Patents by Inventor Paul W. Wacnik
Paul W. Wacnik 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: 20230381520Abstract: Peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) may be controlled based on detected physiological effects of the PNFS, which may be an efferent response to the PNFS. In some examples, a closed-loop therapy system may include a sensing module that senses a physiological parameter of the patient, which may be indicative of the patient's response to the PNFS. Based on a signal generated by the sensing module, the PNFS may be activated, deactivated or modified. Example physiological parameters of the patient include heart rate, respiratory rate, electrodermal activity, muscle activity, blood flow rate, sweat gland activity, pilomotor reflex, or thermal activity of the patient's body. In some examples, a patient pain state may be detected based on a signal generated by the sensing module, and therapy may be controlled based on the detection of the pain state.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Gary W. King, Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Jordan J. Greenberg, Kenneth T. Heruth, Mark S. Lent, Paul W. Wacnik
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Patent number: 11752343Abstract: Peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) may be controlled based on detected physiological effects of the PNFS, which may be an efferent response to the PNFS. In some examples, a closed-loop therapy system may include a sensing module that senses a physiological parameter of the patient, which may be indicative of the patient's response to the PNFS. Based on a signal generated by the sensing module, the PNFS may be activated, deactivated or modified. Example physiological parameters of the patient include heart rate, respiratory rate, electrodermal activity, muscle activity, blood flow rate, sweat gland activity, pilomotor reflex, or thermal activity of the patient's body. In some examples, a patient pain state may be detected based on a signal generated by the sensing module, and therapy may be controlled based on the detection of the pain state.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2020Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Gary W. King, Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Jordan J. Greenberg, Kenneth T. Heruth, Mark S. Lent, Paul W. Wacnik
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Patent number: 11154709Abstract: Delivery of peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) in combination with one or more other therapies is described. The other therapy delivered in combination with PNFS may be, for example, a different type of neurostimulation, such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS), or a drug. PNFS and the other therapy may be delivered simultaneously, in an alternating fashion, according to a schedule, and/or selectively, e.g., in response to a request received from a patient or clinician. A combination therapy that includes PNFS may be able to more completely address complex or multifocal pain than would be possible through delivery of either PNFS or other therapies alone. Further, the combination of PNFS with one or more other therapies may reduce the likelihood that neural accommodation will impair the perceived effectiveness PNFS or the other therapies.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2019Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Ethan A. Rooney, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Gary W. King, Thomas E. Cross, Jr., Kenneth T. Heruth, Paul W. Wacnik, Jeffrey S. Evanson
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Publication number: 20200368532Abstract: Peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) may be controlled based on detected physiological effects of the PNFS, which may be an efferent response to the PNFS. In some examples, a closed-loop therapy system may include a sensing module that senses a physiological parameter of the patient, which may be indicative of the patient's response to the PNFS. Based on a signal generated by the sensing module, the PNFS may be activated, deactivated or modified. Example physiological parameters of the patient include heart rate, respiratory rate, electrodermal activity, muscle activity, blood flow rate, sweat gland activity, pilomotor reflex, or thermal activity of the patient's body. In some examples, a patient pain state may be detected based on a signal generated by the sensing module, and therapy may be controlled based on the detection of the pain state.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2020Publication date: November 26, 2020Inventors: Gary W. King, Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Jordan J. Greenberg, Kenneth T. Heruth, Mark S. Lent, Paul W. Wacnik
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Patent number: 10744326Abstract: Peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) may be controlled based on detected physiological effects of the PNFS, which may be an efferent response to the PNFS. In some examples, a closed-loop therapy system may include a sensing module that senses a physiological parameter of the patient, which may be indicative of the patient's response to the PNFS. Based on a signal generated by the sensing module, the PNFS may be activated, deactivated or modified. Example physiological parameters of the patient include heart rate, respiratory rate, electrodermal activity, muscle activity, blood flow rate, sweat gland activity, pilomotor reflex, or thermal activity of the patient's body. In some examples, a patient pain state may be detected based on a signal generated by the sensing module, and therapy may be controlled based on the detection of the pain state.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2014Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Gary W. King, Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Jordan J. Greenberg, Kenneth T. Heruth, Mark S. Lent, Paul W. Wacnik
