Patents Issued in July 5, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180185618
    Abstract: A guidewire having a first end and a second end, and comprising two or more guidewire modules. Each guidewire module has a first end and a second end. Each guidewire module is configured to be attachable to a second guidewire module by at least one of: attaching the first end of the guidewire module with the second end of the second guidewire module, and attaching the second end of the guidewire module with the first end of the second guidewire module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Applicant: Spinal Generations, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick J. Sweeney
  • Publication number: 20180185619
    Abstract: A medical wire guide may include a mandril having a distal tip, a first coil coupled with the distal tip of the mandril, and a second coil configured to releasably engage with the mandril or the first coil. The second coil comprises a distal tip and defines an inner cavity dimensioned to contain a distal tip of the first coil when the second coil is engaged with the mandril or the first coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Applicant: COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Sara M. Batman, Kurt J. Tekulve
  • Publication number: 20180185620
    Abstract: A medical instrument such as a guidewire that is designed to have controlled torque transmission along its length. Specially treated areas are placed in selected and equal areas along the entire length of the elongated shaft of the medical instrument, and are separated from one another by untreated areas. This process ensures that any torque is transmitted distally, in a smooth manner, regardless of the guidewire position, thus resulting in a substantial reduction in whipping. In one embodiment, a stainless steel guidewire is utilized, and is subjected to annealing heat treatment in selected areas. This annealing process creates a mandrel that has repeated temper properties along its length. Torque applied at one end of this mandrel is transmitted to the opposite end in an even and controlled manner, even when the mandrel is formed into a loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC.
    Inventors: John A. Griego, Patrice A. Weststrate
  • Publication number: 20180185621
    Abstract: A balloon catheter assembly comprises a balloon having attached to or in its wall one or more filar elements, extending from one end of the balloon to the other. The filar elements are made of a material which is at least as flexible as the material forming the walls of the balloon. In the event of circular burst of the balloon, the filar element(s) prevent disconnection of the material of the balloon into two or more separate pieces. The filar element(s) become attached to or in the material of the balloon wall when the raw material is inflated to the shape of a mold. The filar elements may comprise a natural fiber, a synthetic fiber or a metal wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Steen Aggerholm, Tue Bödewadt, Thomas Lysgaard
  • Publication number: 20180185622
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for reducing pressure at an outflow of a duct, such as the thoracic duct or the lymphatic duct, for example, the right lymphatic duct. A catheter system can be configured to be at least partially implanted within a vein of a patient in the vicinity of an outflow port of a duct of the lymphatic system. The catheter system includes first and second selectively deployable restriction members each configured to be activated to at least partially occlude the vein within which the catheter is implanted and to thus restrict fluid within a portion of the vein. The catheter system includes an impeller configured to be driven by a motor to induce a low pressure zone between the restriction members by causing blood to be pumped through the catheter when the restriction members occlude the vein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Yaacov Nitzan, Sagi Raz, Shani Chen, Or Inbar
  • Publication number: 20180185623
    Abstract: A clamp (10) for use in assembly of a microneedle device (100) has a flexible collet (14) projecting upwards from a base (12). The flexible collet (14) grips an adapter (106) of the microneedle device (100). A displaceable fixture (16), with two locating edges (18), (20), is displaceably mounted to base (12) so as to be displaceable between a raised position for positioning an adapter on the flexible collet and a lowered position in which locating edges (18), (20) abut surfaces of adapter (106) to achieve precise positioning of the adapter in two dimensions. An attachment surface (108) of the adapter (106) projects above locating edges (18), (20) of fixture (16) so as to be accessible for attachment of substrate (102).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Rotem LESHER, Gal ADMATI, Rom EISENBERG
  • Publication number: 20180185624
    Abstract: A microprotrusion device (1A) according to the present invention includes a needle-like and hollow first protrusion portion (3) that is formed so as to protrude from one surface (2a) of a substrate sheet (2) and a hollow second protrusion portion (4) that is formed so as to protrude from a vicinity of the first protrusion portion (3) on the one surface (2a) of the substrate sheet (2) and has a protrusion height lower than that of the first protrusion portion (3). The first protrusion portion (3) has an opening at its tip end portion, and a hollow portion (30) of the first protrusion portion (3) is in communication with the outside via the opening portion (31). The opening portion (31) is formed at the tip end of the first protrusion portion (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Applicant: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi UENO, Hideo KOBAYASHI, Takatoshi NIITSU
  • Publication number: 20180185625
