodes while the electrode(s) has the second polarity, thereby hyperpolarizing the neural tissue to reverse the neurological accommodation, switching the electrode(s) from the second polarity to the first polarity, and outputting the pulsed electrical waveform from the neurostimulation device between the electrodes while the electrode(s) has the first polarity, thereby stimulating the previously hyperpolarized neural tissue.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2012Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Kristen Jaax, Courtney Lane, Michael Moffitt, Andrew DiGiore, Mark Pierre, Kerry Bradley, Gregory Baldwin
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Patent number: 8626297Abstract: Apparatus and methods for charging an implanted medical device.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Kristen Jaax, Rafael Carbunaru, Mun Pook Lui, Todd K. Whitehurst, Andrew DiGiore, Brett Daniel Schleicher, Gregory Baldwin, Michael A. Moffitt, Jeffery Van Funderburk, Jim Makous
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Patent number: 8320600Abstract: A communication system is provided for a patient featuring a cushion with an opening for receiving the face of the patient. The cushion includes a microphone for receiving audible signals from the patient and one or more speakers for delivering audible signals to the patient. The microphone and speaker(s) are integrated with the cushion to avoid interfering with the comfort of the patient. In one embodiment, the audible signals are delivered to and from the patient via a communication port. In another embodiment, the system includes a display device, so the patient may view parts of the patient's body on the device and then communicate with system operators through the microphone and speaker(s).Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Todd K. Whitehurst, Rafael Carbunaru, Kristen Jaax, James Makous, Courtney Lane, Mark Pierre, Cliff Brainard, Charles Tilden Hagan, IV
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Patent number: 8313453Abstract: A burr hole sealing device for preventing brain shift during a stimulation lead implantation procedure is provided. The device includes a suction cup ring and a self-sealing membrane positioned within the aperture of the ring. The sealing device is attached adjacent to a burr hole and over a dura layer that is exposed in the bottom of the burr hole. The stimulation lead is disposed through the burr hole, through the membrane, through the dura layer and into brain tissue. The membrane is configured to allow the lead to pass therethrough while maintaining a tight seal around the diameter of the lead, thereby hindering leakage of cerebrospinal fluid out of the cranial cavity and maintaining a substantially fixed intracranial pressure. In one embodiment, the sealing device includes a syringe for adding fluid to, or removing fluid from, the cranial cavity in response to a detected change in intracranial pressure.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2009Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Rafael Carbunaru, Todd K. Whitehurst, Andrew DiGiore, Kristen Jaax
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Patent number: 8315707Abstract: A method of operating a neurostimulation device comprises varying a first stimulation parameter under user control while fixing a second stimulation parameter, generating a plurality of stimulation parameter sets from the varied first stimulation parameter and the fixed second stimulation parameter, outputting a pulsed electrical waveform from the neurostimulation device between electrodes in accordance with the stimulation parameter sets, such that a therapeutic effect is achieved while allowing neural tissue to undergo neurological accommodation, changing the second stimulation parameter, varying the first stimulation parameter under user control while fixing the second changed stimulation parameter, generating another plurality of stimulation parameter sets from the varied first stimulation parameter and the fixed changed second stimulation parameter, and outputting the pulsed electrical waveform from the neurostimulation device between the electrodes in accordance with the other stimulation parameter setsType: GrantFiled: March 18, 2012Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Kristen Jaax, Andrew DiGiore
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Publication number: 20120179222Abstract: A method of operating a neurostimulation device comprises varying a first stimulation parameter under user control while fixing a second stimulation parameter, generating a plurality of stimulation parameter sets from the varied first stimulation parameter and the fixed second stimulation parameter, outputting a pulsed electrical waveform from the neurostimulation device between electrodes in accordance with the stimulation parameter sets, such that a therapeutic effect is achieved while allowing neural tissue to undergo neurological accommodation, changing the second stimulation parameter, varying the first stimulation parameter under user control while fixing the second changed stimulation parameter, generating another plurality of stimulation parameter sets from the varied first stimulation parameter and the fixed changed second stimulation parameter, and outputting the pulsed electrical waveform from the neurostimulation device between the electrodes in accordance with the other stimulation parameter setsType: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2012Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATIONInventors: Kristen Jaax, DIGIORE ANDREW
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Patent number: 8155750Abstract: A method and programmer for programming a neurostimulation device are provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Kristen Jaax, Courtney Lane, Michael Moffitt, Andrew DiGiore, Mark Pierre, Kerry Bradley, Gregory Baldwin
