Patents Issued in November 14, 2017
  • Patent number: 9814856
    Abstract: The gases temperature supplied to a patient when the patient is undergoing treatment such as oxygen therapy or positive pressure treatment for conditions such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is often measured for safety and to enable controlling of the humidity delivered to the patient. The invention disclosed is related to measurement of properties, particularly temperature (thermister 23), of gases flowing through a heated tube (3), supplying gases to a patient, which utilises the heating wire (21, 28) within the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Matthew Jon Payton, Kevin Peter O'Donnell, Andrew Baden Clark, Christopher Simon James Quill, Peter Geoffrey Hawkins
  • Patent number: 9814857
    Abstract: Apparatus for administering certain nerve blocks includes a sheath constructed from a flexible ultrasound echogenic material, a more rigid introducer/dilator for introducing the sheath into the patient, and an ultrasound echogenic catheter for inserting through the sheath once the distal end of the sheath is in place adjacent the nerve(s) to be blocked and the introducer/dilator has been withdrawn. The catheter has provisions at its proximal end for connecting to a source of local anesthetic. Methods for use of this apparatus are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Avent, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Guzman
  • Patent number: 9814858
    Abstract: Apparatus for administering certain nerve blocks includes a sheath constructed from a flexible ultrasound echogenic material, a more rigid introducer/dilator for introducing the sheath into the patient, and an ultrasound echogenic catheter for inserting through the sheath once the distal end of the sheath is in place adjacent the nerve(s) to be blocked and the introducer/dilator has been withdrawn. The catheter has provisions at its proximal end for connecting to a source of local anesthetic. Methods for use of this apparatus are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Avent, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Guzman
  • Patent number: 9814859
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: plural airbags for massaging that are provided at least at an interior of a seatback, and that inflate to push against portions of a body of a seated vehicle occupant; an air supplying/discharging device that has a forced-air source that feeds air under pressure, and a control valve that supplies and discharges the air, that has been fed under pressure from the forced-air source, to the plural airbags respectively, so that the air supplying/discharging device inflates and contracts the plural airbags individually; and an electronic control unit that, in a state in which the forced-air source is operated, repeats, at a uniform cycle, supplying and discharging of the air by switching of the control valve, to generate awakening vibrations at least at one airbag among the plural airbags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masahiko Onuma, Kouji Saitou
  • Patent number: 9814860
    Abstract: A catheter system including an accelerometer-based sensing assembly is provided. In particular the present teachings relate to an accelerometer based assembly used to determine contact between a catheter and surrounding proximate tissue, such as cardiac tissue. An embodiment of such a system may, for example, be used for visualization, mapping, ablation, or other methods of diagnosis and treatment of tissue and/or surrounding areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy T. Tegg, Saurav Paul
  • Patent number: 9814861
    Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter comprises a guide wire lumen including a substantially sealed portion in which a lumen wall extends around an entire periphery thereof and a channel portion including a channel opening the lumen to an exterior of the catheter, wherein a width of the channel is less than a maximum width of the channel portion. A guide wire ramp extends into the channel portion, with the ramp extending further into the lumen of the channel portion as a distal end of the ramp is approached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Michael P. Boutillette, James E. Windheuser, Oscar R. Carrillo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9814862
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed towards a rapid exchange catheter configured for insertion into a subintimal space and crossing an occlusion in a subintimal space. The catheter includes a proximal end, a distal end, a first lumen configured to receive a first wire, the first lumen extending longitudinally through a least a lateral port of the catheter, and a second lumen having at least a portion distal of the lateral port and extending through at least the distal end of the catheter. The catheter also includes an exchange port arranged on a exterior portion of the catheter configured to the receive a second wire and second rapid exchange port in communication with the second lumen. Moreover, other embodiments of the invention are directed towards methods for using the rapid exchange catheter to cross an obstruction in a vessel, e.g., a total or partial occlusion, in a subintimal space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: The Spectranetics Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery B. Alvarez, Christine Godleski, Wade A. Bowe, Rob Carver, Paola A. Dwelle, David S. Nevrla, Shahriar Matin, Matthew M. Magee