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microneedle according to the present disclosure includes a step of preparing a microneedle; a step of cooling the microneedle; and a step of inducing an endothermic reaction of the cooled microneedle, and coating the cooled microneedle with an active ingredient at least once. In accordance with such a configuration, coatability of the active ingredient can be improved due to an endothermic reaction without a separate drying process, thereby providing superior medication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Applicant: QuadMedicine
    Inventors: Seung Ki BAEK, Myun Hwan AHN, Sun Young BAEK
  • Publication number: 20180185626
    Abstract: A method for delivering a bioactive agent to the cardiovascular system is described. The method delivers the agent at a high bioavailability and with little loss of agent to the natural defense mechanisms of the body. For instance, little or none of the bioactive agent will be sequestered in lymph tissue and prevented from circulation in the cardiovascular system. The method includes utilization of a transdermal delivery device including microneedles with structures fabricated on a surface of the microneedles to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventor: Russell F. Ross
  • Publication number: 20180185627
    Abstract: A medical valve has a housing with an inlet housing and an outlet housing. The interior of the inlet housing and/or the outlet housing has a contact surface. A resilient element sits within the housing and is configured to control fluid flow through the inlet. The resilient element has a proximal portion with a normally closed aperture configured to open when actuated by a medical device. The resilient element also has a distal portion adjacent to the outlet, and a central portion between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The central portion has a wall that defines a fluid chamber in the open mode and in the closed mode. The wall has at least one projection extending radially outward. The projection is configured to maintain compressive contact with the contact surface of the housing and to apply an inwardly compressive force on the resilient element, increasing the wall stiffness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Todd Chelak, Nicholas Illsley, Nicholas Dennis
  • Publication number: 20180185628
    Abstract: A luer access device (LAD) and a method of attaching the same are provided to create a sterile fluid-flow path. The LAD includes a female luer connector that has an internal female split septum disposed at a proximal end thereof and is coupled to an internal surface of the LAD. A male luer connector is coupled to an external surface of the female split septum. Additionally, a male split septum is disposed within a male luer tip and seals an opening of a distal end of the male luer connector. At least one aperture is disposed through a sidewall of the distal end of the male luer connector. An internal cannula is exposed out of the female luer connector to open the female split septum upon engagement with the male luer connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Cameron C. Jones, Clifford R. Weiss
  • Publication number: 20180185629
    Abstract: A system is described herein that can irrigate a tissue site using negative-pressure. The system may include a tissue interface configured to be placed adjacent to the tissue site, and a sealing member configured to be placed over the tissue interface to form a sealed space. The system may also include a negative-pressure source configured to be fluidly coupled to the sealed space and a fluid source. The system may further include an irrigation valve. The irrigation valve can have a fluid inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to the fluid source. The irrigation valve can also have a fluid outlet configured to be fluidly coupled to the sealed space. The irrigation valve may also include a clamp configured to be actuated by the negative-pressure source to regulate fluid flow from the fluid source through the fluid outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: James A. LUCKEMEYER, Timothy Mark ROBINSON, Christopher Brian LOCKE
  • Publication number: 20180185630
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for providing neuromuscular stimulation. The device comprises a positive electrode, a plurality of negative electrodes, a non-conductive substrate and a control unit for activating the electrodes. The control unit of the device activates the negative electrodes in a predetermined sequence, so as to deliver electrical stimulus to a user, wherein the predetermined sequence is repeated with an increasing level of stimulus until a predetermined outcome is achieved. Additionally each negative electrode of the devices comprises at least one conductive track mounted on the non-conductive substrate wherein at least one pair of negative electrodes overlap such that the conductive track or tracks of a first negative electrode of the pair overlap with the electrode footprint, but not the conductive tracks, of a second negative electrode of the pair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Jonathan FENTON, Duncan BAIN, Martin GORDON, Benjamin GORDON
  • Publication number: 20180185631
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use with skin of a subject and with a nerve under the skin, the apparatus including a patch, having an adhesive on a first side of the patch, configured to adhere the patch to the skin. A needle including a needle cathode protrudes from the first side of the patch and punctures the skin. The apparatus also includes an anode. Control circuitry is configured to stimulate the nerve by driving pulsatile current between the needle cathode and the anode. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Applicant: BLUEWIND MEDICAL LTD.
