Patents by Inventor Robert B. Strother

Robert B. Strother 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).

  • Publication number: 20130296733
    Abstract: Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide safeguarding against tissue injury during surgical procedures and/or identify nerve damage occurring prior to surgery and/or verify range of motion or attributes of muscle contraction during reconstructive surgery. A stimulation control device may incorporate a range of low and high intensity stimulation to provide a stimulation and evaluation of both nerves and muscles. A stimulation control device is removably coupled to a surgical device or is imbedded within the medical device to provide a stimulation and treatment medical device. A disposable hand held stimulation system includes an operative element extending from the housing, the housing includes a visual indication to provide feedback or status to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SURGICAL, LLC
    Inventors: Robert B. Strother, Geoffrey B. Thrope, Joseph J. Mrva, Steven M. Galecki, Danny R. Pack, Christopher A. Thierfelder, James Coburn
  • Publication number: 20130245490
    Abstract: Provided is a system that may be used in delivering targeted electrical stimulation to tissue, such as animal bodily tissue. A system according to the present invention includes a longitudinal stimulation probe that includes a first electrode disposed at a distal tip and a second electrically conductive surface spaced proximally from the first electrode. Another system according to the present invention may include an improved user interface including an improved probe/handle interface including high visibility indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SURGICAL, LLC
    Inventors: ROBERT B. STROTHER, Jonathan L. Sakai
  • Patent number: 8500652
    Abstract: Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide safeguarding against tissue injury during surgical procedures and/or identify nerve damage occurring prior to surgery and/or verify range of motion or attributes of muscle contraction during reconstructive surgery. A stimulation control device may incorporate a range of low and high intensity stimulation to provide a stimulation and evaluation of both nerves and muscles. A stimulation control device is removably coupled to a surgical device or is imbedded within the medical device to provide a stimulation and treatment medical device. A disposable hand held stimulation system includes an operative element extending from the housing, the housing includes a visual indication to provide feedback or status to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Checkpoint Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Robert B Strother, Geoffrey B Thrope, Joseph J Mrva, Steven M Galecki, Danny R Pack, Christopher A Thierfelder, James Coburn
  • Publication number: 20130197615
    Abstract: Systems and methods according to the present invention relate to a substantially extracorporeal pulse generator system for electrical stimulation of one or more target nerve or their branches using one or more preferably percutaneous leads each having one or more electrodes implanted in, on, around, or near the target nerve. Improved systems include a patch assembly configured to be adhesively mounted to a patient's skin and an electrical stimulation assembly configured to be mechanically mounted to the patch assembly. A preferred patch assembly, in addition to provide mechanical mounting of the stimulation assembly, provides a power source for the stimulation assembly, and may further serve as a return electrode. Associated system components and methods of use are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: NDI Medical LLC
    Inventors: KENNETH P. RUNDLE, STEVEN M. GALECKI, MICHAEL MARKS, JOSEPH J. MRVA, JONATHAN L. SAKAI, ROBERT B. STROTHER
  • Patent number: 8467875
    Abstract: Systems and methods treat urologic dysfunctions by implanting a lead and electrode in a tissue region affecting urologic function, and implanting a pulse generator in an anterior pelvic region remote from the electrode. Bilateral stimulation of the left and/or right branches of the dorsal genital nerves using a single lead implanted in adipose or other tissue in the region at or near the pubic symphysis is able to treat urinary incontinence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Maria E Bennett, Julie Grill, Tina E Lechman, Joseph J Mrva, Jonathan L Sakai, Robert B Strother, Geoffrey B Thrope, Therese M Zmina
  • Patent number: 8463383
    Abstract: Neurostimulation assemblies, systems, and methods make possible the providing of short-term therapy or diagnostic testing by providing electrical connections between muscles and/or nerves inside the body and stimulus generators and/or recording instruments mounted on the surface of the skin or carried outside the body. Neurostimulation assemblies, systems, and methods may include a carrier and an electronics pod, the electronics pod including stimulation generation circuitry and user interface components. A power source and/or flash memory may be incorporated in neurostimulation assembly and/or the return electrode. The assemblies, systems, and methods are adapted to provide coordinated neurostimulation to multiple regions of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: NDI Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Johnathan L. Sakai, Maria E. Bennett, Joseph W. Boggs, II, Robert B. Strother, Geoffrey B. Thrope, Kenneth P. Rundle, Stuart F. Rubin
