Patents Issued in May 3, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180117291
    Abstract: A two-part bioactive agent delivery system, the system including a disposable part comprising an agent reservoir, a bolus chamber, the volume of the bolus chamber being less than the volume of the agent reservoir, an agent outlet, and a valve having a first position communicating the agent reservoir with the bolus chamber and a second position communicating the bolus chamber with the outlet; and a reusable part including a valve driver, a power source and control electronics, the control electronics being adapted to control the valve driver to actuate the valve to deliver bioactive agent from the agent reservoir to the agent outlet; the system further having a spring extending between the agent reservoir piston and a surface of the reusable part or of the disposable part to pressurize the agent reservoir when the spring is compressed and the agent reservoir contains a quantity of bioactive agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Zita S. NETZEL, Gary STACEY, Alexander David NORMAN, Congyi HUANG, Timothy Charles FREARSON, Charles Frazer KILBY, Patrick H. RUANE, Alan J. LEVY, Kevin W. GELSTON, Jennifer DARMOUR, Jenny E. HAPGOOD, David Evans ROTH, Ronald A. OVERBECK, Ling-Kang TONG
  • Publication number: 20180117292
    Abstract: A method of extravasated drug delivery is disclosed, including inserting a catheter with a first balloon, a second balloon, and a third balloon positioned between the first and second balloons and having a wall with an abrasive outer surface, into a bodily cavity, inflating the first and second balloons to create a chamber therebetween, stimulating a flow of blood cells by inflating the third balloon until the abrasive outer surface abrades tissue, and delivering the agent to the chamber. A balloon catheter system is also provided including a balloon having a wall with an abrasive outer surface for abrading tissue, a catheter having a first lumen for supplying fluid to the balloon to inflate the balloon such that the abrasive surface stimulates a flow of blood cells, and a second lumen for supplying an agent to tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Gerrans, Erhan H. Gunday
  • Publication number: 20180117293
    Abstract: A method for producing a needle-shaped body having needles on a first surface of a substrate made of a thermoplastic resin, the method including the steps of: forming the needle-shaped body by filling the thermoplastic resin into a duplication plate having recesses that correspond to shapes of the needles; providing a support member made of a material different from a material for the needle-shaped body on a second surface of the substrate which is opposite to the first surface; and removing the needle-shaped body and the support member which are integrally formed from the duplication plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Shiomitsu
  • Publication number: 20180117294
    Abstract: A medical device that may include an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, and a lumen disposed through the elongate member is disclosed. The medical device may also include an opening disposed at the distal end of the elongate member in communication with the lumen, and a pushing element disposed with the lumen. The medical device may also include at least one fiducial disposed within the lumen and distal to the pushing element, and a separating mechanism disposed at the distal end of the elongate member. The separating mechanism may be configured to apply a separating force to deploy the at least one fiducial.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Shawn RYAN, Joseph A. LEVENDUSKY, Robert B. DeVRIES, William Cole LAFFERTY, Andrew Kendall HOLLETT, Brian INTOCCIA
  • Publication number: 20180117295
    Abstract: A tube for a medical container has a tube wall which consists of at least two layers. According to the invention, at least one layer contains a styrene-containing thermoplastic polymer (S-TPE), in particular a styrene-butadiene block copolymer (SBC) or a copolyester, a copolyester ether or a cyclic olefin copolyester. The at least one other layer contains ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), preferably with a vinyl acetate (VA) portion in the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer of from 10% to 30%, preferably 14% to 28%. The EVA can be mixed with a thermoplastic polybutene and/or SEBS to improve the tube properties. The tube wall can have a two-layer structure with an inner or an outer layer which contains the S-TPE, copolyester, copolyester ether or cyclic olefin copolyester, or a three-layer structure with an outer and inner layer containing the S-TPE or copolyester or copolyester ether.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Reinhold Wolkenstoerfer, Ralf Ziembinski
  • Publication number: 20180117296
    Abstract: Certain embodiments provide multi-medicament infusion systems for preventing the cross-channeling of medicaments. The system may include one or more of an infusion pump, medicament reservoirs, collars, a multi-channel fluid conduit, and an infusion set. The medicament reservoirs and/or collars may be sized and shaped differently such that the medicament reservoirs can only be inserted into the system selected configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Edward R. Damiano, Firas H. El-Khatib, Rajendranath Selagamsetty, Kirk D. Ramey
  • Publication number: 20180117297
    Abstract: A medical stopcock comprising a body provided with at least two female connectors and a male connector; a mobile plug which is mounted in the body, is provided with a rotation lever and comprises a fluid circulation channel; and a reinforcement collar rigidly connected to at least two of the connectors; wherein the reinforcement collar is spaced apart from the body in order to form an openworked zone around the central body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: GUERBET
    Inventor: Ludovic ALLARD
  • Publication number: 20180117298