    Inventor: Yossi GROSS
  • Publication number: 20180185632
    Abstract: An electrode array and deployment assembly includes an access cannula comprising an outer structural member formed from material insertable in living tissue and defining a lumen opening at a distal end. An electrode assembly has a frame and at least one electrode disposed on the frame. A deployment cannula has a lumen and a distal end opening. The deployment cannula is disposed in the lumen of the outer structural member and configured to be discharged from the lumen opening and rotated during discharge. The electrode assembly is disposed in the lumen of the deployment cannula for discharge from the distal end opening of the deployment cannula lumen. The electrode assembly is seated in the deployment cannula lumen in a select orientation and is configured to rotate with the deployment cannula so that the rotation of the deployment cannula results in a rotation of the electrode assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas A. Staunton, Robert A. Brindley, John J. Janik, Timothy J. Bozung
  • Publication number: 20180185633
    Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead includes a lead body having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and a longitudinal length; terminals disposed along the proximal end portion of the lead body; electrodes disposed along the distal end portion of the lead body; and conductors extending along the lead body and electrically coupling the terminals to the electrodes. The lead body includes an intermediate portion disposed between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The intermediate portion includes at least one separation element that extends longitudinally along the intermediate portion and the intermediate portion is deployable from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration responsive to operation of the at least one separation element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: G. Karl Steinke, Michael X. Govea
  • Publication number: 20180185634
    Abstract: A magnet is completely encased within a body of a biocompatible implant. The body of the biocompatible implant is formed so as to allow for removal of the magnet after implantation in a recipient. The body includes a portion that is at least partially separable from the remainder of the body, either by application of a removing agent or a tool. The magnet can be removed and replaced. Thereafter, the body can be sealed or the magnet can be left exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventor: Daniel Smyth
  • Publication number: 20180185635
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, an electrode array for a transmodiolar implant is disclosed. The implant includes a substrate, a conductive metal located at a plurality of discrete portions on the substrate; and a single layer of insulation material over the conductive metal and the substrate. The single layer of insulation material includes a plurality of apertures that expose the conductive metal, the exposed conductive metal forming a plurality of electrodes, wherein stiffness of the electrode array is adapted to allow insertion of the electrode array into a modiolus of a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Applicant: Oticon Medical A/S
    Inventors: Guillaume TOURREL, Dan GNANSIA, Nicolas VEAU
  • Publication number: 20180185636
    Abstract: Medical lead bodies that are paired each include a braided conductive shield. The braided conductive shield of one lead body has a value for a physical parameter that differs from a value for the physical parameter of the second lead body. The difference in values of the physical parameter for the paired lead bodies results in a reduction in heating from exposure of the lead bodies to radiofrequency energy at electrodes associated with the lead bodies. The lead bodies may be paired by being implanted adjacently to one another. The lead bodies may be further paired by being coupled to a same distal body, such as a paddle containing the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Mark J. Conroy, Spencer M. Bondhus, Bryan D. Stem
  • Publication number: 20180185637
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for simulating a wellness promoting, DC variable electric field in an environment. A DC power source (DC input) and converter provide a DC output and generate an electric field in between positive and negative electrodes in an environment. An electric field detector measures and transmits information (data) about the strength of the actual electric field in the environment. A microprocessor receives the data and compares the information to the parameters of a wellness promoting electric field in order to direct the function of a pulse width modulator to modulate the DC output and thereby the DC variable electric field in real-time. The wellness of a subject in the environment of the DC variable electric field is enhanced by ensuring the positive electrode is proximal to a positive part of the subject and the negative electrode is proximal to a negative part of the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventor: Zhen Li
