Electrode Placed In Body Patents (Class 600/373)
  • Patent number: 10869992
    Abstract: A catheter with three distinct compression resistance coils, including a body coil and two pull wire coils, is disclosed. The triple coil system can provide maximal resistance to compression of the catheter's proximal shaft, as well as maximization of the curve angle that the catheter tip can achieve. Additionally, the tri-coil catheter can allow for a lower initial compression load and a more flexible proximal shaft. A gap between the outer diameter of the pull wire and the inner diameter of the pull wire compression coil that is equal to about 10-30% of inner diameter of the pull wire compression coil can provide optimal catheter performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Sameer D. Pai, Zachary L. Helgeson, Troy T. Tegg
  • Patent number: 10842558
    Abstract: Ablation systems of the present disclosure facilitate the safe formation of wide and deep lesions. For example, ablation systems of the present disclosure can allow for the flow of irrigation fluid and blood through an expandable ablation electrode, resulting in efficient and effective cooling of the ablation electrode as the ablation electrode delivers energy at a treatment site of the patient. Additionally, or alternatively, ablation systems of the present disclosure can include a deformable ablation electrode and a plurality of sensors that, in cooperation, sense the deformation of the ablation electrode, to provide a robust indication of the extent and direction of contact between the ablation electrode and tissue at a treatment site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Affera, Inc.
    Inventors: Doron Harlev, Ian Matthew Collier, Andrew Miles Wallace
  • Patent number: 10828037
    Abstract: Detachment of an implant from a delivery assembly can be electrolytic and provide an electrical current pathway through a fluid within a portion of a delivery system containing the delivery assembly. After the implant is located at a target location within a patient, a voltage potential is applied between (i) a delivery electrode electrically connected to an electrolytic detachment zone and (ii) an infusion electrode disposed outside of the patient and electrically connected to the electrolytic detachment zone via a fluid from a fluid source disposed outside of the patient. While applying the voltage potential, the fluid can be flushed from the fluid source past the detachment zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Vincent Divino
  • Patent number: 10821265
    Abstract: The presence of the pull wire ring in the distal end portion leads to limited functionality of the distal end of a steerable medical device. A steerable medical device (1) includes a pull wire ring (100a-e) for imparting a bending movement on the steerable medical device. By providing the pull wire ring (100a-e) with an eccentric recess (105a-f) which defines a passage between a first end face (101) and a second end face (105) of the ring, it becomes possible to guide ancillary elements such as electrical lines, data cables and fiber optics past the pull wire ring (100a-e) further towards the distal end of the steerable medical device. By this measure, functionality of the distal end of the medical device is enhanced without obstructing a main lumen of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Franciscus Reinier Antonius Van Der Linde, Franciscus Johannes Gerardus Hakkens, Cornelis Gerardus Maria De Haas, Cornelius Antonius Nicolaas Maria Van Der Vleuten, Adrianus Wilhelmus Dionisius Maria Van Den Bijgaart, Maurice Hubertus Elisabeth Van Der Beek
  • Patent number: 10820853
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting and reducing bruxism is described. The method includes the placement of a pressure resistive (or piezoelectric) sensor on the skin above the temporalis muscle in order to detect grinding of the teeth based on movement of the temporalis muscle. Alternatively, a pressure resistor could be used in the ear. The pressure resistive sensor could be made of carbon-impregnated polyolefin. Once bruxism is detected, a patient is notified and uses bio-feedback to curtain the grinding of the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Bravrr, LLC
    Inventor: Brock Predovich
  • Patent number: 10813590
    Abstract: Disclosed are various examples and embodiments of a cardiac mapping catheter configured for electrophysiological (EP) mapping and suitable for intravascular insertion in a patient's heart, and methods of making same. The cardiac mapping catheter comprises a plurality support arms having electrodes disposed thereon. Various configurations of the cardiac mapping catheter are described and disclosed which provide improved spatial resolution and sensing of EP signals acquired from inside a patient's heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Ablacon Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Ruppersberg
  • Patent number: 10806922
    Abstract: A medical access tool includes a needle member extending along a longitudinal axis, and a coiled wire extending around the axis. An inner surface of the coiled wire, along a proximal segment thereof, is spaced radially apart from an outer surface of the needle member, and a distal segment of the coiled wire extends distally to a tissue-engaging tip of the coiled wire, a piercing distal tip of the needle member being recessed proximally from the tissue-engaging tip at a fixed distance. An operator may rotate the coiled wire to engage tissue, for example, that of a pericardial sac or a diaphragmatic attachment, which then travels proximally along the coiled wire and into contact with the needle member's distal tip, to be pierced through thereby. At least one lumen of the needle member provides a passageway through which the operator may advance a guide wire and/or inject a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc
    Inventors: Andrea J. Asleson, Ronald A. Drake, Mark T. Marshall, Kelly M. Wien
  • Patent number: 10799173
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer readable mediums for fall prediction assessment are provided. In a particular embodiment, a fall prediction controller is configured to compare a hydration indicator associated with a person to a hydration threshold and based on a result of the comparison of the hydration indicator to the hydration threshold, generate a fall prediction assessment of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: CarePredict, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald J. Wilmink
  • Patent number: 10791945
    Abstract: A biocompatible, implantable electrode for electrically active medical devices. The implantable medical electrode has a surface geometry which optimizes the electrical performance of the electrode, while mitigating the undesirable effects associated with prior art porous surfaces. The electrode has an optimized surface topography for improved electrical performance. Such a electrode is suitable for devices which may be permanently implanted in the human body as stimulation electrodes, such as pacemakers, or as sensors of medical conditions. Such is achieved by the application of ultrafast high energy pulses to the surface of a solid, monolithic electrode material for the purpose of increasing the surface area and thereby decreasing its after-potential polarization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: PULSE IP, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew E. Fisk
  • Patent number: 10758271
    Abstract: Catheter-based delivery systems for delivery and retrieval of a leadless pacemaker include features to facilitate improved manipulation of the catheter and improved capture and docking functionality of leadless pacemakers. Such functionality includes mechanisms directed to deflecting and locking a deflectable catheter, maintaining tension on a retrieval feature, protection from anti-rotation, and improved docking cap and drive gear assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Goodman, Daniel Coyle, David Rickheim
  • Patent number: 10758266
    Abstract: A surgical probe and a method for forming and enlarging an access opening through a psoas muscle to provide for minimally invasive lateral approach for surgical access to a lumber intervertebral disc. A distal end portion of the probe is equipped with an electrode useful for confirming proper location of the probe and includes an inflatable dilator body for enlarging an access opening through tissue adjacent to a spinal column. The probe includes a cannula through which a K wire can be extended to anchor the probe to a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Louis Tatsumi
  • Patent number: 10751061
    Abstract: A pushing apparatus and conveying system for an interventional medical instrument. By covering a thermoplastic elastomer on the surface of a steel cable to form an overlay film, steel cable support is improved when guaranteeing the flexibility thereof so that it is difficult for the instrument to deviate from a predetermined position when conveying the instrument, the operation time is shortened, and the operation risk of patients is reduced. Meanwhile, in the conveying system, a sealing member is provided in an inner cavity of a hemostasis valve body to match the overlay film of the steel cable so that the distal end of the hemostasis valve body is isolated from the outside, and the release effect of the instrument can be assessed by radiography before the instrument is released from the steel cable in operation, thereby effectively reducing harm to patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: LIFETECH SCIENTIFIC (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD
    Inventors: Wei Jiang, Gang Wang, Renmei Ma
  • Patent number: 10743891
    Abstract: A discectomy instrument for use with a cutting tool including a flexible shaft and an implement extending from the shaft generally includes a guard including a shaft and a foot extending therefrom, wherein the foot has a port and a plurality of teeth. The instrument also includes a guide including a rod, a finger extending from the rod, and an actuator operably connected to the finger such that the finger is adjustable via the actuator. The instrument further includes a sheath including at least one channel, wherein, when the guide and the sheath are coupled to the guard, the channel aligns with the port to permit insertion of the implement through the port via the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Washington University
    Inventors: Eric C. Leuthardt, Neill Wright, Dan Moran, Ivan Stoev, Tim Johnson, Benton Reynolds
  • Patent number: 10736547
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting at least a portion of a sensor into a patient is provided. Simple and easy to use mechanisms are provided that can position the sensor or any other device accurately with minimal complication. The method and apparatus can include an inserter device for use with the sensor. The method and apparatus can be for use in continuous or semi-continuous monitoring systems such as analyte monitoring systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: ABBOTT DIABETES CARE INC.
