Patents by Inventor Kristen N Jaax
Kristen N 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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Publication number: 20110295330Abstract: A nerve stimulation lead has a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal length. The nerve stimulation lead includes a plurality of electrodes disposed at the distal end, a plurality of terminals disposed at the proximal end, and a plurality of conductive wires electrically coupling the plurality of electrodes electrically to the plurality of terminals. The nerve stimulation lead also includes at least one anchoring unit disposed on the nerve stimulation lead. The at least one anchoring unit is configured and arranged for anchoring the nerve stimulation lead against a bony structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Brett Schleicher, Andrew DiGiore, Rafael Carbunaru, Courtney Lane, Kristen N. Jaax
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Patent number: 8060209Abstract: Methods and systems of treating a patient with ischemia pain include providing a stimulator, configuring one or more stimulation parameters to treat ischemia pain in a visceral organ, programming the stimulator with the one or more stimulation parameters, generating a stimulus configured to treat ischemia pain with the stimulator in accordance with the one or more stimulation parameters, and applying the stimulus with the stimulator to one or more stimulation sites in accordance with the one or more stimulation parameters.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Kristen N. Jaax, Todd K. Whitehurst, Andrew DiGiore
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Patent number: 8046076Abstract: A system and method for introducing one or more stimulating drugs and/or applying electrical stimulation to the brain to treat mood and/or anxiety disorders uses an implantable system control unit (SCU), specifically an implantable signal/pulse generator (IPG) or microstimulator with one or more electrodes in the case of electrical stimulation, and an implantable pump with one or more catheters in the case of drug infusion. In cases requiring both electrical and drug stimulation, one or more SCUs are used. Alternatively and preferably, when needed, an SCU provides both electrical stimulation and one or more stimulating drugs. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one SCU includes a sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2004Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Todd K. Whitehurst, Kristen N. Jaax
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Publication number: 20110238035Abstract: Methods of treating obesity and/or type II diabetes include applying at least one stimulus to the pituitary gland of a patient with an implanted stimulator in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The at least one stimulus is configured to treat obesity and/or type II diabetes. Systems for treating obesity and/or type II diabetes include a stimulator configured to apply at least one stimulus to the pituitary gland of a patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The at least one stimulus is configured to treat obesity and/or type II diabetes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2011Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATIONInventors: Kristen N. Jaax, Allison M. Foster, Todd K. Whitehurst
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Publication number: 20110224744Abstract: A stimulation system is disclosed that may include a stimulator unit coupled to electrode contacts on a cuff. In one embodiment, the cuff may be placed at least partially around a nerve. The stimulation system may include at least two electrode contacts disposed on the cuff such that a distance between the at least two electrode contacts various along a length of the electrode contacts. In another embodiment, a plurality of electrode contacts are disposed on the cuff such that distances between at least one electrode contact within the plurality of electrode contacts and each electrode contact immediately adjacent to the at least one electrode contact are different. The stimulator unit may also be implantable.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Michael Adam Moffitt, Rafael Carbunaru, Kristen N. Jaax, Todd K. Whitehurst
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Patent number: 8019443Abstract: A nerve stimulation lead has a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal length. The nerve stimulation lead includes a plurality of electrodes disposed at the distal end, a plurality of terminals disposed at the proximal end, and a plurality of conductive wires electrically coupling the plurality of electrodes electrically to the plurality of terminals. The nerve stimulation lead also includes at least one anchoring unit disposed on the nerve stimulation lead. The at least one anchoring unit is configured and arranged for anchoring the nerve stimulation lead against a bony structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2009Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Brett Schleicher, Andrew DiGiore, Rafael Carbunaru, Courtney Lane, Kristen N. Jaax
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Publication number: 20110208281Abstract: An implantable device includes a device body and at least one anchoring unit configured and arranged for anchoring the device body in a patient upon implantation. The anchoring unit includes a resorbable material that resorbs into the patient over a period of time after implantation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Rafael Carbunaru, Todd K. Whitehurst, Kristen N. Jaax