    Abstract: A flow switching device for catheterization via a three way catheter has a housing with four openings, and first, second and third distal hydraulic conduits originating at the first, second and third openings, respectively. A switch enables changes among a first operative configuration wherein the first and third openings are in communication, a second operative configuration wherein the second and fourth openings are in communication, and a third operative configuration wherein the first and second openings are in communication, and a fourth operative configuration wherein the second and third openings are in communication. A hydraulic bifurcation with a respective proximal hydraulic branch originates from the fourth opening, and fourth and fifth distal hydraulic conduits originating distally from the proximal hydraulic branch are in fluid dynamical communication with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventor: Andrea CHIAPATTI
  • Publication number: 20180117299
    Abstract: A wearable cardioverter defibrillator (“WCD”) system may include an impedance detector configured to render an impedance signal of the patient. The WCD system may determine, from the impedance signal, a characteristic of breathing by the patient that can be used as a vital sign. The WCD system may determine, from at least the breathing characteristic, whether or not a shock criterion is met. If the shock criterion is met, the WCD system may control a discharge circuit to discharge a stored electrical charge through the patient. An advantage can be that the breathing characteristic may be used to determine whether or not a patient is experiencing a condition that requires defibrillation therapy, such as sudden cardiac arrest. Even more advantages can be had in discerning the state of the patient when the breathing characteristic is combined with other data, such as from a motion detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Laura M. Gustavson, Kenneth Frederick Cowan
  • Publication number: 20180117300
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a direct current applicator comprising a direct current source, or a device for attachment to a direct current source, and a sheet-like first electrode and a sheet-like second electrode for connection to the direct current source, wherein the first electrode comprises a plurality of sheet-like structures, and wherein (1) each of the midpoints of the sheet-like structures of the first electrode has a distance of 15 cm or less from at least one other such midpoint, and/or (2) one of the following alternatives applies: (i) all midpoints of the sheet-like structures of the first electrode are arranged in a polygon in which the ratio of the maximum side length to the minimum side length is 3 or less, (ii) some of the midpoints of the sheet-like structures of the first electrode are arranged in such a polygon, the remainder of the midpoints are arranged outside the polygon, and, on projection in a plane which is chosen such that the sum of the squares of the distance of the polygon
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventor: Albrecht MOLSBERGER
  • Publication number: 20180117301
    Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for securing an object to a patient. In one form of the invention, the object comprises a sensory nerve stimulator (SNS) lead. And in one form of the invention, the object is secured to a patient using a capstan effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Peter Sorensen, Daniel Morgan, Christopher Runnells
  • Publication number: 20180117302
    Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to an electrode configured to provide electrical contact with skin of a subject. The electrode is a convertible electrode configured to function as a dry electrode and/or as a wet electrode according to the desired configuration. In a dry electrode configuration, the electrode includes a conductive portion, a receiving portion, and an electrical coupling. In a wet electrode configuration, the electrode includes conductive portion, receiving portion, a hydrogel material, and electrical coupling. The conductive portion is configured to receive and/or transmit electrical signals from and/or to the skin of the subject. The receiving portion is configured to receive the detachable hydrogel material. Without the hydrogel material, the electrode functions as a dry electrode. Responsive to the receiving portion receiving the detachable hydrogel material, the electrode functions as a wet electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventor: William Edwin CLEGG
  • Publication number: 20180117303
    Abstract: Implantable medical electrical leads having electrodes arranged such that a defibrillation coil electrode and a pace/sense electrode(s) are concurrently positioned substantially over the ventricle when implanted as described. The leads include an elongated lead body having a distal portion and a proximal end, a connector at the proximal end of the lead body, a defibrillation electrode located along the distal portion of the lead body, wherein the defibrillation electrode includes a first electrode segment and a second electrode segment proximal to the first electrode segment by a distance. The leads may include at least one pace/sense electrode, which in some instances, is located between the first defibrillation electrode segment and the second defibrillation electrode segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Mark T. Marshall, Jian Cao, Melissa G.T. Christie, Paul J. DeGroot, Vladimir P. Nikolski, Amy E. Thompson-Nauman
  • Publication number: 20180117304
    Abstract: A delivery and deployment device may include a handle assembly and a shaft extending distally from the handle assembly. A device containment housing may be coupled to a distal region of the shaft and may extend distally therefrom. The distal containment housing may be configured to accommodate at least a portion of the IMD therein. The IMD may, for example, be a leadless pacemaker, a lead, a neurostimulation device, a sensor or any other suitable IMD. A plurality of electrodes may be distributed about an exterior surface of the device containment housing such that at least some of the plurality of electrodes may be positioned to test a potential IMD deployment location before deploying the IMD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC.
