Patents by Inventor Matthew Lee McDonald

Matthew Lee McDonald 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: 8380324
    Abstract: An implantable lead includes a lead body and at least one safety element. The lead body has a distal end and a proximal end. The lead body defines at least one lumen extending along at least a portion of the lead body. The lead body includes a plurality of electrodes disposed on the distal end of the lead body, a plurality of terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead body, and a plurality of conductors disposed in the lead body, each conductor electrically coupling at least one of the electrodes to at least one of the terminals. The at least one safety element is disposed along at least a portion of the lead body and is configured and arranged to reduce damage to patient tissue adjacent to the plurality of electrodes due to heating, induced electrical signals, or both when the lead is exposed to radio frequency irradiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Lee McDonald, Ross Daniel Venook
  • Patent number: 8374695
    Abstract: A splitter for an electrical stimulation system includes a junction having a proximal end and a distal end. An elongated proximal member extends from the proximal end of the junction. The proximal member includes a plurality of terminals disposed on a proximal end of the proximal member. A plurality of elongated distal members extend from the distal end of the junction. Each distal member includes a connector disposed on a distal end of the distal member. The connector is configured and arranged for receiving a lead or lead extension. One of the distal members is longitudinally aligned with the proximal member and at least another one of the distal members is longitudinally offset from the proximal member. A plurality of conductors couple the terminals of the proximal member to the connectors of the distal members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Lee McDonald, Joshua Dale Howard
  • Patent number: 8364279
    Abstract: A neurostimulation lead or lead extension includes a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end. A plurality of first contacts are disposed on the distal end of the lead body. A plurality of second contacts are disposed on a proximal end of the lead body. A plurality of conductors extend along the lead body. Each of the plurality of conductors electrically couples at least one of the first contacts to at least one of the second contacts. At least one of the conductors includes at least one switch disposed along a length of the conductor. The at least one switch is configured and arranged to separate the conductor into a plurality of individual segments when the at least one switch is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Lee McDonald, Anne M. Pianca
  • Publication number: 20130013042
    Abstract: Exemplary septum assemblies include first and second housing components each defined by at least an inner surface, at least one sealing strip disposed at least partially on at least one of the inner surfaces of the housing components, and a compression member at least partially surrounding the housing components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew Lee McDonald
  • Publication number: 20130006316
    Abstract: An implantable electrical stimulation system includes a control module electrically coupleable to a lead. The control module includes a housing, an electronic subassembly disposed in the housing, and a connector assembly for receiving the lead. The connector assembly includes a port for receiving a proximal end of the lead. Connector contacts are disposed in the connector assembly housing and electrically couple to the electronic subassembly. The connector contacts align with terminals disposed on the lead to form an electrical connection between the connector contacts and the terminals when the proximal end of the lead is disposed in the port of the connector assembly. A disconnecting feature includes a switch for electrically disabling, or at least significantly reducing, the electrical connection between the connector contacts and the electronic subassembly when the switch is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Lee McDonald, Ross Daniel Venook
  • Patent number: 8340782
    Abstract: An implantable lead includes a lead body. A plurality of conductors are disposed within the lead body and electrically couple at least one electrode to at least one terminal. At least one of the conductors includes a plurality of units. Each of the units includes a first conductor segment extending along the lead body from a beginning point to a first position, a second conductor segment extending from the first position to a second position, and a third conductor segment extending along the elongated member from the second position to an endpoint. The conductor segments are arranged so as to form alternating single-coil regions and multi-coil regions. At least one support element is disposed along at least a portion of at least one of the single-coil regions and is configured and arranged to increase the stiffness of the at least one of the single-coil regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Lee McDonald, Anne Margaret Pianca, Joshua Dale Howard
  • Patent number: 8335570
    Abstract: An implantable lead has an inner core, a plurality of coiled conductor guides, and a plurality of conductors. The inner core defines a plurality of lumens. Each coiled conductor guide defines a plurality of helical lumens. Each coiled conductor guide is disposed in a coiled arrangement over a portion of the inner core. Each of the conductors electrically couples at least one electrode to at least one terminal. At least one of the conductors includes a plurality of units. Each unit includes a first conductor segment extending along the inner core from a beginning point to a first position, a coiled conductor segment disposed at least partially in one of the lumens of the coiled conductor guides and extending from the first position to the second position, and a second conductor segment extending along the inner core from the second position to an endpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew Lee McDonald