    Inventor: Gary Ashley Stafford
  • Patent number: 10734137
    Abstract: A composite cable is composed of a power supply wire, which includes a twisted wire pair aggregate, which are being formed by laying a plurality of twisted wire pairs together, a plurality of coaxial wires, and a plurality of signal wires, which are each smaller in outer diameter than the power supply wire and the plurality of coaxial wires. The plurality of coaxial wires and the plurality of signal wires are being laid helically over an outer periphery of the power supply wire, and each of the plurality of coaxial wires is being arranged in contact with an outer periphery of the power supply wire, and is being arranged at equally spaced intervals in a circumferential direction of the power supply wire, while each of the plurality of signal wires is being arranged in such a manner as to remain separate from the power supply wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Detian Huang, Yoshinori Tsukamoto, Masanori Kobayashi, Isao Matsuoka, Masashi Moriyama
  • Patent number: 10727814
    Abstract: A wireless sensor includes a radio frequency (RF) receiving circuit operable to receive an RF signal having a carrier frequency of a plurality of carrier frequencies. The RF receiving circuit further includes a variable impedance where impedance of the variable impedance is a factor in establishing a resonant frequency of the RF receiving circuit. The wireless sensor further includes a processing module that is operable to determine a first value for a first impedance of the variable impedance for a known temperature based on the resonant frequency and the carrier frequency, determine a second value a second impedance of the variable impedance for an unknown temperature based on the resonant frequency and the carrier frequency, and determine a difference between the first and second values that corresponds to a change between the known temperature and the unknown temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: RFMicron, Inc.
    Inventor: Shahriar Rokhsaz
  • Patent number: 10675086
    Abstract: A method and system for presenting information representative of lesion formation is provided. The system comprises an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU is configured to acquire a value for an ablation description parameter and/or a position signal metric, wherein the value corresponds to a location in the tissue. The ECU is further configured to evaluate the value, assign it a visual indicator of a visualization scheme associated with the parameter/metric corresponding to the value, and generate a marker comprising the visual indicator such that the marker is indicative of the acquired value. The method comprises acquiring a value for the parameter/metric, and evaluating the value. The method further includes assigning a visual indicator of a visualization scheme associated with the parameter/metric corresponding to the value, and generating a marker comprising the visual indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Valtino X. Afonso, Lubomir V. Dragnev, Sarah E. Cumming, Yitzhak I. Shai, Saurav Paul
  • Patent number: 10671917
    Abstract: Described is a system for neural decoding of neural activity. Using at least one neural feature extraction method, neural data that is correlated with a set of behavioral data is transformed into sparse neural representations. Semantic features are extracted from a set of semantic data. Using a combination of distinct classification modes, the set of semantic data is mapped to the sparse neural representations, and new input neural data can be interpreted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Rajan Bhattacharyya, James Benvenuto, Vincent De Sapio, Michael J. O'Brien, Kang-Yu Ni, Kevin R. Martin, Ryan M. Uhlenbrock, Rachel Millin, Matthew E. Phillips, Hankyu Moon, Qin Jiang, Brian L. Burns
  • Patent number: 10660572
    Abstract: One variation of a method for testing contact quality of electrical-biosignal electrodes includes: outputting a drive signal through a driven electrode, the drive signal comprising an alternating-current component oscillating at a reference frequency and a direct-current component; reading a set of sense signals from a set of sense electrodes at a first time; calculating a first combination of the set of sense signals; calculating a first direct-current value comprising a combination of the first combination and the direct-current component of the drive signal at approximately the first time; and at a second time succeeding the first time, shifting the direct-current component of the drive signal output by the driven electrode to the first direct-current value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Zeto, Inc.
    Inventors: Aswin Gunasekar, Ferenc Benedek, János Kokavecz, Gabor Braun
  • Patent number: 10646340
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described herein to provide improved steerability for delivering a prosthesis to a body location, for example, for delivering a replacement mitral valve to a native mitral valve location. The delivery system can include a number of advantageous steering and delivery features, in particular for the transseptal delivery approach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Boaz Manash, Oren Cohen, Noam Nir, Ilan Tamir, Eitan Atias, Ofir Witzman, Michal Aliza Ruchelsman
  • Patent number: 10617467
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for electroporation ablation therapy are disclosed, with the device including a set of splines coupled to a catheter for medical ablation therapy. Each spline of the set of splines may include a set of electrodes formed on that spline. The set of splines may be configured for translation to transition between a first configuration and a second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Farapulse, Inc.
