Patents by Inventor Sean P. Skubitz
Sean P. Skubitz 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).
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Publication number: 20160038171Abstract: An epidural space is cleared of fat and scar tissue in preparation for implantation of a medical lead by utilizing a clearing tool. The clearing tool has multiple links that allow the creation of a deflection angle. A wire passes through the links and once the links are positioned with the desired deflection angle, tension is placed on the wire to lock the links into the current position. The clearing tool is inserted through a window into the epidural space, and once the tension is applied to the wire, the clearing tool becomes rigid to allow advancement of the clearing tool within the epidural space. The clearing tool is then removed from the epidural space, and the medical lead is inserted through the window and cleared epidural space until reaching the target site.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2015Publication date: February 11, 2016Inventor: Sean P. Skubitz
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Patent number: 9168371Abstract: An insulative body of a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes a pre-formed channel having a section extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. An electrode portion of a conductive component has an electrode contact surface facing outward from a first side of the body and a coupling portion embedded in the body. A conductor, which is coupled to the coupling portion of the component, is disposed in the channel.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2014Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
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Patent number: 9161762Abstract: An epidural space is cleared of fat and scar tissue in preparation for implantation of a medical lead by utilizing a clearing tool. The clearing tool has multiple links that allow the creation of a deflection angle. A wire passes through the links and once the links are positioned with the desired deflection angle, tension is placed on the wire to lock the links into the current position. The clearing tool is inserted through a window into the epidural space, and once the tension is applied to the wire, the clearing tool becomes rigid to allow advancement of the clearing tool within the epidural space. The clearing tool is then removed from the epidural space, and the medical lead is inserted through the window and cleared epidural space until reaching the target site.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2013Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.Inventor: Sean P. Skubitz
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Publication number: 20150230813Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2015Publication date: August 20, 2015Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Phillip C. Falkner, William Ferris
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Patent number: 8886276Abstract: A method for making a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes the steps of: forming an insulative carrier from an insulative material; coupling at least one conductive component to the carrier by inserting a pre-formed tab of the conductive component through the carrier, from a first side thereof to a second side thereof, so that the conductive component is secured to the carrier with the tab extending along a surface of the second side of the carrier and an inward facing surface of an electrode portion of the conductive component being disposed against a surface of the first side of the carrier; coupling an elongate flexible conductor to the tab of the component; and forming an insulative layer over the second side of the carrier, the tab and the conductor electrically coupled to the tab.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2013Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Michael E. Metzler, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower
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Publication number: 20140277149Abstract: A spinal construct comprises a pliable lead. A longitudinal member is flexible relative to the lead. The longitudinal member extends between a first end connected to the lead and a second end defining an opening configured for movement of the lead therethrough and disposal of the longitudinal member such that the longitudinal member is disposed about spinal tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.Inventors: Richard Rooney, William Alan Razach, Joshua W. Simpson, Sean P. Skubitz
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Publication number: 20140114386Abstract: An insulative body of a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes a pre-formed channel having a section extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. An electrode portion of a conductive component has an electrode contact surface facing outward from a first side of the body and a coupling portion embedded in the body. A conductor, which is coupled to the coupling portion of the component, is disposed in the channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2014Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
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Publication number: 20130276302Abstract: A method for making a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes the steps of: forming an insulative carrier from an insulative material; coupling at least one conductive component to the carrier by inserting a pre-formed tab of the conductive component through the carrier, from a first side thereof to a second side thereof, so that the conductive component is secured to the carrier with the tab extending along a surface of the second side of the carrier and an inward facing surface of an electrode portion of the conductive component being disposed against a surface of the first side of the carrier; coupling an elongate flexible conductor to the tab of the component; and forming an insulative layer over the second side of the carrier, the tab and the conductor electrically coupled to the tab.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Michael L. Metzler, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower
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Publication number: 20130261652Abstract: An epidural space is cleared of fat and scar tissue in preparation for implantation of a medical lead by utilizing a clearing tool. The clearing tool has an outer body and an inner body present within a lumen of the outer body. The outer body may be malleable and have a pre-set deflection or may be flexible and achieve deflection when being inserted into the epidural space. Once in the epidural space, the inner body is extended distally from the lumen of the outer body such that a distal tip on the inner body extends further into the epidural space to provide clearing to the target site without requiring further ingress of the outer body. The inner body is retracted and the clearing tool is removed. The medical lead is then inserted through the window and cleared epidural space until reaching the target site.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Christopher M. Boyd, Jonathan C. Sell
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Publication number: 20130261627Abstract: An epidural space is cleared of fat and scar tissue in preparation for implantation of a medical lead by utilizing a clearing tool. The clearing tool has multiple links that allow the creation of a deflection angle. A wire passes through the links and once the links are positioned with the desired deflection angle, tension is placed on the wire to lock the links into the current position. The clearing tool is inserted through a window into the epidural space, and once the tension is applied to the wire, the clearing tool becomes rigid to allow advancement of the clearing tool within the epidural space. The clearing tool is then removed from the epidural space, and the medical lead is inserted through the window and cleared epidural space until reaching the target site.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Sean P. Skubitz
