Patents by Inventor Rafael Carbunaru

Rafael Carbunaru 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).

  • Methods and systems for treating seizures caused by brain stimulation
    Patent number: 8600512
    Abstract: Methods for treating seizures caused by brain stimulation include providing a stimulator, programming the stimulator with one or more stimulation parameters configured to treat a medical condition, applying at least one stimulus with the stimulator to a stimulation site within the brain of a patient in accordance with the one or more stimulation parameters, and monitoring the patient for a seizure caused by the at least one stimulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Todd K. Whitehurst, Rafael Carbunaru, Kristen N. Jaax, Andrew DiGiore, Brett Schleicher, Greg Baldwin
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING RF COMPATIBILITY OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION LEADS
    Publication number: 20130310900
    Abstract: An implantable lead assembly for an electrical stimulation system includes a first lead configured for insertion into a patient. A current-limiting arrangement is coupleable with the first lead. The current-limiting arrangement is configured for limiting the amount of RF-induced current propagating along a body of the first lead during an MRI procedure. The current-liming arrangement includes a safety device configured to couple to the lead body when the lead body is implanted in the patient. The safety device defines a first port extending along a length of the safety device. The first port is configured for receiving a proximal end portion of the lead body and covering each of multiple terminals disposed along the lead body to prevent the terminals from contacting patient tissue. The safety device provides an impedance of at least 50 ohms at one or more MRI RF frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rafael Carbunaru, Matthew Lee McDonald
  • External device for an implantable medical system having accessible contraindication information
    Patent number: 8588925
    Abstract: Disclosed is a remote controller for an implantable medical device having stored contraindication information, which includes information which a patient or clinician might wish to review when assessing the compatibility of a given therapeutic or diagnostic technique or activity with the patient's implant. The stored contraindication information is available through a display of the remote controller or via a wired, wireless, or portable drive connection with an external device. By storing contraindication information with the implant's remote controller, patient and clinician can more easily determine the safety of a particular therapeutic or diagnostic technique or physical activity with the patient's implant, perhaps without the need to contact the manufacturer's service representative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Rafael Carbunaru, Que Doan
  • Implantable medical device that uses electrical current steering by means of output impedance modulation
    Patent number: 8583262
    Abstract: A method and system of providing therapy to a patient implanted with an array of electrodes is provided. Electrical stimulation current is conveyed from at least two of the electrodes to at least one of the electrodes along at least two electrical paths through tissue of the patient, and the electrical stimulation current is shifted between the electrical paths by actively adjusting one or more finite resistances respectively associated with one or more of the electrical paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Jordi Parramon, David K. L. Peterson, Kerry Bradley, Rafael Carbunaru, Andrew DiGiore
  • Implantable microstimulators and methods for unidirectional propagation of action potentials
    Patent number: 8548604
    Abstract: Miniature implantable stimulators (i.e., microstimulators) are capable of producing unidirectionally propagating action potentials (UPAPs). The methods and configurations described may, for instance, arrest action potentials traveling in one direction, arrest action potentials of small diameters nerve fibers, arrest action potentials of large diameter nerve fibers. These methods and systems may limit side effects of bidirectional and/or less targeted stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Todd K. Whitehurst, Rafael Carbunaru, James P. McGivern, Matthew I. Haller, Tom Xiaohai He, Kerry Bradley, Janusz A. Kuzma
  • Charging and communication system for a battery-powered microstimulator
    Patent number: 8543216
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for both recharging and communicating with a stimulator having a rechargeable battery, which stimulator is implanted deeply in the body, in particular where the stimulator is a microstimulator, the system includes a base station and an external device, for instance a chair pad. The chair pad may contain an antenna/charging coil and a booster coil. The antenna/charging coil can be used for charging the rechargeable battery and also for communicating with the stimulator using frequency shift keying and on-off keying. The booster coil can be used to recharge a battery depleted to zero volts. The base station connected to the chair pad may be used to power the antenna/charging coil and the booster coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Rafael Carbunaru, Robert D. Ozawa, Kenneth A. McGiboney
  • Methods to avoid frequency locking in a multi-channel neurostimulation system using pulse placement
    Patent number: 8543200