  • Patent number: 9814863
    Abstract: A catheter securement device adapted to be adhesively mounted to the skin of a patient to secure a catheter in place, the device having a flexible, thin, sheet-like base member with a distal edge and a midportion, and a releasable, flexible, thin, sheet-like retention member comprising a fixed end, a releasable end, a and a distal edge, wherein the distal edge of the retention member is offset from the distal edge of the base member to define an uplift focus area in the midportion of the base member, such that upward pull on the catheter is transferred to the midportion of the base member to preclude the base member from being peeled from the patient's skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: TIDI Securement Products, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Kyvik, Arthur Parkhurst, Brian William Tait
  • Patent number: 9814864
    Abstract: A torque apparatus for facilitating manipulation of a guidewire includes a handle member dimensioned for engagement by a clinician and defining a longitudinal axis and a torque member mounted to the handle member. The torque member defines a lumen configured for reception and passage of a guidewire and is configured to rotate relative to the handle member to impart rotational movement to the guidewire. A gripper member associated with the torque member is adapted to releasably secure the guidewire relative to the torque member and a trigger member depending from the handle member is actuable to cause the gripper member to release the guidewire to thereby permit the guidewire to be moved within the lumen of the torque member. An actuator is operatively coupled to the torque member and is movable to impart rotational movement to the torque member to thereby cause corresponding rotational movement of the guidewire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Frank Scarpine, Lawrence Craig Burns
  • Patent number: 9814865
    Abstract: A coated medical device (10) including a structure (12) adapted for introduction into a passage or vessel of a patient. The structure is formed of preferably a non-porous base material (14) having a bioactive material layer (18) disposed thereon. The medical device is preferably an implantable stent or balloon (26) of which the bioactive material layer is deposited thereon. The stent can be positioned around the balloon and another layer of the bioactive material posited over the entire structure and extending beyond the ends of the positioned stent. The ends of the balloon extend beyond the ends of the stent and include the bioactive material thereon for delivering the bioactive material to the cells of a vessel wall coming in contact therewith. The balloon further includes a layer of hydrophilic material (58) positioned between the base and bioactive material layers of the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Brian L. Bates, Anthony O. Ragheb, Joseph M. Stewart, IV, William J. Bourdeau, Brian D. Choules, James D. Purdy, Neal E. Fearnot
  • Patent number: 9814866
    Abstract: A flushable valve which has unidirectional flushing can be used to flush a lumen of a stent, catheter and/or tubing. By flushing the stent, catheter and/or tubing, particulates or residue that can block or impede the flow of fluid out of the stent, catheter and/or tubing can be overcome thereby facilitating continued drainage. An automatic flushable valve eliminates manual manipulation of the device. In an embodiment of the invention, a back pressure sensor can be used to detect when the flow through the stent, catheter and/or tubing has become impeded and activates a flushing cycle. In an embodiment of the invention, a leak detector can be used to detect when an operation has caused the flush device to leak. In various embodiments of the invention, the back pressure sensor and the leak detector can be used to detect that the flush device is operating under normal conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventor: Gaurav K Goswami
  • Patent number: 9814867
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device including a titania nanotube membrane having a plurality of titania nanotubes on a titanium substrate where the titania nanotubes are open at both ends and capable of allowing diffusion of liquids or solids from one side of the membrane to the other through the titania nanotubes. Methods of making the titania nanotube membrane are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: NANO PRECISION MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Adam D. Mendelsohn, Kathleen E. Fischer, Lily H. Peng, William G. Fischer
