Patents by Inventor Stephen Bolea

Stephen Bolea 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: 10864375
    Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus. This may be accomplished, for example, but shortening or stiffening the palatoglossal arch. Improved coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus may be beneficial to a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as a stand-alone procedure, or in combination procedures and devices that cause anterior displacement of the tongue such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation, genioglossus advancement surgery, mandibular advancement surgery, mandibular advancement (oral) appliances, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: LivaNova USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Bolea, Wondimeneh Tesfayesus, John Beck, Thomas Hoegh, Robert Atkinson, Sidney Hauschild
  • Publication number: 20180345013
    Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus. This may be accomplished, for example, but shortening or stiffening the palatoglossal arch. Improved coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus may be beneficial to a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as a stand-alone procedure, or in combination procedures and devices that cause anterior displacement of the tongue such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation, genioglossus advancement surgery, mandibular advancement surgery, mandibular advancement (oral) appliances, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: Cyberonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Bolea, Wondimeneh Tesfayesus, John Beck, Thomas Hoegh, Robert Atkinson, Sidney Hauschild
  • Patent number: 10052484
    Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus. This may be accomplished, for example, but shortening or stiffening the palatoglossal arch. Improved coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus may be beneficial to a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as a stand-alone procedure, or in combination procedures and devices that cause anterior displacement of the tongue such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation, genioglossus advancement surgery, mandibular advancement surgery, mandibular advancement (oral) appliances, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Cyberonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Bolea, Wondimeneh Tesfayesus, John Beck, Thomas Hoegh, Robert Atkinson, Sidney Hauschild
  • Publication number: 20170368341
    Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus. This may be accomplished, for example, but shortening or stiffening the palatoglossal arch. Improved coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus may be beneficial to a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as a stand-alone procedure, or in combination procedures and devices that cause anterior displacement of the tongue such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation, genioglossus advancement surgery, mandibular advancement surgery, mandibular advancement (oral) appliances, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Cyberonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Bolea, Wondimeneh Tesfayesus, John Beck, Thomas Hoegh, Robert Atkinson, Sidney Hauschild
  • Patent number: 9757564
    Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus. This may be accomplished, for example, but shortening or stiffening the palatoglossal arch. Improved coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus may be beneficial to a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as a stand-alone procedure, or in combination procedures and devices that cause anterior displacement of the tongue such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation, genioglossus advancement surgery, mandibular advancement surgery, mandibular advancement (oral) appliances, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: CYBERONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Bolea, Wondimeneh Tesfayesus, John Beck, Thomas Hoegh, Robert Atkinson, Sidney Hauschild
  • Publication number: 20160059011
    Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus. This may be accomplished, for example, but shortening or stiffening the palatoglossal arch. Improved coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus may be beneficial to a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as a stand-alone procedure, or in combination procedures and devices that cause anterior displacement of the tongue such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation, genioglossus advancement surgery, mandibular advancement surgery, mandibular advancement (oral) appliances, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen BOLEA, Wondimeneh TESFAYESUS, John BECK, Thomas HOEGH, Robert Atkinson, Sidney HAUSCHILD
  • Patent number: 9205262
    Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus. This may be accomplished, for example, but shortening or stiffening the palatoglossal arch. Improved coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus may be beneficial to a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as a stand-alone procedure, or in combination procedures and devices that cause anterior displacement of the tongue such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation, genioglossus advancement surgery, mandibular advancement surgery, mandibular advancement (oral) appliances, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: CYBERONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Bolea, Wondimeneh Tesfayesus, John Beck, Thomas Hoegh, Robert Atkinson, Sidney Hauschild
  • Publication number: 20130085546
    Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus. This may be accomplished, for example, but shortening or stiffening the palatoglossal arch. Improved coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus may be beneficial to a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as a stand-alone procedure, or in combination procedures and devices that cause anterior displacement of the tongue such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation, genioglossus advancement surgery, mandibular advancement surgery, mandibular advancement (oral) appliances, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Stephen Bolea, Wondimeneh Tesfayesus, John Beck, Thomas Hoegh, Robert Atkinson, Sidney Hauschild
  • Publication number: 20080103407
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for nerve stimulation for OSA therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen Bolea, Thomas Hoegh, Bruce Persson, Robert Atkinson, Scott Mazar
  • Publication number: 20080103545
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for nerve stimulation for OSA therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen Bolea, Thomas Hoegh, Bruce Persson, Robert Atkinson, Sidney Hauschild, Paula Kaplan, Brian Kuhnley, Keith Jasperson, Wondimeneh Tesfayesus, Christopher Thorp
  • Publication number: 20080097540
    Abstract: A monitoring device is provided to monitor a patient. The monitoring device includes at least one lead having an electrode. The lead is positioned proximate a location within the patient's body, and the lead is adapted to sense cardiac electrical activity. The monitoring device also includes a control system coupled to the at least one lead to receive a signal representative of the cardiac electrical activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: CVRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Bolea, Robert Kieval, Bruce Persson, David Serdar, Peter Keith, Eric Irwin, Martin Rossing
  • Publication number: 20070282385