    Inventors: Brendan Early Koop, Yinghong Yu, Qi An, Keith R. Maile, Pramodsingh Hirasingh Thakur, Bin Mi, Jeffrey E. Stahmann, Viktoria A. Averina, Krzysztof Z. Siejko, Michael J. Kane, Allan Charles Shuros, Arjun D. Sharma, Brian Soltis
  • Publication number: 20180117305
    Abstract: A neuromodulation system includes a first therapy element adapted for positioning within a superior vena cava, and a second therapy element adapted for positioning within a pulmonary artery. The first therapy element is carried on a first elongate flexible shaft, and the second therapy element is carried on a second elongate flexible shaft. One of the first and second shafts is slidably received within a lumen of the other of the first and second shafts—so that the second therapy element may be advanced within the body relative to the first therapy element. A stimulator is configured to energize the first therapy element within the first blood vessel to deliver therapy to a first nerve fiber disposed external to the superior vena cava and to energize the second therapy element within the pulmonary artery to deliver sympathetic therapy to a second nerve fiber disposed external to the pulmonary artery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: Interventional Autonomics Corporation
    Inventors: Terrance J. Ransbury, Richard S. Stack, William E. Sanders, Stephen C. Masson
  • Publication number: 20180117306
    Abstract: A lead wire associated with a pacemaker, implantable cardiac defibrillator or other cardiac electric signal source is provided with a protector tube overlying at least a portion of the lead wire. In one embodiment, this protector tube is provided as a sheath tube portion of a sheath assembly along with a valve body. The valve body of the sheath assembly is fracturable and removable away from the sheath tube, leaving the sheath tube upon the lead wire as a protector tube. In other embodiments, a separate protector tube is provided and fed over the lead wire and through a sheath assembly until placed where desired. A grommet and/or plug can be provided at a proximal end of the protector tube for anchoring of the protector tube in a desired location and for plugging the protector tube, while also accommodating the lead wire passing therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventor: Walter Kusumoto
  • Publication number: 20180117307
    Abstract: An implantable medical device assembly includes a mounting structure, an electrode, and fixation tines. The electrode protrudes from a surface of the structure, offset proximally from a distal end of the structure, and approximately centered between first and second sides of the structure. Each tine extends away from the surface—a first adjacent the first side, and a second adjacent the second side. Each tine is elastically deformable from a relaxed condition, in which the tine extends toward a proximal end of the structure, to an extended condition, in which the tine extends away from the distal end of the structure. A delivery tool has first and second longitudinally extending sidewalls to receive passage of the structure therebetween. When the structure distal end is located between proximal ends of the sidewalls, a rail-like edge of each sidewall receives, and elastically deforms to the extended condition, a corresponding tine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Teresa A. Whitman, Matthew D. Bonner, Jean M. Carver, Raymond W. Usher
  • Publication number: 20180117308
    Abstract: An electrode for the electrical stimulation of brain tissue or other tissue of a patient is configured for location between skull and scalp of the patient. The electrode has a stimulation surface which is configured for contacting the skull of the patient. The electrode is a disc-shaped electrode having a pre-shaped flat or concave stimulation surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventor: Gregor REMMERT
  • Publication number: 20180117309
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an array of electrodes on a flexible scaffolding, with the ability to collapse into an axial configuration suitable for deploying through a narrow cylindrical channel. The electrode arrays can be placed into the ventricular system of the brain, constituting a minimally invasive platform for precise spatial and temporal localization of electrical activity within the brain, and precise electrical stimulation of brain tissue, to diagnose and restore function in conditions caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: Precision NeuroTechnologies LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin I. RAPOPORT, Demetrios PAPAGEORGIOU, Jason CHEN
  • Publication number: 20180117310
    Abstract: A method, including providing an electrical current to an electrode contact located in a cochlea of a human to evoke a hearing percept, and managing flow of perilymph located inside the cochlea locally to the electrode contact while the current is provided to the electrode contact. In an exemplary embodiment, the management is executed using a seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Peter Raymond SIBARY, Nicholas Charles PAWSEY
  • Publication number: 20180117311
