Patents by Inventor Norbert Kaula

Norbert Kaula 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: 10967186
    Abstract: An electronic programmer is used to program a pulse generator to generate electrical stimulation to be delivered to a patient via an implantable lead. The electronic programmer simultaneously displays, via an user interface, a first control mechanism and a second control mechanism that is separate and different from the first control mechanism. A first user input is received via the first control mechanism, and a second user input is received via the second control mechanism. In response to the received first user input and the second user input, the electronic programmer sends instructions to the pulse generator to cause a migration of the electrical stimulation from a first set of electrodes on the implantable lead to a second set of electrodes on the implantable lead. The first user input defines a stimulation amplitude change for the migration, and the second user input defines a direction for the migration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: CIRTEC MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norbert Kaula, Paul Landers, Yohannes Iyassu
  • Publication number: 20210052887
    Abstract: The present invention provides an active implantable medical device (AIMD) comprising an implantable lead, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) within a hermetic enclosure of the AIMD, and a sensing and cancellation wave output from the ASIC supplying to the lead. The invention also provides a method of reducing heating of an AIMD and a lead thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventor: Norbert Kaula
  • Publication number: 20210052891
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for coordinated neurostimulation of two or more biological targets are naturally integrated to each other such as nerves. The method includes disintegrating and separating the two or more biological targets from each other; and wrapping an electrode device around the separated biological targets. The electrode device may include suture holes, and the method, further includes a step of stitching the electrode device around the biological targets through the one or more suture holes. The electrode in the electrode device can electrically and stably contact the biological targets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventor: Norbert Kaula
  • Publication number: 20210052885
    Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable electrode device, a medical device/system thereof, and a diagnostic and/or therapeutic method using the medical device/system. The implantable electrode device includes a flexible non-conductive flap, one or more electrodes integrated with the flap, and one or more wires embedded within the flap and connected to the one or more electrodes. The invention exhibits numerous technical merits such as stable fixation of the electrode to a biological target in a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventor: Norbert Kaula
  • Publication number: 20210052892
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating overactive bladder (OAB) and secondary fecal incontinence. The method includes (i) providing a neurostimulator or a neurostimulating system with two neurostimulation leads; (ii) delivering the two neurostimulation leads to two nerve sites respectively; and (iii) neurostimulating the two nerve sites in a coordinated manner with the two neurostimulation leads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventor: Norbert Kaula
  • Patent number: 10668276
    Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method of setting stimulation parameters for neurostimulation. A plurality of stimulation parameters available for bracketing is displayed. The stimulation parameters are selected from the group consisting of: stimulation current amplitude, pulse width, frequency, and contact location. Thereafter, in response to an input from a user, at least a subset of the stimulation parameters is selected for bracketing. A respective initial value is then obtained for each of the stimulation parameters in the selected subset. Thereafter, a bracketing process is used to generate a plurality of bracketed values for each of the stimulation parameters in the selected subset. The bracketed values are generated as a function of the initial value. A plurality of stimulation pulses is then delivered to a patient through a neurostimulator that is automatically programmed with a different combination of the bracketed values for the stimulation parameters for each stimulation pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Cirtec Medical Corp.
