Patents by Inventor Steve Viljoen

Steve Viljoen 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: 10071240
    Abstract: This invention provides a device for implantation directly into the spinal cord for the purpose of treating back pain. Electrodes on a backing that conforms directly to the spinal cord are installed as a source of electrical stimulation and pain relief. The floating electrodes can be flexibly mounted to the substrate such that when the electrode array is implanted into the subject, individual electrodes float or move resiliently relative to the substrate to an extent sufficient to accommodate pulsations of the surface of the spinal cord within the dura.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignees: University of Iowa Research Foundation, University of Virgina Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Matthew A. Howard, Hiroyuki Oya, Steve Viljoen, Chandan G. Reddy, George T. Gillies
  • Publication number: 20170157390
    Abstract: This invention provides a device for implantation directly into the spinal cord for the purpose of treating back pain. Electrodes on a backing that conforms directly to the spinal cord are installed as a source of electrical stimulation and pain relief. The floating electrodes can be flexibly mounted to the substrate such that when the electrode array is implanted into the subject, individual electrodes float or move resiliently relative to the substrate to an extent sufficient to accommodate pulsations of the surface of the spinal cord within the dura.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew A. Howard, Hiroyuki Oya, Steve Viljoen, Chandan G. Reddy, George T. Gillies
  • Patent number: 9572976
    Abstract: This invention provides a device for implantation directly into the spinal cord for the purpose of treating back pain. Electrodes on a backing that conforms directly to the spinal cord are installed as a source of electrical stimulation and pain relief. The electrode array is maintained on the spinal cord by way of a spring or support structure that is anchored to an anatomical structure outside the spinal cord but near the site of implantation. Suitable anchoring structures include the vertebrae and the dura. Secured in this fashion, the support structure maintains a gentle pressure of the electrode array against the spinal cord so as to stay in electrical contact but minimize injury or inflammation. The device may accommodate and buffer movement of the spinal cord both laterally and in a caudal-rostral fashion so that the electrode array remains in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Matthew A. Howard, Hiroyuki Oya, Steve Viljoen, Chandan G. Reddy
  • Publication number: 20160213918
    Abstract: This invention provides a device for implantation directly into the spinal cord for the purpose of treating back pain. Electrodes on a backing that conforms directly to the spinal cord are installed as a source of electrical stimulation and pain relief The electrode array is maintained on the spinal cord by way of a spring or support structure that is anchored to an anatomical structure outside the spinal cord but near the site of implantation. Suitable anchoring structures include the vertebrae and the dura. Secured in this fashion, the support structure maintains a gentle pressure of the electrode array against the spinal cord so as to stay in electrical contact but minimize injury or inflammation. The device may accommodate and buffer movement of the spinal cord both laterally and in a caudal-rostral fashion so that the electrode array remains in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Matthew A. Howard, Hiroyuki Oya, Steve Viljoen, Chandan G. Reddy
  • Publication number: 20160213917
    Abstract: Described in this disclosure is a support structure for an electrode array configured for implanting against the spinal cord for treatment of pain. The restoring force of the support structure works in concert with frictional coupling between the array and the spinal cord to overcome the inertial force associated with ateral motion of the array. The electrode array is supported with struts that run longitudinally across or near the array backing. For example, two struts can be affixed on either out-board longitudinal edge of the array. The electrode array can be further stabilized by securing to a vertebra in the patient using a strap equipped with a collar that encircles the bundle of electrical leads emerging from the array through the dura. Positional stability of the array is better than 0.5 nm per movement cycle, thereby inhibiting the array from lifting off of the spinal cord during movement of the spinal cord within the dura.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Brian Dalm, Steve Viljoen, Matthew A. Howard, Rob Shurig
  • Patent number: 9254379
    Abstract: This invention provides a device for implantation directly into the spinal cord for the purpose of treating back pain. Electrodes on a backing that conforms directly to the spinal cord are installed as a source of electrical stimulation and pain relief. The electrode array is maintained on the spinal cord by way of a spring or support structure that is anchored to an anatomical structure outside the spinal cord but near the site of implantation. Suitable anchoring structures include the vertebrae and the dura. Secured in this fashion, the support structure maintains a gentle pressure of the electrode array against the spinal cord so as to stay in electrical contact but minimize injury or inflammation. The device may accommodate and buffer movement of the spinal cord both laterally and in a caudal-rostral fashion so that the electrode array remains in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Matthew A. Howard, Hiroyuki Oya, Steve Viljoen, Chandan G. Reddy
  • Publication number: 20140371830
    Abstract: This invention provides a device for implantation directly into the spinal cord for the purpose of treating back pain. Electrodes on a backing that conforms directly to the spinal cord are installed as a source of electrical stimulation and pain relief. The electrode array is maintained on the spinal cord at a chosen location by way of a spring or support structure that is anchored to an anatomical structure outside the spinal cord but near the site of implantation. Suitable anchoring structures include the vertebrae and the dura. Secured in this fashion, the support structure maintains a gentle pressure of the electrode array against the spinal cord so as to stay in electrical contact but minimize injury or inflammation. The device may accommodate and buffer movement of the spinal cord both laterally and in a caudal-rostral fashion so that the electrode array remains in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Matthew A. Howard, Hiroyuki Oya, Steve Viljoen, Chandan G. Reddy