Patents Issued in June 1, 2010
  • Patent number: 7729730
    Abstract: A slide mechanism includes a rack gear (10), a bracket (20), a cam assembly (30), and an elastic member (10). The cam assembly is rotatably mounted on the bracket. The cam assembly includes a pinion gear (322). The pinion gear engages with the rack gear. The elastic member is secured on the bracket for providing an elastic force to the pinion gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Zhou-Quan Zuo, Chia-Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 7729731
    Abstract: A terminal structure of a superconducting cable is provided that is capable of preventing degradation in airtightness of a seal provided on the boundary between a room-temperature side and a cryogenic side for a long-term use. The terminal structure includes a terminal of a superconducting cable, a bushing providing electrical conduction with a superconducting conductor of the cable, and a refrigerant bath housing the terminal and the bushing. The refrigerant bath includes a liquid nitrogen layer in its cryogenic side and a nitrogen gas layer in its room-temperature side that are adjacent to each other. In the nitrogen gas layer, distance t between an inner surface of the refrigerant bath and an outer periphery of the bushing is dimensioned such that nitrogen gas is kept in a gaseous state without being pressurized by a pressurizer and respective pressures of nitrogen gas and liquid nitrogen counterbalance each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuuichi Ashibe, Takato Masuda
  • Patent number: 7729732
    Abstract: A biological information measuring apparatus includes a plurality of light emission sections, a plurality of light detection sections, and a control section. Each light emission section injects, into a living organism, a spectrum-modulated light beam having a specific wavelength. The control section acquires a spread code sequence employed by each of the light emission sections for spread spectrum modulation, and supplies the spread code sequence to the light detection sections. By use of the spread code sequence, each light detection section selectively receives a specific reflected light beam having the spread code sequence, which is selected from among the light beams which have been emitted from the light emission sections and reflected in the living organism. Subsequently, each light detection section despreads an electrical signal corresponding to the thus-received reflected light beam, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the intensity of the reflected light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Spectratech Inc.
    Inventor: Mitsuo Ohashi
  • Patent number: 7729733
    Abstract: A physiological measurement system has a sensor, a processor, a communications link and information elements. The sensor is configured to transmit light having a plurality of wavelengths into a tissue site and to generate a sensor signal responsive to the transmitted light after tissue attenuation. The processor is configured to operate on the sensor signal so as to derive at least one physiological parameter. The communications link is adapted to provide communications between the sensor and the processor. The information elements are distributed across at least one of the sensor, the processor and the communications link and provide operational information corresponding to at least one of the sensor, the processor and the communications link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Masimo Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Ammar Al-Ali, Walter M. Weber, Joe E. Kiani
  • Patent number: 7729734
    Abstract: There is provided a glucose monitoring method and apparatus based on the principle of Wavelength-Modulated Differential Laser Photothermal Radiometry (WM-DPTR). Two intensity modulated laser beams operating in tandem at specific mid-infrared (IR) wavelengths and current-modulated synchronously by two electrical waveforms 180 degrees out-of-phase, are used to interrogate the tissue surface. The laser wavelengths are selected to absorb in the mid infrared range (8.5-10.5 ?m) where the glucose spectrum exhibits a discrete absorption band. The differential thermal-wave signal generated by the tissue sample through modulated absorption between two specific wavelengths within the band (for example, the peak at 9.6 and the nearest baseline at 10.5 ?m) lead to minute changes in sample temperature and to non-equilibrium blackbody radiation emission. This modulated emission is measured with a broadband infrared detector. The detector is coupled to a lock-in amplifier for signal demodulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventors: Andreas Mandelis, Sergey Telenkov
  • Patent number: 7729735
    Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for confirming the proper placement of a penetrating catheter into a vascular compartment without undesirable arterial cannulation using principles of oximetry in which blood from the penetrated region is subjected to light of a plurality of wavelengths and detected for absorption levels. The result is analyzed by a processor and the level of oxygen saturation of the blood is indicated. The characteristic level of saturation informs the practitioner whether oxygenated arterial blood is present due to an inadvertent puncture. The catheter is introduced using an introduction needle. Thereafter the needle is removed to allow blood to communicate with sensing elements that consist of a light-emitting LED array and opposed photodetector. Light in the infrared and visible red wavelengths can be provided by separate LED units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic
    Inventor: Corey A. Burchman
  • Patent number: 7729736
    Abstract: A medical sensor may be adapted to account for factors that cause irregularities in pulse oximetry measurements or other spectrophotemetric measurements. Sensors are provided with surface features that reduce the amount of outside light or shunted light that impinge the detecting elements of the sensor. The sensor is adapted to reduce the effect of outside light or shunted light on pulse oximetry measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventor: William B. Raridan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7729737
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for raising a background current setting for a biosensor above the actual (measured) background current present (i.e., overestimating the background current), particularly in the hypoglycemic range, to improve sensor accuracy and decrease the chance of glucose value overestimation by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: ISense Corporation
    Inventor: W. Kenneth Ward
  • Patent number: 7729738
    Abstract: A tissue penetrating catheter that is usable to advance a tissue penetrator from within a blood vessel, through the wall of the blood vessel to a target location. The catheter includes at least one stabilizing device thereon for stabilizing catheter prior to advancing the tissue penetrator. The tissue penetrator may extend through a lumen in the body of the catheter and project transversely through an exit port. The stabilizing device may be located closely adjacent to the exit port, or may surround the exit port. The stabilizing device may be one or more balloons, or other mechanical structure that is expandable into contact with the inner luminal wall of the blood vessel. Desirably, the exit port is forced into contact with the blood vessel wall to shorten the distance that the tissue penetrator projects from the catheter body to the target location. The catheter is particular useful for forming blood flow tracts between blood vessels, in particular in coronary revascularization procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Christopher Flaherty, Joshua Makower
  • Patent number: 7729739
    Abstract: A method for detecting and identifying structures of interest such as colonic polyps or similar structures like lung nodules in volumetric (medical) images data is provided. The method includes obtaining a heat diffusion field (HDF) by applying a heat diffusion scheme to a volume of interest that includes structures. The obtained heat diffusion field is then used for identifying a structure of interest from the structures in the volume of interest using a geometrical analysis of the heat diffusion field. The heat diffusion scheme is, at least partly, governed by non-linear diffusion parameters. The identification includes two parts: (i) the computation of a spherical symmetry parameter, and (ii) the performance of a local analysis of the volume of interest and computation of a triangulization parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Burak Acar, Ender Konukoglu, Christopher F. Beaulieu, Sandy A. Napel, David S. Paik
  • Patent number: 7729740
    Abstract: An apparatus measures electromagnetic signals from a weak signal source. A plurality of primary sensors is placed in functional proximity to the weak signal source with an electromagnetic field isolation surface arranged adjacent the primary sensors and between the weak signal source and sources of ambient noise. A plurality of reference sensors is placed adjacent the electromagnetic field isolation surface and arranged between the electromagnetic isolation surface and sources of ambient noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Robert H. Kraus, Jr., Michelle A. Espy, Andrei Matlachov, Petr Volegov
  • Patent number: 7729741
    Abstract: The present invention is a technique of, and system for, imaging vascular anatomy over distance considerably greater than the maximum practical field of view of a magnetic resonance imaging system while using substantially one contrast agent injection. The technique and system of the present invention acquires image data of a plurality of image volumes which are representative of different portions of the patient's body. The image data of each image volume includes image data which is representative of the center of k-space. The acquisition of image data which is representative of the center of k-space is correlated with a concentration of contrast agent in the artery(ies) residing in the image volume being substantially greater than the concentration of contrast agent in veins and background tissue adjacent to the artery(ies).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventors: James F. M. Meaney, Martin R. Prince
  • Patent number: 7729742
    Abstract: Apparatus for tracking an object includes a plurality of field generators, which generate electromagnetic fields at different, respective frequencies in a vicinity of the object, and a radio frequency (RF) driver, which radiates a RF driving field toward the object. A wireless transponder is fixed to the object. The transponder includes at least one sensor coil, in which a signal current flows responsive to the electromagnetic fields, and a power coil, which receives the RF driving field and conveys electrical energy from the driving field to power the transponder. The power coil also transmits an output signal responsive to the signal current to a signal receiver, which processes the signal to determine coordinates of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Biosense, Inc.