  • Patent number: 8322026
    Abstract: A method for forming a lead or lead extension includes forming an arrangement of elongated conductors. Each of the conductors extends from a proximal end of the arrangement to a distal end of the arrangement. Each of the conductors includes a layer of insulation disposed over a conductive core. A conductor-separating element is disposed over either the proximal end or the distal end of the arrangement. The conductor-separating element includes a plurality of ablation windows defined in a body. An end of at least one of the elongated conductors is radially extended over a portion of the conductor-separating element such that a portion of the at least one elongated conductor extends across at least one of the ablation windows. Insulation from the portion of the at least one conductor extending across the ablation window is ablated to expose a portion of the conductive core of the elongated conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew Lee McDonald
  • Patent number: 8295931
    Abstract: Exemplary septum assemblies include first and second housing components each defined by at least an inner surface, at least one sealing strip disposed at least partially on at least one of the inner surfaces of the housing components, and a compression member at least partially surrounding the housing components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew Lee McDonald
  • Publication number: 20120197375
    Abstract: A stimulation lead includes a lead body having a longitudinal surface, a distal end, a proximal end, and a shaft extending along at least a portion of the distal end of the lead body. The stimulation lead also includes multiple segmented electrode members disposed on the shaft along the longitudinal surface of the lead body near the distal end of the lead body. Each segmented electrode member includes a ring structure which forms at least a partial ring and is disposed on the shaft, and a segmented electrode coupled to the ring and having an exposed surface configured and arranged for stimulating tissue when the stimulation lead is implanted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Anne Margaret Pianca, Matthew Lee McDonald
  • Publication number: 20120191145
    Abstract: A connector for an electrostimulation lead includes a connector housing defining a fastener aperture, a septum disposed over the fastener aperture, and a fastener for mating with the fastener aperture to secure a received lead to the connector housing so that at least one terminal disposed on the received lead electrically couples with at least one conductor contact disposed in the connector housing. The septum includes a septum flap and an attachment cuff. The septum flap is configured and arranged for extending over the fastener aperture and for receiving a tool for folding the septum flap open to expose the fastener aperture. The attachment cuff is configured and arranged for coupling the septum flap to the connector housing. The fastener is configured and arranged to be disposed in the fastener aperture and to be tightened against the lead to hold the lead within the connector housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodualtion Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew Lee McDonald
  • Publication number: 20120191167
    Abstract: An implantable electrical stimulation lead includes a plurality of conductors that extend along a lead body and that electrically couple electrodes to terminals. A first tissue coupler is electrically coupled to a first conductor of the plurality of conductors. The first tissue coupler includes a conductive first inner member, a non-conductive member disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the first inner member, and a conductive outer member disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the non-conductive member such that at least a portion of the non-conductive member is sandwiched between the first inner member and the outer member. The first inner member is electrically coupled to the first conductor. The outer member is disposed along a portion of an outer surface of the lead body such that the conductive outer member is exposed to patient tissue when the lead is implanted in a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Lee McDonald, Ross Daniel Venook
  • Patent number: 8209017
    Abstract: A connector for an electrostimulation lead includes a connector housing defining a fastener aperture, a septum disposed over the fastener aperture, and a fastener for mating with the fastener aperture to secure a received lead to the connector housing so that at least one terminal disposed on the received lead electrically couples with at least one conductor contact disposed in the connector housing. The septum includes a septum flap and an attachment cuff. The septum flap is configured and arranged for extending over the fastener aperture and for receiving a tool for folding the septum flap open to expose the fastener aperture. The attachment cuff is configured and arranged for coupling the septum flap to the connector housing. The fastener is configured and arranged to be disposed in the fastener aperture and to be tightened against the lead to hold the lead within the connector housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew Lee Mcdonald
  • Publication number: 20120158072