    Abstract: An implantable electrode paddle is adapted to receive an electrical signal from a medical device and generate an electrical field to stimulate selected body tissue. The paddle includes a housing including walls that define an interior space and a plurality of windows formed through at least a first one of the walls for transmitting the electrical field to the body tissue, an electrode array including a plurality of electrode groups, each electrode group including at least two electrodes individually secured in a respective window and spaced between about 0.1 mm and about 10 mm apart, and a plurality of wires, each of the wires being coupled to a respective electrode and routed within the interior space to receive the electrical signal. A lead assembly and an implantable medical device can include the paddle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth T. Heruth, Mark J. Holle, James G. Skakoon
  • Publication number: 20180117312
    Abstract: An electrode lead may comprise a flexible circuit that includes a planar dielectric substrate including an elongated lead substrate portion having opposing ends, an electrode carrying substrate portion disposed on one end of the lead substrate portion, and a connector substrate portion disposed on the other end of the lead substrate portion, wherein the lead substrate portion is pre-shaped into a three-dimensional structure. The flexible circuit may further include an electrically conductive trace extending from the connector substrate portion to the electrode carrying substrate portion, a first window formed in the connector substrate portion to expose the electrically conductive trace to form a connector pad, and a second window formed in the electrode carrying substrate portion to expose the electrically conductive trace to form an electrode pad. The electrode lead may further comprise a lead connector that incorporates the connector substrate portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
    Inventors: Siegmar Schmidt, Boon Khai Ng, Brian R. Dearden, Morten Hansen
  • Publication number: 20180117313
    Abstract: An electrode lead may comprise a flexible circuit that includes a planar dielectric substrate including an elongated lead substrate portion having opposing ends, an electrode carrying substrate portion disposed on one end of the lead substrate portion, and a connector substrate portion disposed on the other end of the lead substrate portion, wherein the lead substrate portion is pre-shaped into a three-dimensional structure. The flexible circuit may further include an electrically conductive trace extending from the connector substrate portion to the electrode carrying substrate portion, a first window formed in the connector substrate portion to expose the electrically conductive trace to form a connector pad, and a second window formed in the electrode carrying substrate portion to expose the electrically conductive trace to form an electrode pad. The electrode lead may further comprise a lead connector that incorporates the connector substrate portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
    Inventors: Siegmar Schmidt, Boon Khai Ng
  • Publication number: 20180117314
    Abstract: Devices and methods for blocking signal transmission through neural tissue. One step of a method includes placing a therapy delivery device into electrical communication with the neural tissue. The therapy delivery device includes an electrode contact having a high charge capacity material. A multi-phase direct current (DC) can be applied to the neural tissue without damaging the neural tissue. The multi-phase DC includes a cathodic DC phase and anodic DC phase that collectively produce a neural block and reduce the charge delivered by the therapy delivery device. The DC delivery can be combined with high frequency alternating current (HFAC) block to produce a system that provides effective, safe, long term block without inducing an onset response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Niloy Bhadra, Kevin L. Kilgore, Narendra Bhadra, Jesse Wainright, Tina Vrabec, Manfred Franke
  • Publication number: 20180117315
    Abstract: A device for extending a lead according to some embodiments includes a body, a tubular member coupled to the body, the tubular member comprising an outer surface, wherein the outer surface is sized to insert into an inner lumen of a lead, the tubular member is movable between a first configuration in which the tubular member slides into the lead, and a second configuration in which at least a portion of the tubular member expands to engage an inner surface of the lead; and, an actuation mechanism operatively coupled to the tubular member, the actuation mechanism configured to move the tubular member between the first configuration and second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventor: Kenneth P. Grace
  • Publication number: 20180117316
    Abstract: A device for treating sleep disordered breathing includes a stimulation element to stimulate an airway-patency-related nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: INSPIRE MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Darrell Wagner, Quan Ni, John Rondoni, Dave Dieken
  • Publication number: 20180117317