  • Patent number: 9814868
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating skin has a console with a user input device and a handpiece assembly. The handpiece assembly is configured to treat skin. A fluid line provides fluid communication between the console and the handpiece assembly. A manifold system is coupled to the console and controlled by the user input device. The manifold system is configured to hold releasably a plurality of fluid sources and deliver fluid from at least one of the plurality of fluid sources to the handpiece assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Edge Systems LLC
    Inventors: Roger Ignon, Scott Mallett, Abraham Solano, William Cohen
  • Patent number: 9814869
    Abstract: A vascular access device, for implantation at least partially below the skin of a patient to provide an arteriovenous fistula, includes a graft portion coupled to a catheter portion. The graft portion is sutured to an opening in an artery while the catheter portion is inserted into a vein so that its end lies within the vein downstream from the point of entry into the vein. The device may be comprised of ePTFE with an outer polyurethane coating or the graft portion may comprise ePTFE with an outer polyurethane coating and the catheter portion may comprise polyurethane. There may also be an inner polyurethane coating. Alternatively, the device may be comprised entirely of polyurethane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventor: Attilio E. Difiore
  • Patent number: 9814870
    Abstract: Drug delivery devices having integrated non-luer connectors are described. An exemplary drug delivery device includes a container with a non-luer connector that prevents connection of a standard female luer connector to the container. One or more embodiments pertain to a container with a non-luer connector that prevents the formation of a fluid-tight seal between a standard female luer connector and the container. A non-luer connector for attachment to a container having a non-luer element is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Yun Jin, Yongxian Wu, Devesh Mathur
  • Patent number: 9814871
    Abstract: A connector assembly for a fluid delivery system includes a conical body defining an interior cavity and a discharge outlet, the discharge outlet defining an internal passage in fluid communication with the interior cavity; and a connector removably attached to the discharge outlet. The connector includes a central body configured to be at least partially positioned within the internal passage of the discharge outlet, and an annular connector portion connected to the central body and configured to releasably engage an exterior of the discharge outlet, the central body defining an internal channel within the central body that is in fluid communication with the interior cavity of the conical body when the connector is attached to the discharge outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: BAYER HEALTHCARE LLC
    Inventors: Jaroslaw Wlodarczyk, Edward P Liscio, Arthur E Uber, III, Kevin P Cowan
  • Patent number: 9814872
    Abstract: The invention faces the technical problem of reducing the uncertainty over exact doses ejected from a medical device and at the same time providing a homogeneous, but controlled mixture of at least two fluids while a simple production should be maintained. A medical device comprising a first valve, a second valve, a first pre-valve ullage, a second pre-valve ullage, a post-valve ullage with a first end and a second end and a needle is presented. The first pre-valve ullage is connected to the post-valve ullage by the first valve and the second pre-valve ullage is connected to the post-valve ullage by the second valve. A first fluid is guidable from the first pre-valve ullage to the post-valve ullage and a second fluid is guidable from the second pre-valve ullage to the post-valve ullage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: SANOFI-AVENTIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Ilona Eggert, James Alexander Davies, Simon Lewis Bilton, David Moore, Steven Wimpenny, Christopher Nigel Langley
  • Patent number: 9814873
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for bilateral renal neuromodulation, e.g., via a pulsed electric field, via a stimulation electric field, via localized drug delivery, via high frequency ultrasound, via thermal techniques, etc. Such 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, neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion. Bilateral renal neuromodulation may provide enhanced therapeutic effect in some patients as compared to renal neuromodulation performed unilaterally, i.e., as compared to renal neuromodulation performed on neural tissue innervating a single kidney.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Douglas Sutton, Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand
  • Patent number: 9814874
    Abstract: Lead electrodes having an asymmetrically distributed current density and methods for imparting current density directionality in lead electrodes are described. An implantable medical lead includes a lead body having a proximal section that connects to another implantable device and a distal section having a pre-biased shape configured to secure the lead to an inner wall of a body vessel. An electrode coupled to the distal section of the lead body includes a conductor mass having an asymmetrically distributed current density that imparts a directionality to one or more active portions of the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Jackson, Joseph Schroeder
  • Patent number: 9814875
    Abstract: A medical device includes a tubular body having a distal end and a proximal end, a lumen extending through the tubular body from the distal end to the proximal end, a wire extending through the lumen from the distal end to the proximal end, and a polymeric coating. The wire has an outer surface. The polymeric coating is on at least a portion of the outer surface of the wire. The coating comprises a bulk material and a plurality of flexible microstructures disposed on the bulk material. The microstructures extend outwardly from a surface of the polymeric coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Weber, Torsten Scheuermann, Stephen B. Ruble, Barry L. Rudman
  • Patent number: 9814876
    Abstract: Dislodgement of a defibrillation lead from the right ventricle to the right atrium is a rare complication associated with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. However, such dislodgement deserves attention out of proportion to its low incidence because of the possibility to cause fatal proarrhythmia. Various embodiments are directed to algorithms for detecting lead dislodgement, including a primary algorithm that operates during baseline rhythm and a secondary algorithm that operates during detection of ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation to identify lead dislodgement during atrial fibrillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Lambda Nu Technology LLC
    Inventor: Charles D. Swerdlow
  • Patent number: 9814877
    Abstract: A bio-electrical signal measurement and electrical stimulation device using skin resistance is provided. The biosignal measurement and electrical stimulation device includes: a pad in which a plurality of horizontal electrical wires and vertical electrical wires for electrical stimulation are formed to intersect at a constant gap; and a control module that is electrically connected to the pad to acquire body information of a patient by measuring a biosignal of intersections in which the horizontal electrical wires and the vertical electrical wires intersect and that enables generation of electrical stimulation while controlling power that is supplied to the horizontal electrical wires and the vertical electrical wires using the body information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: SMART MEDICAL DEVICE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Changon Moon
  • Patent number: 9814878
    Abstract: A self-sustaining piezoelectric assembly is disclosed herein for providing electrical stimulation to nerves near the surface of the skin. The assembly comprises a non-conductive mat having an aperture and a piezoelectric device positioned to fill at least a portion of the aperture. A flexible conductive material is position to be in electrical contact with a first and a second primary surface of the piezoelectric device, and with the surface of the skin, providing an electric current to the skin when the piezoelectric is mechanically compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventor: Gabriel Mesa
  • Patent number: 9814879
    Abstract: A method and system to help determine the extent to which a hearing prosthesis recipient is exposed to speech. The hearing prosthesis will log data regarding audio input, optimally in correspondence with times when the hearing prosthesis is in a stimulation-on mode in which the hearing prosthesis is set to stimulate a physiological system of the recipient in accordance with received audio input, so as to facilitate identification of speech to which the recipient is exposed. Further, as the hearing prosthesis itself receives the audio input, the hearing prosthesis may analyze the audio input to determine one or more linguistic characteristics of the audio input, such as a quantity of speech by the recipient and/or by others, and the hearing prosthesis may output data representing the determined one or more linguistic characteristics. Advantageously, the data may then be used to help facilitate rehabilitation of the recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Rami Banna, Alexander Case, Florent Hubert-Brierre, Andrew Kendrick
  • Patent number: 9814880
