Patents Issued in May 3, 2016
  • Patent number: 9327079
    Abstract: A quality control method or system for determining a lubricant coverage at the inside surface of a syringe barrel is provided. The timing for the quality control is not intuitive, yet crucial for patient's safety. The pre-fill test is for a pre-filled (empty or no drug solution), yet oil lubricated, barrel. This pre-fill test needs to be performed within a certain time window immediately following the lubrication. The post-fill test is for a post-filled oil lubricated syringe barrel filled with a solution. This post-fill test needs to be performed after a certain time window has passed from the filling with the solution. The quality control methods could lead to a reduction of health-risks or avoid life-threatening situations associated with syringes that are either below or above the desired lubrication coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: ZebraSci, Inc
    Inventors: Giovanni Laviste Denina, Hoang Thanh Nguyen, Frederick Talley Gertz, Robert James Schultheis
  • Patent number: 9327080
    Abstract: A piston for a medical hollow body such as a syringe or a carpule includes at least one sliding surface for contact with the hollow body. The piston has at least one receiving area in which a lubricant can be received, and at least one dispensing mechanism for dispensing the at least one lubricant from the at least one receiving area to the at least one sliding surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: ARZNEIMITTEL GMBH APOTHEKER VETTER & CO. RAVENSBURG
    Inventors: Frank Boettger, Benjamin Boebst
  • Patent number: 9327081
    Abstract: A tool actuating assembly for a multi-function surgical instrument is disclosed. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of differently configured multi-function surgical instruments and can be embodied in various physical configurations. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention provides for more efficient use of the tools of the instrument by the surgeon who is utilizing the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Stephane Gobron, Tim Ward, W. Michael Mereness, Mark Isom Richards, Srinivas Nishtala
  • Patent number: 9327082
    Abstract: A drug delivery system to deliver two or more medicaments operable through a auto-injector drug delivery device and a single dispense interface. The device comprises a housing defining a primary reservoir containing a first medicament. A dosing mechanism operably connected to the primary reservoir. A single dispense interface is configured for fluid communication with the primary reservoir and a secondary reservoir of medicament containing at least one drug agent configured for fluid communication to the single dispense interface. A single activation of the dosing mechanism causes medicament from the primary reservoir and a non-user settable dose of the second medicament to be expelled through the single dispense interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland
    Inventors: Garen Kouyoumjian, Malcolm Stanley Boyd, Daniel Thomas De Sausmarez Lintell
  • Patent number: 9327083
    Abstract: Provided is a medicament delivery device (100) comprising a tubular housing (110), having a proximal end (111) and an opposite distal end (112), an actuator means (119, 120), slidably and coaxially arranged inside the tubular housing (110) wherein is provided an inter-locking mechanism (119, 413) between the a cap (410) and the housing (110), enabling the cap (410) to freely spin, i.e. it is impossible to open the cap (410), until the medicament delivery device (100) has been properly activated by an activator means (160).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: SHL Group AB
    Inventors: Lucio Giambattista, Antonio Bendek
  • Patent number: 9327084
    Abstract: An injection device includes a housing 101 to 104 containing a syringe 24. The contents of the syringe 24 are viewable through a window 14 in the mid-section 102 of the housing. The window 14 is concealed by a slideable shutter 12. The slideable shutter 12 is biased by a bias spring 22 which also biases an internal syringe carrier. Also disclosed is a reversible needle cap which operates initially to cap the front end of the housing and, upon removal thereof, pulls a needle sheath 30 off the syringe needle 26. The cap is designed to be reversible so that, after use, it can be reversed and reconnected to the housing to cover the exposed needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: OWEN MUMFORD LIMITED
    Inventor: Timothy Simon Evans
  • Patent number: 9327085
    Abstract: A used needle is inserted in a housing of a needle apparatus disabling device. As the needle is pushed downwards sealing a collar opening and bears against a stationary cutter blade. The needle is pushed further into the device where it contacts upper and lower electrodes. An electric current passes through the needle, which causes it to become heated resistively to destruction. A voltage drop between the electrodes is detected by a processor activating a motor driven movable cutter blade which then severs a remaining stub or remnant of the needle portion and simultaneously urges the severed stub downwardly onto the electrodes to ensure its complete destruction. During this process any sparks or airborne contaminants, or combustion gases are prevented from escaping through the opening by the sealing action of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: SHARPS TERMINATOR, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Jackson, William A. Schureck