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Publication number: 20110166546Abstract: Methods of treating a medical condition include applying at least one stimulus to a motor cortex within a brain of a patient with an implanted system control unit in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. Systems for treating a medical condition include a system control unit implanted within the patient that is configured to apply at least one stimulus to a motor cortex within a brain of a patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2011Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATIONInventors: Kristen N. Jaax, Todd K. Whitehurst, Rafael Carbunaru
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Patent number: 7974706Abstract: A stimulation system is disclosed that may include a stimulator unit coupled to electrode contacts on a cuff. In one embodiment, the cuff may be placed at least partially around a nerve. The stimulation system may include at least two electrode contacts disposed on the cuff such that a distance between the at least two electrode contacts various along a length of the electrode contacts. In another embodiment, a plurality of electrode contacts are disposed on the cuff such that distances between at least one electrode contact within the plurality of electrode contacts and each electrode contact immediately adjacent to the at least one electrode contact are different. The stimulator unit may also be implantable.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2006Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Michael Adam Moffitt, Rafael Carbunaru, Kristen N. Jaax, Todd K. Whitehurst
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Patent number: 7962219Abstract: Methods of treating a medical condition include applying at least one stimulus to a motor cortex within a brain of a patient with an implanted system control unit in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. Systems for treating a medical condition include a system control unit implanted within the patient that is configured to apply at least one stimulus to a motor cortex within a brain of a patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2010Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Kristen N. Jaax, Todd K. Whitehurst, Rafael Carbunaru
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Patent number: 7945323Abstract: Methods of treating obesity and/or type II diabetes include applying at least one stimulus to the pituitary gland of a patient with an implanted stimulator in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The at least one stimulus is configured to treat obesity and/or type II diabetes. Systems for treating obesity and/or type II diabetes include a stimulator configured to apply at least one stimulus to the pituitary gland of a patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The at least one stimulus is configured to treat obesity and/or type II diabetes.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2008Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Kristen N. Jaax, Allison M. Foster, Todd K. Whitehurst
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Publication number: 20110066197Abstract: Methods of facilitating stimulation of a stimulation site within a patient include implanting a distal portion of a first stimulating member such that the distal portion of the first stimulating member is in communication with a first stimulation site located within a patient, securing the distal portion of the first stimulating member at a first securing site with a first securing device positioned proximal to the first stimulation site, forming a first loop of at least 360 degrees with a portion of the first stimulating member proximal to the first securing device, securing the first loop with a second securing device at a second securing site having a position that is greater than or equal to substantially 180 degrees but less than or equal to substantially 315 degrees along the first loop from the first securing site, and positioning the second securing device and a stimulator to be coupled to a proximal end of the first stimulating member to maintain a curve in the first stimulating member of at least 45Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Kristen N. Jaax, James C. Makous, Laurence Dale Watkins, Daniel S. Bennett
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Publication number: 20110060382Abstract: Methods of applying a stimulus to a stimulation site within the neck or head of a patient include implanting a distal portion of one or more leads adjacent to the stimulation site, forming a loop with a proximal portion of the one or more leads, and securing the distal and proximal portions of the one or more leads to one or more securing sites with one or more securing devices. The distal portion of the one or more leads includes a number of electrodes disposed thereon that are configured to deliver the stimulus to the stimulation site. Systems for applying a stimulus to a stimulation site within the neck or head of a patient include one or more leads having a number of electrodes disposed on a distal portion thereof and one or more securing devices configured to secure the one or more leads to one or more securing sites. The distal portion of the one or more leads is implanted adjacent to the stimulation site and the electrodes are configured to deliver the stimulus to the stimulation site.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Kristen N. Jaax, Todd K. Whitehurst
