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: 10258789
    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: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Brad C. Tischendorf, Eric H. Bonde, Phillip C. Falkner, John E. Kast, Randy S. Roles, EriK R. Scott, Todd V. Smith, Xuan K. Wei, Anthony M. Chasensky, Michael J. Ebert, Shawn C. Kelley, Gabriela C. Molnar, Richard T. Stone
  • Publication number: 20190060636
    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: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    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: 20190060656
    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: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    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
  • Patent number: 10201335
    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: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    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
  • Publication number: 20190022374
    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: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Eric H. Bonde, Phillip C. Falkner, Michael T. Hegland, Brian T. Stolz, Patrick D. Wells
  • Patent number: 10149693
    Abstract: A lead insertion tool includes a first leg having a first rail element pivotally coupled to the first leg distal end and a second leg having a second rail element pivotally coupled to the second leg distal end. The first rail element and the second rail element are configured to receive a lead. Medical kits and methods of using the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Phillip C. Falkner, William Ferris
  • Patent number: 10086191
    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: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Eric H. Bonde, Phillip C. Falkner, Michael T. Hegland, Brian T. Stolz, Patrick D. Wells
  • Publication number: 20180168564
    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: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Brad C. Tischendorf, Eric H. Bonde, Phillip C. Falkner, John E. Kast, Randy S. Roles, Erik R. Scott, Todd V. Smith, Xuan K. Wei, Anthony M. Chasensky, Michael J. Ebert, Shawn C. Kelley, Gabriela C. Molnar, Richard T. Stone
  • Publication number: 20180132961
    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: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Paulus C. van Venrooij, Victor Duijsens, Phillip C. Falkner, Franciscus Van Boekel
  • Publication number: 20180103978
    Abstract: A shaped lead introducer being elastically deflectable and having a pre-set shape end portion and forming a pre-set angle for implanting leads into an epidural space of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Phillip C. Falkner, Eric H. Bonde, John B. Horrigan
  • Patent number: 9931107
    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: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad C. Tischendorf, Eric H. Bonde, Phillip C. Falkner, John E. Kast, Randy S. Roles, Erik R. Scott, Todd V. Smith, Xuan K. Wei, Anthony M. Chasensky, Michael J. Ebert, Shawn C. Kelley, Gabriela C. Molnar, Richard T. Stone
  • Publication number: 20170079683
    Abstract: An introducer for a medical lead, the introducer having an arcuate component for creating an arcuate path in a patient. When used to percutaneously implant a medical device such as a medical lead with electrodes, the implanted lead has an arcuate configuration. The implanted lead can be used to at least partially encircle or bracket a region of chronic pain and provide therapeutic electrical signals to the region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Carl D. Wahlstrand, John E. Kast, Gabriela C. Molnar, Glenna L. Case, Lisa M. Johanek, Phillip C. Falkner
  • Patent number: 9511217
    Abstract: An introducer for a medical lead, the introducer having an arcuate component for creating an arcuate path in a patient. When used to percutaneously implant a medical device such as a medical lead with electrodes, the implanted lead has an arcuate configuration. The implanted lead can be used to at least partially encircle or bracket a region of chronic pain and provide therapeutic electrical signals to the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D. Wahlstrand, John E. Kast, Gabriela C. Molnar, Glenna L. Case, Lisa M. Johanek, Phillip C. Falkner
  • Publication number: 20160331978
    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: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    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: 9398901
    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 enclosure member surrounds the joint and circumscribes the housing in various embodiments. Other embodiments of an IMD housing are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    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: 9302078
    Abstract: Systems for gaining access into a body of a patient around an implanted body of an elongate medical device include a sheath having a deformable wall that allows insertion of the device body into a lumen surrounded by the sheath wall. The sheath wall may include first and second edges that extend from a proximal end to a distal end of the lumen, or just extend along a distal portion of the lumen. A tool, which includes a groove sized to grasp about a circumference of the device body, may facilitate insertion of the device body into the lumen of those sheath embodiments that include the first and second edges, by spreading at least one of the first and second edges of the wall apart from the other of the first and second edges while the device body is grasped within the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy A. Lieberman, Steven L Waldhauser, Javier J Echenique, Lonnie D. Ronning, Linnea R. Lentz, Kimberly A. Oleson, Deanna K. Levenhagen, Phillip C. Falkner, Michael W. Kimmel
  • Publication number: 20150230813
    Abstract: A lead insertion tool includes a first leg having a first rail element pivotally coupled to the first leg distal end and a second leg having a second rail element pivotally coupled to the second leg distal end. The first rail element and the second rail element are configured to receive a lead. Medical kits and methods of using the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Phillip C. Falkner, William Ferris
  • Patent number: 9101285
    Abstract: An volume of a patient can be mapped with a system operable to identify a plurality of locations and save a plurality of locations of a mapping instrument. The mapping instrument can include one or more electrodes that can sense a voltage that can be correlated to a three dimensional location of the electrode at the time of the sensing or measurement. Therefore, a map of a volume can be determined based upon the sensing of the plurality of points without the use of other imaging devices. An implantable medical device can then be navigated relative to the mapping data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Toby Markowitz, Eduardo N. Warman, Pooja Mehta, Phillip C. Falkner, Ioana Fleming, Chad T. Giese
  • Publication number: 20150133955
    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: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Eric H. Bonde, Phillip C. Falkner, Michael T. Hegland, Brian T. Stolz, Patrick D. Wells
  • Patent number: 8929993
    Abstract: A medical lead includes a plurality of electrodes on an annular distal end portion of the lead. The electrodes may be arranged along a circle concentric with the center of a void defined by the annular portion. The annular medical lead design is well suited for application of electrical signal therapy to the suborbital nerve at its point of exit from the inferior orbital foramen in the skull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D. Wahlstrand, Dale F. Seeley, Lisa M. Johanek, John E. Kast, Phillip C. Falkner, Louis P. Vera-Portocarrero