  • Publication number: 20180185638
    Abstract: The implant including an elongated tubular body, having at a first end a releasable device connected to an installation lead, and at a second end a member for anchoring to a heart wall, the tubular body housing a frame supporting an electronic unit. The implant further comprises an accelerometer. This accelerometer comprises a piezoelectric blade extending in cantilever from an embedding section of the frame, in a direction going from the first end to the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventor: Willy Regnier
  • Publication number: 20180185639
    Abstract: A non-invasive method and device for promoting a localized change in a flow of blood through a blood vessel in a limb segment of a body by a series of electrically stimulated contractions of muscle tissue in the limb segment, the method including the steps of: (a) providing a device including: (i) first, second and third electrodes, each adapted to operatively contact the limb segment; (ii) a signal generator, operatively connected to the electrodes, adapted to produce a series of electrical impulses to the limb segment via the electrodes, and (iii) a control unit adapted to control the signal generator to produce the series of electrical impulses; (b) positioning the electrodes on the limb segment, wherein the first electrode is positioned on a lower end of the lower leg, the second electrode is positioned on the lower leg, and the third electrode is positioned on an upper end of the lower leg, whereby the first and third electrodes are disposed on opposite ends of the lower leg, and the second electrode and
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Zvi NACHUM, Yaakov BREZEL, Shalom LAMPERT
  • Publication number: 20180185640
    Abstract: In some examples, an implantable medical device determines that another medical device delivered an anti-tachyarrhythmia shock, and delivers post-shock pacing in response to the determination. The implantable medical device may be configured to both detect the delivery of the shock in a sensed electrical signal and, if delivery of the shock is not detected, determine that the shock was delivered based on detection of asystole of the heart. The asystole may be detected based on the sensed electrical signal. In some examples, an implantable medical device is configured to revert from a post-shock pacing mode to a baseline pacing mode by iteratively testing a plurality of decreasing values of pacing pulse magnitude until loss of capture is detected. The implantable medical device may update a baseline value of the pacing pulse magnitude for the baseline mode based on the detection of loss of capture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Scott A. HARELAND, James D. REINKE, Jon D. SCHELL
  • Publication number: 20180185641
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device which may be used to interactively exercise pelvic muscles. This is expected to prevent the need for more intrusive surgical procedures, to improve the life of women and men that suffer from incontinence, to help women strengthen their pelvic muscles after birth to enable subsequent vaginal births rather than caesarean sections. The invention relates to a pelvic muscle exercise monitor that is a suppository/tampon type internal unit that may be placed within either the rectum or the vaginal canal and which sends signals to a remote receiver, typically a smart phone, but possibly a dedicated device or a computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2016
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventor: Simona PELED
  • Publication number: 20180185642
    Abstract: In various embodiments, methods are provided for improving, and/or regulating, and/or restoring respiration in a subject with a respiratory deficiency. In certain embodiments the methods involve neuromodulating the cervical spinal cord of a subject by administering transcutaneous stimulation to the cervical spinal cord or a region thereof at a frequency and intensity sufficient to regulate and/or to restore respiration; and/or neuromodulating the cervical spinal cord of a subject by administering epidural stimulation to the cervical spinal cord or a region thereof at a frequency and intensity sufficient to regulate and/or to restore respiration; and/or neuromodulating the cervical spinal cord of a subject with a magnetic stimulator at a frequency and intensity sufficient to regulate and/or to restore respiration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventor: Daniel C. Lu
  • Publication number: 20180185643
    Abstract: Systems and methods involving hypertension monitoring and/or treatment device(s) are disclosed. According to implementations herein, various combination systems, devices and methods that provide therapy and/or monitoring capabilities of a person's blood pressure, incorporating a PPG/ECG integrated sensor within the handle of a hypothermia therapy device for persons with hypertension, are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Johnathan LEE, Seon YI, Hugh Robert Sharkey