    Abstract: A method and neurostimulation system for treating a patient are provided. A plurality of pulsed electrical waveforms are respectively delivered within a plurality of timing channels of the neurostimulation system, thereby treating the patient. Sets of stimulation pulses within the electrical waveforms that will potentially overlap temporally are predicted. Each of the potentially overlapping pulse sets is substituted with a replacement stimulation pulse, such that each replacement stimulation pulse is delivered within at least one of the respective timing channels, thereby preventing temporal overlap between the stimulation pulses of the respective electrical waveforms while preventing frequency locking between the timing channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Courtney Lane, Rafael Carbunaru, Kerry Bradley, David K. L. Peterson, Andrew DiGiore, Michael Moffitt
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OBTAINING AND USING INCIDENT FIELD TRANSFER FUNCTIONS OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20130241573
    Abstract: A method of estimating response of a medical lead to an electromagnetic field includes providing a medical lead having a proximal end, a distal end, a plurality of electrodes disposed along the distal end, a plurality of terminals disposed along the proximal end, and a plurality of conductors extending along the medical lead and electrically coupling the electrodes to the terminals; individually applying a test field at each of a plurality of test positions along the medical lead using at least one excitation probe; for each application of the test field, determining a response to the application of the test field at one or more of the electrodes or terminals; generating a transfer function using a combination of the responses determined for the applications of the test field; and using the transfer function to estimate a response of the medical lead to an electromagnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gaurav Gupta, Joseph M. Bocek, Ross Daniel Venook, Matthew Lee McDonald, Rafael Carbunaru, Chirag M. Patel
  • Methods and systems for treating post-stroke disorders
    Patent number: 8515541
    Abstract: Methods of treating a post-stroke disorder include applying at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within a patient with an implanted stimulator in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The stimulation site may include, for example, at least one or more of a motor cortex, thalamus, cerebellum, basal ganglia, globus pallidus, and periaqueductal gray. Systems for treating a post-stroke disorder include an implantable stimulator configured to apply at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within a patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The stimulation site may include, for example, at least one or more of a motor cortex, thalamus, cerebellum, basal ganglia, globus pallidus, and periaqueductal gray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Kristen N. Jaax, Todd K. Whitehurst, Rafael Carbunaru
  • Anchoring units for leads of implantable electric stimulation systems and methods of making and using
    Patent number: 8509917
    Abstract: A nerve stimulation lead has a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal length. The nerve stimulation lead includes a plurality of electrodes disposed at the distal end, a plurality of terminals disposed at the proximal end, and a plurality of conductive wires electrically coupling the plurality of electrodes electrically to the plurality of terminals. The nerve stimulation lead also includes at least one anchoring unit disposed on the nerve stimulation lead. The at least one anchoring unit is configured and arranged for anchoring the nerve stimulation lead against a bony structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Brett Schleicher, Andrew DiGiore, Rafael Carbunaru, Courtney Lane, Kristen N. Jaax
  • Resorbable anchor arrangements for implantable devices and methods of making and using
    Patent number: 8494657
    Abstract: An implantable device includes a device body and at least one anchoring unit configured and arranged for anchoring the device body in a patient upon implantation. The anchoring unit includes a resorbable material that resorbs into the patient over a period of time after implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Rafael Carbunaru, Todd K. Whitehurst, Kristen N. Jaax
  • AUTONOMIC MODULATION USING PERIPHERAL NERVE FIELD STIMULATION
    Publication number: 20130138167
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system, comprising a peripheral nerve field modulation (PNFM) therapy delivery system, PNFM electrodes configured to be implanted subcutaneously, and a controller. The PNFM electrodes are electrically connected to the PNFM therapy system. The PNFM therapy delivery system and the PNFM electrodes are configured to deliver current and/or control the field potentials at one or more peripheral nerve fields. The controller is configured to control the PNFM therapy delivery system to deliver a PNFM therapy to the one or more peripheral nerve fields. The controller includes a scheduler configured to control timing of the PNFM therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Kerry Bradley, Rafael Carbunaru, Jason J. Hamann
  • Methods for treating gastrointestinal disorders
    Patent number: 8452407
    Abstract: A small implantable stimulator(s) having at least two electrodes is implanted adjacent to a gastrointestinal nerve and/or muscle for the stimulation treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, including gastrointestinal motility, sphincteric disorders, and/or eating disorders. The stimulator provides a means of stimulating tissue at a stimulation site when desired, and may be implanted via a minimal surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Todd K Whitehurst, James P McGivern, Rafael Carbunaru