    Inventors: Raju Viswanathan, Allan Zingeler, Gary Long, Jean-Luc Pageard
  • Patent number: 10617283
    Abstract: A self-locking angle adjustment mechanism for an endoscope includes: an endoscope angle adjustment steel wire (5), a rotation handle (2), an endoscope handle (3) and a self-locking rotation device, wherein: an outer conical surface is provided at an external surface of the rotation shaft (7), a conical cylinder is sleeved onto the outer conical surface; a spring (14), which can drive the rotation shaft to move towards a direction of the conical cylinder or drive the conical cylinder to move towards a direction of the rotation shaft, and can force the inner conical surface to closely fit with the outer conical surface for self-locking, is located along an axial direction of the rotation shaft or conical cylinder. Through the present invention, the flexible sheath is locked stepless at any position, meeting free positioning requirement of endoscope during surgeries, reducing labor strength during surgeries, avoiding patient injuries caused by misoperations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: YOUCARE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. (WUHAN)
    Inventors: Shaogang Wang, Jianxing Li, Xiaolin Guo, Jian Huang, Xu Zhang, Jihong Liu, Yiran Huang, Lin Qi, Xiuheng Liu, Xiaoping Zhang, Tongzu Liu, Zhangqun Ye, Kunjie Wang, Xiao Yu, Qi Chen, Lei Song, Yaohui Wu, Yeyun Mao, Ying Li, Xuecheng Hu, Gang Long
  • Patent number: 10610297
    Abstract: A device for treating spinal tissue of a patient's body may include an energy source and first and second probe assemblies. Each of the probe assemblies may have an electrically conductive energy delivery device electrically coupled to the energy source, and may also have an electrothermal device for cooling the probe assembly. The device is configured so that the energy source delivers energy to the spinal tissue through the energy delivery devices in a bipolar mode that concentrates delivered energy between the energy delivery devices to create a lesion within the spinal tissue while the electrothermal devices cool the probe assemblies. Related methods of use include cooling, at times via an electrothermal device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Avent, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Leung, Krishan Shah, Laura Conquergood, Subashini Chandran, Neil Godara
  • Patent number: 10610117
    Abstract: A method is presented for forming a nanowire electrode. The method includes forming a plurality of nanowires over a first substrate, depositing a conducting layer over the plurality of nanowires, forming solder bumps and electrical interconnections over a second flexible substrate, and integrating nanowire electrode arrays to the second flexible substrate. The plurality of nanowires are silicon (Si) nanowires, the Si nanowires used as probes to penetrate skin of a subject to achieve electrical biopotential signals. The plurality of nanowires are formed over the first substrate by metal-assisted chemical etching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Qianwen Chen, Huan Hu, Zheng Xu, Xin Zhang
  • Patent number: 10568679
    Abstract: A method includes receiving locations of multiple ablation sites formed on a surface of a heart. Distances are measured among at least some of the ablation sites based on the locations. One or more gaps between the ablation sites, which meet an alerting criterion, are identified. The identified gaps are indicated to an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL) LTD
    Inventors: Itamar Bustan, Michael Timofeyev, Akram Zoabi, Noam Seker Gafni
  • Patent number: 10568688
    Abstract: An ablation catheter comprises an elongate catheter body and a branch electrode element. The elongate catheter body has a central axis, a distal end, and a proximal end. The elongate catheter body is configured to be steered within a heart chamber. The branch electrode element has a base end and a working end or tip. The base end is secured to the elongate catheter body at a location spaced proximally of the distal end and an effector on the working end. The branch electrode element is configured to evert when the distal end of the elongate catheter body is in a pulmonary vein ostium or os so that the effector can be selectively engaged against locations surrounding the pulmonary vein os which differ in radial direction and distance. One or more of linear or curved ablation patterns are generated on tissue adjacent the pulmonary vein os with the effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventors: Bob Sueh-Chien Hu, Girish Ananth Narayan, Byongho Park
  • Patent number: 10568738
    Abstract: An apparatus can include: (1) a steerable tube, having a proximal section, a distal section, and a central longitudinal axis, the tube defining a primary lumen and two secondary lumens; (2) two wires, each extending from the distal section proximally through a respective secondary lumen; (3) a handle, coupled to the proximal section, and including a steering knob that is coupled to the wires such that rotation of the knob adjusts a degree of tension in the wires; (4) a pull ring coupled to the distal section of the tube such that the pull ring circumscribes the longitudinal axis at the distal section of the tube, and defining two recesses, a distal end portion of each wire being disposed in a respective one of the recesses; and (5) at least one cap, bridging the recesses and the distal end portion of the wires. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Valtech Cardio, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tal Sheps, Tal Hammer, Ehud Iflah, Tal Reich, Yaron Herman, Amir Gross