    Abstract: A dysphagia treatment device includes: a current application unit configured to be attached to a target portion of a treated person in order to percutaneously apply current to a biological tissue of the neck including superior laryngeal nerve of the treated person; a control unit configured to control the current application unit such that percutaneous stimulation caused by an interference wave or a pseudo interference wave is applied to the biological tissue of the neck including the superior laryngeal nerve; an operation unit configured to adjust the current to be applied by the current application unit, to a sensory threshold at which the treated person becomes aware of the percutaneous stimulation; and a display unit configured to display index information based on the sensory threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicants: HYOGO COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, CAREIDO Co., Ltd., J craft Co., Ltd., EuSense Medical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Oku, Hiroshi Ueno, Masahiro Waza
  • Publication number: 20180117318
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for triggering electrical stimulation of a spinal cord during execution of a motor event. In one example, a method comprises monitoring motor cortex activity while execution of a desired motor movement is attempted during a first mode where one or more nerve fibers are not stimulated, and during a second mode where the one or more nerve fibers are stimulated. Delivery timing of electrical stimulation may be closed-loop controlled based on current motor cortex activity and the motor cortex activity recorded previously during both the first and second modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Tomislav Milekovic, Marco Capogrosso, Gregoire Courtine, Eduardo Martin Moraud, Fabien Wagner, Jerome Gandar
  • Publication number: 20180117319
    Abstract: The invention provides devices, apparatuses, systems and methods for treating and ameliorating inflammation of the gut. In particular, the invention provides devices, apparatuses and methods in which a neuromodulatory signal is delivered a splenic nerve and/or superior mesenteric plexus (SMP). The signal is able to treat inflammatory disorders, e.g., colitis, for example in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicants: GALVANI BIOELECTRONICS LIMITED, ACADEMISCH MEDISCH CENTRUM
    Inventors: Daniel John CHEW, Wouter Jacob DE JONGE, Hans Jakob Kristoffer FAMM, Sonal PATEL, Olaf WELTING
  • Publication number: 20180117320
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for applying extremely low duty-cycle stimulation sufficient to treat chronic inflammation using feedback to adjust the off times between stimulations. In particular, the feedback include an assessment of the level of inflammation by the patient or the healthcare provider, or by measure the level of an inflammatory analyte or biomarker, or by detecting nerve activity correlated with inflammation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Jacob A. LEVINE, Michael A. FALTYS
  • Publication number: 20180117321
    Abstract: Example apparatus and methods plan and control neuro-modulation of a distributed multi-region network in a brain. A location for a deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode that participates in activating a combination of white matter pathways associated with the network is selected. The location is selected based on a pre-implantation image of the brain and a probabilistic activation model of the network. An initial stimulation parameter for DBS to be applied through the DBS electrode is selected based on a post-implantation image of the brain and the probabilistic activation model of the network. A modified stimulation parameter for DBS being applied through the DBS electrode is selected based on the initial stimulation parameter, a local field potential measured in the distributed multi-region network in response to DBS applied using the initial stimulation parameter, the probabilistic activation model of the distributed multi-region network, and the post-implantation image of the brain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Cameron McIntyre, Patricio Riva-Posse, Ki Sueng Choi, Ashutosh Chaturvedi, Helen Mayberg, Michele Tagliati, Tyler Cheung
  • Publication number: 20180117322
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for treating chronic pains effectively are disclosed. The system is based on the use of randomly generated non-pulsed waveform between a frequency of 5 Hz to 2 KHz. The waveforms generated have characteristics which are pre-defined or based on the input and feedback provided by the patient and/or by the clinician, at the same time conforming to certain safety rules and precautions ensuring patient safety. This disclosure also describes a novel approach of implementing a secure memory stick which can be used to exchange data securely between one device and another device where device could be the device mentioned earlier, an off-line server, or a PC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Sin-Min Chang, Santanu Das, Dae H. Han
  • Publication number: 20180117323