  • Publication number: 20180185644
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved apparatus for self-administering audio-visual stimulation therapies comprising at least one horizontally-extending curved screen (11,11?) for delivering visual stimuli spatially distributed in an angular range substantially equal to the angular portion of extension of the screen (11,11?); at least one acoustic source (12, 12?) for delivering acoustic stimuli spatially distributed in an angular range at least in part coinciding with the angular range of spatial distribution of the visual stimuli, the at least one curved screen (11,11?) and the at least one acoustic source (12,12?) being connected to an electronic central processing unit (20) implementing at least activation means of the visual and/or acoustic stimuli; at least one signalling interface (21) able to be actuated by the patient to indicate the detection of at least one delivered stimulus connected to means for collecting data relative to the activation of the visual and/or acoustic stimuli and of the ac
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Stefano Linari, Francesca Tinelli
  • Publication number: 20180185645
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and technique selectively eliminates the noxious signal components in a neuronal signal by creating an interfering electrical signal that is tuned to a given frequency corresponding to the oscillatory pattern of the noxious signal, resulting in a modified neuronal signal that substantially reproduces a normal, no-pain neuronal signal. The disclosed system and technique of pain relief is based on the hypothesis that the temporal profile of pain signals encodes particular components that oscillate at unique and quantifiable frequencies, which are responsible for pain processing in the brain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Ricardo Vallejo, David Leonardo Cedeno, William J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20180185646
    Abstract: A method of providing therapy to a patient having a medical condition comprises delivering electrical stimulation energy to the spinal cord of the patient in accordance with a stimulation program that preferentially stimulates dorsal horn neuronal elements over dorsal column neuronal elements in the spinal cord. The delivered electrical stimulation energy generates a plurality of electrical fields having different orientations that stimulate the dorsal horn neuronal elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Michael A. Moffitt, Bradley Lawrence Hershey, Changfang Zhu
  • Publication number: 20180185647
    Abstract: A method of operating an implantable neuromodulator includes calculating an index for each of a plurality of modulation parameter sets, wherein each modulation parameter set includes a respective plurality of modulation parameters from which the respective index is calculated, serially conveying electrical modulation energy to a patient in accordance with each of the plurality of modulation parameter sets, causing the patient to perceive paresthesia in response to the conveyance of the electrical modulation energy to the tissue in accordance with one of the plurality of modulation parameter sets, identifying the calculated index for that one modulation parameter set as a perception threshold index based on the perceived paresthesia, and storing the identified perception threshold index.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventor: Sarvani Grandhe
  • Publication number: 20180185648
    Abstract: Neuromodulation systems are described. An example neuromodulation system includes a controller wirelessly communicatively coupled to a host computer, a signal generator communicatively coupled to the controller, and a plurality of electrodes communicatively coupled to the signal generator. The controller, in conjunction with the signal generator and the at least one electrode are configured to deliver a stimulation to a mammal based on an instruction received from the host computer. The stimulation is configured to induce voluntary movement or restore function in the mammal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Mandheerej Nandra, Yu-Chong Tai
  • Publication number: 20180185649
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for neuromodulation with simultaneous stimulation and reception of neuronal response. A closed-loop control system provides the ability to modulate any combination of at least five parameters of stimulation (magnitude, frequency, amplitude, time, and phase) based on any combination of at least five parameters of received signals. The neuromodulation is well-suited for deep brain stimulation (DBS) applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Shalom Michaeli, John T. Vaughan, Silvia Mangia, Lauri Lehto, Matthew Johnson, Julia Slopsema, Olli Gröhn, Gregory F. Molnar
  • Publication number: 20180185650