  • Patent number: 9327086
    Abstract: An assembly for use with a syringe having a barrel and a needle includes a sealing element surrounding and positioned over at least a portion of the distal end of the syringe. An adapter at least partially surrounds the sealing element and is positioned over the distal end of the syringe. The adapter has a first skin contacting surface positioned at a distal end thereof. At least a portion of the first skin contacting surface extends generally parallel to at least a terminal end of the needle. The adapter also has a second skin contacting surface positioned proximally relative to the terminal end of the needle and at an angle to the first skin contacting surface. A needle shield at least partially surrounds and is removably positioned over at least one of the adapter, the sealing element and the syringe barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: SID Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Izrail Tsals, Christopher Evans, Brian Costello
  • Patent number: 9327087
    Abstract: A dust cap for a pMDI having a cap part adapted for a push-fit on the dispensing nozzle of the pMDI and a strap part for connecting the dust cap to the pMDI, wherein the cap part is slidably mounted on the strap part for sliding movement between an extended position and a contracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Glaxo Group Limited
    Inventors: Allen John Pearson, Ian Cude, Paul Kenneth Rand
  • Patent number: 9327088
    Abstract: There is provided a drug dispenser device comprising a housing defining a first chamber; extending from said housing and defining a second open chamber, an outlet for insertion into a body cavity of a patient; provided to said first chamber of the housing, a discharge block defining a discharge block orifice; receivable within the first chamber for movement therewithin, a drug discharge device, said drug discharge device having a longitudinal axis and comprising a container for storing a drug formulation to be dispensed, a discharge mechanism and a discharge channel from said container, wherein said discharge channel is receivable by said discharge block to enable discharge of said drug formulation via said discharge block orifice to said outlet; provided to the housing; and at least one finger operable member moveable to apply a force directly or indirectly to the drug discharge device for movement along the longitudinal axis towards the discharge block to actuate said discharge mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Glaxo Group Limited
    Inventors: Gregor John McLennan Anderson, Paul Kenneth Rand
  • Patent number: 9327089
    Abstract: A method for ventilating a patient with a ventilator includes consecutively delivering a plurality of substantially equal volume amounts into a closed ventilator circuit during a ventilator self-test, receiving a pressure measurement for each volume delivery, calculating a change in pressure for each volume delivery, consecutively releasing a plurality of substantially equal volume amounts from the closed ventilator circuit during the ventilator self-test, calculating a change in pressure for each volume release, fitting the calculated change in pressure data for volume delivery and volume release to an inhalation non-linear model equation and an exhalation non-linear model equation, respectively, deriving one or more inhalation tubing compliance compensation coefficients from the inhalation non-linear model equation, and deriving one or more exhalation tubing compliance compensation coefficients from the exhalation non-linear model equation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Mehdi M. Jafari, Rhomere S. Jimenez, Jeffrey K. Aviano
  • Patent number: 9327090
    Abstract: A monitoring system for multiple medical ventilators is provided. In one aspect, the monitoring system includes a memory that includes instructions, and a processor. The processor is configured to execute the instructions to receive data for a plurality of medical ventilators, and identify a configuration for each of the plurality of medical ventilators from the received data for the plurality of medical ventilators. The processor is also configured to execute the instructions to associate each patient with a respective one of the plurality of medical ventilators, determine an identification and status for each patient associated with one of the plurality of medical ventilators, and provide, for display, information indicative of the configuration of each of the plurality of medical ventilators and indicative of the identification and status of each patient associated with one of the plurality of medical ventilators. Methods and machine-readable media are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: CAREFUSION 303, INC.
