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).

  • Patent number: 8676329
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Wacnik, Lisa M. Johanek
  • Patent number: 8670831
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Wacnik, Lisa M. Johanek
  • Patent number: 8644941
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan A. Rooney, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Gary W. King, Thomas E. Cross, Jr., Jeffrey S. Evanson, Kenneth T. Heruth, Paul W. Wacnik
  • Publication number: 20140012131
    Abstract: A method and apparatus can be used to guide or navigate an instrument relative to a body. Various types of information can be used to assist in the navigation, such as MRI data, diffusion tensor image data, and the like. The information can assist in identifying the portions of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth T. HERUTH, Gabriela C. MOLNAR (FORMERLY MIYAZAWA), Paul W. WACNIK, Gregory F. MOLNAR
  • Patent number: 8620435
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan A. Rooney, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Gary W. King, Thomas E. Cross, Jr., Jeffrey S. Evanson, Kenneth T. Heruth, Paul W. Wacnik
  • Publication number: 20130289667
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Paul W. Wacnik, Lisa M. Johanek
  • Publication number: 20130282078
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventor: Paul W. Wacnik
  • Patent number: 8532741
    Abstract: A method and apparatus can be used to guide or navigate an instrument relative to a body. Various types of information can be used to assist in the navigation, such as MRI data, diffusion tensor image data, and the like. The information can assist in identifying the portions of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth T. Heruth, Gabriela C. Miyazawa, Paul W. Wacnik, Gregory F. Molnar
  • Patent number: 8207138
    Abstract: The instant invention provides a method for improving efficiency of RNA delivery to cells. The method comprises applying a low strength electric field to the cells and then after a certain time period, administering the ribonucleic acid sequence to the cells. Devices, kits, and RNA molecules suitable for delivery and devices suitable for practicing the disclosed methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Deepak Ramesh Thakker, Carl A. Schu, Eric Neal Burright, Paul W. Wacnik, Jennifer M. Heisel, Lothar Krinke
  • Publication number: 20110054565
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Wacnik, Lisa M. Johanek
  • Publication number: 20110040348
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Wacnik, Lisa M. Johanek
  • Publication number: 20100298697
    Abstract: The instant invention provides a method for improving efficiency of RNA delivery to cells. The method comprises applying a low strength electric field to the cells and then after a certain time period, administering the ribonucleic acid sequence to the cells. Devices, kits, and RNA molecules suitable for delivery and devices suitable for practicing the disclosed methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: DEEPAK Ramesh THAKKER, CARL A. SHU, ERIC NEAL BURRIGHT, PAUL W. WACNIK, JENNIFER M. HEISEL, LOTHAR KRINKE
  • Publication number: 20100298762
    Abstract: The instant invention provides a method for improving efficiency of RNA delivery to cells. The method comprises applying a low strength electric field to the cells and then after a certain time period, administering the ribonucleic acid sequence to the cells. Devices, kits, and RNA molecules suitable for delivery and devices suitable for practicing the disclosed methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Deepak Ramesh Thakker, Carl A. Schu, Eric Neal Burright, Paul W. Wacnik, Jennifer M. Heisel, Lothar Krinke
  • Publication number: 20090281594
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    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
  • Publication number: 20080064947
    Abstract: A method and apparatus can be used to guide or navigate an instrument relative to a body. Various types of information can be used to assist in the navigation, such as MRI data, diffusion tensor image data, and the like. The information can assist in identifying the portions of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth T. Heruth, Gabriela C. Miyazawa, Paul W. Wacnik, Gregory F. Molnar