    Abstract: A method for providing electrical current treatment by an apparatus having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a processor is provided. The method includes delivering an electric current through an object in contact with the first electrode and the second electrode; controlling, by the processor, the electric current delivered by the first electrode and the second electrode to have a specific waveform; and providing a notification at a predetermined time to notify a user to move the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: Ziip, LLC
    Inventors: David MASON, Melanie SIMON, Ron LISIECKI
  • Publication number: 20180117324
    Abstract: A method of employing an implantable medical device to detect pacemaker mediated tachycardia (PMT) and adjusting a parameter (e.g. PVARP) in response to confirmation of the PMT. The method comprises, with a processor located in the implantable medical device, (1) measuring a first Vp-As (VA1), (2) lengthening SAV by 50 ms for 1 beat in response to measuring VA1, (3) measuring a second Vp-As (VA2), (4) returning to a normal SAV, (5) measuring a third Vp-As (VA3), (6) determining whether VA1=VA2 and VA1=VA3, (7) in response to determining whether VA1=VA2 and VA1=VA3, confirming presence of PMT, and (8) in response to confirming presence of PMT, PVARP is extended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Eric A. Schilling, Robert A. Betzold, Greggory R. Herr
  • Publication number: 20180117325
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for prevention and/or remediation of cardiac arrhythmias, e.g. optimizing anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) algorithms. More particularly, implantable devices are provided that measure and treat cardiac arrhythmias. By monitoring the ATP attempt from additional electrodes, far-field morphology analyses, and/or measuring the return interval from a failed ATP attempt; the devices may estimate when entrainment has occurred, the amount of delay within the reentrant tachycardia, and/or tachycardia termination/acceleration. These variables and occurrences can be used to optimize the first and/or subsequent ATP attempts. Furthermore, other exemplary embodiments describe methods to integrate electrical restitution properties into the design of ATP pacing algorithms to facilitate tachycardia termination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventor: Daniel Walter Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20180117326
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for providing a pressurized fluid for facilitating conductive gel release prior to providing cardiac therapy to a patient are disclosed. A first system can include a chemical reaction chamber including a first chemical and a second chemical isolated from each other by a mechanical barrier. The mechanical barrier is configured to be compromised upon receiving a signal from an electrotherapy device controller such that the first chemical and second chemical come into contact to produce a sufficient amount of pressurized fluid. An alternative system can include a pressure source comprising a reservoir containing a pressurized fluid. The pressure source can also include at least one release mechanism configured to cause a release of the pressurized fluid from the reservoir to an exit port of the pressure source when a wearable medical device is preparing to deliver a therapeutic shock to a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: ZOLL Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. HULINGS, Scott D. QUINNELL, Ronald A. SEMAN, Dale BALLARD
  • Publication number: 20180117327
    Abstract: An exemplary cochlear implant system for a patient includes a cochlear implant, a sound processor, and an implantable battery configured to be implanted within the patient. The cochlear implant is configured to 1) determine that a signal is not being provided to the cochlear implant by a device external to the patient, 2) determine, in response to the determination that the signal is not being provided to the cochlear implant, that an amount of power remaining in the implantable battery is above a predetermined threshold amount, and 3) initiate, in response to the determination that the amount of power remaining in the implantable battery is above the predetermined threshold, an idle mode in which the cochlear implant remains powered on while waiting for one or more signals to be provided to the cochlear implant by the device external to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Lakshmi N. Mishra, Lee F. Hartley
  • Publication number: 20180117328
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hearing prosthesis having at least one acoustic converter for converting acoustic signals into electrical signals, and comprising an ultrasound device by means of which a multiplicity of focused, pulsed ultrasonic beams can be generated, wherein the ultrasound device can be fixed in the outer ear and/or outside the ear, and wherein, on the basis of electrical signals generated by the acoustic converter, the ultrasonic beams can be focused on to various physically distributed points in a region of the inner ear or in a region of the auditory pathway in the brain, while stimulating nerves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventor: Vera HERRMANN
  • Publication number: 20180117329