    Abstract: A system example may include electrodes operationally positioned for use in delivering sub-perception neural modulation, a neural modulator configured to use at least some electrodes to generate a modulation field, and a feedback system configured to receive a feedback signal that a generated modulation field provides a perceived or measurable response. A control system may implement a calibration process including controlling the neural modulator to generate the modulation field using a first and second stimulus pulse with a first and second pulse width, respectively, and using the feedback system to determine a first and second reference point that represents an intensity of the modulation field generated using the first and second pulse widths, respectively, that provides the response, and deriving sub-perception calibration data specific to sub-perception modulation delivered using a sub-perception pulse with a sub-perception pulse width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley Lawrence Hershey, Michael A. Moffitt
  • Patent number: 9814881
    Abstract: An electrical stimulation system includes an implantable control module having a processor. The control module provides electrical stimulation signals to one or more leads coupled to the control module for stimulation of patient tissue to treat pain. A first electrode is disposed on the one or more leads in the patient's spinal cord and communicates with the processor to generate a first effective electric field suitable for stimulating patient tissue using the electrical stimulation signals provided from the control module. A second electrode is disposed on the one or more leads and communicates with the processor to generate a second effective electric field suitable for stimulating patient tissue using the electrical stimulation signals provided from the control module. The second effective electric field is time-delayed from the first effective electric field such that the second effective electric field is out of phase with the first effective electric field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Moffitt
  • Patent number: 9814882
    Abstract: A rechargeable-battery Implantable Medical Device (IMD) is disclosed including a primary battery which can be used as a back up to power critical loads in the IMD when the rechargeable battery is undervoltage and other non-critical loads are thus decoupled from the rechargeable battery. A rechargeable battery undervoltage detector provides at least one rechargeable battery undervoltage control signal to a power supply selector, which is used to set the power supply for the critical loads either to the rechargeable battery voltage when the rechargeable battery is not undervoltage, or to the primary battery voltage when the rechargeable battery is undervoltage. Circuitry for detecting the rechargeable battery undervoltage condition may be included as part of the critical loads, and so the undervoltage control signal(s) is reliably generated in a manner to additionally decouple the rechargeable battery from the load to prevent further rechargeable battery depletion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Goran N. Marnfeldt, Rafael Carbunaru, Jordi Parramon
  • Patent number: 9814883
    Abstract: Methods and circuitry for determining an implanted-neurostimulator patient's position, and adjusting a situation program delivered by the neurostimulator based on the determined position, is disclosed. Impedance measurements of the patient's tissue are taken at the neurostimulator's electrodes, which measurements can comprise complex impedance measurements (magnitude and phase) taken at different frequencies. Such impedance measurements, which can be taken interleaved with stimulation therapy, are used to determine an “impedance fingerprint.” This fingerprint can be compared to other known fingerprints stored in the IPG, which known fingerprints are associated with particular stimulation programs. When a measured fingerprint matches one stored in the IPG, the stimulation program associated with the stored fingerprint is automatically used for patient therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Goran Marnfeldt, Jordi Parramon
  • Patent number: 9814884
    Abstract: System and methods for detecting impedance changes and for adjusting electrical therapy based on impedance changes are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes applying a therapeutic, paresthesia-less electrical signal to a patient via a patient modulation system that includes a signal delivery device in electrical communication with a target neural population of the patient. The method can include monitoring on a periodic basis an impedance of an electrical circuit that includes the signal delivery device. The method can further include detecting a change in the impedance that indicates a fault and providing an indication that the fault exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Nevro Corp.
