Patents by Inventor Phillip C. Falkner

Phillip C. Falkner 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: 11957893
    Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad C. Tischendorf, John E. Kast, Thomas P. Miltich, Gordon O. Munns, Randy S. Roles, Craig L. Schmidt, Joseph J. Viavattine, Christian S. Nielsen, Prabhakar A. Tamirisa, Anthony M. Chasensky, Markus W. Reiterer, Chris J. Paidosh, Reginald D. Robinson, Bernard Q. Li, Erik R. Scott, Phillip C. Falkner, Xuan K. Wei, Eric H. Bonde, David A. Dinsmoor, Duane L. Bourget, Forrest C M Pape, Gabriela C. Molnar, Joel A. Anderson, Michael J. Ebert, Richard T. Stone, Shawn C. Kelley, Stephen J. Roddy, Timothy J. Denison, Todd V. Smith
  • Patent number: 11957894
    Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Chasensky, Bernard Q. Li, Brad C. Tischendorf, Chris J. Paidosh, Christian S. Nielsen, Craig L. Schmidt, David A. Dinsmoor, Duane L. Bourget, Eric H. Bonde, Erik R. Scott, Forrest C M Pape, Gabriela C. Molnar, Gordon O. Munns, Joel A. Anderson, John E. Kast, Joseph J. Viavattine, Markus W. Reiterer, Michael J. Ebert, Phillip C. Falkner, Prabhakar A. Tamirisa, Randy S. Roles, Reginald D. Robinson, Richard T. Stone, Shawn C. Kelley, Stephen J. Roddy, Thomas P. Miltich, Timothy J. Denison, Todd V. Smith, Xuan K. Wei
  • Patent number: 11925804
    Abstract: A first medical device for obstructive sleep apnea therapy includes therapy delivery circuitry coupled to a first set of electrodes implantable proximate to a first hypoglossal nerve within a tongue of the patient and configured to deliver a first electrical stimulation signal to the first hypoglossal nerve that causes the tongue of the patient to advance and includes information to communicate to a second medical device implantable within the head or neck of the patient and coupled to a second set of electrodes implantable proximate to a second hypoglossal nerve within the tongue of the patient; and sensing circuitry coupled to the first set of electrodes and configured to receive a second electrical stimulation signal, delivered to the second hypoglossal nerve by the second medical device, that includes information that the second medical device communicates to the first medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Bodner, Avram Scheiner, Phillip C. Falkner, James Britton Hissong, Walton W. Baxter, III, Richard T. Stone, Robert T. Sandgren, Ryan B. Sefkow, Adam J. Rivard
  • Patent number: 11793998
    Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Chasensky, Bernard Q. Li, Brad C. Tischendorf, Chris J. Paidosh, Christian S. Nielsen, Craig L. Schmidt, Eric H. Bonde, Erik R. Scott, Gabriela C. Molnar, Gordon O. Munns, John E. Kast, Joseph J. Viavattine, Markus W. Reiterer, Michael J. Ebert, Phillip C. Falkner, Prabhakar A. Tamirisa, Randy S. Roles, Reginald D. Robinson, Richard T. Stone, Shawn C. Kelley, Thomas P. Miltich, Todd V. Smith, Xuan K. Wei
  • Patent number: 11730948
    Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad C. Tischendorf, John E. Kast, Thomas P. Miltich, Gordon O. Munns, Randy S. Roles, Craig L. Schmidt, Joseph J. Viavattine, Christian S. Nielsen, Prabhakar A. Tamirisa, Anthony M. Chasensky, Markus W. Reiterer, Chris J. Paidosh, Reginald D. Robinson, Bernard Q. Li, Erik R. Scott, Phillip C. Falkner, Xuan K. Wei, Eric H. Bonde
  • Patent number: 11730947
    Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad C. Tischendorf, John E. Kast, Thomas P. Miltich, Gordon O. Munns, Randy S. Roles, Craig L. Schmidt, Joseph J. Viavattine, Christian S. Nielsen, Prabhakar A. Tamirisa, Anthony M. Chasensky, Markus W. Reiterer, Chris J. Paidosh, Reginald D. Robinson, Bernard Q. Li, Erik R. Scott, Phillip C. Falkner, Xuan K. Wei, Eric H. Bonde
  • Patent number: 11672969
    Abstract: A medical device system for delivering a neuromodulation therapy includes a delivery tool for deploying an implantable medical device at a neuromodulation therapy site. The implantable medical device includes a housing, an electronic circuit within the housing, and an electrical lead comprising a lead body extending between a proximal end coupled to the housing and a distal end extending away from the housing and at least one electrode carried by the lead body. The delivery tool includes a first cavity for receiving the housing and a second cavity for receiving the lead. The first cavity and the second cavity are in direct communication for receiving and deploying the housing and the lead coupled to the housing concomitantly as a single unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Chasensky, Bernard Q. Li, Brad C. Tischendorf, Chris J. Paidosh, Christian S. Nielsen, Craig L. Schmidt, David A. Dinsmoor, Duane L. Bourget, Eric H. Bonde, Erik R. Scott, Forrest C M Pape, Gabriela C. Molnar, Gordon O. Munns, Joel A. Anderson, John E. Kast, Joseph J. Viavattine, Markus W. Reiterer, Michael J. Ebert, Phillip C. Falkner, Prabhakar A. Tamirisa, Randy S. Roles, Reginald D. Robinson, Richard T. Stone, Shawn C. Kelley, Stephen J. Roddy, Thomas P. Miltich, Timothy J. Denison, Todd V. Smith, Xuan K. Wei
  • Patent number: 11672994
    Abstract: The disclosure describes example devices, systems, and techniques for delivering electrical stimulation to a patient. In some examples, an IMD includes a housing having a main portion and projection extending from the main portion. The projection of the housing may carry an electrode. Stimulation circuitry may be disposed within the main portion of the housing where the stimulation circuitry may generate electrical stimulation deliverable via the electrode. Processing circuitry may be disposed within the main portion of the housing where the processing circuitry may control the stimulation circuitry to generate the electrical stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Neils, Andrew J. Cleland, Phillip C. Falkner, Kyle Dahlstrom, Jonathan C. Sell, Jerel K. Mueller, Forrest C.M. Pape