    Inventors: Tom Steinhauer, Willis Lam, Terry Blansfield, Stephen J. Birch, Leonard Mulkowsky, Clifton Pait, Mark Rogers
  • Patent number: 9327091
    Abstract: Tracheal tube systems may include first and second tubes and an inflatable balloon. The first tube may be flexible and hollow and have first and second open ends. The inflatable balloon may be affixed to and circumferentially surround a portion of the first tube. The inflatable balloon may include an indentation sized and positioned to accommodate a portion of a second tube positioned therein, when the inflatable balloon is inflated. The second tube may be hollow and have a multiplicity of holes along a sidewall not in contact with the balloon. The second tube may be configured to be coupled to a suction device that creates a negative pressure in the second tube. When the tracheal tube system is inserted in a patient's trachea, the negative pressure in the second tube may act to remove, or suction out, fluids and other matter from the trachea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: NEV AP, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Wang, Harold F. Carrison
  • Patent number: 9327092
    Abstract: A mask for achieving positive pressure mechanical ventilation (inclusive of CPAP, ventilator support, critical care ventilation, emergency applications), and a method for a operating a ventilation system including such mask. The mask includes a piloted exhalation valve that is used to achieve the target pressures/flows to the patient. The pilot for the valve may be pneumatic and driven from the gas supply tubing from the ventilator. The pilot may also be a preset pressure derived in the mask, a separate pneumatic line from the ventilator, or an electro-mechanical control. The mask of the present invention may further include a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) which is integrated therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Breathe Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Enrico Brambilla
  • Patent number: 9327093
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator to generate a flow of breathable gas; a humidifier chamber to contain a supply of water; a first flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the flow generator to the humidifier chamber; a second flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the humidifier chamber to a patient interface; and a wicking element and/or a flat, elongate heating element provided at least in the humidifier chamber. A method of delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes generating a flow of breathable gas; and humidifying the flow by passing the flow over a supply of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Paul Jan Klasek, Dieter Heidmann
  • Patent number: 9327094
    Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present invention pertain to an apparatus that helps a child to fall asleep. The apparatus includes a set of eyes and eye lids. The apparatus also includes a media input/output unit configured to output audio from the apparatus or a portable device. The eyelids are may be configured to close while the audio is outputted from the media input/output unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Inventor: Anish Patel
  • Patent number: 9327095
    Abstract: An antimicrobial lubricant applied to an outer surface of an introducer needle as part of a catheter assembly device. The catheter assembly device further includes a blood control septum having a slit through which the introducer needle is threaded. The antimicrobial lubricant is squeegeed, or removed from the outer surface of the introducer needle as the needle is removed from the slit following catheterization. The removed antimicrobial lubricant forms a deposit on the septum at a location proximate to the slit, thereby preventing colonization and growth of pathogens on the septum and other adjacent components and surfaces of the catheter assembly device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Yiping Ma
  • Patent number: 9327096
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluid delivery enables navigation through tortuous, spatially restricted body anatomy to access narrow diameter body lumens for the continuous delivery of fluids, including therapeutic fluids, to the lumen in an atraumatic manner that avoids damage to the body lumen. The fluid delivery device can have a flexible conduit having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending along an interior of the flexible conduit providing a fluid flow path between the proximal and distal ends, where the lumen transitions into a micro-lumen exiting through a port through which a high concentration of fluid injected into the lumen exits laterally out along an image viewable zone at the distal end of the flexible conduit. The flexible conduit has a maximum outer diameter sized sufficient to navigate narrow diameter body lumens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Atrium Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Steve A. Herweck, Ronit R. Furman
  • Patent number: 9327097
    Abstract: An embodiment includes a uterine manipulator system comprising: a collar including a first shelf connected to the inner surface of the collar; a stabilizer including a stabilizer rim adapted to couple to the first shelf; and a shaft adapted to pass through the stabilizer and a hollow tunnel of the collar with a bulbous tip. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Minimally Invasive Surgical Technologies, Inc
    Inventor: Prabhat Kumar Ahluwalia
  • Patent number: 9327098
    Abstract: Provided is a fixation device for retaining a skin penetrating medical device, such as a cannula, on the skin of a patient. The fixation device includes a retaining component including a support layer having an adhesive coating, and a landing zone component, including a support layer having an adhesive coating, the landing zone component being adapted to be adhesively attached to the skin around the point of penetration. The retaining component acts as a skin-contacting component and is adapted to be applied on top of the landing zone component, and at least partially cover the medical device, such that the adhesive coating of the retaining component is applied to the support layer of the landing zone component. The adhesive coating of the retaining component includes a first adhesive, and the adhesive coating of the landing zone component includes a second adhesive, the first adhesive being different from the second adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Mölnlycke Health Care AB
    Inventors: Jenny Kelvered, Tomas Fabo
  • Patent number: 9327099
