Patents by Inventor Todd Whitehurst

Todd Whitehurst 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: 20060195154
    Abstract: Methods of treating a medical condition include applying at least one stimulus to a motor cortex within a brain of a patient with an implanted system control unit in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. Systems for treating a medical condition include a system control unit implanted within the patient that is configured to apply at least one stimulus to a motor cortex within a brain of a patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Publication date: August 31, 2006
    Inventors: Kristen Jaax, Todd Whitehurst, Rafael Carbunaru
  • Publication number: 20060178709
    Abstract: Methods of treating a medical condition include applying at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within the brain of a patient with an implanted stimulator in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The at least one stimulus is configured to promote neural remodeling within the brain of the patient. Systems for treating a medical condition include an implantable stimulator configured to apply at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within the brain of a patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The at least one stimulus is configured to promote neural remodeling within the brain of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Allison Foster, Rafael Carbunaru, Kristen Jaax, Todd Whitehurst
  • Publication number: 20060161217
    Abstract: Methods of treating obesity include applying at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within a patient with an implanted stimulator in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. Systems for treating obesity include a stimulator configured to apply at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within a patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: July 20, 2006
    Inventors: Kristen Jaax, Todd Whitehurst, Rafael Carbunaru
  • Publication number: 20060129201
    Abstract: Systems for treating an obese patient include one or more sensors configured to sense one or more physical parameters of the patient and one or more implanted stimulators configured to apply a stimulus to the stomach in response to the sensed parameters. Methods of treating an obese patient include sensing one or more physical parameters of the patient and applying a stimulus to the stomach with one or more implanted stimulators in response to the sensed parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Publication date: June 15, 2006
    Inventors: Philip Lee, Todd Whitehurst, Carla Woods
  • Publication number: 20060064140
    Abstract: Methods of treating a patient with a psychiatric disorder include applying at least one stimulus to a trigeminal nerve within the patient with an implanted system control unit in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. Systems for treating a patient with a psychiatric disorder include a system control unit that is implanted within the patient and that is configured to apply at least one stimulus to a trigeminal nerve within the patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Publication date: March 23, 2006
    Inventors: Todd Whitehurst, Kristen Jaax, Rafael Carbunaru
  • Publication number: 20060036286
    Abstract: An implantable system control unit (SCU) includes means for measuring tissue impedance or other condition to determine allograft health, in order to predict or detect allograft rejection. The SCU also includes at least two electrodes coupled to means for delivering electrical stimulation to a patient within whom the device is implanted, and may also include a reservoir for holding one or more drugs and a driver means for delivering the drug(s) to the patient. In certain embodiments, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one SCU includes a sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters. Alternatively, this sensory “SCU” sounds an alarm, communicates an alarm to an external device, and/or is responsive to queries regarding sensed information, such as tissue impedance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Publication date: February 16, 2006
    Inventors: Todd Whitehurst, James McGivern, Kelly McClure, Goran Marnfeldt, James Thacker
  • Publication number: 20060036293
    Abstract: A small implantable stimulator(s) having at least two electrodes is implanted adjacent to a gastrointestinal nerve and/or muscle for the stimulation treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, including gastrointestinal motility, sphincteric disorders, and/or eating disorders. The stimulator provides a means of stimulating tissue at a stimulation site when desired, and may be implanted via a minimal surgical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Publication date: February 16, 2006
    Inventors: Todd Whitehurst, James McGivern, Rafael Carbunaru
  • Publication number: 20050267555
    Abstract: Systems for adjusting a position of an implanted medical device within a patient include an engagement tool configured to couple to the implanted medical device. The engagement tool adjusts the position of the medical device when coupled to the implanted medical device. Methods of adjusting a position of an implanted medical device within a patient include locating the implanted medical device, coupling an engagement tool to the medical device, and adjusting a position of the engagement tool to adjust the position of the medical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Publication date: December 1, 2005
    Inventors: Goran Marnfeldt, Rafael Carbunaru, Kelly McClure, Matthew Haller, Tom He, Todd Whitehurst, Meredith Anderson, James Makous, Kristen Jaax, Peter Johnson
  • Publication number: 20050228451
    Abstract: Methods of treating chronic pelvic pain include applying at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within a patient with an implanted system control unit in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. Systems for treating chronic pelvic pain include a system control unit configured to apply at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within a patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Publication date: October 13, 2005
    Inventors: Kristen Jaax, Rafael Carbunaru, Todd Whitehurst, Carla Woods
  • Publication number: 20050209652
    Abstract: Systems and methods for introducing one or more stimulating drugs and/or applying electrical stimulation to tissue affecting the penis to treat erectile dysfunction (for instance, following prostate surgery) uses at least one implantable system control unit (SCU) producing electrical pulses delivered via electrodes and/or producing drug infusion pulses, wherein the stimulating drug(s) are delivered via one or more pumps and infusion outlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Publication date: September 22, 2005