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Publication number: 20190232058Abstract: Delivery of peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) in combination with one or more other therapies is described. The other therapy delivered in combination with PNFS may be, for example, a different type of neurostimulation, such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS), or a drug. PNFS and the other therapy may be delivered simultaneously, in an alternating fashion, according to a schedule, and/or selectively, e.g., in response to a request received from a patient or clinician. A combination therapy that includes PNFS may be able to more completely address complex or multifocal pain than would be possible through delivery of either PNFS or other therapies alone. Further, the combination of PNFS with one or more other therapies may reduce the likelihood that neural accommodation will impair the perceived effectiveness PNFS or the other therapies.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2019Publication date: August 1, 2019Inventors: Ethan A. Rooney, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Gary W. King, Thomas E. Cross, JR., Kenneth T. Heruth, Paul W. Wacnik, Jeffrey S. Evanson
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Patent number: 10300273Abstract: Delivery of peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) in combination with one or more other therapies is described. The other therapy delivered in combination with PNFS may be, for example, a different type of neurostimulation, such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS), or a drug. PNFS and the other therapy may be delivered simultaneously, in an alternating fashion, according to a schedule, and/or selectively, e.g., in response to a request received from a patient or clinician. A combination therapy that includes PNFS may be able to more completely address complex or multifocal pain than would be possible through delivery of either PNFS or other therapies alone. Further, the combination of PNFS with one or more other therapies may reduce the likelihood that neural accommodation will impair the perceived effectiveness PNFS or the other therapies.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Ethan A. Rooney, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Gary W. King, Thomas E. Cross, Jr., Kenneth T. Heruth, Paul W. Wacnik, Jeffrey S. Evanson
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Publication number: 20160279411Abstract: Delivery of peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) in combination with one or more other therapies is described. The other therapy delivered in combination with PNFS may be, for example, a different type of neurostimulation, such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS), or a drug. PNFS and the other therapy may be delivered simultaneously, in an alternating fashion, according to a schedule, and/or selectively, e.g., in response to a request received from a patient or clinician. A combination therapy that includes PNFS may be able to more completely address complex or multifocal pain than would be possible through delivery of either PNFS or other therapies alone. Further, the combination of PNFS with one or more other therapies may reduce the likelihood that neural accommodation will impair the perceived effectiveness PNFS or the other therapies.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: Ethan A. Rooney, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Gary W. King, Thomas E. Cross, JR., Kenneth T. Heruth, Paul W. Wacnik, Jeffrey S. Evanson
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Patent number: 9393416Abstract: Delivery of peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) in combination with one or more other therapies is described. The other therapy delivered in combination with PNFS may be, for example, a different type of neurostimulation, such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS), or a drug. PNFS and the other therapy may be delivered simultaneously, in an alternating fashion, according to a schedule, and/or selectively, e.g., in response to a request received from a patient or clinician. A combination therapy that includes PNFS may be able to more completely address complex or multifocal pain than would be possible through delivery of either PNFS or other therapies alone. Further, the combination of PNFS with one or more other therapies may reduce the likelihood that neural accommodation will impair the perceived effectiveness PNFS or the other therapies.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2013Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Ethan A. Rooney, Gary W. King, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Kenneth T. Heruth, Thomas E. Cross, Jr., Paul W. Wacnik, Richard T. Stone