  • Patent number: 8463393
    Abstract: An implantable medical device having a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) housing. Circuitry is positioned within the housing to perform a predefined function, such as generate a stimulation waveform, or pump a fluid, or turn on a motor, for example. The circuitry may include a power source, and the power source may be a rechargeable power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Strother, Geoffrey B. Thrope
  • Publication number: 20130096641
    Abstract: Systems and methods according to the present invention relate to a novel peripheral nerve stimulation system for the treatment of pain, such as pain that exists after amputation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: NDI MEDICAL, LLC
    Inventors: Robert B. Strother, Jonathan L. Sakai, Joseph W. Boggs, Kathryn W. Stager, Maria E. Bennett, Stuart Rubin
  • Publication number: 20120238902
    Abstract: Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide safeguarding against tissue injury during surgical procedures and/or identify nerve damage occurring prior to surgery and/or verify range of motion or attributes of muscle contraction during reconstructive surgery. A stimulation control device may incorporate a range of low and high intensity stimulation to provide a stimulation and evaluation of both nerves and muscles. A stimulation control device is removably coupled to a surgical device or is imbedded within the medical device to provide a stimulation and treatment medical device. A disposable hand held stimulation system includes an operative element extending from the housing, the housing includes a visual indication to provide feedback or status to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SURGICAL, LLC
    Inventors: ROBERT B. STROTHER, Geoffrey B. Thrope, Joseph J. Mrva, Steven M. Galecki, Danny R. Pack, Christopher A. Thierfelder, James Coburn
  • Patent number: 8195304
    Abstract: Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide an electrical signal processor for acquisition and processing of electric signals from tissue. The electrical signal processor is sized and configured to be implanted in subcutaneous tissue. The electrical signal processor includes an electrically conductive case of a laser welded titanium material. Control circuitry is located within the case, the control circuitry including a rechargeable power source, a receive coil for receiving a first radio frequency wireless telemetry to recharge the power source, and an antenna for receiving a second radio frequency wireless telemetry for communication with the electrical signal processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic Urinary Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Strother, Joseph J. Mrva, Geoffrey B. Thrope
  • Patent number: 8172768
    Abstract: Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide safeguarding against tissue injury during surgical procedures and/or identify nerve damage occurring prior to surgery and/or verify range of motion or attributes of muscle contraction during reconstructive surgery. A stimulation control device may incorporate a range of low and high intensity stimulation to provide a stimulation and evaluation of both nerves and muscles. A stimulation control device is removably coupled to a surgical device or is imbedded within the medical device to provide a stimulation and treatment medical device. A disposable hand held stimulation system includes an operative element extending from the housing, the housing includes a visual indication to provide feedback or status to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Checkpoint Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Robert B Strother, Geoffrey B Thrope, Joseph J Mrva, Steven M Galecki, Danny R Pack, Christopher A Thierfelder, James Coburn
  • Patent number: 8165692
    Abstract: Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide an implantable pulse generator for prosthetic or therapeutic stimulation of muscles, nerves, or central nervous system tissue, or any combination thereof. The implantable pulse generator is sized and configured to be implanted subcutaneously in a tissue region. The implantable pulse generator includes an electrically conductive case of a laser welded titanium material. Control circuitry is located within the case. The control circuitry includes a rechargeable power source, a receive coil for receiving an RF magnetic field to recharge the power source, and a microcontroller for control of the implantable pulse generator. The improved assemblies, systems, and methods also provide a stimulation system for prosthetic or therapeutic stimulation of muscles, nerves, or central nervous system tissue, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic Urinary Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B Strother, Joseph J Mrva, Geoffrey B Thrope
  • Patent number: 8086318
