Patents by Inventor Nikolaos Stergiopulos

Nikolaos Stergiopulos 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: 20240091538
    Abstract: An implantable stimulation system having a stimulation unit coupled to a programmable controller, a stimulation circuit and an array of electrodes disposed on a pair of flexible paddles is provided for selectively stimulating at least one pelvic (e.g., cavernous) nerve. The programmable controller is pre-programmed to run an excitation electrode routine that selectively scans the electrode arrays with a series of directional current flows to optimize electrode selection for use in stimulating a nerve. The implantable stimulation system may be programmed to run a first stimulation pulse sequence corresponding to a first mode for invoking a rapid erectile response, a second nerve rehabilitation stimulation mode for rehabilitating neural transmission in a cavernous nerve, a third penile rehabilitation mode for reducing penile fibrosis, and/or a fourth bladder nerve rehabilitation mode for rehabilitating neural transmission in nerves that control the lower urinary tract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2022
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: Comphya SA
    Inventors: Rodrigo Araujo FRAGA DA SILVA, Nikolaos STERGIOPULOS, Mikael Nils STURNY, Fiona JOSEPH
  • Publication number: 20240091063
    Abstract: An ocular drainage system is provided for treating diseases that produce elevated intraocular pressures, such as glaucoma, wherein the system includes an implantable device and an external control unit, the implantable device includes a non-invasively adjustable valve featuring at least one deformable tube and a disk rotatably mounted within a housing, such that rotation of the disk using the external control unit causes the disk to apply a selected amount of compression to the deformable tube, thereby adjusting the fluidic resistance of the deformable tube and regulating the intraocular pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE (EPFL)
    Inventors: Stephane BIGLER, Nikolaos STERGIOPULOS
  • Patent number: 11779489
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating diseases that produce elevated intraocular pressures, such as glaucoma, wherein the device includes a housing shell defining a cavity between a first end and a second end of the housing shell, and an elastic membrane disposed within the cavity to divide the cavity into a fluidic channel that permits a flow of fluid from the first end to the second end and a sealed cavity. The elastic membrane deforms to change the volume of the sealed cavity responsive to pressure fluctuations between the first and second ends, thereby varying the fluidic resistance of the flow of fluid through the fluidic channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Nikolaos Stergiopulos, Constantinos Stergiopulos
  • Publication number: 20230309910
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring penile tumescence are provided that overcome the drawbacks of previously known systems by providing a wearable formed of a flexible and elastic tube having a plurality of sensors disposed on or embedded within it, the wearable configured to be applied to a penis of a subject, and a spaced-apart controller operatively coupled to retrieve data regarding circumferential and axial dimensional changes and penile rigidity from the plurality of sensors and transmit that data to an external computer or smartphone for analysis and display. The plurality of sensors may be coupled to the spaced-apart controller via a flexible lead or wirelessly using a passive RFID system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE (EPFL)
    Inventors: Rodrigo Araujo FRAGA DA SILVA, Nikolaos STERGIOPULOS, Chris Steven Braissant
  • Patent number: 11712371
    Abstract: An ocular drainage system is provided for treating diseases that produce elevated intraocular pressures, such as glaucoma, wherein the system includes an implantable device and an external control unit, the implantable device includes a non-invasively adjustable valve featuring at least one deformable tube and a disk rotatably mounted within a housing, such that rotation of the disk using the external control unit causes the disk to apply a selected amount of compression to the deformable tube, thereby adjusting the fluidic resistance of the deformable tube and regulating the intraocular pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Stephane Bigler, Nikolaos Stergiopulos
  • Publication number: 20220287640
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for that use noninvasively measured physiologic parameters to predict in real time noninvasively unobservable cardiovascular parameters by employing a one-dimensional arterial tree numerical model calibrated with representative patient data. The numerical model further may be trained and calibrated on a larger database that includes synthetic data using machine-learning algorithms to provide a robust generalized estimator for multiple cardiovascular and hemodynamic parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Applicant: ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE (EPFL)
    Inventors: Vasiliki BIKIA, Stamatia PAGOULATOU, Nikolaos STERGIOPULOS
  • Patent number: 11141590
    Abstract: An implantable stimulation system having an implantable stimulation unit coupled to a programmable controller, a stimulation circuit and an array of electrodes disposed on a pair of flexible paddles is provided for selectively stimulating at least one cavernous nerve. The programmable controller is pre-programmed to run an excitation electrode routine that selectively scans the electrode arrays on the paddles with a series of directional current flows, in at least two directions and within at least two regions, to optimize electrode selection for use in stimulating the cavernous nerve. The implantable stimulation system may be programmed to run a first stimulation pulse sequence corresponding to a first mode for invoking a rapid erectile response, and optionally, a second nerve rehabilitation stimulation mode selected to rehabilitate neural transmission in a cavernous nerve, and/or a third penile rehabilitation mode selected to reduce penile fibrosis. Methods of operating the system also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Comphya SA