    Inventors: Norbert Kaula, Yohannes Iyassu
  • Publication number: 20200077950
    Abstract: The present invention involves systems and related methods for performing percutaneous pedicle integrity assessments involving the use of neurophysiology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Patrick Miles, Scot Martinelli, Eric Finley, Jamil Elbanna, James Gharib, Allen Farquhar, Norbert Kaula, Jeffrey Blewett
  • Patent number: 10470707
    Abstract: The present invention involves systems and related methods for performing percutaneous pedicle integrity assessments involving the use of neurophysiology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Miles, Scot Martinelli, Eric Finley, Jamil Elbanna, James Gharib, Allen Farquhar, Norbert Kaula, Jeffrey Blewett, Goretti Medeiros
  • Patent number: 10391321
    Abstract: A method of evaluating an implantation of a lead is disclosed. Via a graphical user interface of an electronic device, a visual representation of a sacrum of the patient and a lead that is implanted in the sacrum is displayed. The lead includes a plurality of electrode contacts. An evaluation is made as to how well the lead has been implanted in the sacrum based on the visual representation of the sacrum and the lead. The evaluating comprises: determining whether the lead is inserted in a predetermined region of the sacrum, determining how far a predetermined one of the electrode contacts is located from an edge of the sacrum, and determining a degree of curvature of the lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: NUVECTRA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norbert Kaula, Yohannes Iyassu, Steven Siegel
  • Patent number: 10376701
    Abstract: One or more virtual objects are displayed on an electronic programmer. The virtual objects represent initiating and terminating a delivery of a medical therapy to a patient. An actuation of the one or more virtual objects is sensed. The delivery of the medical therapy is terminated immediately if the actuation of the one or more virtual objects corresponds to terminating the delivery of the medical therapy. The delivery of the medical therapy is initiated in a delayed manner if the actuation of the one or more virtual objects corresponds to starting the delivery of the medical therapy. A battery level of the electronic programmer is monitored. At least one of the following tasks is performed if the battery level is lower than a target battery level: disallowing programming of the electronic programmer; terminating the delivery of an existing medical therapy; and precluding the delivery of a prospective medical therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: NUVECTRA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norbert Kaula, Yohannes Iyassu
  • Publication number: 20190217107
    Abstract: A first fraction of an electrical stimulation is allocated to a first electrode. In response to user input, the first fraction of the electrical stimulation is fixed to the first electrode such that the first fraction is user-adjustable but cannot be automatically changed. In response to the first fraction being fixed to the first electrode, a respective second fraction of the electrical stimulation is automatically allocated to a plurality of second electrodes. The second fraction is a function of the first fraction and a total number of the second electrodes. Thereafter, a new electrode is added to, or deleting from, the second electrodes, while the first fraction is still fixed to the first electrode. The respective second fractions are automatically adjusted in response to the adding or the deleting, without affecting the first fraction of the electrical stimulation that has been fixed to the first electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Norbert Kaula, Yohannes Iyassu
  • Publication number: 20190217099
    Abstract: A first value of an electrical stimulation parameter of an electrical stimulation therapy that resulted in a first physiological response for a patient is identified. The electrical stimulation therapy is delivered at least in part through a lead that is implanted inside the patient. Based on the first value, a limit of a second value of the electrical stimulation parameter that should result in a second physiological response for the patient is determined. An actual second value of the electrical stimulation parameter that actually resulted in the second physiological response for the patient is identified. Based on a comparison of the limit of the second value and the actual second value, an implantation of the lead is evaluated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: NORBERT Kaula, Yohannes Iyassu
  • Patent number: 10347381
    Abstract: The present disclosure involves a medical system that includes one or more implantable medical devices configured to deliver a medical therapy to a patient. The medical system also includes a portable electronic device on which a touch-sensitive user interface is implemented. The user interface is configured to provide a visual representation of the medical therapy through a hierarchy. The hierarchy includes a lower level representation of the medical therapy that corresponds to a stimulation program that includes a plurality of configurable stimulation parameters. The hierarchy includes a middle level representation of the medical therapy that corresponds to a stimulation program-set that includes a plurality of different stimulation programs. The hierarchy includes an upper level representation of the medical therapy that corresponds to a scrollable collection of stimulation program-sets that are represented by a plurality of digital cards, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: NUVECTRA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norbert Kaula, Yohannes Iyassu
  • Patent number: 10245434
    Abstract: An electrical stimulation is applied to a patient via a lead by increasing a stimulation parameter over time. An anal sphincter response, a bellows response, and a toes response from the patient are detected as a result of the electrical stimulation. A first value of the stimulation parameter associated with the anal sphincter response, a second value of the stimulation parameter associated with the bellows response, and a third value of the stimulation parameter associated with the toes response are determined. A placement of the lead inside the patient is evaluated based on: a chronological occurrence of the anal sphincter response, the bellows response, and the toes response; a comparison of the first value with a predetermined threshold; a deviation of the second value from the first value; a deviation of the third value from the first value; or a deviation of the third value from the second value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: NUVECTRA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norbert Kaula, Yohannes Iyassu
