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).

  • Publication number: 20110295330
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Brett Schleicher, Andrew DiGiore, Rafael Carbunaru, Courtney Lane, Kristen N. Jaax
  • Patent number: 8060209
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Kristen N. Jaax, Todd K. Whitehurst, Andrew DiGiore
  • Patent number: 8046076
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Todd K. Whitehurst, Kristen N. Jaax
  • Publication number: 20110238035
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kristen N. Jaax, Allison M. Foster, Todd K. Whitehurst
  • Publication number: 20110224744
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Adam Moffitt, Rafael Carbunaru, Kristen N. Jaax, Todd K. Whitehurst
  • Patent number: 8019443
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Brett Schleicher, Andrew DiGiore, Rafael Carbunaru, Courtney Lane, Kristen N. Jaax
  • Publication number: 20110208281
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Rafael Carbunaru, Todd K. Whitehurst, Kristen N. Jaax
  • Publication number: 20110166546
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kristen N. Jaax, Todd K. Whitehurst, Rafael Carbunaru
  • Patent number: 7974706
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Adam Moffitt, Rafael Carbunaru, Kristen N. Jaax, Todd K. Whitehurst
  • Patent number: 7962219
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Kristen N. Jaax, Todd K. Whitehurst, Rafael Carbunaru
  • Patent number: 7945323
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Kristen N. Jaax, Allison M. Foster, Todd K. Whitehurst
  • Publication number: 20110066197
    Abstract: 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 45
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Kristen N. Jaax, James C. Makous, Laurence Dale Watkins, Daniel S. Bennett
  • Publication number: 20110060382
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Kristen N. Jaax, Todd K. Whitehurst
  • Patent number: 7890176
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Kristen N. Jaax, Rafael Carbunaru, Todd K. Whitehurst, Carla Mann Woods
  • Publication number: 20110022142
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromdoulation Corporation
    Inventors: John Michael Barker, Kristen N. Jaax
  • Patent number: 7877136
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Moffitt, Kristen N. Jaax, Rafael Carbunaru, Andrew DiGiore
  • Patent number: 7857819
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Kristen N. Jaax, Rafael Carbunaru, James C. Makous, Todd K. Whitehurst, Meredith L. Anderson, Anne M. Pianca
  • Patent number: 7853321
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Kristen N. Jaax, Todd K. Whitehurst
  • Patent number: 7848803
    Abstract: 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 45
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Kristen N. Jaax, James C. Makous, Laurence Dale Watkins, Daniel S. Bennett
  • Patent number: 7813804
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Kristen N. Jaax