    Inventors: Rodrigo Araujo Fraga Da Silva, Nikolaos Stergiopulos, Mikael Nils Sturny
  • Patent number: 11141589
    Abstract: An implantable stimulation system having an implantable stimulation unit coupled to a programmable controller, a stimulation circuit and an array of electrodes disposed on a pair of flexible paddles is provided for selectively stimulating at least one cavernous nerve. The programmable controller is pre-programmed to run an excitation electrode routine that selectively scans the electrode arrays on the paddles with a series of directional current flows, in at least two directions and within at least two regions, to optimize electrode selection for use in stimulating the cavernous nerve. The implantable stimulation system may be programmed to run a first stimulation pulse sequence corresponding to a first mode for invoking a rapid erectile response, and optionally, a second nerve rehabilitation stimulation mode selected to rehabilitate neural transmission in a cavernous nerve, and/or a third penile rehabilitation mode selected to reduce penile fibrosis. Methods of operating the system also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Comphya SA
    Inventors: Rodrigo Araujo Fraga Da Silva, Nikolaos Stergiopulos, Mikael Nils Sturny
  • Publication number: 20210275356
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating diseases that produce elevated intraocular pressures, such as glaucoma, wherein the device includes a housing shell defining a cavity between a first end and a second end of the housing shell, and an elastic membrane disposed within the cavity to divide the cavity into a fluidic channel that permits a flow of fluid from the first end to the second end and a sealed cavity. The elastic membrane deforms to change the volume of the sealed cavity responsive to pressure fluctuations between the first and second ends, thereby varying the fluidic resistance of the flow of fluid through the fluidic channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Nikolaos STERGIOPULOS, Constantinos STERGIOPULOS
  • Publication number: 20210196517
    Abstract: A device (100) is provided for treating diseases that produce elevated intraocular pressures, such as glaucoma, wherein the device (100) includes a housing shell (101) defining a cavity (107) between a first end (102) and a second end (104) of the housing shell (101), and an elastic membrane (110) disposed within the cavity (107) to divide the cavity (107) into a fluidic channel (106) that permits a flow of fluid from the first end (102) to the second (104) end and a sealed cavity (112). The elastic membrane (110) deforms to change the volume of the sealed cavity (107) responsive to pressure fluctuations between the first and second ends (102, 104), thereby varying the fluidic resistance of the flow of fluid through the fluidic channel (106).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Applicant: Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Nikolaos STERGIOPULOS, Constantinos STERGIOPULOS
  • Publication number: 20200214891
    Abstract: An ocular drainage system is provided for treating diseases that produce elevated intraocular pressures, such as glaucoma, wherein the system includes an implantable device and an external control unit, the implantable device includes a non-invasively adjustable valve featuring at least one deformable tube and a disk rotatably mounted within a housing, such that rotation of the disk using the external control unit causes the disk to apply a selected amount of compression to the deformable tube, thereby adjusting the fluidic resistance of the deformable tube and regulating the intraocular pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Applicant: ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE (EPFL)
    Inventors: Stephane BIGLER, Nikolaos STERGIOPULOS
  • Patent number: 10603214
    Abstract: An ocular drainage system is provided for treating diseases that produce elevated intraocular pressures, such as glaucoma, wherein the system includes an implantable device and an external control unit, the implantable device includes a non-invasively adjustable valve featuring at least one deformable tube and a disk rotatably mounted within a housing, such that rotation of the disk using the external control unit causes the disk to apply a selected amount of compression to the deformable tube, thereby adjusting the fluidic resistance of the deformable tube and regulating the intraocular pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Stephane Bigler, Nikolaos Stergiopulos
  • Patent number: 10596035
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating diseases that produce elevated intraocular pressures, such as glaucoma, wherein the device operates on the principles of a Starling resistor, and includes a housing, a deformable structure and a spring mounted within a housing, such that the spring applies a substantially constant spring force over a predetermined working range on the deformable structure to thereby self-regulate flow of fluid through the deformable structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Nikolaos Stergiopulos, Constantinos Stergiopulos
  • Patent number: 10300279