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Patent number: 7890176Abstract: Methods of treating chronic pelvic pain include applying at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within a patient with an implanted system control unit in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. Systems for treating chronic pelvic pain include a system control unit configured to apply at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within a patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2005Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Kristen N. Jaax, Rafael Carbunaru, Todd K. Whitehurst, Carla Mann Woods
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Publication number: 20110022142Abstract: A lead anchor includes a plurality of parallel tubular members and at least one suture element configured and arranged for receiving a suture to suture the lead anchor to patient tissue. Each tubular member defines a lead lumen having a first opening and a second opening through which a lead can pass.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2009Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromdoulation CorporationInventors: John Michael Barker, Kristen N. Jaax
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Patent number: 7877136Abstract: Methods and systems of enhancing transmission of a neural signal through damaged neural tissue include providing a stimulator, programming the stimulator with one or more stimulation parameters configured to enhance transmission of a neural signal through the damaged neural tissue, and applying a hyperpolarizing electrical stimulation current with the stimulator to the damaged neural tissue in accordance with the one or more stimulation parameters.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Michael A. Moffitt, Kristen N. Jaax, Rafael Carbunaru, Andrew DiGiore
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Patent number: 7857819Abstract: A stimulation system is described that includes an implantable microstimulator. A tail may be coupled to a distal end of the implantable microstimulator. In one embodiment, the stimulation system includes an implantation tool that includes an insertion cannula, a handle, a bushing, and a detachable blunt dissector tip. The bushing is situated within the insertion cannula and may position the implantable microstimulator longitudinally within the insertion cannula when the implantable microstimulator is placed within the insertion cannula. The detachable blunt dissector tip may be attached to the tail of the implantable microstimulator. The stimulation system may further comprise an end cap that includes an upper portion and a base portion conformable over at least a portion of curved tissue. An open trough extends through the base upper portions and may be configured to guide the implantation tool through the tissue at various angles.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Kristen N. Jaax, Rafael Carbunaru, James C. Makous, Todd K. Whitehurst, Meredith L. Anderson, Anne M. Pianca
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Patent number: 7853321Abstract: Methods of applying a stimulus to a stimulation site within the neck or head of a patient include implanting a distal portion of one or more leads adjacent to the stimulation site, forming a loop with a proximal portion of the one or more leads, and securing the distal and proximal portions of the one or more leads to one or more securing sites with one or more securing devices. The distal portion of the one or more leads includes a number of electrodes disposed thereon that are configured to deliver the stimulus to the stimulation site. Systems for applying a stimulus to a stimulation site within the neck or head of a patient include one or more leads having a number of electrodes disposed on a distal portion thereof and one or more securing devices configured to secure the one or more leads to one or more securing sites. The distal portion of the one or more leads is implanted adjacent to the stimulation site and the electrodes are configured to deliver the stimulus to the stimulation site.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2005Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Kristen N. Jaax, Todd K. Whitehurst
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Patent number: 7848803Abstract: Methods of facilitating stimulation of a stimulation site within a patient include implanting a distal portion of a first stimulating member such that the distal portion of the first stimulating member is in communication with a first stimulation site located within a patient, securing the distal portion of the first stimulating member at a first securing site with a first securing device positioned proximal to the first stimulation site, forming a first loop of at least 360 degrees with a portion of the first stimulating member proximal to the first securing device, securing the first loop with a second securing device at a second securing site having a position that is greater than or equal to substantially 180 degrees but less than or equal to substantially 315 degrees along the first loop from the first securing site, and positioning the second securing device and a stimulator to be coupled to a proximal end of the first stimulating member to maintain a curve in the first stimulating member of at least 45Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Kristen N. Jaax, James C. Makous, Laurence Dale Watkins, Daniel S. Bennett
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Patent number: 7813804Abstract: Methods of treating a nerve compression syndrome include applying at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within a patient with an implanted stimulator in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The at least one stimulus is configured to treat the nerve compression syndrome.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventor: Kristen N. Jaax