    Abstract: An implantable electrical stimulation lead includes a plurality of conductors disposed in a lead body, the plurality of conductors each electrically coupling at least one electrode to at least one terminal. The plurality of conductors includes a first conductor and a second conductor. The first conductor includes a plurality of alternating first and second coiled regions. The first coiled regions have tighter pitches than the second coiled regions. The second conductor includes a plurality of alternating third and fourth coiled regions. The third coiled regions have tighter pitches than the fourth coiled regions. The plurality of conductors are arranged into repeating adjacent winding geometries disposed along a longitudinal length of the lead body. The repeating adjacent winding geometries each include one of the plurality of first coiled regions and one of the plurality of third coiled regions axially disposed adjacent to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Ross Daniel Venook, Matthew Lee McDonald
  • Publication number: 20120150269
    Abstract: Exemplary septum assemblies include first and second housing components each defined by at least an inner surface, at least one sealing strip disposed at least partially on at least one of the inner surfaces of the housing components, and a compression member at least partially surrounding the housing components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew Lee McDonald
  • Patent number: 8145314
    Abstract: Exemplary septum assemblies include first and second housing components each defined by at least an inner surface, at least one sealing strip disposed at least partially on at least one of the inner surfaces of the housing components, and a compression member at least partially surrounding the housing components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew Lee McDonald
  • Publication number: 20110224681
    Abstract: A lead introducer includes a split-release insertion needle configured and arranged for insertion into an epidural space of a patient. The split-release insertion needle has a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. The split-release insertion needle includes a plurality of body elements that laterally mate along the longitudinal axis of the split-release insertion needle. When the plurality of body elements are mated, the plurality of body elements define a lumen along the longitudinal axis of the split-release insertion needle. The lumen is configured and arranged to receive a distal end of a neurostimulation lead. A removable retaining member is disposed over at least a portion of each of the plurality of body elements. The plurality of body elements are configured and arranged to at least partially separate from one another when the retaining member is removed from the plurality of body elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew Lee McDonald
  • Publication number: 20110130803
    Abstract: A device for brain stimulation includes a lead body having a distal end section and at least one inner conductive cylinder with at least one inner window cut out from the inner cylinder. The inner cylinder is disposed at the distal end section of the lead body. The device also includes an outer conductive cylinder with at least one outer window cut out from the outer cylinder. The outer cylinder is secured to and disposed concentric to the inner cylinder with a portion of each of the at least one inner cylinder aligned with the at least one outer window of the outer cylinder. The device further includes an insulator configured and arranged to electrically insulate each of the at least one inner cylinder and the outer cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew Lee McDonald
  • Publication number: 20110046700
    Abstract: An implantable lead includes a lead body and at least one safety element. The lead body has a distal end and a proximal end. The lead body defines at least one lumen extending along at least a portion of the lead body. The lead body includes a plurality of electrodes disposed on the distal end of the lead body, a plurality of terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead body, and a plurality of conductors disposed in the lead body, each conductor electrically coupling at least one of the electrodes to at least one of the terminals. The at least one safety element is disposed along at least a portion of the lead body and is configured and arranged to reduce damage to patient tissue adjacent to the plurality of electrodes due to heating, induced electrical signals, or both when the lead is exposed to radio frequency irradiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Lee McDonald, Ross Daniel Venook
  • Publication number: 20110046706
    Abstract: An implantable lead includes a lead body having a plurality of electrodes disposed on a distal end, a plurality of terminals disposed on a proximal end, and a plurality of conductors, each conductor electrically coupling at least one of the electrodes to at least one of the terminals. At least one of the conductors includes at least one unit having a multi-layer region of overlapping conductor segments. The unit including a first conductor segment extending from a beginning point to a first position, a second conductor segment extending from the first position to a second position, and a third conductor segment extending from the second position to an endpoint. The first position is between the second position and the endpoint. The second position is between the beginning point and the first position. An interlayer material is disposed between the overlapping conductor segments of the at least one multi-layer region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Lee McDonald, Ross Daniel Venook