  • Patent number: 10549088
    Abstract: A medical lead may be fabricated using an electrode fixture ((130A)-(130D)) configured to facilitate circumferential and axial alignment between electrodes of the lead. In one example, a method includes positioning an electrode fixture around at least one conductor of a plurality of conductors (122) for a medical lead, wherein the electrode fixture at least partially retains an electrode assembly. The method also includes electrically coupling a portion of the at least one conductor with at least a portion of the electrode assembly at an attachment area defined by the electrode assembly when the electrode assembly is at least partially retained by the electrode fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale F. Seeley, Evan Mark Gustafson, Michael T. Hegland, Seth M. Humphrys, Darren A. Janzig, Gerald G. Lindner
  • Patent number: 10549035
    Abstract: An intrathecal delivery system for a pharmaceutical includes a reservoir containing a volume of the pharmaceutical agent, and a pump configured to deliver a portion of the pharmaceutical agent contained in the reservoir. A controller is configured to receive biological cycle information pertaining to a biological cycle (e.g., cardiac cycle), and configured, based on the received biological cycle information, to control the pump to deliver the pharmaceutical agent into a patient's intrathecal space as a high-speed bolus at a time corresponding to a time determined based on Processing the biological cycle information. The high-speed bolus may be delivered at a rate of 10-100 ?L per second. The timing of such delivery corresponds to a time within the biological cycle when cerebrospinal fluid flow is optimal for intrathecal delivery of the pharmaceutical agent. Conditions for which treatment is enhanced by the intrathecal delivery system include refractory hypertension, spasticity and chronic pain management.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS HEALTH SYSTEM, INC.
    Inventor: Salim M. Hayek
  • Patent number: 10518081
    Abstract: Medical leads include a lumen body at an end of the lead, and the lumen body includes multiple filar lumens. The lumen body is joined to a lead body, and electrical connectors are longitudinally spaced along the lumen body. Filars within the filar lumens are directed through filar passageways within the lumen body to attach to the electrical connectors on the lumen body. The filar passageways may be aligned with the filar lumens, and slots within the electrical connectors may be aligned with the filar passageways to facilitate assembly. The lumen body may provide additional stiffness to the end of the lead where the lumen body is located to facilitate lead insertion into the medical device. The filar lumens of the lumen body may have a longitudinally straight configuration so that the portions of filars within the filar lumens are held in a longitudinally straight configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Michael R Klardie, Michael J. Kern, Brian T. Stolz, Marty D. Martens
  • Patent number: 10517667
    Abstract: Apparatus, having an insertion tube that is configured to be inserted into a body cavity. The apparatus also includes a distal tip connected to the insertion tube, the distal tip having an external surface and a cavity formed in the external surface, the cavity being surrounded by a region of the external surface having a curvature. The apparatus further includes a microelectrode configured to fit into the cavity so that a surface of the microelectrode is contoured, located and oriented to conform with the curvature of the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Christopher Thomas Beeckler, Rowan Olund Hettel
  • Patent number: 10506948
    Abstract: A system (10) can localize an object in a patient's body. The system (10) can include a pulse generator (18 or 30) configured to provide a localization signal to at least one electrode that is fixed to the object in the patient's body. A sensor array (22) can be configured to detect an electrical field produced in response to the localization signal and provide respective sensor signals. A map generator (42) can be configured to reconstruct electrical signals based on the respective sensor signals and geometry data representing a geometric relationship between patient anatomy and the sensor array. A location calculator (50) can determine a location where the localization signal was applied based on the reconstructed electrical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: CARDIOINSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Harold Wodlinger, Charulatha Ramanathan, Ping Jia
  • Patent number: 10507057
    Abstract: Ablation systems of the present disclosure facilitate the safe formation of wide and deep lesions. For example, ablation systems of the present disclosure can allow for the flow of irrigation fluid and blood through an expandable ablation electrode, resulting in efficient and effective cooling of the ablation electrode as the ablation electrode delivers energy at a treatment site of the patient. Additionally, or alternatively, ablation systems of the present disclosure can include a deformable ablation electrode and a plurality of sensors that, in cooperation, sense the deformation of the ablation electrode, to provide a robust indication of the extent and direction of contact between the ablation electrode and tissue at a treatment site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Affera, Inc.
