Patents by Inventor Yi-Kai Lo

Yi-Kai Lo 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: 11944814
    Abstract: A wireless implant and associated system for motor function recovery after spinal cord injury, and more particularly a multi-channel wireless implant with small package size. The wireless implant can further be used in various medical applications, such as retinal prostheses, gastrointestinal implant, vagus nerve stimulation, and cortical neuromodulation. The system also includes a method and its implementation to acquire the impedance model of the electrode-tissue interface of the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Yi-Kai Lo, Wentai Liu, Victor R. Edgerton, Chih-Wei Chang
  • Publication number: 20240081654
    Abstract: Systems and methods that can employ a bleeding sensor that uses an optical mechanism to detect blood in the patients GI tract are described. The bleeding sensor includes a substrate holding a centrally-located light detector with a broad sensitivity spectrum and at least two light emitters positioned radially around the centrally-located light detector, each light emitter configured to emit light of different primary wavelengths. The bleeding sensor has a gap between each of the at least two light emitters and the centrally-located light detector that accepts the contents of a patients gastrointestinal tract. An optical cap covers the centrally-located light detector and the at least two light emitters to direct the light emitted from the at least two light emitters through the gap and onto the centrally-located light detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2022
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Alexander Barnes BALDWIN, Yi-Kai LO
  • Patent number: 11857783
    Abstract: Systems and methods for implementation of a disposable miniaturized implant for treatment of Post-Operative Ileums (POI), a miniaturized implant for treating chronic GI dysmotility (e.g., dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), nausea, functional dyspepsia, blockage of transit, and gastroparesis, inflammatory bowel disease) and obesity, by providing electrical stimulation to the part of bowel going through surgery to expedite the healing process while recording the smooth muscle activities simultaneously, or providing stimulation on a treatment location of the GI tract or the branch of the vagus nerve. Systems and methods are also provided for non-invasive, transcutaneous stimulation of anatomy within the abdomen of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Yi-Kai Lo, Wentai Liu
  • Publication number: 20230402189
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are disclosed for optimization techniques and a realistic 3D model to design optimal parameters for transcutaneous stimulation to achieve focalized stimulation of a target tissue such as the spinal cord, brain or other internal organ. The methods, apparatus, and systems include generation of a 3D model from a CT/MRI image, as well as an optimization algorithm that enables stimulation of any target location (e.g., on the dorsal root, or on the dorsal column) with any orientation at high precision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Ying Li, Wentai Liu, Yi-Kai Lo
  • Patent number: 11715566
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are disclosed for optimization techniques and a realistic 3D model to design optimal parameters for transcutaneous stimulation to achieve focalized stimulation of a target tissue such as the spinal cord, brain or other internal organ. The methods, apparatus, and systems include generation of a 3D model from a CT/MRI image, as well as an optimization algorithm that enables stimulation of any target location (e.g., on the dorsal root, or on the dorsal column) with any orientation at high precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Ying Li, Wentai Liu, Yi-Kai Lo
  • Publication number: 20230233068
    Abstract: Photobiomodulation can be used to treat disorders of the gastrointestinal system. The photobiomodulation can be delivered by an intraluminal device (which can be within the gastrointestinal system) that includes at least one light delivery device configured to provide photobiomodulation; at least one photodetector device to measure reflectance based on the photobiomodulation; a processor to receive a reflectance signal from the at least one photodetector device based on the reflectance measured by the at least one photodetector device and process the reflectance signal; and a wireless transceiver coupled to the processor to transmit at least a portion of the processed reflectance signal. The wireless transceiver can communicate with an external device that includes a wireless transceiver to receive the at least the portion of the processed reflectance signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Alexander Barnes BALDWIN, Chien-Pan LIU, Po-Min WANG, Yi-Kai LO
  • Publication number: 20220409886