    Abstract: Methods and systems for generating an MRI-compatible stimulation program based at least in part on a first set of stimulation parameters of a first stimulation program are presented. For example, a method or system (via a processor) can include receiving the first set of stimulation parameters, wherein the first set of stimulation parameters indicates a first set of stimulation electrodes; modifying the first set of stimulation parameters to generate a second set of stimulation parameters of the MRI-compatible stimulation program by at least one of 1) reducing a value of at least one stimulation parameter of the first set of stimulation parameters or 2) replacing, in the first set of electrodes, a case electrode with at least one electrode of the lead; and initiating a signal that provides the IPG with the MRI-compatible stimulation program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventor: Chirag Shah
  • Publication number: 20180185651
    Abstract: Electrical stimulation sources and amplitudes are allocated to implantable electrodes based on impedance values for controlled delivery of electrical stimulation therapy to a patient. Allocation may include assigning implantable electrodes, in a group of active electrodes, to clusters based on impedance values of the electrodes, coupling the electrode clusters to respective stimulation sources, and defining respective stimulation amplitudes delivered by the stimulation sources to the electrode clusters. Each cluster may include electrodes having relatively similar impedance values, such that electrodes in each cluster present less variation in impedance relative to impedance variation across the group of electrodes. With reduced variation in impedance, in some examples, variation in current outflow through electrodes in each cluster may be reduced, promoting more uniform distribution of stimulation current across the group of active electrodes and a more uniform stimulation field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Applicant: Medtronic Bakken Research Center B.V.
    Inventors: Mattias Bengt Johan Astrom, Mark Hage, Hubert Cecile François Martens, Kambiz Nanbakhsh, Erik van Veenendaal
  • Publication number: 20180185652
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling blood pressure by controlling atrial pressure and atrial stretch are disclosed. In some embodiments, a stimulation circuit may be configured to deliver a stimulation pulse to at least one cardiac chamber of a heart of a patient, and at least one controller may be configured to execute delivery of one or more stimulation patterns of stimulation pulses to the at least one cardiac chamber, wherein at least one of the stimulation pulses stimulates the heart such that an atrial pressure resulting from atrial contraction of an atrium overlaps in time a passive pressure build-up of the atrium, such that an atrial pressure of the atrium resulting from the stimulation is a combination of the atrial pressure resulting from atrial contraction and the passive pressure build-up and is higher than an atrial pressure of the atrium would be without the stimulation, and such that the blood pressure of the patient is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Yuval Mika, Darren Sherman, Robert S. Schwartz, Robert A. Van Tassel, Daniel Burkhoff
  • Publication number: 20180185653
    Abstract: A pacing system, which is particularly suitable for implantable leadless pacemakers, applies passively-balanced voltage-based pacing pulses, and periodically performs capture verification (evoked response detection) by following a pacing pulse with a current-based active balancing pulse, and then measuring any evoked response provoked by the pacing pulse. The active balancing pulse reduces residual charge on the electrodes used for pulsing, and thereby reduces polarization artifacts that could obscure measurement of the evoked response at the electrodes. The amplitude and pulse width of the active balancing current pulse are defined by measurements made in a few preceding pulses. The pacemaker preferably detects indicia of cardiac contractility, and performs capture verification only when contractility indicates that the patient is physically inactive and emotionally stable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: MARCELO BARU, RAMPRASAD VIJAYAGOPAL, ALAN FRYER
  • Publication number: 20180185654
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a feedthrough having an enhanced hermetic sealing and used for a human implantable medical device such as a deep brain stimulator, a implantable AED, a implantable spinal cord stimulator and so on. Thus, more enhanced reproducibility and productivity in the diffusion welding and the laser hole machining may be guaranteed in the present method of manufacturing the feedthrough, compared to the conventional method using the ceramic metallizing and the brazing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Applicant: OSONG MEDICAL INNOVATION FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Jin-Won KIM, Jin-Hee MOON, In-Ho SONG, Sung-Keun YOO, Seung-A LEE, Ha-Chul JUNG, Dong-Jun MOON, Jin-Woo AHN, Sang-Hun LEE
  • Publication number: 20180185655