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Patent number: 9320847Abstract: Delivery of peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) in combination with one or more other therapies is described. The other therapy delivered in combination with PNFS may be, for example, a different type of neurostimulation, such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS), or a drug. PNFS and the other therapy may be delivered simultaneously, in an alternating fashion, according to a schedule, and/or selectively, e.g., in response to a request received from a patient or clinician. A combination therapy that includes PNFS may be able to more completely address complex or multifocal pain than would be possible through delivery of either PNFS or other therapies alone. Further, the combination of PNFS with one or more other therapies may reduce the likelihood that neural accommodation will impair the perceived effectiveness PNFS or the other therapies.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2015Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.Inventors: Ethan A. Rooney, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Gary W. King, Thomas E. Cross, Jr., Kenneth T. Heruth, Paul W. Wacnik, Jeffrey S. Evanson
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Patent number: 9155895Abstract: In some examples, the disclosure relates to system, devices, and techniques for delivering dorsal column stimulation. One or more locations for dorsal column stimulation may be identified based on sensed signals evoked by delivery of stimulation to a dorsal root and/or peripheral nerve of a patient. In some examples, an IMD may deliver dorsal column stimulation in combination with dorsal root stimulation to a patient to treat a patient condition.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2014Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Paul W. Wacnik, Lisa M. Johanek
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Publication number: 20150224251Abstract: Delivery of peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) in combination with one or more other therapies is described. The other therapy delivered in combination with PNFS may be, for example, a different type of neurostimulation, such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS), or a drug. PNFS and the other therapy may be delivered simultaneously, in an alternating fashion, according to a schedule, and/or selectively, e.g., in response to a request received from a patient or clinician. A combination therapy that includes PNFS may be able to more completely address complex or multifocal pain than would be possible through delivery of either PNFS or other therapies alone. Further, the combination of PNFS with one or more other therapies may reduce the likelihood that neural accommodation will impair the perceived effectiveness PNFS or the other therapies.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2015Publication date: August 13, 2015Inventors: Ethan A. Rooney, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Gary W. King, Thomas E. Cross, JR., Kenneth T. Heruth, Paul W. Wacnik, Jeffrey S. Evanson
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Patent number: 9020599Abstract: Delivery of peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) in combination with one or more other therapies is described. The other therapy delivered in combination with PNFS may be, for example, a different type of neurostimulation, such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS), or a drug. PNFS and the other therapy may be delivered simultaneously, in an alternating fashion, according to a schedule, and/or selectively, e.g., in response to a request received from a patient or clinician. A combination therapy that includes PNFS may be able to more completely address complex or multifocal pain than would be possible through delivery of either PNFS or other therapies alone. Further, the combination of PNFS with one or more other therapies may reduce the likelihood that neural accommodation will impair the perceived effectiveness PNFS or the other therapies.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Ethan A. Rooney, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Gary W. King, Thomas E. Cross, Jr., Kenneth T. Heruth, Paul W. Wacnik, Jeffrey S. Evanson
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Publication number: 20140350636Abstract: Peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) may be controlled based on detected physiological effects of the PNFS, which may be an efferent response to the PNFS. In some examples, a closed-loop therapy system may include a sensing module that senses a physiological parameter of the patient, which may be indicative of the patient's response to the PNFS. Based on a signal generated by the sensing module, the PNFS may be activated, deactivated or modified. Example physiological parameters of the patient include heart rate, respiratory rate, electrodermal activity, muscle activity, blood flow rate, sweat gland activity, pilomotor reflex, or thermal activity of the patient's body. In some examples, a patient pain state may be detected based on a signal generated by the sensing module, and therapy may be controlled based on the detection of the pain state.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventors: Gary W. King, Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Jordan J. Greenberg, Kenneth T. Heruth, Mark S. Lent, Paul W. Wacnik
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Patent number: 8843209Abstract: Devices, systems, and techniques for ramping one or more parameter values of electrical stimulation are disclosed. An implantable medical device may increase or decrease a parameter value, e.g., amplitude or pulse width, over time to reach a target value of the parameter. In one example, a memory may be configured to store a plurality of amplitude ramp schedules. At least one processor may be configured to obtain a stimulation parameter set that at least partially defines an electrical stimulation therapy, select one of the plurality of amplitude ramp schedules based on a signal frequency of the stimulation parameter set, and increase an amplitude of the electrical stimulation therapy during a ramp period defined by the selected amplitude ramp schedule.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Paul W. Wacnik, Lisa M. Johanek