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided including an implantable retinal stimulator, for implantation on a retina of an eye, and including (i) an electrode array including electrodes; (ii) a plurality of photosensors; and (iii) driving circuitry, configured to drive the electrodes to apply currents to the retina. The apparatus further includes an interface member disposed at an outer surface of the implantable retinal stimulator, e.g., a peripheral member surrounding at least a portion of the implantable retinal stimulator. The apparatus additionally includes a frame, (i) shaped and sized to couple to the peripheral member and to surround the implantable retinal stimulator at least in part, and (ii) shaped to define at least a first anchoring element receiving portion. An anchoring element is shaped and sized to be positioned in the anchoring element receiving portion and to penetrate scleral tissue of the subject. Other applications are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: NANO RETINA LTD
    Inventors: Boris DEGTIAR, Rani MENDELEWICZ, Yaakov MILSTAIN, Yossi GROSS, Dorit RAZ PRAG, Matan ZEHAVI, David RIGLER
  • Publication number: 20180117330
    Abstract: A method is provided for implanting, in an eye, apparatus having an electrode array including stimulating electrodes shaped to define distal tips protruding from the array, a plurality of photosensors, and driving circuitry, configured to drive the electrodes to apply currents to the retina. The method includes removing a lens of the eye and a vitreous body of the eye, creating a corneoscleral incision and inserting the apparatus through the corneoscleral incision into a vitreous cavity of the eye. During the inserting, an orientation of the distal tips is maintained pointing towards a cornea of the eye. Subsequently to the inserting, the apparatus is rotated such that the distal tips point towards a macula of the eye. Subsequently to the rotating, the apparatus is positioned epi-retinally, such that the distal tips of the electrodes penetrate the retina. Other applications are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: NANO RETINA LTD.
    Inventors: Dov WEINBERGER, Dorit RAZ PRAG, Yaakov MILSTAIN, Yossi GROSS, Rani MENDELEWICZ, Matan ZEHAVI, David RIGLER
  • Publication number: 20180117331
    Abstract: A system includes an implantable body configured for implantation in a subgaleal extracranial position, the implantable body including a first electrode array including a first elongated body comprising first and second electrode contacts separated from one another by a distance selected to facilitate the detection of brain electrical activity and a unit coupled to the first electrode array. The unit includes a processor analyzing the detected brain electrical activity to determine whether an epileptic event has occurred and generating epileptic event data based on this determination and a transceiver controlled by the processor to wirelessly transmit epileptic event data to and from a remote computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Ruben I. KUZNIECKY, Werner K. Doyle, Steve Pacia, Daniel Friedman
  • Publication number: 20180117332
    Abstract: An implantable electrical stimulation device includes an electrically conductive electrode structure configured for coupling with a pulse generator device and transmitting an electrical signal configured to generate a desirable electric field around a target tissue. The electrode structure includes a porous substrate constructed of a bio-compatible and bio-survivable material having a structure that mimics extracellular matrix embedding. The porous substrate supports an electrically conductive electrode element. The implantable device may further include a pulse generator also embedded, enmeshed, and supported within the porous substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: Mudjala Medical Pty Limited
    Inventors: David Robinson, Ernest Mantes, Tracy Cameron
  • Publication number: 20180117333
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering neurostimulation therapies to patients for treating chronic heart failure. A neural fulcrum zone is identified and ongoing neurostimulation therapy is delivered within the neural fulcrum zone. The implanted stimulation device includes a physiological sensor for monitoring the patient's response to the neurostimulation therapy on an ambulatory basis over extended periods of time and a control system for adjusting stimulation parameters to maintain stimulation in the neural fulcrum zone based on detected changes in the physiological response to stimulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicants: CYBERONICS, INC., East Tennessee State University
    Inventors: Imad Libbus, Badri Amurthur, Bruce H. KenKnight, Jeffrey L. Ardell
  • Publication number: 20180117334
    Abstract: Adaptive systems and methods for automatically determining and continuously updating stimulation parameters for adjusting ventilation to accommodate a patient's specific physiology, metabolic needs, and muscle state are disclosed herein. Having a closed loop implementation, the system may comprise a controller including a neuromorphic controlled adaptive feed-forward Pattern Generator/Pattern Shaper (PG/PS) assembly, which controls respiratory muscle movement using electrical stimulation. This PG/PS assembly comprises a biomimetic design where the pattern generator includes a neural network mimicking the simplified connectivity pattern of respiratory related neurons in the brain stem to produce a rhythmic breathing pattern frequency and the pattern shaper includes a neural network mimicking the simplified connectivity pattern of neurons to produce a stimulus control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: The Florida International University Board of Trustees