  • Publication number: 20230136535
    Abstract: A first medical device for obstructive sleep apnea therapy includes therapy delivery circuitry coupled to a first set of electrodes implantable proximate to a first hypoglossal nerve within a tongue of the patient and configured to deliver a first electrical stimulation signal to the first hypoglossal nerve that causes the tongue of the patient to advance and includes information to communicate to a second medical device implantable within the head or neck of the patient and coupled to a second set of electrodes implantable proximate to a second hypoglossal nerve within the tongue of the patient; and sensing circuitry coupled to the first set of electrodes and configured to receive a second electrical stimulation signal, delivered to the second hypoglossal nerve by the second medical device, that includes information that the second medical device communicates to the first medical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Bodner, Avram Scheiner, Phillip C. Falkner, James Britton Hissong, Walton W. Baxter, III, Richard T. Stone, Robert T. Sandgren, Ryan B. Sefkow, Adam J. Rivard
  • Patent number: 11617879
    Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) has a housing enclosing an electronic circuit. The housing includes a first housing portion, a second housing portion and a joint coupling the first housing portion to the second housing portion. A polymer seal is positioned in the joint in various embodiments. Other embodiments of an IMD housing are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad C. Tischendorf, John E. Kast, Thomas P. Miltich, Gordon O. Munns, Randy S. Roles, Craig L. Schmidt, Joseph J. Viavattine, Christian S. Nielsen, Prabhakar A. Tamirisa, Anthony M. Chasensky, Markus W. Réitérer, Chris J. Paidosh, Reginald D. Robinson, Bernard Q. Li, Erik R. Scott, Phillip C. Falkner, Xuan K. Wei, Eric H. Bonde
  • Patent number: 11602409
    Abstract: Techniques, systems and apparatus for anchoring a therapy delivery device within a body portal are disclosed. An anchoring apparatus may comprise a first part comprising an outer sidewall and opposing grip surfaces. The outer sidewall may extend around a longitudinal axis of the apparatus to define an outer perimeter, at least a portion which may engage a surface of the body portal. A second part may comprise first and second activation members and a slot configured to receive the therapy delivery device. When the therapy delivery device is received in the slot and the second part is moved generally along the longitudinal axis, the first and second activation members may move the opposing grip surfaces toward one another to thereby anchor the therapy delivery device between the opposing grip surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Paulus C. Van Venrooij, Victor Duijsens, Phillip C. Falkner, Franciscus Van Boekel
  • Patent number: 11458301
    Abstract: In some examples, a fixation device includes a flexible band with a first base portion, a second base portion, and a connecting strap connecting the first base portion to the second base portion, the connecting strap configured to retain a medical device to an anatomical structure of a patient, wherein the flexible band is constructed of a first material. The fixation device may further include a plurality of inserts, each insert of the plurality of inserts defining an inner channel and constructed of a second material more rigid than the first material of the flexible band, wherein a first insert of the plurality of inserts is at least partially within the first base portion, and wherein a second insert of the plurality of inserts is at least partially within the second base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan T. Bauer, Phillip C. Falkner, Randy S. Roles, Elizabeth Kregel
  • Patent number: 11420058
    Abstract: A system comprises a bendable, pre-formed lead body operable to be implanted proximate a neural pathway of a patient. A first electrode comprising a plurality of first segments at a first longitudinal location of the lead body is configured to be positioned at a lateral epidural region proximate at least one nerve root of the patient, and a second electrode comprising a plurality of second segments at a second longitudinal location of the lead body is configured to be positioned along a midline of the patient's spinal column. The system further includes a signal generator electrically coupled to at least one of the first and second electrodes and a processor coupled to the signal generator and operable to apply a stimulation signal to at least one of the first and second electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Jay Cleland, Melanie D. Goodman Keiser, Louis Vera-Portocarrero, Phillip C. Falkner, Brooke Kelley, Jiashu Li
  • Publication number: 20220134109
    Abstract: A system comprises a bendable, pre-formed lead body operable to be implanted proximate a neural pathway of a patient. A first electrode comprising a plurality of first segments at a first longitudinal location of the lead body is configured to be positioned at a lateral epidural region proximate at least one nerve root of the patient, and a second electrode comprising a plurality of second segments at a second longitudinal location of the lead body is configured to be positioned along a midline of the patient's spinal column. The system further includes a signal generator electrically coupled to at least one of the first and second electrodes and a processor coupled to the signal generator and operable to apply a stimulation signal to at least one of the first and second electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: Andrew Jay Cleland, Melanie D. Goodman Keiser, Louis Vera-Portocarrero, Phillip C. Falkner, Brooke Kelley, Jiashu Li