    Abstract: A medical tube harness that a subject wears to organize, orient and support medical tubes and reduce the potential for unintentional tugging, kinking, and/or dislodging of the tubes as they extend from a subject's internal cavities, organs, orifices and/or anchor sites on the subject. The harness can improve patient comfort and safety, and can provide multiple locations for strategic tube placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Spectrum Health Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Teresa Lynn Wainscott, Andrew John Rodenhouse, Andrew John Vander Moren, Asghar Khaghani, Richard Allen Kanten, Ryan Anthony Bozio
  • Patent number: 9327100
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for selective drug or fluid delivery in a lumen through a coating or fluid delivery channels. One system includes an elongate catheter having a proximal end and a distal end with an axis therebetween, the catheter having a radially expandable balloon near the distal end and an energy delivery portion proximate the balloon for transmission of energy, a thermally changeable coating having a releasable drug coupled to the balloon, the thermally changeable coating being oriented to be urged against the body tissue when the expandable balloon expands and an energy source operatively coupled to the energy delivery portion configured to energize the energy delivery portion to heat and liquefy the thermally changeable coating to release the drug to the body tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: VESSIX VASCULAR, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Perry, Corbett W. Stone, Rolfe Tyson Gustus, Ronda Schreiber, Meital Mazor, Brian D. Conn
  • Patent number: 9327101
    Abstract: Adjustable balloon catheter including an inner tubular member that has an inflation lumen defined therein. An expandable member is coupled to the distal end portion of the inner tubular member and has an inner chamber in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. The expandable member is transitionable between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration. The expandable member defines has a non-cylindrical shape along at least a portion of a working length thereof when in the inflated configuration. An outer tubular member is movable relative to the inner tubular member, the outer tubular member includes a distal end. The outer tubular member is moveable between an extended position disposed over the expandable member and a retracted position proximal to the extended position. The outer tubular member is selectively positioned between the extended position and the retracted position to define an exposed length of the working length of the expandable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Marc Gianotti, Jochen Bauer, Michael Jetter
  • Patent number: 9327102
    Abstract: A medical balloon for a balloon catheter is described. The balloon has at least a first layer made from a first material and a second layer made from a second material, said first and second layers being in overlying relationship with one another and being integral with one another; wherein the first layer has a softening or melting temperature which is higher than a softening or melting temperature of the second layer. A method of forming the medical balloon is also described, including locating a raw tubing in a mold; preheating and inflating the raw tubing so as to cause it to stretch; heating the raw tubing to soften or melt the second layer; setting the inflated raw tubing to form the medical balloon; and cooling the set balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Steen Aggerholm, Tue Thuren Bödewadt, Thomas Lysgaard
  • Patent number: 9327103
    Abstract: Described is a method for treating a bronchial tissue. A guide wire is inserted through a bronchial passage to a desired location relative to a target portion of tissue to be treated. A catheter is slid along the guide wire with the guide wire received in a first lumen of the catheter until the guide wire exits a proximal port of the first lumen. A stiffening member is inserted into a second lumen of the catheter. A fluid is injected through the second lumen to a distal port of the catheter, so that the fluid is supplied to the bronchial tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventor: Paul M. Scopton
  • Patent number: 9327104
    Abstract: A system for delivering a therapeutic agent to a nasopharyngeal mucosa target comprises a foam generating mechanism, a gas, a therapeutic agent in liquid form that inhibits mucus production, and a delivery device. Actuation of the foam generating mechanism entraps gaseous bubbles from the gas in the liquid thereby forming a foam. The therapeutic agent is dispersed in the foam which has an expanded configuration adapted to fill a nasopharyngeal space and deliver the therapeutic agent to the mucosa targets. The delivery device is for delivering the foam to the nasopharyngeal space. The foam may also have a collapsed configuration for removal from the nasopharyngeal space or for concentration of the therapeutic agent onto the mucosa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: The Foundry, LLC
    Inventors: John Morriss, Cary Reich, Hanson Gifford
  • Patent number: 9327105
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an active transdermal drug delivery system performing transdermal drug delivery comprising of a patch capable of being attachable to the skin of the subject; at least one electrical energy power input; a plurality of converters/energy transducers configured for converting the electrical energy to different forms of energy; and a controller including a programmable microprocessor configured for providing the intensity, sequence, nature, and timing information for the different energies supplied and thereby providing activating signals to the said converters for the transdermal drug delivery by the said patch, and a method for performing transdermal drug delivery using said electronic patch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: ITRACE BIOMEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Radhakrishnan Ramdas, Kartik Karri, Chidella Venkata Krishna Mohan Sharma
  • Patent number: 9327106
    Abstract: An implantable portal includes a septum that has embedded therein a plurality of formations that together form an indicia adapted to identify at least one characteristic of the portal. The formations are configured from impressions formed on different layers of the septum spatially separated along the vertical axis of the septum. The impressions are filled with a radiopaque material. The superposed formations do not overlap when viewed from atop the septum. When viewed under radiographic imaging from the top of the septum, a 3-D identification indicia is presented to the viewer. The 3-D indicia may be used as a 3-D marker to focus the location of the septum where a needle to access the fluid reservoir of the portal may be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Smiths Medical ASD, Inc.