    Inventor: Assaf Govari
  • Patent number: 7729743
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for the intravascular or intracardial navigation of a catheter (5). Using an X-ray fluoroscopy device (1), firstly an image database of 2D images is generated, where at the same time as each 2D image (I) is taken the associated heartbeat phase is recorded using an ECG (8). During the catheter intervention, the position of the catheter (5) is measured by means of a position measurement unit (6), and at the same time the ECG and preferably also a signal that is dependent on the breathing movement are recorded. The current spatial position of the catheter (5) that is measured is then assigned the 2D image of the image database which corresponds in terms of the heartbeat phase and also possibly in terms of the breathing phase, on which image the position of the catheter can be represented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Jörg Sabczynski, Volker Rasche
  • Patent number: 7729744
    Abstract: A patient's lesion is localized for the purpose of administering radiation treatment by obtaining a beam shape representation along one or more beam directions of a radiation treatment device. An image corresponding to the lesion is obtained from each beam direction, and the beam shape and image are fixed to a common coordinate system to facilitate alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Resonant Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Falco, François Perraton
  • Patent number: 7729745
    Abstract: Device for carrying out rotablation, comprising a rotablation catheter, an OCT sensor, an IVUS sensor, position sensors and also an image processing unit, which is embodied for the creation of combined 2D or 3D images based on the data of the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Maschke
  • Patent number: 7729746
    Abstract: A method and appertaining system permit a co-registration between points in a three-dimensional model of a vessel and vascular images obtained by an imaging catheter within the vessel at the respective points. The three-dimensional model is created by utilizing information from at least two external two-dimensional images produced by, e.g., one or more x-ray devices. The three-dimensional model is displayed on an analysis workstation, and a user may view the vascular images at particular points by selecting the appertaining points on the three-dimensional model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Redel, Estelle Camus, Oliver Meissner
  • Patent number: 7729747
    Abstract: Prolonged and severe tissue hypoxia results in tissue necrosis in pedicled flaps. We demonstrate the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy for predicting viability of compromised tissue portions. This approach clearly identifies tissue regions with low oxygen supply, and also the severity of this challenge, in a rapid and non-invasive manner, with a high degree of reproducibility. Early, nonsubjective detection of poor tissue oxygenation following surgery increases the likelihood that intervention aimed at saving the tissue will be successful.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventors: Miroslaw F. Stranc, Michael G. Sowa, Henry H. Mantsch
  • Patent number: 7729748
    Abstract: Systems for highly efficient, in-vivo collection of modulated infra-red light are presented. Specifically, these devices are arranged in an important format with a view to integration with a wristwatch or other wearable device. An optical aperture of large surface area, specially distributed in an annular ring, receives radiation having been modulated in a tissue test site by blood flow. Radiation received about the annular aperture is redirected by a blazed grating or similar optical element at near perpendicular angles, into a radially distributed, condensing light pipe array and further toward a common axis. Radiation converges on the axis, thus increasing the energy density of the collected signal, before it is further directed via a conic element to a detector such as a photodiode. In some versions, these highly specialized optical paths may be formed into a single element of inexpensive plastic or other rigid substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph Florian
  • Patent number: 7729749
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for evaluating a connective tissue condition of a patient (e.g., a disease, a risk of developing a disease, a risk of developing a fracture, etc.). For example, an indicator associated with the connective tissue condition may be generated. First, tissue at a first location of the body of the patient is irradiated using a light source. The tissue may be irradiated in vivo through the skin or via an incision, for example. Alternatively, a biopsy of the tissue may be irradiated. Then, spectral content information for light scattered, reflected, or transmitted by the irradiated tissue is determined. The spectral content information may be used, at least in part, to generate an indicator associated with a condition of connective tissue at a second location of the body of the patient, the second location remote from the first location. The indicator may, for example, assist a physician in diagnosing or ruling out the connective tissue condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Blake J. Roessler, Michael D. Morris, Karen A. Dehring
  • Patent number: 7729750