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Publication number: 20110160797Abstract: A method for treating a patient having a dysfunction using a stimulation lead within the brain of a patient is provided. The stimulation lead carries a plurality of electrodes adjacent to a plurality of brain regions. Pulsed electrical waveforms having different sets of stimulation parameters are generated and then concurrently delivered to the plurality of electrodes, thereby concurrently stimulating the plurality of brain regions to treat the dysfunction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATIONInventors: James C. Makous, Courtney Lane, Kristen Jaax, Andrew DiGiore
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Publication number: 20110137372Abstract: A system and method for applying stimulation to a target stimulation site within a patient, while avoiding undesirable eye movement side effects of the stimulation, are provided. The method includes determining whether eye movement, sensed by internal or external electrodes, is a side effect of a conveyed electrical stimulus. If the eye movement is a side effect, the electrical current distribution of the stimulus is modified in order to steer a locus of the electrical stimulus from one tissue region of the patient to another different tissue region of the patient, thereby mitigating the eye movement side effects. For example, the locus of the electrical stimulus may be steered away from the oculomotor nerve. Eye movement side effects of DBS treatment may include apraxia of lid opening, downward movement and adduction of only one eyeball, and/or continuous deviation of both eyeballs.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2010Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATIONInventors: James Makous, Brett Schleicher, Rafael Carbunaru, Kristen Jaax, Andrew DiGiore
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Publication number: 20110125224Abstract: A neurostimulation system and method of providing therapy to a patient implanted with a plurality of electrodes using a plurality of electrical sources is provided. One of the electrical sources is reconfigured from a second polarity to a first polarity. A first electrical current is generated with the one electrical source when configured in the first polarity. A second electrical current is generated with another one of the electrical sources. At least a portion of the first electrical current and at least a portion of the second electrical current is combined in one of an additive manner and a subtractive manner to produce a first combined electrical current. The first combined electrical current is conveyed to or from one or more of the electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2010Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATIONInventors: Rafael Carbunaru, Kristen Jaax, Andrew DiGiore
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Publication number: 20110125223Abstract: A neurostimulation system and method of providing therapy to a patient implanted with a plurality of electrodes using a plurality of electrical sources is provided. A source-electrode coupling configuration is determined from the electrical sources and electrodes. Electrical current is respectively conveyed between active ones of the plurality of electrical sources and active subsets of the plurality of electrodes in accordance with the determined source-electrode coupling configuration. The total number of the electrodes in the active electrode subsets is greater than the total number of the active electrical sources.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2010Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATIONInventors: Rafael Carbunaru, Kristen Jaax, Andrew DiGiore
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Publication number: 20110054518Abstract: A burr hole sealing device for preventing brain shift during a stimulation lead implantation procedure is provided. The device includes a suction cup ring and a self-sealing membrane positioned within the aperture of the ring. The sealing device is attached adjacent to a burr hole and over a dura layer that is exposed in the bottom of the burr hole. The stimulation lead is disposed through the burr hole, through the membrane, through the dura layer and into brain tissue. The membrane is configured to allow the lead to pass therethrough while maintaining a tight seal around the diameter of the lead, thereby hindering leakage of cerebrospinal fluid out of the cranial cavity and maintaining a substantially fixed intracranial pressure. In one embodiment, the sealing device includes a syringe for adding fluid to, or removing fluid from, the cranial cavity in response to a detected change in intracranial pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATIONInventors: Rafael Carbunaru, Todd K. Whitehurst, Andrew DiGiore, Kristen Jaax
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Publication number: 20110019858Abstract: A communication system is provided for a patient featuring a cushion with an opening for receiving the face of the patient. The cushion includes a microphone for receiving audible signals from the patient and one or more speakers for delivering audible signals to the patient. The microphone and speaker(s) are integrated with the cushion to avoid interfering with the comfort of the patient. In one embodiment, the audible signals are delivered to and from the patient via a communication port. In another embodiment, the system includes a display device, so the patient may view parts of the patient's body on the device and then communicate with system operators through the microphone and speaker(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2009Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATIONInventors: Todd K. Whitehurst, Rafael Carbunaru, Kristen Jaax, James Makous, Courtney Lane, Mark Pierre, Cliff Brainard, Charles Tilden Hagan, IV