    Inventors: William Lloyd Beling, Kristin Finberg, Ronald Gene Travis
  • Patent number: 9327107
    Abstract: A system for a neurostimulation device comprises a user input device configured for receiving an electrode morphology having at least one electrode, memory storing at least one basis electrode model, and at least one processor configured for modeling at least one electrode by recalling the at least one basis electrode model from the memory, and using the recalled at least one basis electrode model multiple times to construct a model of the at least one electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Moffitt
  • Patent number: 9327108
    Abstract: A flexible circuit electrode array device comprising: a polymer layer; wherein the polymer layer includes one or more metal traces, an electrode array; one or more bond pads; and the electrode array is located on the opposite side of the polymer layer. A method for backside processing of a flexible circuit electrode device, comprising: applying polymer film on a substrate; processing the front side; releasing the polymer film from substrate; flipping over the polymer film and fixing it onto the substrate; processing the backside; and final releasing of the polymer film from the substrate. Another aspect of the method involves backside processing of a flexible circuit electrode device, comprising: processing the front side without releasing the polymer; processing the backside by sacrificial substrate method, or by laser drilling method; and releasing the polymer film from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Qingfang Yao, Jordan Matthew Neysmith, Neil Hamilton Talbot, James S Little, Robert J Greenberg
  • Patent number: 9327109
    Abstract: Disclosed is an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture (EA) device having at least two electrode contacts attached to the surface of its housing. The electrodes include a central cathode electrode on a bottom side of the housing, and a circumferential anode electrode that surrounds the cathode electrode. In one embodiment, the anode annular electrode is a ring electrode placed around the perimeter edge of the coin-shaped housing. The EA device is adapted to be implanted through a very small incision, e.g., less than about 2-3 cm in length, directly adjacent to a selected acupuncture site known to moderate or affect a hypertension condition of a patient. Appropriate power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery having a relatively high internal impedance to be used without causing unacceptable dips in battery voltage when the instantaneous battery current surges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Valencia Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Greiner, David K. L. Peterson, Chuladatta Thenuwara
  • Patent number: 9327110
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for the targeted treatment of movement disorders. Typically, the systems and devices are used to stimulate one or more dorsal root ganglia while minimizing or excluding undesired stimulation of other tissues, such as surrounding or nearby tissues, ventral root and portions of the anatomy associated with body regions which are not targeted for treatment. The dorsal root ganglia are utilized in particular due to their specialized role in movement. It is in these areas that sensory fibers are isolated from motor fibers. Sensory fibers are involved in a variety of reflexes that are involved in movement control, and these reflexes can be utilized in the treatment of various movement disorders. Thus, by stimulating sensory fibers in these areas, fundamental reflexes can be affected to lessen the symptoms of movement disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings SMI S.A.R.L. (“SJM LUX SMI”)
    Inventors: Jeffery M. Kramer, Robert M. Levy
  • Patent number: 9327111
    Abstract: A paddle lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue includes a paddle body having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. The paddle body includes a plurality of electrodes disposed into at least four columns extending parallel with the longitudinal axis. The at least four columns include two lateral columns and at least two medial columns disposed therebetween. The electrodes of the at least two medial columns are arranged into rows aligned along the transverse axis. The electrodes of the two lateral columns are each longitudinally offset from the rows of electrodes of the at least two medial columns. An array of terminals are disposed on each of at least one lead body coupled to the paddle body. A plurality of conductive wires couple each of the electrodes to at least one terminal of the terminal arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Anne Margaret Pianca, David Karl Lee Peterson
  • Patent number: 9327112
    Abstract: A stimulation lead is disclosed. This lead comprises a lead body having a lumen housing an inner conductor, the conductor being axially and rotationally movable within the lumen, and coupled to a generator of an active implantable medical device. The lead also has a helical anchoring screw extending from a distal end configured to penetrate target tissue, and a stimulation needle electrically coupled to the conductor and comprising at its distal end an active free portion with at least one stimulation electrode for application of pacing pulses to the target tissue. The stimulation needle is axially movable between a retracted position inside the tubular body, and a deployed position with the active free portion of the needle emerging out of the tubular body, utilizing an actuating mechanism for moving the needle from its retracted position to its deployed position under the effect of rotary movement relative to the lead body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: SORIN CRM S.A.S.
