Patents by Inventor Ralph J. ZITNIK

Ralph J. ZITNIK 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: 11964150
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses (e.g., devices and systems) for vagus nerve stimulation, including (but not limited to) sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve stimulation. In particular, the methods and apparatuses described herein may be used to stimulate the posterior sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve to treat inflammation and/or inflammatory disorders. The implantable microstimulators described herein may be leadless and batteryless.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: SetPoint Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph J. Zitnik, Michael A. Faltys, Jacob A. Levine, Jesse M. Simon
  • Patent number: 11890471
    Abstract: Diagnostic screening tests that can be used to identify if a patient is a good candidates for an implantable vagus nerve stimulation device. One or more analyte, such as a cytokine or inflammatory molecule, can be measured from a blood sample taken prior to implantation of a vagus nerve stimulator to determine the patient's responsiveness to VNS for treatment of an inflammatory disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: SetPoint Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Jacob A. Levine, Ralph J. Zitnik
  • Publication number: 20220362555
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses (e.g., devices and systems) for vagus nerve stimulation, including (but not limited to) sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve stimulation. In particular, the methods and apparatuses described herein may be used to stimulate the posterior sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve to treat inflammation and/or inflammatory disorders. The implantable microstimulators described herein may be leadless and batteryless.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Ralph J. ZITNIK, Michael A. FALTYS, Jacob A. LEVINE, Jesse M. SIMON
  • Patent number: 11471681
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses (e.g., devices and systems) for vagus nerve stimulation, including (but not limited to) sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve stimulation. In particular, the methods and apparatuses described herein may be used to stimulate the posterior sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve to treat inflammation and/or inflammatory disorders. The implantable microstimulators described herein may be leadless and batteryless.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: SetPoint Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph J. Zitnik, Michael A. Faltys, Jacob A. Levine, Jesse M. Simon
  • Publication number: 20220040483
    Abstract: Diagnostic screening tests that can be used to identify if a patient is a good candidates for an implantable vagus nerve stimulation device. One or more analyte, such as a cytokine or inflammatory molecule, can be measured from a blood sample taken prior to implantation of a vagus nerve stimulator to determine the patient's responsiveness to VNS for treatment of an inflammatory disorder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Inventors: Jacob A. LEVINE, Ralph J. ZITNIK
  • Patent number: 11173307
    Abstract: Diagnostic screening tests that can be used to identify if a patient is a good candidates for an implantable vagus nerve stimulation device. One or more analyte, such as a cytokine or inflammatory molecule, can be measured from a blood sample taken prior to implantation of a vagus nerve stimulator to determine the patient's responsiveness to VNS for treatment of an inflammatory disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: SetPoint Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Jacob A. Levine, Ralph J. Zitnik
  • Patent number: 10449358
    Abstract: Devices and methods for stimulation of the vagus nerve to modulate (e.g., reduce, suppress, etc.) bone erosion. Methods and apparatus for modulating bone erosion may modulate levels of Receptor Activator for Nuclear Factor ?B Ligand (RANKL), and/or to modulate (increase, enhance, etc.) osteoprotegerin (OPG) and/or OPG/RANKL ratio. Devices may include electrical stimulation devices that may be implanted, and may be activated to apply current for a proscribed duration, followed by a period without stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: SetPoint Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Jacob A. Levine, Michael A. Faltys, Ralph J. Zitnik
  • Publication number: 20190275328
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses (e.g., devices and systems) for vagus nerve stimulation, including (but not limited to) sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve stimulation. In particular, the methods and apparatuses described herein may be used to stimulate the posterior sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve to treat inflammation and/or inflammatory disorders. The implantable microstimulators described herein may be leadless and batteryless.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Inventors: Ralph J. ZITNIK, Michael A. FALTYS, Jacob A. LEVINE, Jesse M. SIMON
  • Patent number: 10314501
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses (e.g., devices and systems) for vagus nerve stimulation, including (but not limited to) sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve stimulation. In particular, the methods and apparatuses described herein may be used to stimulate the posterior sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve to treat inflammation and/or inflammatory disorders. The implantable microstimulators described herein may be inductively charged and/or communicated with using the external charger. The implant may include a receiving antenna wrapped around the battery and/or the housing of the microstimulator/microregulator and/or may include a high magnetic permeability material in order to serve as a magnetic core for the antenna coil. Wearable inductive chargers/communication devices for inductively communicating with (including charging) an implanted microstimulator are described herein, which may include magnetically conductive material to enhance communication with an implant, including sub-diaphragmatic implants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: SetPoint Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph J. Zitnik, Michael A. Faltys, Jacob A. Levine, Jesse M. Simon