    Inventor: Ranu Jung
  • Publication number: 20180117335
    Abstract: A method of applying a neural stimulus with an implanted electrode array involves applying a sequence of stimuli configured to yield a therapeutic effect while suppressing psychophysical side effects. The stimuli sequence is configured such that a first stimulus recruits a portion of the fibre population, and a second stimulus is delivered within the refractory period following the first stimulus and the second stimulus being configured to recruit a further portion of the fibre population. Using an electrode array and suitable relative timing of the stimuli, ascending or descending volleys of evoked responses can be selectively synchronised or desynchronised to give directional control over responses evoked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: Saluda Medical Pty Limited
    Inventors: John Louis Parker, James Hamilton Laird-Wah
  • Publication number: 20180117336
    Abstract: A medical system may include a first medical device such as a leadless cardiac pacemaker (LCP) that is configured to pace a patient's heart and a second medical device that is configured to have a capture threshold capability. The second medical device may monitor the patient's heart to ascertain whether the pacing pulses from the first medical device are capturing the heart, and to send the first medical device instructions to alter an energy level of subsequent pacing pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC.
    Inventors: Jacob M. Ludwig, Keith R. Maile
  • Publication number: 20180117337
    Abstract: An intracardiac ventricular pacemaker having a motion sensor is configured to produce a motion signal including an atrial systolic event and at least one ventricular diastolic event. The pacemaker is configured to set an atrial refractory period, detect a change in a ventricular diastolic event metric and adjust the atrial refractory period in response to detecting the change. The pacemaker sets set an atrioventricular pacing interval in response to detecting the atrial systolic event from the motion signal after expiration of the atrial refractory period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Wade M Demmer, Yong K Cho, Mark K Erickson, Michael F Hess, Todd J Sheldon, Vincent E Splett
  • Publication number: 20180117338
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for pacing a heart of a patient are disclosed. An illustrative method may include determining a motion level of the patient using a motion sensor of an implantable medical device secured relative to a patient's heart, and setting a pacing rate based at least in part on the patient's motion level. The patient's motion level may be determined by, for example, comparing the motion level sensed by the motion sensor during a current heart beat to a motion level associated with one or more previous heart beats. Noise may occur in the motion level measurements during those heart beats that transition between an intrinsically initiated heart beat and pace initiated heart beat. Various techniques may be applied to the motion level measurements to help reduce the effect of such noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Kane, Paul Huelskamp
  • Publication number: 20180117339
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for pacing a heart of a patient are disclosed. An illustrative method may include determining a motion level of the patient using a motion sensor of an implantable medical device secured relative to a patient's heart, and setting a pacing rate based at least in part on the patient's motion level. The patient's motion level may be determined by, for example, comparing the motion level sensed by the motion sensor during a current heart beat to a motion level associated with one or more previous heart beats. Noise may occur in the motion level measurements during those heart beats that transition between an intrinsically initiated heart beat and pace initiated heart beat. Various techniques may be applied to the motion level measurements to help reduce the effect of such noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul Huelskamp, Michael J. Kane, Lance Eric Juffer
  • Publication number: 20180117340
    Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) that includes a housing, a first electrode secured relative to the housing, a second electrode secured relative to the housing, and a gyroscope secured relative to the housing. The IMD may include circuitry in the housing in communication with the first electrode, the second electrode, and the gyroscope. The circuitry may be configured to determine and store a plurality of torsion data measurements, from which a representation of a twist profile may be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC.
    Inventors: Bin Mi, Pramodsingh Hirasingh Thakur, Jeffrey E. Stahmann, Keith R. Maile, Qi An, Brendan Early Koop, Yinghong Yu, Viktoria A. Averina, Michael J. Kane, Krzysztof Z. Siejko