    Inventors: Todd Whitehurst, James McGivern
  • Publication number: 20050182453
    Abstract: Exemplary methods of treating a patient with epilepsy include applying a stimulus to a stimulation site within the patient with an implanted system control unit in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The stimulus includes a stimulation current having a frequency substantially equal to or greater than 400 Hz. Exemplary systems for treating a patient with epilepsy include a system control unit configured to apply a stimulus to a stimulation site within the patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The stimulus includes a stimulation current having a frequency substantially equal to or greater than 400 Hz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Publication date: August 18, 2005
    Inventors: Todd Whitehurst, Edward Overstreet, Albert Maltan
  • Publication number: 20050165465
    Abstract: A lead assembly (20) for a small implantable medical device (10) (a.k.a., microdevice (10) provides means to attach a remote electrode (14) to microdevice (10), which means inhibit fluid ingress when microdevice (10) is not attached to lead assembly (20). Microdevices may provide either or both tissue stimulation and sensing. Known microdevices (10) include spaced apart electrodes (12a, 12b) on the outer surface of the microdevice. Lead assembly (20) includes an insulated lead (16) including a proximal end and a distal end, with at least one conductor therebetween; at least one electrode (14) at the distal end of the lead and electrically connected to the at least one conductor, and a connector (18) attached to the proximal end of the lead and adapted to be removably connectable to microdevice (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 28, 2005
    Inventors: Anne Pianca, Todd Whitehurst, James McGivern
  • Publication number: 20050154419
    Abstract: Methods of treating a medical condition of a patient include applying at least one stimulus to a target nerve within the patient with an implanted system control unit in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The target nerve may include any nerve originating in an upper cervical spine area of the patient or a branch of any nerve originating in the upper cervical spine area of the patient. Systems for treating a medical condition of a patient include a system control unit that is implanted within the patient and that is configured to apply at least one stimulus to the target nerve within the patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Publication date: July 14, 2005
    Inventors: Todd Whitehurst, Kristen Jaax, Rafael Carbunaru
  • Publication number: 20050143789
    Abstract: Methods of treating chronic pain within a patient include applying at least one stimulus to a peripheral nerve within the patient with an implanted system control unit in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The stimulus is configured to treat the chronic pain. Systems for treating chronic pain within a patient include a system control unit configured to apply a stimulus to a peripheral nerve within the patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The system control unit is implanted within the patient and the stimulus is configured to treat the chronic pain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Publication date: June 30, 2005
    Inventors: Todd Whitehurst, Kristen Jaax
  • Publication number: 20050119713
    Abstract: Methods for implanting spinal cord stimulators are provided, including implanting at least one electrode in an anterolateral area of the spine. Stimulation provided by the stimulator(s) may be used to treat patients with chronic pain. The stimulator(s) use a power source/storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. Periodic recharging of such a power source/storage device is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external applience. The stimulators provide means of stimulating a nerve(s) or other tissue when desired, without the need for external appliances during the stimulation session. When necessary, external appliances are used for the transmission of data to and/or from the stimulator(s) and for the transmission of power, if necessary. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one implant includes at least one sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Publication date: June 2, 2005
    Inventors: Todd Whitehurst, James McGivern, Carla Mann, Janusz Kuzma
  • Publication number: 20050102006
    Abstract: Systems and methods for applying electrical stimulation to the brain to treat headaches and neuralgia use at least one implantable system control unit (SCU), specifically an implantable signal/pulse generator (IPG) with one or more electrodes. The IPG is implanted in the skull and communicates with at least one external appliance, such as a Behind-the-Ear (BTE) unit. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one SCU includes a sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Publication date: May 12, 2005
    Inventors: Todd Whitehurst, Rafael Carbunaru, Albert Maltan, Michael Faltys
  • Publication number: 20050049651
    Abstract: A system and method for introducing one or more stimulating drugs and/or applying electrical stimulation to the brain to treat mood and/or anxiety disorders uses an implantable system control unit (SCU), specifically an implantable signal/pulse generator (IPG) or microstimulator with one or more electrodes in the case of electrical stimulation, and an implantable pump with one or more catheters in the case of drug infusion. In cases requiring both electrical and drug stimulation, one or more SCUs are used. Alternatively and preferably, when needed, an SCU provides both electrical stimulation and one or more stimulating drugs. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one SCU includes a sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Publication date: March 3, 2005
    Inventors: Todd Whitehurst, Kristen Jaax
  • Publication number: 20050033376
    Abstract: Systems and methods for introducing one or more stimulating drugs and/or applying electrical stimulation to the brain to at least treat or prevent obesity and/or other eating disorders uses at least one system control unit (SCU) producing electrical pulses delivered via electrodes implanted in the brain and/or producing drug infusion pulses, wherein the stimulating drug(s) are delivered to targeted areas in the brain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 10, 2005
    Inventor: Todd Whitehurst