    Abstract: A lockout connector arrangement for implantable medical devices having at least one port for receiving a non-cardiac lead connector selectively permits only certain electrical leads to be connected to the implantable medical device. A lead connector pin of a non-cardiac lead connector is specially designed to be larger than a DF-1 lead connector pin, but smaller than an IS-1 lead connector pin. A corresponding header of implantable pulse generator has a connector port for a non-cardiac lead with a proximal-most portion that is larger than the DF-1 lead connector pin, but smaller than the IS-1 lead connector pin; and otherwise generally consistent with the other dimensions of an ISO standard IS-1 pacemaker lead connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: CVRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Rossing, Stephen Bolea, Aaron Hjelle, James Henry, Brad Pedersen
  • Publication number: 20070276459
    Abstract: Connection structures on an extra-vascular electrode lead body improve strain relief and strengthen the transition region where electrical conductors carried by the lead body are joined to individual electrodes at the distal end of the lead. The electrodes include structure or mechanisms for externally securing the electrode assembly to a body part. A first connection structure is located on the lead body proximal the electrodes to anchor the lead body to a first anchor location in the body that generally moves in concert with the body part. A second connection structure is located on the lead body proximal to the first connection structure to anchor the lead body to a second anchor location that is at least partially independent of movement of the body part. The first and second anchor location are offset by a distance that is less than a distance between the first and second connection structures to provide strain relief for the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Applicant: CVRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Rossing, Stephen Bolea, David Mayer, Aaron Hjelle, Tom Crowley, Eric Irwin
  • Publication number: 20070185542
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described by which the blood pressure, nervous system activity, and neurohormonal activity may be selectively and controllably reduced by activating baroreceptors. A baroreceptor activation device is positioned near a baroreceptor, preferably a baroreceptor located in the carotid sinus. A control system may be used to modulate the baroreceptor activation device. The control system may utilize an algorithm defining a stimulus regimen which promotes long term efficacy and reduces power requirements/consumption. The baroreceptor activation device may utilize electrodes to activate the baroreceptors. The electrodes may be adapted for connection to the carotid arteries at or near the carotid sinus, and may be designed to minimize extraneous tissue stimulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Applicant: CVRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Bolea, Robert Kieval, Bruce Persson, David Serdar, Peter Keith, Eric Irwin, Martin Rossing
  • Publication number: 20070106340
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described by which the blood pressure, nervous system activity, and neurohormonal activity may be selectively and controllably reduced by activating baroreceptors. A baroreceptor activation device is positioned near a baroreceptor, preferably a baroreceptor located in the carotid sinus. A control system may be used to modulate the baroreceptor activation device. The control system may utilize an algorithm defining a stimulus regimen which promotes long term efficacy and reduces power requirements/consumption. The baroreceptor activation device may utilize electrodes to activate the baroreceptors. The electrodes may be adapted for connection to the carotid arteries at or near the carotid sinus, and may be designed to minimize extraneous tissue stimulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 10, 2007
    Applicant: CVRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Bolea, Robert Kieval, Bruce Persson, David Serdar, Peter Keith, Eric Irwin, Martin Rossing
  • Publication number: 20060247748
    Abstract: A medical lead is configured to be implanted into a patient's body and comprises a lead body, and an electrode coupled to the lead body. The electrode comprises a first section configured to contact the patient's body, and a second section electrically coupled to the first section and configured to be capacitively coupled to the patient's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Publication date: November 2, 2006
    Inventors: Carl Wahlstrand, Thomas Hoegh, James Olsen, Stephen Bolea, Gregory Hrdlicka
  • Publication number: 20060089696
    Abstract: An implantable lead has a lead body construction designed to accommodate loading forces exerted on the lead body during patient movement. The lead body may be sufficiently stretchable to resist forces that could otherwise cause lead failure, axial migration of the electrodes, anchor damage, or tissue damage. Increasing stretchability of a lead body can also increase the vulnerability of the lead body to flex fatigue, buckling fatigue, kinking, and crush. Therefore, the lead described herein includes a coiled wire embedded between a first insulative layer and a second insulative layer of an outer jacket of the lead body to improve column stiffness and kink resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Publication date: April 27, 2006
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: James Olsen, Thomas Cross, Stephen Bolea
  • Publication number: 20060089695
    Abstract: An implantable lead has a lead body construction designed to accommodate loading forces exerted on the lead body during patient movement. The lead body may be sufficiently stretchable to resist forces that could otherwise cause lead failure, axial migration of the electrodes, anchor damage, or tissue damage. Increasing stretchability of a lead body can also increase the vulnerability of the lead body to flex fatigue, buckling fatigue, kinking, and crush. Therefore, the lead described herein includes a reinforcement to create a lead body that is resistant to flex fatigue, buckling fatigue, kinking and crush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Publication date: April 27, 2006
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Bolea, Thomas Bischoff, Thomas Cross, James Olsen
  • Publication number: 20060089692
    Abstract: An implantable lead has a lead body construction designed to accommodate loading forces exerted on the lead body during patient movement. The lead body may be sufficiently stretchable to resist forces that could otherwise cause lead failure, axial migration of the electrodes, anchor damage, or tissue damage. Increasing stretchability of a lead body can also increase the vulnerability of the lead body to flex fatigue, buckling fatigue, kinking, and crush. Therefore, the lead described herein includes a coiled wire stylet guide to provide enhanced column strength. The coiled wire stylet guide may or may not be electrically conductive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Publication date: April 27, 2006
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Cross, Mary Cole, Stephen Bolea
  • Publication number: 20060089691
    Abstract: An implantable lead has a lead body construction designed to accommodate loading forces exerted on the lead body during patient movement. The lead body may be sufficiently stretchable to resist forces that could otherwise cause lead failure, axial migration of the electrodes, anchor damage, or tissue damage. Increasing stretchability of a lead body can also increase the vulnerability of the lead body to flex fatigue, buckling fatigue, kinking, and crush. Therefore, the lead described herein includes conductors that comprise coiled wires positioned substantially parallel to a center axis of the lead. The conductors described herein may be coiled around fibers that limit the axial stiffness of the coiled wires to ensure full recovery from axial loading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Publication date: April 27, 2006
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Paula Kaplan, Thomas Cross, Stephen Bolea, James Olsen