  • Publication number: 20190046799
    Abstract: Diagnostic screening tests that can be used to identify if a patient is a good candidates for an implantable vagus nerve stimulation device. One or more analyte, such as a cytokine or inflammatory molecule, can be measured from a blood sample taken prior to implantation of a vagus nerve stimulator to determine the patient's responsiveness to VNS for treatment of an inflammatory disorder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: Jacob A. LEVINE, Ralph J. ZITNIK
  • Publication number: 20170202467
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses (e.g., devices and systems) for vagus nerve stimulation, including (but not limited to) sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve stimulation. In particular, the methods and apparatuses described herein may be used to stimulate the posterior sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve to treat inflammation and/or inflammatory disorders. The implantable microstimulators described herein may be inductively charged and/or communicated with using the external charger. The implant may include a receiving antenna wrapped around the battery and/or the housing of the microstimulator/microregulator and/or may include a high magnetic permeability material in order to serve as a magnetic core for the antenna coil. Wearable inductive chargers/communication devices for inductively communicating with (including charging) an implanted microstimulator are described herein, which may include magnetically conductive material to enhance communication with an implant, including sub-diaphragmatic implants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Ralph J. ZITNIK, Michael A. FALTYS, Jacob A. LEVINE, Jesse M. SIMON
  • Patent number: 9662490
    Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems and method of treating inflammation by vagus nerve stimulation and the delivery of an anti-inflammatory drug. In particular, described herein are methods of treating inflammation including the steps of stimulating a subject's inflammatory reflex to inhibit the immune response and administering an anti-inflammatory drug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
    Inventors: Kevin J. Tracey, Mauricio Rosas-Ballina, Michael A. Faltys, Ralph J. Zitnik
  • Publication number: 20170113044
    Abstract: Devices and methods for stimulation of the vagus nerve to modulate (e.g., reduce, suppress, etc.) bone erosion. Methods and apparatus for modulating bone erosion may modulate levels of Receptor Activator for Nuclear Factor ?B Ligand (RANKL), and/or to modulate (increase, enhance, etc.) osteoprotegerin (OPG) and/or OPG/RANKL ratio. Devices may include electrical stimulation devices that may be implanted, and may be activated to apply current for a proscribed duration, followed by a period without stimulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventors: Jacob A. LEVINE, Michael A. FALTYS, Ralph J. ZITNIK
  • Patent number: 9572983
    Abstract: Devices and methods for stimulation of the vagus nerve to modulate (e.g., reduce, suppress, etc.) bone erosion. Methods and apparatus for modulating bone erosion may modulate levels of Receptor Activator for Nuclear Factor ? B Ligand (RANKL), and/or to modulate (increase, enhance, etc.) osteoprotegerin (OPG) and/or OPG/RANKL ratio. Devices may include electrical stimulation devices that may be implanted, and may be activated to apply current for a proscribed duration, followed by a period without stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: SetPoint Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Jacob A. Levine, Michael A. Faltys, Ralph J. Zitnik
  • Publication number: 20160096016
    Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems and method of treating inflammation by vagus nerve stimulation and the delivery of an anti-inflammatory drug. In particular, described herein are methods of treating inflammation including the steps of stimulating a subject's inflammatory reflex to inhibit the immune response and administering an anti-inflammatory drug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Inventors: Kevin J. TRACEY, Mauricio ROSAS-BALLINA, Michael A. FALTYS, Ralph J. ZITNIK
  • Publication number: 20150241447
    Abstract: A diagnostic screening test can be used to identify candidates for implantable vagus nerve stimulation devices. An analyte, such as a cytokine or inflammatory molecule, can be measured both before and after vagus nerve stimulation in order to determine the responsiveness of the patient. VNS can be delivered noninvasively or minimally invasively using short term electrical or mechanical stimulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Ralph J. Zitnik, Jacob A. Levine
  • Publication number: 20130253413
    Abstract: Devices and methods for stimulation of the vagus nerve to modulate (e.g., reduce, suppress, etc.) bone erosion. Methods and apparatus for modulating bone erosion may modulate levels of Receptor Activator for Nuclear Factor ?B Ligand (RANKL), and/or to modulate (increase, enhance, etc.) osteoprotegerin (OPG) and/or OPG/RANKL ratio. Devices may include electrical stimulation devices that may be implanted, and may be activated to apply current for a proscribed duration, followed by a period without stimulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Jacob A. LEVINE, Michael A. FALTYS, Ralph J. ZITNIK
  • Publication number: 20110054569
    Abstract: Described herein are devices, including interface modules or prescription pads, and systems including these devices and methods of using them, for treating inflammation or inflammatory disorders, and particularly for interfacing with a user desiring to prescribe treatment of an inflammatory disorder using an implanted stimulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Ralph J. ZITNIK, Michael A. Faltys