  • Publication number: 20190096530
    Abstract: The present disclosure involves a medical system that includes one or more implantable medical devices configured to deliver a medical therapy to a patient. The medical system also includes a portable electronic device on which a touch-sensitive user interface is implemented. The user interface is configured to provide a visual representation of the medical therapy through a hierarchy. The hierarchy includes a lower level representation of the medical therapy that corresponds to a stimulation program that includes a plurality of configurable stimulation parameters. The hierarchy includes a middle level representation of the medical therapy that corresponds to a stimulation program-set that includes a plurality of different stimulation programs. The hierarchy includes an upper level representation of the medical therapy that corresponds to a scrollable collection of stimulation program-sets that are represented by a plurality of digital cards, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Norbert Kaula, Yohannes Iyassu
  • Patent number: 10238877
    Abstract: An anal electrode device is configured to measure a response of a patient to a stimulation pulse. The anal electrode device includes an elongated shaft that is configured to be at least partially inserted into an anal canal of the patient. A first sensory electrode is disposed on a first region of the shaft. The first sensory electrode is configured to measure a compound motor action potential (CMAP) from an internal sphincter of the patient while the shaft is partially inserted into the anal canal of the patient. A second sensory electrode is disposed on a second region of the shaft. The second sensory electrode is configured to measure the CMAP from an external sphincter of the patient while the shaft is partially inserted into the anal canal of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: NUVECTRA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norbert Kaula, Yohannes Iyassu, Steven Siegel, Michele Spinelli
  • Publication number: 20190054301
    Abstract: Feedback regarding electrical stimulation is provided to a patient. Electrical stimulation is applied to the patient. The electrical stimulation is applied by varying an electrical stimulation parameter. A signal is communicated to the patient via an electronic device. The signal is correlated with the electrical stimulation parameter such that the signal varies in association with the varying of the electrical stimulation parameter. The communicating is performed while the electrical stimulation is applied. Feedback is received from the patient in response to the electrical stimulation. Based on the received feedback from the patient, the electrical stimulation is adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Publication date: February 21, 2019
    Inventors: Norbert Kaula, Yohannes Iyassu
  • Publication number: 20190009092
    Abstract: A non-zero starting value for ramping up a stimulation parameter for an electrical stimulation to be delivered to a patient is determined. The non-zero starting value is customized to the patient. A pulse generator is caused to generate the electrical stimulation, which is delivered to the patient via an implanted lead. The pulse generator is caused to ramp up, from the determined non-zero starting value and toward a predefined maximum limit value, the stimulation parameter for a plurality of electrode contacts on the lead. Feedback is received from the patient in response to the ramping up. The feedback is received via an electronic patient feedback device. Based on the ramping up and the received feedback from the patient, a perception threshold is determined for each of the plurality of electrode contacts. The perception threshold is a value of the stimulation parameter that corresponds to the patient feeling the electrical stimulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Inventors: Norbert Kaula, Yohannes Iyassu
  • Patent number: 10159843
    Abstract: A first fraction of an electrical stimulation is allocated to a first electrode. In response to user input, the first fraction of the electrical stimulation is fixed to the first electrode such that the first fraction is user-adjustable but cannot be automatically changed. In response to the first fraction being fixed to the first electrode, a respective second fraction of the electrical stimulation is automatically allocated to a plurality of second electrodes. The second fraction is a function of the first fraction and a total number of the second electrodes. Thereafter, a new electrode is added to, or deleting from, the second electrodes, while the first fraction is still fixed to the first electrode. The respective second fractions are automatically adjusted in response to the adding or the deleting, without affecting the first fraction of the electrical stimulation that has been fixed to the first electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Nuvectra Corporation
    Inventors: Norbert Kaula, Yohannes Iyassu
  • Publication number: 20180345027
    Abstract: The present disclosure involves systems and methods of programming electrical stimulation therapy for a patient. A communications link is established with a pulse generator that is configured to generate electrical stimulation pulses. An intermittent electrical coupling between the pulse generator and a diagnostic tool is simulated. This simulation is performed by instructing, for a plurality of cycles, the pulse generator to automatically turn on and off the generation of electrical stimulation pulses. Each cycle includes a first time period and a second time period following the first time period. The simulating includes: instructing the pulse generator to generate the electrical stimulation pulses during the first time period; and instructing the pulse generator to stop generating the electrical stimulation pulses during the second time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Norbert Kaula, Yohannes Iyassu