    Inventors: Jon Parker, Andre B. Walker, Udai Singh
  • Patent number: 9814885
    Abstract: One or more stimulation electrodes may be selected based on a bioelectrical signal sensed in a brain of a patient with a sense electrode combination that comprises at least one electrode and a physiological model that indicates one or more anatomical structures of the brain of the patient that are proximate the implanted at least one electrode. In some examples, the bioelectrical brain signal indicates which electrodes are located closest to a target tissue site. The physiological model can be generated based on a location of implanted at least one electrode within a patient and patient anatomy data, which can, for example, indicate one or more characteristics of patient tissue proximate to the implanted at least one electrode. In some example, the physiological model includes a therapy field model that represents a region of the tissue of the patient to which therapy is delivered via a selected set of electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriela C. Molnar, Steven M. Goetz, Andrew N. Csavoy
  • Patent number: 9814886
    Abstract: In some examples, an electromechanical disassociation state (EMD) of a heart of a patient can be treated by delivering electrical stimulation to a tissue site to at least one of modulate afferent nerve activity or inhibit efferent nerve activity upon determining that the heart is in an electromechanical dissociation state, where the tissue site comprises at least one of a nonmyocardial tissue site or a nonvascular cardiac tissue site. The delivery of electrical stimulation may effectively treat the EMD state of the heart, e.g., by enabling effective mechanical contraction of the heart. In another example, an electromechanical disassociation state of a heart of a patient can be treated by determining autonomic nervous system activity associated with a detected EMD state of the heart of a patient, and delivering electrical stimulation therapy to the patient based on the determined autonomic nervous system activity of the patient associated with the EMD state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaohong Zhou, Paul G. Krause, William T. Donofrio
  • Patent number: 9814887
    Abstract: A medical device and associated method record signals from each real axis of a multi-axis sensor. An optimal axis for monitoring a physiological signal of the patient is identified from the real axes of the multi-axis sensor and multiple virtual axes. Coordinates defining the optimal axis are stored as respective weighting factors of the signals from each real axis of the multi-axis sensor. A metric of the physiological signal is determined using the multi-axis sensor signals and the weighting factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir P Nikolski, Todd J Sheldon
  • Patent number: 9814888
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing the stimulation of a heart of a patient are disclosed herein. The method comprises delivering pacing therapy to the patient according to a pacing therapy setting schedule, using specific pacing intervals via specific electrode configurations. Further, sinus rate values are recorded over at least one cardiac cycle at each pacing therapy setting and it is determined whether a sinus rate value satisfies predetermined measurement conditions, wherein sinus rate values are used for trending the sinus rate over time if the measurement conditions are satisfied. The accepted sinus rate values, i.e. values that satisfy the measurement conditions, are trended over time, wherein each trended sinus rate value is created based on recordings from at least one cardiac cycle. A preferred pacing therapy setting is determined to be the pacing therapy setting that provides a lowest sinus rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, AB
    Inventors: Nils Holmstrom, Andreas Karlsson
  • Patent number: 9814889
    Abstract: Injectable subcutaneous heart device (ISHD) for regulating arrhythmias in a heart of a patient, including a plurality of linked structures, each one of the linked structures being hollow, an interconnecting bus, a biocompatible coating, at least two electrodes and a plurality of sensors, the interconnecting bus for electrically coupling the linked structures and the biocompatible coating for hermetically sealing and electrically insulating the linked structures, one of the linked structures encapsulating a power source, another one of the linked structures encapsulating at least one capacitor and a third one of the linked structures encapsulating electronics, the electrodes and the sensors being respectively placed on an outer surface of the linked structures located at opposite ends of the ISH D, for detecting arrhythmias and providing electrical shocks to the heart, the electrodes and the sensors being electrically coupled with the interconnecting bus and the ISHD being positioned subcutaneously around the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Newpace Ltd.