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Publication number: 20110009919Abstract: Methods of providing therapy to a patient are provided. In one method, the patient has a neuron to which a sub-threshold biological electrical stimulus is applied. The method comprises applying electrical noise energy to the neuron, wherein resonance between the biological electrical stimulus and the electrical noise energy is created, such that an action potential is propagated along the axon of the neuron. In another method, the patient has a neuron to which a supra-threshold biological electrical stimulus is applied. This method comprises applying supra-threshold electrical noise energy to the neuron, thereby preventing an action potential from being propagated along the axon of the neuron. Still another method comprises applying an electrical stimulus to a neuron, and applying supra-threshold electrical noise energy to the neuron, thereby preventing or reversing any neurological accommodation of the neuron that may occur in response to the electrical stimulus.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2009Publication date: January 13, 2011Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATIONInventors: Rafael Carbunaru, Michael Moffitt, Kristen Jaax, Andrew DiGiore, Courtney Lane
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Publication number: 20100331922Abstract: A method for determining a change in position of a neurostimulation lead relative to a stimulation target tissue of a patient is provided. The method comprises implanting a first proximity sensor on a surface of the patient, implanting a second proximity sensor on the surface of the patient, measuring a change in a distance between the first and second proximity sensors, and inferring the change in position of the lead relative to the stimulation target tissue from the measured change in distance. The method further comprises inferring an increase in a distance between the lead and the stimulation target tissue when the distance between the first and second proximity sensors increases. The method also comprises conveying electrical stimulation energy to therapeutically stimulate the stimulation target tissue, and modulating a stimulation parameter in response to the measured change in distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew DiGiore, Kristen Jaax, Courtney Lane
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Publication number: 20100145357Abstract: A burr hole plug comprises a plug base configured for being mounted around a burr hole. The plug base includes an aperture through which an elongated medical device exiting the burr hole may pass. The burr hole plug further comprises a retainer configured for being mounted within the aperture of the plug base. The retainer further includes first and second slidable clamping mechanisms configured for securing the medical devices therebetween within the aperture of the plug base. A method comprises introducing the medical device through the burr hole, mounting a plug base around the burr hole, such that the medical device extends through the plug base aperture, mounting the retainer within the aperture of the plug base, and sliding the first and second clamping mechanisms secure the medical device therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATIONInventors: Courtney Lane, Jesse Geroy, James C. Makous, Todd Whitehurst, Matthew Flowers, John Michael Barker, Terry Ferrell, John Swoyer, Brett Schleicher, Jeff Gagnon, Andrew Digiore, Ellis Garai, Kristen Jaax, Rafael Carbunaru
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Publication number: 20100023090Abstract: A method and programmer for programming a neurostimulation device are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2009Publication date: January 28, 2010Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATIONInventors: Kristen Jaax, Courtney Lane, Michael Moffitt, Andrew DiGiore, Mark Pierre, Kerry Bradley, Gregory Baldwin
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Publication number: 20090149917Abstract: A system for performing a neurostimulation trial comprises an external trial stimulator capable of delivering stimulation energy to a plurality of electrodes carried by one or more stimulation leads. The external trial stimulator is configurable to operate in a plurality of stimulation energy delivery modes to respectively emulate one of different neurostimulator types. The system may further comprise a programmer capable of configuring the external trial stimulator to operate in one of the stimulation energy delivery modes. The programmer may be capable of generating a first programming screen capable of allowing a first set of stimulation parameters to be defined for the first neurostimulator type, and a second programming screen capable of allowing a second set of stimulation parameters to be defined for a second neurostimulator type.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2007Publication date: June 11, 2009Applicant: ADVANCED BIONICS CORPORATIONInventors: Todd Whitehurst, Rafael Carbunaru, Kristen Jaax, Andrew DiGiore, Brett D. Schleicher
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Publication number: 20090112327Abstract: A burr hole plug comprises a plug base including a flange configured for being mounted around a burr hole, an aperture through which an elongated medical device may pass, and tabs configured for extending within the cranial burr hole to center the plug base relative to the cranial burr hole. The burr hole plug further comprises a retainer configured for being mounted within the aperture of the plug base to secure the medical device. A method may comprise locating the plug base within a burr hole, such that the tabs are disposed within the burr hole to center the plug base relative to the cranial burr hole, introducing the elongated medical device through the cranial burr hole and into the brain tissue of the patient, mounting the retainer within the aperture of the plug base, and actuating the retainer to secure the medical device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventors: Courtney Lane, Jesse Geroy, James C. Makous, Todd Whitehurst, Matthew Flowers, John Michael Barker, Terry Ferrell, John Swoyer, Brett Schleicher, Jeff Gagnon, Andrew Digiore, Ellis Garai, Kristen Jaax, Rafael Carbunaru