    Abstract: An improvement in a method for quantitative modulated imaging to perform depth sectioned reflectance or transmission imaging in a turbid medium, such as human or animal tissue is directed to the steps of encoding periodic pattern of illumination preferably with a fluorescent excitation wavelength when exposing a turbid medium to the periodic pattern to provide depth-resolved discrimination of structures within the turbid medium; and reconstructing a non-contact three dimensional image of the structure within a turbid medium. As a result, wide field imaging, separation of the average background optical properties from the heterogeneity components from a single image, separation of superficial features from deep features based on selection of spatial frequency of illumination, or qualitative and quantitative structure, function and composition information is extracted from spatially encoded data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Bruce J. Tromberg, Anthony J. Durkin, David Cuccia, Frederic Bevilacqua
  • Patent number: 7729751
    Abstract: A spectral image obtainment unit obtains spectral image data by receiving reflection light in different wavelength bands, into which light reflected by a living body mucous membrane has been separated, at a light receiving unit by causing a ratio of a light receiving level in a short wavelength band with respect to a light receiving level in a long wavelength band to be greater than a ratio of spectral reflectance in the short wavelength band at the living body mucous membrane with respect to spectral reflectance in the long wavelength band thereat. A spectral image data operation unit performs a spectral image estimation operation by correcting the value of the spectral image data to that of spectral image data obtained by receiving light without causing the ratio to increase. Accordingly, a diagnostic spectral image of the living body mucous membrane is obtained in an electronic endoscopic apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Ayame, Shinji Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7729752
    Abstract: A non-contact cardiac mapping method is disclosed that includes: (i) inserting a catheter into a heart cavity having an endocardium surface, the catheter including multiple, spatially distributed electrodes; (ii) measuring signals at the catheter electrodes in response to electrical activity in the heart cavity with the catheter spaced from the endocardium surface; and (iii) determining physiological information at multiple locations of the endocardium surface based on the measured signals and positions of the electrodes with respect to the endocardium surface. Related systems and computer programs are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Rhythmia Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Doron Harlev, Pavel Greenfield, Leon Amariglio
  • Patent number: 7729753
    Abstract: Systems and techniques relating to locating cardiac wave forms in a cardiac signal, and to detecting a physiological condition, such as ventricular fibrillation. In general, in one aspect, a machine-implemented method includes obtaining a sensed cardiac signal of an organism, the sensed cardiac signal comprising a time series x(t); applying a Hilbert (H) transform to the time series x(t) to obtain H(x(t)), wherein x(t) and H(x(t)) together forming a partial state space trajectory; determining a speed of trajectory, for the sensed cardiac signal, from the partial state space trajectory; and identifying physiological information concerning the organism based on a combination of first and second signal elements, the first signal element including a phase property or an amplitude property of the speed of trajectory, and the second signal element including an amplitude property of the partial state space trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: CardioNet, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Kremliovsky, Lev Korzinov
  • Patent number: 7729754
    Abstract: Ventricular arrhythmias are monitored and classified based upon various criteria. One criterion is PR dissociation which is determined by comparing the PR interval in a current RR cycle to a median PR value. If the current PR interval varies too far from the median, then dissociation is indicated. Often, there are multiple atrial events in a given RR interval and the PR value has been based upon the last atrial event in the cycle. An algorithm determines whether to use the last atrial event in a cycle or whether an earlier atrial event occurred and would provide a more accurate PR value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jian Cao, Jeffrey M. Gillberg, Troy E. Jackson, Mark L. Brown
  • Patent number: 7729755
    Abstract: Methods for determining whether the brain activity of a human subject in response to a stimulus of interest or question of interest is characteristic of a state of interest, such as a deceptive state or a truthful state, are disclosed. Some methods include the use of control questions, including truthful control questions and deceptive control questions, to provide bases for comparison for responses to stimuli of interest or questions of interest. Some methods include the use of differences between two states, such as a deceptive state and a truthful state. In some methods, brain maps are generated and compared. Also disclosed are systems for detecting deception by measuring brain activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Cephos Corp.