    Inventors: Gera M. Strommer, Robert S. Fishel, Avi Broder
  • Patent number: 9814890
    Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the invention, copolymers comprising styrene and isobutylene monomers are used in the construction of implantable and insertable medical devices for electrical stimulation, including, for example, electronic signal generating components and electrical leads for such devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Shrojalkumar Desai, Daniel J. Cooke, G. Shantanu Reddy, Mohan Krishnan, Michael C. Smith
  • Patent number: 9814891
    Abstract: One aspect provides a feedthrough device for an implantable medical device. The feedthrough includes a ferrule having a metal that is configured to be welded to a case of the implantable device. An insulator is substantially surrounded by the ferrule and shares an interface therewith, the insulator being a glass or ceramic material. Conductive elements are formed through the insulator providing an electrically conductive path through the insulator. There is no braze, solder, or weld joint at the interface between the ferrule and the insulator and that there is no braze or solder at interfaces between the insulator and the conductive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: HERAEUS DUETSCHLAND GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Jacob Markham, Ulrich Hausch
  • Patent number: 9814892
    Abstract: A leadless implantable medical device comprises a first electrode configured to deliver electrical pacing energy, a second electrode configured to sense intrinsic electrical cardiac activity, and a third electrode configurable to both deliver electrical pacing energy and sense intrinsic electrical cardiac activity. The first and third electrodes are used for delivering electrical pacing energy and the second and third electrodes are used to sense intrinsic electrical cardiac activity. None of the first, second and third electrodes are incorporated into a lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Stahmann, William J. Linder, Keith R. Maile
  • Patent number: 9814893
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for receiving status updates from multiple automated external defibrillators, receiving, from a user, a request to access status information, and sending, to the user, summary level status information for at least some of the multiple automated external defibrillators, the summary level status information being grouped based on a measure of geographic proximity of the multiple automated external defibrillators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: ZOLL Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Ziad F Elghazzawi, Ian B Durrant, Henry Clay Constantine, III
  • Patent number: 9814894
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a wearable medical device capable of treating a patient presenting with syncope is provided. The wearable medical device includes a memory storing event profile information, a battery, at least one treatment electrode coupled to the battery, at least one processor coupled to the memory and the at least one treatment electrode, and an event manager executed by the at least one processor. The event manager is configured to detect an event associated with syncope; store, in the memory, data descriptive of the event in association with an indication that the data includes data descriptive of a syncopal event; and address the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: ZOLL MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas E. Kaib, Shane S. Volpe, Jason T. Whiting, Gregory R. Frank, Rachel H. Carlson, Gary A. Freeman
  • Patent number: 9814895
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a three-stage atrial cardioversion therapy that treats atrial arrhythmias within pain tolerance thresholds of a patient. An implantable therapy generator adapted to generate and selectively deliver a three-stage atrial cardioversion therapy and at least two leads, each having at least one electrode adapted to be positioned proximate the atrium of the patient. The device is programmed for delivering a three-stage atrial cardioversion therapy via both a far-field configuration and a near-field configuration of the electrodes upon detection of an atrial arrhythmia. The three-stage atrial cardioversion therapy includes a first stage for unpinning of one or more singularities associated with an atrial arrhythmia, a second stage for anti-repinning of the one or more singularities, both of which are delivered via the far-field configuration of the electrodes, and a third stage for extinguishing of the one or more singularities delivered via the near-field configuration of the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: The Washington University
    Inventors: Igor R. Efimov, Wenwen Li, Ajit Janardhan
  • Patent number: 9814896
    Abstract: An intra cardiac device is disclosed. The device comprises means for transforming kinetic energy from heart tissue movement into electrical energy in use, from which electrical energy information in respect of heart function is obtainable. Furthermore, a system is disclosed, comprising one such intra cardiac device and at least one receiver, wherein the intra cardiac device comprises means of communication, through which said at least one device communicates with the receiver(s) wirelessly. In this way energy from heart movement provides self contained intra cardiac devices for conveniently monitoring or stimulating a patient's heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventor: Tor Peters
  • Patent number: 9814897
    Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing skin rejuvenation of a region of a patient's skin. The system includes: a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) frequency generator that emits electromagnetic pulses to the region of the patient's skin; and a deep tissue diathermy device that applies heat to the region of the patient's skin up to temperature T. The system simultaneously applies the heat and the PEMF to the region of a patient's skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: VENUS CONCEPT LTD.
    Inventors: Oded Ron Edoute, Orit Ron Edoute, Itzhak Kremin, Vadim Polyakov
  • Patent number: 9814898
    Abstract: Described herein are magnetic neural stimulation systems for the treatment of neurological disorders. One variation of a magnetic neural stimulation system includes magnetic stimulators shaped as helical or ramped coils, where each turn of the coil has an acute turning angle of less than 90 degrees. Also described herein are magnetic neural stimulation systems that include an array of stimulators and one or more shielding components. The shielding components modulate the density profile of the induced eddy currents to increase stimulation to targeted neural tissue regions while decreasing stimulation to non-targeted neural regions. Other variations of magnetic stimulation systems include one or more stimulators and a shield in which some of the induced eddy currents in the shield may act to attenuate the magnetic field in certain regions of the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: NeuroPrex Inc.