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for treating a sexual disorder such as erectile dysfunction (ED) or female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD). An electrical stimulation system may include an implantable stimulation unit, an external patient controller, and an external physician controller. The implantable stimulation unit has an array of electrodes disposed on one or more flexible substrates configured to conform to a patient's anatomy at the pelvic plexus. Post-implantation, the physician controller may direct the stimulation unit to stimulate with select electrode(s) of the array to determine which electrode configuration provides optimal sexual arousal. The patient controller may be used to cause the stimulation unit to stimulate using the optimal electrode configuration at desired times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Rodrigo Araujo Fraga {grave over (d)}a Silva, Nikolaos Stergiopulos
  • Publication number: 20190134302
    Abstract: An implantable delivery device for delivering a fluid in a controlled manner, including a body having a chamber, a tube having an inlet and an outlet, at least a portion of the tube passing through the chamber, a drive pinion operatively connected to a motor for rotation, a wheel engaging with the drive pinion, and a ring operatively attached to the wheel, wherein the ring presses against the tube in a pressing zone and is driven by a rotation of the wheel relative to the body such that the pressing zone moves along the tube resulting from the rotation of the wheel to generate a movement of fluid present in the tube from the inlet to the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Michel BACHMANN, Nikolaos STERGIOPULOS
  • Publication number: 20180043164
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for treating a sexual disorder such as erectile dysfunction (ED) or female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD). An electrical stimulation system may include an implantable stimulation unit, an external patient controller, and an external physician controller. The implantable stimulation unit has an array of electrodes disposed on one or more flexible substrates configured to conform to a patient's anatomy at the pelvic plexus. Post-implantation, the physician controller may direct the stimulation unit to stimulate with select electrode(s) of the array to determine which electrode configuration provides optimal sexual arousal. The patient controller may be used to cause the stimulation unit to stimulate using the optimal electrode configuration at desired times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE (EPFL)
    Inventors: Rodrigo Araujo FRAGA DA SILVA, Nikolaos STERGIOPULOS
  • Publication number: 20170348148
    Abstract: An ocular drainage system is provided for treating diseases that produce elevated intraocular pressures, such as glaucoma, wherein the system includes an implantable device and an external control unit, the implantable device includes a non-invasively adjustable valve featuring at least one deformable tube and a disk rotatably mounted within a housing, such that rotation of the disk using the external control unit causes the disk to apply a selected amount of compression to the deformable tube, thereby adjusting the fluidic resistance of the deformable tube and regulating the intraocular pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: ÉCOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FÉDÉRALE DE LAUSANNE
    Inventors: Stephane BIGLER, Nikolaos STERGIOPULOS
  • Publication number: 20170348149
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating diseases that produce elevated intraocular pressures, such as glaucoma, wherein the device operates on the principles of a Starling resistor, and includes a housing, a deformable structure and a spring mounted within a housing, such that the spring applies a substantially constant spring force over a predetermined working range on the deformable structure to thereby self-regulate flow of fluid through the deformable structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: ÉCOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FÉDÉRALE DE LAUSANNE
    Inventors: Nikolaos STERGIOPULOS, Constantinos STERGIOPULOS
  • Patent number: 9821163
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for treating a sexual disorder such as erectile dysfunction (ED) or female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD). An electrical stimulation system may include an implantable stimulation unit, an external patient controller, and an external physician controller. The implantable stimulation unit has an array of electrodes disposed on one or more flexible substrates configured to conform to a patient's anatomy at the pelvic plexus. Post-implantation, the physician controller may direct the stimulation unit to stimulate with select electrode(s) of the array to determine which electrode configuration provides optimal sexual arousal. The patient controller may be used to cause the stimulation unit to stimulate using the optimal electrode configuration at desired times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federal De Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Rodrigo Araujo Fraga Da Silva, Nikolaos Stergiopulos
  • Patent number: 9655779
    Abstract: An ocular drainage system is provided for treating diseases that produce elevated intraocular pressures, such as glaucoma, wherein the system includes an implantable device and an external control unit. The implantable device includes a non-invasively adjustable valve featuring at least one deformable tube and a disk rotatably mounted within a housing, such that rotation of the disk using the external control unit causes the disk to apply a selected amount of compression to the deformable tube, thereby adjusting the fluidic resistance of the deformable tube and regulating the intraocular pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Stéphane Bigler, Nikolaos Stergiopulos