    Inventor: Jean-François Ollivier
  • Patent number: 9327113
    Abstract: Various embodiments concern a lead having a proximal section and a curbed section. The lead can comprise an outer tubular portion having a bias such that the lead assumes a curved shape along the curved section. The lead can further include an inner tubular portion extending within the outer tubular portion, the inner tubular portion comprising an inner coil conductor and an inner polymer jacket over the inner coil conductor along the curved section, the inner tubular member stiffer along the proximal section than the curved section, the outer tubular portion stiffer along the curved section relative to the inner tubular portion along the curved section such that the inner tubular portion can rotate relative to the outer tubular portion while the curved shape is substantially maintained. Relative rotation can extend and rotate and active fixation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. Petersen, Todd Rowe, Rui He
  • Patent number: 9327114
    Abstract: A user-activated self-contained co-packaged iontophoretic drug delivery system and method of use for treatment of a subject are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Teva Pharmaceuticals International GmbH
    Inventors: Terri B. Sebree, Robert P. Stathopulos, Mihai A. Vinatoru
  • Patent number: 9327115
    Abstract: An implant device for stimulating osteogenesis and osseointegration comprises a hollow annular housing member, a pulsed current modulator, and a coil connected to the current modulator. The current modulator and at least a portion of the coil are mounted within the housing member. A frequency of the pulsed current is selected to generate an electromagnetic field of a predetermined flux density that penetrates, and propagates radially outwardly from, the housing member for a sufficiently large propagation distance to stimulate osteogenesis and osseointegration, by means of the generated electromagnetic field, of a bone region in which the implant device is implanted and which is disposed radially outwardly from the housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Magdent Ltd.
    Inventors: Moshe Neuman, Joseph Shechter
  • Patent number: 9327116
    Abstract: An apparatus for the cardio-synchronized stimulation of skeletal or smooth muscle, but excluding the heart muscles, in a counterpulsation mode of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: CARDIOLA LTD.
    Inventors: Christian Stuerzinger, Larry Lapanashvili, Thomas Zimmermann, Armin Eggli, Christian Piguet, Jean-Felix Perotto
  • Patent number: 9327117
    Abstract: This disclosure provides techniques for bladder sensing. In accordance with the techniques described in this disclosure, a device may measure the impedance of a bladder, determine the posture of a patient, and determine a status of the bladder based on the impedance and posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Denison, Keith A. Miesel
  • Patent number: 9327118
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma, anaphylaxis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The treatment comprises transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers that are responsible for smooth muscle dilation. The transmitted energy impulses, comprising magnetic and/or electrical, mechanical and/or acoustic, and optical and/or thermal energy, stimulate the selected nerve fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Electrocore, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle, Steven Mendez
  • Patent number: 9327119
    Abstract: An electrostimulation system of the invention includes a signal generator, a docking assembly, and at least one transmission assembly. The signal generator is configured to produce at least one signal. The docking assembly includes a main housing; at least one mechanical retaining element operatively connected to the main housing that mechanically secures the signal generator to the docking assembly; and, at least one electrical docking element mechanically connected to the main housing that electrically connects the docking assembly to the signal generator. The at least one transmission assembly is adapted to fit on a portion of a user's anatomy, including at least one transmission assembly connection element (TACE) adapted to transmit a signal from the docking assembly to the user. The signal generator is electrically and mechanically detachably connected to the docking assembly during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: VISION QUEST INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Michael S. Skahan, Kevin R. Lunau, David K. Combs, Wallace Ray Fischer
  • Patent number: 9327120
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention include system and method for transmitting neural data extracted from an electrical signal of a non-human mammal to a human. The system includes an electrode implantable into the animal auditory nerve, brainstem, or midbrain of the non-human mammal, configured to record the electrical signal of the non-human mammal, the electrical signal being in the form of sequences of pulses or pulse trains encoding frequency information of the non-human mammal, a processing device electrically coupled with the electrode, configured to process the electrical signal and convert the processed electrical signal into a digital signal, a transmitting device electrically coupled with the processing device, configured to transmit the digital signal, and a receiving device electrically coupled with the transmitting device, configured to receive the transmitted digital signal, convert the received digital signal into a sensory output perceptible to the human, and apply the sensory output to the human.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Claus-Peter Richter, Petrina LaFaire, Xiaodong Tan