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Patent number: 8805518Abstract: Peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) may be controlled based on detected physiological effects of the PNFS, which may be an efferent response to the PNFS. In some examples, a closed-loop therapy system may include a sensing module that senses a physiological parameter of the patient, which may be indicative of the patient's response to the PNFS. Based on a signal generated by the sensing module, the PNFS may be activated, deactivated or modified. Example physiological parameters of the patient include heart rate, respiratory rate, electrodermal activity, muscle activity, blood flow rate, sweat gland activity, pilomotor reflex, or thermal activity of the patient's body. In some examples, a patient pain state may be detected based on a signal generated by the sensing module, and therapy may be controlled based on the detection of the pain state.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Gary W. King, Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Jordan J. Greenberg, Kenneth T. Heruth, Mark S. Lent, Paul W. Wacnik
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Patent number: 8751009Abstract: A system may include a therapy delivery module configured to deliver electrical stimulation therapy to a tissue of a patient in accordance with a first stimulation therapy program. The first stimulation therapy program may define a first stimulation intensity below a perception threshold stimulation intensity of the patient. The therapy delivery module also may be configured to deliver electrical stimulation therapy to the tissue of the patient in accordance with a second stimulation therapy program. The second stimulation therapy program may define a second stimulation intensity at or above the perception threshold stimulation intensity. The system also may include a processor configured to determine stimulation parameter values for the first stimulation therapy program that result in a first volume of effect and determine stimulation parameter values for the second stimulation therapy program that result in a second volume of effect substantially the same as the first volume of effect.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Paul W. Wacnik
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Publication number: 20140155953Abstract: In some examples, the disclosure relates to system, devices, and techniques for delivering dorsal column stimulation. One or more locations for dorsal column stimulation may be identified based on sensed signals evoked by delivery of stimulation to a dorsal root and/or peripheral nerve of a patient. In some examples, an IMD may deliver dorsal column stimulation in combination with dorsal root stimulation to a patient to treat a patient condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2014Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Paul W. Wacnik, Lisa M. Johanek
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Publication number: 20140114374Abstract: Delivery of peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) in combination with one or more other therapies is described. The other therapy delivered in combination with PNFS may be, for example, a different type of neurostimulation, such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS), or a drug. PNFS and the other therapy may be delivered simultaneously, in an alternating fashion, according to a schedule, and/or selectively, e.g., in response to a request received from a patient or clinician. A combination therapy that includes PNFS may be able to more completely address complex or multifocal pain than would be possible through delivery of either PNFS or other therapies alone. Further, the combination of PNFS with one or more other therapies may reduce the likelihood that neural accommodation will impair the perceived effectiveness PNFS or the other therapies.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Ethan A. Rooney, Gary W. King, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Kenneth T. Heruth, Thomas E. Cross, JR., Paul W. Wacnik, Richard T. Stone
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Publication number: 20140107747Abstract: Delivery of peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) in combination with one or more other therapies is described. The other therapy delivered in combination with PNFS may be, for example, a different type of neurostimulation, such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS), or a drug. PNFS and the other therapy may be delivered simultaneously, in an alternating fashion, according to a schedule, and/or selectively, e.g., in response to a request received from a patient or clinician. A combination therapy that includes PNFS may be able to more completely address complex or multifocal pain than would be possible through delivery of either PNFS or other therapies alone. Further, the combination of PNFS with one or more other therapies may reduce the likelihood that neural accommodation will impair the perceived effectiveness PNFS or the other therapies.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Ethan A. Rooney, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Gary W. King, Thomas E. Cross, Jr., Kenneth T. Heruth, Paul W. Wacnik, Jeffrey S. Evanson