  • Publication number: 20220096846
    Abstract: A leadless neurostimulation device having a header unit including at least one primary electrode having a contact surface that defines an external surface of the leadless neurostimulation device, a housing including a secondary electrode positioned on the same side of the leadless neurostimulation device as the at least one primary electrode, and a anchor device including at least one suture point for securing the leadless neurostimulation device to patient tissue or at least one protrusion nub configured to create mechanical resistance that impedes relative movement between wherein the leadless neurostimulation device and the patient tissue when implanted, where the at least one primary electrode and the secondary electrode are configured to transmit an electrical stimulation signal therebetween to provide electrical stimulation therapy to a target nerve of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Steven T. Deininger, Jerel K. Mueller, Todd V. Smith, Jeffrey Clayton, Thomas M. Hillebrand, Phillip C. Falkner, Jenna N. George, Sarah J. Offutt
  • Patent number: 11278717
    Abstract: A temporary medical electrical lead includes a connector pin and a single conductor coil. The coil being close-wound and having no turns of the coil distal portion being mechanically coupled together. The coil distal portion translates a force of no greater than 0.1 lbf (0.4 N) when strained 400%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Steigauf, Eric H. Bonde, Phillip C. Falkner, Jeevan M. Prasannakumar, Brian T. Stolz, John Shishilla, Adam J. Rivard, Robert Sandgren, Seth Humphrys, Bernard Li
  • Publication number: 20210330985
    Abstract: The disclosure describes example devices, systems, and techniques for delivering electrical stimulation to a patient. In some examples, an IMD includes a housing having a main portion and projection extending from the main portion. The projection of the housing may carry an electrode. Stimulation circuitry may be disposed within the main portion of the housing where the stimulation circuitry may generate electrical stimulation deliverable via the electrode. Processing circuitry may be disposed within the main portion of the housing where the processing circuitry may control the stimulation circuitry to generate the electrical stimulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas F. Neils, Andrew J. Cleland, Phillip C. Falkner, Kyle Dahlstrom, Jonathan C. Sell, Jerel K. Mueller, Forrest C.M. Pape
  • Patent number: 11013915
    Abstract: Medical leads have one or more openly coiled filars and a distal body coupled to the openly coiled filars. The openly coiled filars provide a lead with compliance and elasticity while the distal body provides the firmness needed for placement and support of the electrodes. The openly coiled filars may transition to a linear distal portion that extends to the distal body, and the distal body may have proximal tines that fold proximally to become adjacent to the linear distal portion of the filars. The openly coiled filars may instead extend to the distal body and the proximal tines may be laterally arced to then fold against the lateral surface of the coiled filars. The tines may fold distally during explantation to allow the distal body to release and exit the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Eric H. Bonde, Phillip C. Falkner, Michael T. Hegland, Brian T. Stolz, Patrick D. Wells
  • Patent number: 10994147
    Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) includes a housing that is configured to enclose internal components including at least a processor and a power source. The housing defines two major surfaces that are generally parallel to each other and one or more channels that are each configured to receive a lead and electrically couple the respective lead to the internal components, where each of the channels extend substantially straight in to the housing along an axis generally parallel to the two major surfaces. The housing may be configured to be mounted to a cranium of a patient such that at least one of the two major surfaces approximates a curvature of the cranium. The IMD may include one or more funneling walls that define a rounded and smooth transition from a sidewall of the housing to a surface that defines one or more mouths to the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik R. Scott, Darren A. Janzig, John E. Kast, Randy S. Roles, Don A. Rutledge, Nicholas R. Whitehead, Phillip C. Falkner, Venkat R. Gaddam, Connor T. Gunsbury
  • Publication number: 20210052295
    Abstract: Assemblies and methods provide for implantation of multiple medical leads to a defined space within the body, such as the epidural space, through a single entry. A catheter having multiple lumens or alternatively a single oblong lumen may be used. A distal end of the catheter enters the defined space through the single entry such that the distal ends of the multiple lumens or the oblong lumen are present in the defined space. Medical leads are introduced through the multiple lumens or the oblong lumen into the defined space. In some cases, the distal end of the catheter may be deflectable to direct the medical leads within the defined space. In other cases, sheaths may be present within each lumen of the catheter where the sheaths may be extended into the defined space and deflect to direct the medical leads that are being passed through a lumen of the sheaths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventors: Eric H. Bonde, Phillip C. Falkner, John B. Horrigan, Stuart R. MacDonald, Madeline A. Mannion