    Inventor: Steven J. Laken
  • Patent number: 7729756
    Abstract: A measurement system for examining a section of tissue on a patient in which electric current and/or voltages are applied to a patient in at least one location and are measured on the section of tissue to be examined by at least one electrode of a contact surface of the measurement system. As a result, conclusions can be drawn about the interior of the section of tissue to be examined. The electrode is at least partially surrounded by a conductor element for contacting with a potential which deviates from that of the conductor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Mertelmeier, Bernhard Scholz
  • Patent number: 7729757
    Abstract: A medical device such as a defibrillator that incorporates corrective voice prompts that navigate users around operator errors. The voice prompts may, for example, address errors of readiness (e.g., failing to connect the defibrillator to an AC power source, failing to pre-connect electrodes, etc.), errors of omission (i.e., forgetting to do something, such as attempting to deliver a shock before the defibrillator is charged), and errors of commission (i.e., doing the wrong thing, such as attempting to shock VF when in the synchronization mode). The voice prompts may address errors in the delivery of therapy (e.g., attempting to shock VF when in the synchronization mode) or they may address errors other than in the delivery of therapy (e.g., failing to connect to an AC power source).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: ZOLL Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Parascandola, Marc Cordaro, Suzanne Crowell, Gary A. Freeman
  • Patent number: 7729758
    Abstract: Disclosed are implantable electronic devices and systems including a pair of microstimulators. The microstimulators include coils that are energized to generate magnetic fields aligned along a common axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew I. Haller, Jordi Parramon
  • Patent number: 7729759
    Abstract: Apparatus for modifying a property of a brain of a patient is provided, including one or more electrodes (7), adapted to be applied to a site selected from a group of sites consisting of: a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) (6) of the patient and a neural tract originating in or leading to the SPG. A control unit (8) is adapted to drive the one or more electrodes to apply a current to the site capable of inducing (a) an increase in permeability of a blood-brain barrier (BBB) of the patient, (b) a change in cerebral blood flow of the patient, and/or (c) an inhibition of parasympathetic activity of the SPG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Brainsgate Ltd.
    Inventors: Alon Shalev, Yossi Gross
  • Patent number: 7729760
    Abstract: A method, system, graphical user interface, and apparatus are provided for performing a patient management function providing parameter data for delivering a therapeutic signal. A first electrical signal comprising a first therapy parameter is applied to a portion of a patient's body for providing a therapy. At least one patient parameter relating to an effect of applying the first electrical signal is acquired. A second therapy parameter for defining a second electrical signal to provide a therapy is determined in response to the patient parameter. The second therapy parameter is displayed on an external device. An input signal for defining the second electrical signal is received. The input signal includes a signal indicative of the whether the second therapy parameter was accepted or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Cyberonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Sejal B. Patel, Jason D. Begnaud, Chris G. DuPont, Albert A. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7729761
    Abstract: An implantable system which includes a gene/protein delivery device and a pulse generator, as well as method of preparing the gene/protein delivery device and using the system, are provided. In one embodiment, the implantable system detects a predetermined condition or event and, in response, delivers gene(s) and/or protein(s) in conjunction with delivering pacing and/or defibrillation pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Girouard, Jeffrey Ross
  • Patent number: 7729762
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering anti-tachycardia pacing in an adaptive manner is disclosed. A cardiac rhythm management device, such as an implantable pacemaker, having anti-tachycardia pacing capability delivers anti-tachycardia pacing therapy in accordance with a selected pacing protocol upon detection of a terminable arrhythmia. The protocol is selected from a library of available protocols. A record of the successes and failures of each available protocol in converting tachyarrhythmias is maintained in a result table for use in selecting the protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Weimin Sun, Bruce H. KenKnight, Martin Tze, Yatheendhar Manicka
  • Patent number: 7729763
    Abstract: This disclosure provides for methods and apparatus for preventing an early recurring atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter (AF) episode (herein “ERAF”). Some aspects of the foregoing involve commencing atrial overdrive pacing therapy delivery at an overdrive pacing rate upon detection of one of: (i) an AF episode and (ii) a relatively long pause between successive sensed P-waves during an AF episode. The AF episode typically has a cycle length interval of between about 100 ms and 300 ms, and the relatively long pause has a duration of between about 40 ms and 100 ms longer than the cycle length of the AF episode. Atrial overdrive pacing is delivered for a relatively short period of time after successful termination of the AF episode. Subsequently, the atrial pacing rate is rapidly decreased until either normal sinus rhythm or a lower programmed pacing rate is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Lilian Kornet, Maurits Allessie, Jaak M. O. Minten
  • Patent number: 7729764