    Abstract: A neural stimulator system which generates stimulation from an implantable stimulator circuit which generates stimulation outputs which mimic biological signals. The user/operator can select stimulation generated from recorded waveforms, or by selecting the characteristics for generating stimulation based on randomized inter-pulse-intervals (IPI). A control unit controls the operation of the implantable stimulator circuit, and receives sets of stimulation parameters based on user input from a user input device executing application specific programming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Wentai Liu, Stanislav Culaclii, Po-Min Wang, Yi-Kai Lo
  • Publication number: 20220386935
    Abstract: A transcutaneous electrical stimulation system is provided that can include a number of features. In one implementation, the system can include a plurality of electrodes configured to be in contact with a skin surface of a patient. The system can further include a flexible hub electrically connected to the electrodes and configured to be in contact with the patient. A bend sensor can be disposed in the hub and configured to measure a curvature of the hub. The system can include a signal processing device electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes and the bend sensor, the signal processing device being configured to change stimulation settings of the plurality of electrodes based on the curvature of the hub. In some implementations, the system can include a multi-channel stimulator. Methods of use are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Inventors: Yi-Kai LO, Rachel YUNG, Po-Min WANG, Alexander Barnes BALDWIN, Chia-Hung NI
  • Publication number: 20220152386
    Abstract: A disposable implant that may be positioned inside the gastrointestinal (GI) tract through laparotomy or laparoscopic surgery. The implant may be secured in place using a biodegradable glue or biodegradable suture and is naturally expelled from the body with bowel movement after a certain period of time. In one embodiment, GI implant comprises a coil that receives power from, and sends the recorded physiological information to, an external device through wireless inductive coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Yi-Kai Lo, Wentai Liu
  • Publication number: 20220134100
    Abstract: Systems and methods for implementation of a disposable miniaturized implant for treatment of Post-Operative Ileums (POI),a miniaturized implant for treating chronic GI dysmotility (e.g., dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), nausea, functional dyspepsia, blockage of transit, and gastroparesis, inflammatory bowel disease) and obesity, by providing electrical stimulation to the part of bowel going through surgery to expedite the healing process while recording the smooth muscle activities simultaneously, or providing stimulation on a treatment location of the GI tract or the branch of the vagus nerve. Systems and methods are also provided for non-invasive, transcutaneous stimulation of anatomy within the abdomen of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Yi-Kai Lo, Wentai Liu
  • Publication number: 20220040479
    Abstract: A wireless implant and associated system for motor function recovery after spinal cord injury, and more particularly a multi-channel wireless implant with small package size. The wireless implant can further be used in various medical applications, such as retinal prostheses, gastrointestinal implant, vagus nerve stimulation, and cortical neuromodulation. The system also includes a method and its implementation to acquire the impedance model of the electrode-tissue interface of the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Yi-Kai Lo, Wentai Liu, Victor R. Edgerton, Chih-Wei Chang
  • Publication number: 20220016420
    Abstract: A wireless implant and associated system for motor function recovery after spinal cord injury, and more particularly a multi-channel wireless implant with small package size. The wireless implant can further be used in various medical applications, such as retinal prostheses, gastrointestinal implant, vagus nerve stimulation, and cortical neuromodulation. The system also includes a method and its implementation to acquire the impedance model of the electrode-tissue interface of the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Yi-Kai Lo, Wentai Liu, Victor R. Edgerton, Chih-Wei Chang
  • Patent number: 11202907
    Abstract: Systems and methods for implementation of a disposable miniaturized implant for treatment of Post-Operative Ileums (POI),a miniaturized implant for treating chronic GI dysmotility (e.g., dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), nausea, functional dyspepsia, blockage of transit, and gastroparesis, inflammatory bowel disease) and obesity, by providing electrical stimulation to the part of bowel going through surgery to expedite the healing process while recording the smooth muscle activities simultaneously, or providing stimulation on a treatment location of the GI tract or the branch of the vagus nerve. Systems and methods are also provided for non-invasive, transcutaneous stimulation of anatomy within the abdomen of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Yi-Kai Lo, Wentai Liu
  • Patent number: 11129983