    Abstract: Neurostimulation assemblies, systems, and methods make possible the providing of short-term therapy or diagnostic testing by providing electrical connections between muscles or nerves inside the body and stimulus generators or recording instruments mounted on the surface of the skin or carried outside the body. Neurostimulation assemblies, systems, and methods may include a carrier and a removable electronics pod, the electronics pod including stimulation generation circuitry, a power input bay to hold a disposable power source, and user interface components. The assemblies, systems, and methods are adapted to provide coordinated neurostimulation to multiple regions of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: NDI Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Robert B. Strother, Geoffrey B. Thrope, Steven M. Galecki, Joseph J. Mrva, Danny R. Pack
  • Publication number: 20110257701
    Abstract: Neurostimulation assemblies, systems, kits, and methods make possible the providing of short-term therapy or diagnostic testing by providing electrical connections between muscles or nerves inside the body and stimulus generators or recording instruments mounted on the surface of the skin or carried outside the body. Neurostimulation assemblies, systems, and methods may include a carrier and a removable electronics pod, the electronics pod including stimulation generation circuitry, a power input bay to hold a disposable power source, and user interface components. The assemblies, systems, and methods are adapted to provide coordinated neurostimulation to multiple regions of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: NDI MEDICAL, LLC
    Inventors: Robert B. Strother, Geoffrey B. Thrope, Steven M. Galecki, Joseph J. Mrva, Danny R. Pack
  • Publication number: 20110144468
    Abstract: Systems and methods use an external and/or implantable pulse generator system for neuromodulation stimulation to treat sexual dysfunction by the unilateral or bilateral stimulation of a target nerve A and/or a target nerve B using one or more leads and electrodes implanted in tissue in the pelvic region. The electrical stimulation waveform may be conveyed to the target nerve A electrode for a first predetermined amount of time, and conveyed to the target nerve B electrode for a second predetermined amount of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC URINARY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Boggs, Robert B. Strother, Joseph J. Mrva, Geoffrey B. Thrope
  • Publication number: 20110125051
    Abstract: Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide safeguarding against tissue injury during surgical procedures and/or identify nerve damage occurring prior to surgery and/or verify range of motion or attributes of muscle contraction during reconstructive surgery. A stimulation control device may incorporate a range of low and high intensity stimulation to provide a stimulation and evaluation of both nerves and muscles. A stimulation control device is removably coupled to a surgical device or is imbedded within the medical device to provide a stimulation and treatment medical device. A disposable hand held stimulation system includes an operative element extending from the housing, the housing includes a visual indication to provide feedback or status to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SURGICAL, LLC
    Inventors: ROBERT B. STROTHER, Geoffrey B. Thrope, Joseph J. Mrva, Steven M. Galecki, Danny R. Pack, Christopher A. Thierfelder, James Coburn
  • Publication number: 20110060242
    Abstract: Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide safeguarding against tissue injury during surgical procedures and/or identify nerve damage occurring prior to surgery and/or verify range of motion or attributes of muscle contraction during reconstructive surgery. Such improved assemblies may be utilized in embodiments of methods according to the present invention allowing, preferably by a single hand, manipulation, carrying, parameter adjustment and/or informational feedback generation from within a surgical field. Single-handed operation and easily identifiable feedback generation is desirable especially where focused attention is required, such as during surgery observed through a microscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: MICHAEL R. HAUSMAN, GEOFFREY B. THROPE, ROBERT B. STROTHER, JOSEPH J. MRVA
  • Publication number: 20110060243
    Abstract: Systems and methods according to the present invention provide a means for determining, as an example, the health or location of nerves. Generally, embodiments according to the present invention may be used to verify the absence of nerve tissue along a prospective incision location to avoid damage caused by such incision. Alternatively or additionally, embodiments according to the present invention may be used to locate and/or hone in on a more precise location of one or more nerves. Electrical stimulation may be applied to tissue in an iterative fashion in one or more desired patterns and at one or more stimulation intensities to determine one or more regional neural responses and one or more focused neural responses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Michael R. Hausman, Geoffrey B. Thrope, Robert B. Strother, Joseph J. Mrva
  • Patent number: D665085
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: NDI Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Robert B. Strother, Jonathan L. Sakai, Joseph W. Boggs, II, Kathryn W. Stager, Maria E. Bennett
  • Patent number: D683320
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: NDI Medical LLC
    Inventors: Robert B. Strother, Jonathan L. Sakai, Joseph W. Boggs, II, Kathryn W. Stager, Maria E. Bennett