    Abstract: The efficacy of cardiac resynchronization therapy applied to a patient's heart by an implantable device are improved by obtaining acute hemodynamic feedback during implantation of a pacing device. A first and a second transducer are temporarily placed proximate to a portion of the patient's heart during device implant, and a distance between the transducers is monitored as the therapy is applied. A parameter (e.g. lead location, biventricular pacing, pacing rate, or the like) of the cardiac therapy is adjusted in response to the distance between the transducers until a desired result is obtained, after which the first and second transducers can be removed from the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Hettrick, Paul D. Ziegler
  • Patent number: 7729765
    Abstract: A system and method for passively testing a cardiac pacemaker in which sensing signal amplitudes and lead impedance values are measured and stored while the pacemaker is functioning in its programmed mode. The amplitude and impedance data may be gotten and stored periodically at regular intervals to generate a historical record for diagnostic purposes. Sensing signal amplitudes may also be measured and stored from a sensing channel which is currently not programmed to be active as long as the pacemaker is physically configured to support the sensing channel. Such data can be useful in evaluating whether a switch in the pacemaker's operating mode is desirable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Vickie L. Conley, James O. Gilkerson, David L. Perschbacher
  • Patent number: 7729766
    Abstract: In general, the disclosure is directed to a patient programmer for an implantable medical device. The patient programmer may include one or more of a variety of features that may enhance performance, support mobility and compactness, or promote patient convenience. The patient programmer includes an internal antenna mounted on a first circuit board and a display mounted on a second circuit board. The first circuit board includes a substantially contiguous around plane layer that is interrupted by two or more gaps. The patient programmer may also include one or more of a variety of features that may enhance performance, support mobility and compactness, or promote patient convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex C. Toy, John W. Forsberg, Mark E. Schommer, David P. Olson, William C. Phillips, Charles R. Lewis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7729767
    Abstract: An implantable generating system includes a generator assembly configured to be positioned within a living organism for converting mechanical motion into electrical energy. A linkage assembly is configured to be positioned within the living organism for mechanically coupling the generator assembly with one or more body parts displaceable during respiratory-based diaphragm motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventors: Rex M. Baker, III, James R. Baker
  • Patent number: 7729768
    Abstract: Implantable cardiac motion powered piezoelectric energy sources are provided. An aspects of embodiments of the subject implantable energy sources is that they include a piezoelectric transducer that converts cardiac mechanical energy to electrical energy. The subject energy sources find use in a variety of applications, including providing power to a wide range of implantable devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Proteus Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert White, George Savage, Mark Zdeblick
  • Patent number: 7729769
    Abstract: An implantable medical device and methods of manufacture are provided for implantation in a body. The device includes a device housing having an interior cavity and electronic circuitry located in the interior cavity of the device housing. The electronic circuitry detects a physiologic condition of the body and delivers a therapy to the body. The device further includes a feed-through assembly having a feed-through housing that is joined to the device housing. The feed-through assembly includes conductors held in the feed-through housing and electronically connected to the electronic circuitry. A back-fill member is joined to the feed-through housing. The back-fill member has an opening there through communicating with the interior cavity of the device housing. A sealing element is hermetically secured in the opening through the back-fill member. The sealing element and back-fill member are formed of different first and second materials, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Jian Xie, Kavous Sahabi
  • Patent number: 7729770
    Abstract: An implantable medical device is provided for isolating an elongated medical lead from internal device circuitry in the presence of a gradient magnetic or electrical field. The device includes an isolation circuit adapted to operatively connect an internal circuit to the medical lead in a first operative state and to electrically isolate the medical lead from the internal circuit in a second operative state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Lonny V. Cabelka, David E. Manahan, Forrest C. M. Pape, John D. Wahlstrand
  • Patent number: 7729771
    Abstract: At least one of a plurality of gastrointestinal disorders is treated by stimulating an enteric nervous system of a patient to enhance a functional tone of the enteric nervous system. A treatment includes electrically stimulating a vagus nerve of the patient at a stimulation site proximal to at least one site of vagal innervation of a gastrointestinal organ. The electrical stimulation includes applying a stimulation signal at the stimulation site. An optional proximal electrical blocking signal is applied to the vagus nerve at a proximal blocking site proximal to the stimulation site. The proximal blocking signal is selected to at least partially block nerve impulses at the proximal blocking site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: EnteroMedics Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Knudson, Richard R. Wilson, Katherine S. Tweden, Timothy R. Conrad
  • Patent number: 7729772