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods to fabricate and operate an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device can include a housing portion defining an interior chamber. The implantable medical device can include a circuit in the interior chamber. The implantable medical device can include a first electronic component that is not in the interior chamber. The implantable medical device can include a substrate coupled to the housing, the substrate including a first via extending through the substrate, the first via electrically coupling the first electronic component to the circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Ron A. Balczewski, James E. Blood, William J. Linder, Jacob M. Ludwig, Keith R. Maile
  • Publication number: 20180185656
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing neural stimulation and recording on a subject using flexible complementary CMOS probes are provided. Disclosed systems can include a flexible probe adapted for insertion into a portion of a brain of the subject, the flexible probe comprising a tail portion and a head portion. The tail portion can include a plurality of electrodes configured to be coupled to the brain and a plurality of front-end amplifiers. Each of the plurality of front-end amplifiers can be configured to amplify a signal received from a corresponding electrode of the plurality of electrodes. The head portion can include one or more inductors configured to enable two-way communication with a wireless reader through a near-field inductive link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Applicant: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Shepard, David Tsai, Hongki Kang, Jordan Thimot
  • Publication number: 20180185657
    Abstract: A passive implantable relay module includes a first coupler arm configured to wirelessly receive electromagnetic energy radiated through electric radiative coupling from a transmitting antenna located outside a subject's body; a second coupler arm; and a connector portion comprising a first metal core and a first dielectric coating surrounding the first metal core, the connector portion configured to connect the first coupler arm to the second coupler arm such that when the passive implantable relay module is implanted inside the subject's body and the transmitting antenna initiates wireless energy transfer to the first coupler arm via non-inductive coupling, electromagnetic waves carrying the electromagnetic energy received at the first coupler arm propagate along the first metal core to arrive at the second coupler arm, where the electromagnetic energy arriving is wirelessly transferred, again via non-inductive coupling, to a receiving antenna on a passive wireless neural stimulator device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Richard LeBaron, Laura Tyler Perryman
  • Publication number: 20180185658
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods related to a flexible circuit buzzer apparatus, such as a buzzer apparatus for use in an implantable medical device. In an example, the buzzer apparatus can include a flexible circuit having a first dielectric layer. A conductive layer can be disposed on the first dielectric layer. A hole can be formed in the first dielectric layer, the conductive layer, or both. A buzzer including a first contact can be located proximate to the hole. A conductive via can be plated or deposited in the hole. At least the first contact can be electrically coupled to the conductive layer by the conductive via.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: James E. Blood, Scott A. Spadgenske, Doug E. Giwoyna, Lonnie D. Myers, Shawn Larson, David A. Chizek
  • Publication number: 20180185659
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of a method performed by an implantable medical device to deliver a neural stimulation therapy to a patient, a lower dose of the neural stimulation therapy is delivered to the patient. The dose of the neural stimulation therapy is automatically increased from the lower dose to a higher dose, and the higher dose of the neural stimulation therapy is delivered to the patient. A trigger that is controlled by the patient is detected, and the dose of the neural stimulation therapy is automatically returned from the higher dose back to the lower dose in response to detecting the trigger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Stephen J. Hahn, Jason J. Hamann, David J. Ternes
  • Publication number: 20180185660
    Abstract: Methods and systems in which a first medical device provides patient status details to a second medical device. Patient status details may include one or more of patient posture and/or patient activity level, or other indications of patient status. The second medical device, in response to information about patient status and changes in patient status, uses a sensing configuration management function to respond to and accommodate the change in patient status. In an example, a first medical device monitors patient posture and communicates information related to patient posture to a second medical device, which then tailors sensing configurations to the patient posture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Applicant: CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC.