  • Electrode contact configurations for cuff leads
    Patent number: 8423157
    Abstract: A stimulation system is disclosed that may include a stimulator unit coupled to electrode contacts on a cuff. In one embodiment, the cuff may be placed at least partially around a nerve. The stimulation system may include at least two electrode contacts disposed on the cuff such that a distance between the at least two electrode contacts various along a length of the electrode contacts. In another embodiment, a plurality of electrode contacts are disposed on the cuff such that distances between at least one electrode contact within the plurality of electrode contacts and each electrode contact immediately adjacent to the at least one electrode contact are different. The stimulator unit may also be implantable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Adam Moffitt, Rafael Carbunaru, Kristen N. Jaax, Todd K. Whitehurst
  • Methods and systems for treating one or more effects of deafferentation
    Patent number: 8401654
    Abstract: Methods of treating one or more effects of deafferentation within a patient include applying at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within the patient with an implanted stimulator in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The at least one stimulus is configured to treat one or more effects of deafferentation. Systems for treating one or more effects of deafferentation within a patient include a stimulator configured to apply at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within the patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The at least one stimulus is configured to treat one or more effects of deafferentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Allison M. Foster, Rafael Carbunaru, Todd K. Whitehurst, Kristen N. Jaax
  • Engagement tool for implantable medical devices
    Patent number: 8364280
    Abstract: Systems for adjusting a position of an implanted medical device within a patient include an engagement tool configured to couple to the implanted medical device. The engagement tool adjusts the position of the medical device when coupled to the implanted medical device. Methods of adjusting a position of an implanted medical device within a patient include locating the implanted medical device, coupling an engagement tool to the medical device, and adjusting a position of the engagement tool to adjust the position of the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Goran N. Marnfeldt, Rafael Carbunaru, Kelly H. McClure, Matthew I. Haller, Tom Xiaohai He, Todd K. Whitehurst, Meredith L. Anderson, James C. Makous, Kristen N. Jaax, Peter K. Johnson
  • Implanting medical devices
    Patent number: 8357145
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for implanting medical devices. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a flexible base member that can be flexed manually to conform to a contour of an anatomy, the base member including a radioscopic indicium that has a characteristic such that, under radioscopic imaging, passage of a skin-penetrating electromagnetic radiation is hindered to an extent that is distinguishable from a hindrance of the electromagnetic radiation by another portion of the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Brett Schleicher, Rafael Carbunaru, Kristen N. Jaax, Todd K. Whitehurst
  • Fractionalized Stimulation Pulses in an Implantable Stimulator Device
    Publication number: 20130013025
    Abstract: A method for configuring stimulation pulses in an implantable stimulator device having a plurality of electrodes is disclosed, which method is particularly useful in adjusting the electrodes by current steering during initialization of the device. In one aspect, a set of ideal pulses for patient therapy is determined, in which at least two of the ideal pulses are of the same polarity and are intended to be simultaneous applied to corresponding electrodes on the implantable stimulator device during an initial duration. These pulses are reconstructed into fractionalized pulses, each comprised of pulse portions. The fractionalized pulses are applied to the corresponding electrodes on the device during a final duration, but the pulse portions of the fractionalized pulses are not simultaneously applied during the final duration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jordi Parramon, Rafael Carbunaru, Matt I. Haller
  • Connector assemblies for implantable stimulators
    Patent number: 8352035
    Abstract: Exemplary systems include a stimulator configured to be implanted within a patient, the stimulator having a body defined by at least one side surface disposed in between distal and proximal end surfaces, and a connector assembly configured to be coupled to the stimulator and extend parallel to the at least one side surface of the stimulator. The connector assembly is further configured to facilitate removable coupling of a lead having one or more electrodes disposed thereon to the stimulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Brett Schleicher, Rafael Carbunaru, Todd K. Whitehurst, Kristen N. Jaax, Greg Baldwin, Andrew DiGiore
  • IMPLANTABLE MICROSTIMULATORS WITH PROGRAMMABLE MULTIELECTRODE CONFIGURATION AND USES THEREOF
    Publication number: 20120316622
    Abstract: Miniature implantable stimulators (i.e., microstimulators) with programmably configurable electrodes allow, among other things, steering of the electric fields created. In addition, the microstimulators are capable of producing unidirectionally propagating action potentials (UPAPs).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Todd K. Whitehurst, Rafael Carbunaru, Kerry Bradley, James P. McGivern, Matthew I. Haller, Tom Xiaohai He, Janusz A. Kuzma