  • Patent number: 9327121
    Abstract: Selective high-frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 100 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region from an epidural location to address phantom limb pain without creating paresthesia in the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Nevro Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Thacker, Konstantinos Alataris, Bradford Evan Gliner
  • Patent number: 9327122
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for monopolar neuromodulation, e.g., via a pulsed electric field. Such monopolar neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, monopolar neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such monopolar neuromodulation is performed bilaterally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand, Nicolas Zadno
  • Patent number: 9327123
    Abstract: Endovascular nerve monitoring devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A nerve monitoring system configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include a shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a nerve monitoring assembly at the distal portion. The shaft is configured to locate the distal portion intravascularly at a treatment site. The nerve monitoring assembly can include a bipolar stimulation electrode array and a bipolar recording electrode array disposed distal to the bipolar stimulation electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Dwayne S. Yamasaki, Bryan Courtney, Wenjeng Li, Kevin Mauch, Kevin McFarlin, Gabriel Brennan, David Gannon, David Hobbins, Brian Kelly, Stephen Nash, Matthew Bonner, Sean Ward
  • Patent number: 9327124
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for stimulating neurons having a pathological synchronous and oscillatory neural activity, the apparatus including a stimulation unit having a plurality of stimulation contacts to stimulate neurons in a patients brain and/or spinal cord with electric stimuli, a measurement unit for recording test signals that represent a neural activity of the stimulated neurons, and a control and analysis unit. Furthermore, the stimulation contacts of the stimulation unit apply stimuli, and the control and analysis unit selects the stimulation contacts, the stimuli of which cause the phase of the pathological synchronous and oscillatory neural activity of the stimulated neurons to be reset. The selected stimulation contacts then apply phase-resetting stimuli with a time delay, and the control and analysis unit verifies whether the pathological synchronous and oscillatory neural activity of the stimulated neurons is suppressed by said time-delayed stimuli.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Alexander Tass
  • Patent number: 9327125
    Abstract: Selective high-frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side effects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Nevro Corporation
    Inventors: Konstantinos Alataris, Andre B. Walker, Jon Parker, Yougandh Chitre, Sangsoo Wesley Park, James R. Thacker
  • Patent number: 9327126
    Abstract: Selective high-frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side effects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Nevro Corporation
    Inventors: Konstantinos Alataris, Andre B. Walker, Jon Parker, Yougandh Chitre, Sangsoo Wesley Park, James R. Thacker
  • Patent number: 9327127
    Abstract: Selective high-frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side effects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Nevro Corporation
    Inventors: Konstantinos Alataris, Andre B. Walker, Jon Parker, Yougandh Chitre, Sangsoo Wesley Park, James R. Thacker
  • Patent number: 9327128
    Abstract: A therapeutic neurostimulation system configured for providing therapy to a patient. The neurostimulation system comprises a neurostimulation lead having an array of electrodes arranged along a longitudinal axis configured for being implanted along a spinal cord of a patient, a neurostimulation device configured for delivering electrical stimulation energy to active ones of the electrode array, and control/processing circuitry for instructing the neurostimulation device to configure an active electrode as a cathode, and two active electrodes longitudinally flanking and laterally offset from the cathode as anodes, selecting a ratio of stimulation amplitude values for the two anodes based on a known longitudinal location of the implanted neurostimulation lead relative to the spinal cord, and instructing the neurostimulation device to distribute the electrical stimulation energy between the two anodes in accordance with the selected stimulation amplitude value ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Emarit A. S. Ranu