    Inventors: Steven Lee Eddy, Brendan Early Koop
  • Publication number: 20180185661
    Abstract: Embodiments provide implant housings (IH) having embedded suture anchors comprising a suture anchor loop (SAL) with an anchoring element each end. The SAL allows a suture to be passed through the loop to anchor the housing to selected tissue. Particular embodiments provide IHs having embedded sutures wherein the suture is embedded in a cured portion (CP) of the housing wall (HW). The suture may be part of a suture assembly having a first and second end portion (EP) and a mid-portion (MP) each of the EP's including an anchoring portion (AP). At least a portion of the HW comprises a cured portion (CP). The first and second SA EP's are embedded in the CP such that the MP forms a loop extending out from the HW outer surface. The embedded AE is configured such that a force for pulling the suture out of the CP exceeds a suture tensile strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Mir A. Imran, Robert Gaffney
  • Publication number: 20180185662
    Abstract: A wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) having a processor configured to receive a signal indicating a position and/or movement of the ambulatory patient while the ambulatory patient is wearing the support structure receive the ECG signal, determine from an ECG signal whether a shock criterion is met, determine a confirmation time period and/or a response time period based on the position and/or movement of the ambulatory patient, determine from the ECG signal whether the shock criterion is met after the confirmation time period has elapsed, cause the user interface to generate the shock alert signal based on the shock criterion determined after the confirmation time period has elapsed, and control the discharge circuit to discharge the stored electrical charge when a predetermined time period has elapsed after the shock alert signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Phillip D. Foshee, JR., David P. Finch, Pamela Breske, Laura M. Gustavson, Joseph L. Sullivan, Jaeho Kim
  • Publication number: 20180185663
    Abstract: A device used for treating an object can include a body having multiple mounting surfaces. The device can also include at least three magnets disposed on the mounting surfaces, where each magnet includes a first end and a second end, where the first end has a first polarity, where the second end has a second polarity, and where the first polarity attracts the second polarity to create a magnetic field, and where the magnets create a number of magnetic fields that intersect at a target area. At least one of the magnets can include a core material, and at least one component of the core material is carried by the magnetic field to the target area, where the at least one component core material is used to treat the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventor: Roy Franklin Bean
  • Publication number: 20180185664
    Abstract: A photo-treatment device includes a non-opaque treatment substrate and a radiation-collector beside the substrate. The substrate is sized for a person at which radiation is to be emitted from above the substrate. The substrate has a front surface for receiving the person thereon and a back surface. The radiation-collector captures excess radiation peripheral to the substrate and redirects the excess radiation to the back surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventor: Patrick Kenneth Powell
  • Publication number: 20180185665
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a head-worn apparatus, comprising: a frame adapted to be mounted to a head of a user; a light emitting system positioned within the frame to provide light to an eye of the user; a sound system adapted to provide audio to the user; a haptic system positioned within the frame to provide haptic feedback to the user; and a processor adapted to control the lighting system, audio system and haptic system in a coordinated pattern of light, sound and haptics that causes a mental-health therapeutic stimulus provided to the user, whereby the user experiences an improvement in mental performance based on the coordinated pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Ralph F. Osterhout, Ed Riehle, Robert Michael Lohse
  • Publication number: 20180185666
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide methods for treating various conditions and diseases using an optical signal. In one or more embodiments an apparatus is providing having an optical window, which is used to deliver an optical signal to provide stimulation to one or more tissue sites in the body such as the brain, optic nerve, eye, ganglia, spine, or other like site. The optical signals can be used to treat a variety of neurological diseases and conditions including epilepsy, migraine headaches and chronic pain. In particular applications the optical signals can be used to treat, inhibit or prevent epileptic or other neurological seizures by providing an optical input to a foci or surrounding tissue in the brain causing the seizure. The optical signal may also be combined with an electrical signal to produce an aggregate effect in tissue for treating the disease or condition such as a neurological disease or condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventor: Mir Imran
  • Publication number: 20180185667
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for in vivo and transcranial stimulation of brain tissue of a subject may include at least one light source, a controller to control operation of the light source, a signal detecting unit and a processor configured to receive signals from the signal detecting unit, analyze the signals and generate a feedback signal to the controller to control the light source until optimal results are obtained. In one embodiment, the light source is a laser instrument and the wavelength can range from 800 to 1100 nm. In another embodiment, the irradiance of the laser instrument can range from 50 to 1000 mW/cm2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventor: Li-Da Huang