    Abstract: An implantable neuromodulation system and method of treating a patient through neuromodulation of a patient's body tissue. The neuromodulation system includes a portable transmitter and an implantable receiver. The implantable receiver includes one or more electrodes disposed on the distal end of one or more elongated, flexible insulated leads. The transmitter is programmable with a treatment protocol to cause the transmitter to generate a pulsed, alternating magnetic field in accordance with the treatment protocol. When the transmitter is placed in close proximity to the receiver, the alternating magnetic field pulses generated by the transmitter cause the receiver to operably generate stimulating pulses delivered via the electrode(s) to the targeted tissue of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Uroplasty, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Williams, Hans van den Biggelaar
  • Patent number: 7729773
    Abstract: Neural stimulation and optical monitoring systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for treating a neural condition includes a signal delivery device configured to be implanted into a patient proximate to a skull of the patient and positioned to apply electromagnetic signals to one or more target sites within the patient. The apparatus also includes an implantable optical monitoring assembly configured to monitor optical properties at one or more optical monitoring sites within the patient. The apparatus further includes a controller configured to be implanted into the patient. The controller is operatively coupled to the signal delivery device and the optical monitoring assembly and programmed to control both the signal delivery device and the optical monitoring assembly. The controller also includes a power source to power both the signal delivery device and the optical monitoring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodualation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Leif R. Sloan
  • Patent number: 7729774
    Abstract: Detachable shells on hearing system components are used to provide protection to the hearing system components, to be visually pleasing, to provide visibility and to increase system attachment stability, among other functions. The detachable shells allow the overall shape and appearance of the components to be changed, thereby complementing a variety of activities that constitute a hearing system user's unique lifestyle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas P Lynch, Scott A Crawford
  • Patent number: 7729775
    Abstract: Psychophysical tests are administered to cochlear implant (CI) users to determine a spectral modulation transfer function (SMTF), the smallest detectable spectral contrast as a function of spectral modulation frequency, for each individual CI user. The determined SMTF for individual CI user is compared against a SMTF of a normal hearing person to determine the specific enhancements needed. A spectral contrast enhancement that best fits the needed enhancements for the individual CI user is selected, and a sound processing strategy is adjusted to provide customized spectral contrast enhancement for the individual CI user. The sound processing strategy implemented includes an outer hair cell model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics, LLC
    Inventors: Aniket Saoji, Leonid M. Litvak, Gene Y. Fridman
  • Patent number: 7729776
    Abstract: A telemetry system enabling radio frequency (RF) communications between an implantable medical device and an external device, or programmer, in which the RF circuitry is normally maintained in a powered down state in order to conserve power. At synchronized wakeup intervals, one of the devices designated as a master device powers up its RF transmitter to request a communications session, and the other device designated as a slave device powers up its RF transmitter to listen for the request. Telemetry is conducted using a far field or near field communication link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Von Arx, Keith Johnson, Scott T. Mazar, William J. Linder
  • Patent number: 7729777
    Abstract: A voltage compensation unit reduces the effects of induced voltages upon a device having a single wire line. The single wire line has balanced characteristic impedance. The voltage compensation unit includes a tunable compensation circuit connected to the wire line. The tunable compensation circuit applies supplemental impedance to the wire line. The supplemental impedance causes the characteristic impedance of the wire line to become unbalanced, thereby reducing the effects of induced voltages caused by changing magnetic fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Gray, Stuart G. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 7729778
    Abstract: Method, system and apparatus for monitoring target tissue temperatures wherein temperature sensors are configured as passive resonant circuits each with a unique resonating signature at monitoring temperatures extending below a select temperature setpoint. The resonant circuits are configured with an inductor component formed of windings about a ferrite core having a Curie temperature characteristic corresponding with a desired temperature setpoint. By selecting inductor winding turns and capacitance values, unique resonant center frequencies are detectable. Temperature monitoring can be carried out with implants at lower threshold and upper limit temperature responses. Additionally, the lower threshold sensors may be combined with auto-regulated heater implants having Curie transitions at upper temperature limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Calfacior Corp.
    Inventors: Philip E. Eggers, John L. Ridihalgh, Mark Mayerchak, Gary Altman
  • Patent number: 7729779
    Abstract: A transcutaneous electric nerve stimulator (TENS) electrode that comprises a conductive layer containing both an inner perimeter(s) and an outer perimeter(s) is disclosed. When used with TENS treatment protocols and devices or other treatment/therapy methods, the electrode can induce a higher rate of A fiber firing by creating baffling to balance the electrical current flowing through the electrodes and induces superior analgesia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Bacoustics, LLC
    Inventor: Eilaz Babaev