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Publication number: 20130261653Abstract: An epidural space is cleared of fat and scar tissue in preparation for implantation of a medical lead by utilizing a clearing tool. The clearing tool has a flexible body that allows the clearing tool to deflect when entering the epidural space through a window in the vertebral bone and ligaments. The clearing tool is guided into the epidural space and to a target site by a guidewire present in the epidural space. Upon removal of the guidewire and clearing tool, the medical lead is inserted through the window and cleared epidural space until reaching the target site. The clearing tool may include a distal tip with a shape and size that aids in the clearing of the epidural space. The distal tip may be integral to the clearing tool or may be removable so as to allow for different sizes of the distal tip to be installed as needed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Sean P. Skubitz
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Patent number: 8489169Abstract: A method for making a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes the steps of: forming an insulative carrier from an insulative material; coupling at least one conductive component to the carrier by inserting a pre-formed tab of the conductive component through the carrier, from a first side thereof to a second side thereof, so that the conductive component is secured to the carrier with the tab extending along a surface of the second side of the carrier and an inward facing surface of an electrode portion of the conductive component being disposed against a surface of the first side of the carrier; coupling an elongate flexible conductor to the tab of the component; and forming an insulative layer over the second side of the carrier, the tab and the conductor electrically coupled to the tab.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
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Patent number: 8369965Abstract: A medical system for electrical stimulation includes a first column of electrodes, a second column of electrodes, an expandable member disposed between first and second columns, and an expansion mechanism adapted to transmit an externally applied pressure to the expandable member. The pressure expands the expandable member in order to force the first column of electrodes apart from the second column of electrodes. The first and second columns, disposed side-by-side, may be inserted through a percutaneous needle and into a epidural space, alongside a spinal cord; after insertion, the first column may be forced apart from the second column by applying the pressure to the expandable member.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Stephen L. Bolea, Paula M. Kaplan, Mary M. Morris
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Patent number: 8114146Abstract: Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts of first and second lengths making up first and second segments with angular interconnects between adjacent first and second segments.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Brian J. Brown, David Friesen, Timothy J. Ley, Sean P. Skubitz, Michael Davis
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Publication number: 20110282435Abstract: Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts of first and second lengths making up first and second segments with angular interconnects between adjacent first and second segments.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.Inventors: Brian J. Brown, Michael Davis, David Friesen, Timothy J. Ley, Sean P. Skubitz
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Patent number: 7988717Abstract: Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts of first and second lengths making up first and second segments with angular interconnects between adjacent first and second segments.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Brian J. Brown, Michael Davis, David Friesen, Timothy J. Ley, Sean P. Skubitz
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Publication number: 20110029056Abstract: A medical system for electrical stimulation includes a first column of electrodes, a second column of electrodes, an expandable member disposed between first and second columns, and an expansion mechanism adapted to transmit an externally applied pressure to the expandable member. The pressure expands the expandable member in order to force the first column of electrodes apart from the second column of electrodes. The first and second columns, disposed side-by-side, may be inserted through a percutaneous needle and into a epidural space, alongside a spinal cord; after insertion, the first column may be forced apart from the second column by applying the pressure to the expandable member.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Stephen L. Bolea, Paula M. Kaplan, Mary M. Morris
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Publication number: 20100325869Abstract: A method for making a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes the steps of: forming an insulative carrier from an insulative material; coupling at least one conductive component to the carrier by inserting a pre-formed tab of the conductive component through the carrier, from a first side thereof to a second side thereof, so that the conductive component is secured to the carrier with the tab extending along a surface of the second side of the carrier and an inward facing surface of an electrode portion of the conductive component being disposed against a surface of the first side of the carrier; coupling an elongate flexible conductor to the tab of the component; and forming an insulative layer over the second side of the carrier, the tab and the conductor electrically coupled to the tab.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
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Publication number: 20100324641Abstract: An insulative body of a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes a pre-formed channel having a section extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. An electrode portion of a conductive component has an electrode contact surface facing outward from a first side of the body and a coupling portion embedded in the body. A conductor, which is coupled to the coupling portion of the component, is disposed in the channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Mary L. Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
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Patent number: 7797054Abstract: A medical system for electrical stimulation includes a first column of electrodes, a second column of electrodes, an expandable member disposed between first and second columns, and an expansion mechanism adapted to transmit an externally applied pressure to the expandable member. The pressure expands the expandable member in order to force the first column of electrodes apart from the second column of electrodes. The first and second columns, disposed side-by-side, may be inserted through a percutaneous needle and into a epidural space, alongside a spinal cord; after insertion, the first column may be forced apart from the second column by applying the pressure to the expandable member.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Sean P. Skubitz, Stephen L. Bolea, Paula M. Kaplan, Mary M. Morris