    Abstract: A wireless implant and associated system for motor function recovery after spinal cord injury, and more particularly a multi-channel wireless implant with small package size. The wireless implant can further be used in various medical applications, such as retinal prostheses, gastrointestinal implant, vagus nerve stimulation, and cortical neuromodulation. The system also includes a method and its implementation to acquire the impedance model of the electrode-tissue interface of the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Yi-Kai Lo, Wentai Liu, Victor R. Edgerton, Chih-Wei Chang
  • Patent number: 11042982
    Abstract: An ultra-dense electrode-based brain imaging system with high spatial and temporal resolution. A Sparsity and Smoothness enhanced Method Of Optimized electrical TomograpHy (s-SMOOTH) based reconstruction technique to improve the spatial resolution and localization accuracy of reconstructed brain images is described. Also described is a graph Fractional-Order Total Variation (gFOTV) based reconstruction technique to improve the spatial resolution and localization accuracy of reconstructed brain images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Wentai Liu, Ying Li, Jing Qin, Chi-Wei Chang, Yi-Kai Lo
  • Publication number: 20190358450
    Abstract: Systems and methods for implementation of a disposable miniaturized implant for treatment of Post-Operative Ileums (POI),a miniaturized implant for treating chronic GI dysmotility (e.g., dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), nausea, functional dyspepsia, blockage of transit, and gastroparesis, inflammatory bowel disease) and obesity, by providing electrical stimulation to the part of bowel going through surgery to expedite the healing process while recording the smooth muscle activities simultaneously, or providing stimulation on a treatment location of the GI tract or the branch of the vagus nerve. Systems and methods are also provided for non-invasive, transcutaneous stimulation of anatomy within the abdomen of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Yi-Kai Lo, Wentai Liu
  • Publication number: 20190355476
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are disclosed for optimization techniques and a realistic 3D model to design optimal parameters for transcutaneous stimulation to achieve focalized stimulation of a target tissue such as the spinal cord, brain or other internal organ. The methods, apparatus, and systems include generation of a 3D model from a CT/MRI image, as well as an optimization algorithm that enables stimulation of any target location (e.g., on the dorsal root, or on the dorsal column) with any orientation at high precision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Ying Li, Wentai Liu, Yi-Kai Lo
  • Patent number: 10391310
    Abstract: A gastrointestinal stimulation apparatus and methods with an electronic controller and a flexible and stretchable electrode array with a central branch and orthogonal bilateral branches that wrap around a section of the gastrointestinal tract and can accommodate repetitive contraction and relaxation movements of the tract. Array branches have a flexible spring structure, stimulation electrodes, recording electrodes, sensors controlled by a controller and adhesion nodes that fix the branches to the tissue. The electrode array can sense the normal peristalsis from upstream tissue and produce a stimulus signal to stimulate the incapable intestine section to generate stimulation-induced contractions. Electrodes on the incapable intestine section can be used for stimulation or recording, the recorded signal from the incapable intestine section can be sent back to the electronics to form a closed loop control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Wentai Liu, James C. Y. Dunn, Benjamin M. Wu, Yi-Kai Lo, Chih-Wei Chang, Justin P. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20190038899
    Abstract: A wireless implant and associated system for motor function recovery after spinal cord injury, and more particularly a multi-channel wireless implant with small package size. The wireless implant can further be used in various medical applications, such as retinal prostheses, gastrointestinal implant, vagus nerve stimulation, and cortical neuromodulation. The system also includes a method and its implementation to acquire the impedance model of the electrode-tissue interface of the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Yi-Kai Lo, Wentai Liu, Victor R. Edgerton, Chih-Wei Chang
  • Publication number: 20190022371
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a transcutaneous needle electrode and uses thereof are provided. In certain embodiments the needle electrodes comprise a plurality of electrically conductive needles, where the needles are solid, or where the needles are hollow and have a closed tip, where the needles have an average tip diameter less than about 10 ?m and an average length greater than about 20-50 ?m wherein the electrically conductive needles are electrically coupled to one or more electrical leads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Chih-Wei Chang, Victor Reggie Edgerton, Wentai Liu, Yuri Gerasimenko, Parag Gad, Yi-Kai Lo