    Inventors: Hong-tsz Pan, Zhaoyin Wu, Hsiu-Wen Huang
  • Patent number: 9814899
    Abstract: Systems and methods for illumination of a vascular space and its contents using an electromagnetic energy source that supplies a plurality of wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet to infrared are shown. Illumination can be performed using multiple wavelengths, simultaneously or sequentially, and can be performed in accordance with a protocol where an initial illumination produces an effect that is at least partially reversed by a subsequent illumination. Illumination protocols can be stored on a database and accessed via a user interface displayed on the electromagnetic energy source. The database can be used to store data related to performance of system components, and such data can be used to override or modify an illumination protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: UVLrx Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Scot Johnson, Michael Harter
  • Patent number: 9814900
    Abstract: Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Circuit Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Lundmark, Karl Deisseroth, Fred Moll, Dan Andersen, Alexander K. Arrow
  • Patent number: 9814901
    Abstract: The present application is directed to devices, assemblies, systems and methods for targeting one or more sites with electromagnetic radiation. The devices, assemblies and systems are operationally configured to transform and convey electromagnetic radiation to one or more targeted sites. The devices, assemblies and systems may also convey one or more fluids or fluid solutions to the one or more targeted sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: ROCOMP GLOBAL, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Charles Brian Rogers
  • Patent number: 9814902
    Abstract: The present application is directed to devices, assemblies, systems and methods for targeting one or more sites with electromagnetic radiation. The devices, assemblies and systems are operationally configured to transform and convey electromagnetic radiation to one or more targeted sites. The devices, assemblies and systems may also convey one or more fluids or fluid solutions to the one or more targeted sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: ROCOMP GLOBAL, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Charles Brian Rogers, Scott David Compton
  • Patent number: 9814903
    Abstract: An ophthalmic phototherapy device and associated phototherapy treatment method tor promoting healing of damaged or diseased eye tissue. The ophthalmic phototherapy device includes a light emitting mechanism for transmitting light of at least one preselected wavelength to the eye tissue. The ophthalmic phototherapy method includes directing light of at least one wavelength for a selected period of time to a portion of damaged or diseased eye tissue, whereby the light transmitted to the damaged or diseased eye tissue stimulates cellular activity in the eye tissue to promote healing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: PHOTOSPECTRA HEALTH SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert S. Dotson, Graham Merry
  • Patent number: 9814904
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a source of treatment radiation which is arranged to generate radiation at one of a plurality of radiation parameters (such as power levels), a control unit and a base unit. The control unit is arranged to removably dock with the base unit and includes a sensor which can sense one of a plurality of skin parameters, and an actuator for enabling a user to interface with the control unit. The control unit operates in a sensing mode, in which the control unit is undocked from the base unit to sense a parameter of skin to be treated (such as skin tone), and a control mode in which the control unit is docked to the docking unit and is arranged to select the power level of the radiation generated by the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Cyden Limited
    Inventor: Stuart Terry Jones
  • Patent number: 9814905
    Abstract: Phototherapy systems comprising a therapeutic lamp platform for radiant lamps such as LEDs disposed in an assembly including a reflective surface facing towards a patient and a plurality of light apertures substantially aligned with the LEDs for communicating lamp radiation from the lamps to a user. The lamps and associated circuitry are disposed so that the reflective surface is relatively smooth and seamless towards the patient. The walls have a malleable rigidity for flexible adjustability relative to the user, and the device is mounted to the user with a frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Tapper, Lawrence A Blaustein, David Shuter, Eric Freitag, Charles Peter Althoff, Alistair Douglas Bramley, Daniel Joseph Shuter, Zbigniew Paul Lorenc, Allen Zadeh