    Inventors: Doron Harlev, Andrew Miles Wallace, Luke Tsai
  • Patent number: 10499980
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to devices, methods, and systems for the treatment of tissue using energy delivery. Specifically, certain embodiments may be used for the treatment of lung tissue, such as lung nodules, using RF ablation, via a catheter provided with a first electrode attached to a distal end of the catheter, wherein the first electrode is hollow, wherein the first electrode comprises a piercing tip configured to pierce through an airway all and a second electrode received in a movable manner within the first electrode, wherein the second electrode is extendable from the first electrode to form a first extended configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Spiration, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon J. Shuman, Hugo Xavier Gonzalez, Sean D. Alm, Peter Hoffman
  • Patent number: 10499919
    Abstract: A catheter system includes a proximal base having a distal diagonal end surface and a distal tip connected to the proximal base and movable relative to the proximal base, wherein the distal tip has a proximal diagonal end surface. The distal diagonal end surface and the proximal diagonal end surface contact opposing sides of a tissue portion to create the fistula. A peripheral edge defines the proximal distal end surface. A proximal point is disposed on the peripheral edge. The proximal point comprises a shortened angle and a fully radiused edge relative to a remaining portion of the peripheral edge and a relief recess is disposed on a distal end of the proximal base, both for the purpose of minimizing tissue snagging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Avenu Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Seth Arnold Foerster
  • Patent number: 10485608
    Abstract: A manipulable portion of a catheter system advances out of a lumen of a catheter sheath at a distal end of a shaft, which is also within the lumen of the catheter sheath. The catheter system causes different advancement and retraction trajectories of a manipulable portion out of and into the lumen based at least upon different relative movements between the catheter sheath and the shaft. A projection and a corresponding receiver may be used to control relative positioning of the catheter sheath and the shaft, as well as to control positioning of the manipulable portion. The catheter system may control metering rates of a control element coupled to the manipulable portion during advancement and retraction of the manipulable portion. A control element of the catheter system has varying amounts of length outside a distal end of the catheter sheath during advancement and retraction of the manipulable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: KARDIUM INC.
    Inventors: Saar Moisa, Marius J. Postma
  • Patent number: 10478085
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus including: one or more needle-like bases enabled to be inserted into the brain; a first electrode having a first impedance and enabling an input of an electric activity of a nucleus with which the first electrode comes into contact; and a second electrode having a second impedance lower than the first impedance and being able to output an electric stimulation to the nucleus, wherein the first electrode is provided at a tip portion of at least one of the bases, and the second electrode is provided on a part of the at least one of the bases at a position identical to a position of at least one of the first electrode or on a proximal side with respect to the first electrode, in a direction along a long axis of the base on which the first electrode is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: INTER-UNIVERSITY RESEARCH INSTITUTE CORPORATION NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF NATURAL SCIENCES
    Inventors: Atsushi Nambu, Satomi Chiken, Yukio Nishimura, Sayuki Takara
  • Patent number: 10470815
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a plurality of transducers of a transducer-based device may be selected for activation. A first pair of subsets of the selected transducers may be identified for initial activation, each subset of the first pair being activated with a different phase angle range than the other. No transducer in one subset is sufficiently close to a transducer in the other subset to cause a confluence of ablated tissue regions therebetween. The first pair of subsets may be activated simultaneously or concurrently. Upon activation or a conclusion thereof of the pair of subsets of the selected transducers, one or more subsequent pairs of subsets of the selected transducers may be activated iteratively on a pair-by-pair basis, until all of the selected transducers have achieved desired activation results, according to some embodiments. Each subsequent pair may include the same or similar characteristics as the first pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: KARDIUM INC.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Weinkam, Daniel M. Reinders
  • Patent number: 10413231
    Abstract: An orifice probe, particularly for detecting if a patient has or has a risk of having cauda equina syndrome and a method for using same, the probe having a body for insertion into the anus of a patient, a sensing device for measuring at least one of the rectal tone and perianal or rectal sensation, and an output device for yielding at least one of the measurement of the rectal tone of the patient and whether the patient has perianal or rectal sensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventor: Nicholas Ahn
  • Patent number: 10369359
    Abstract: Described is a device and method for administration of molecules to tissue in vivo for various medical applications, the device comprising a single hypodermic injection needle and at least two spaced elongate electrodes which provide for the ability, when the needle is inserted into tissue, such as skin or muscle, to pulse tissue with a non-uniform electric field sufficient to cause reversible poration of cells lying along or in close proximity to the track made by the needle upon its insertion into said tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Genetronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Rune Kjeken, Iacob Mathiesen, Elisabeth Torunn Tjelle, George McHugh
  • Patent number: 10363097
    Abstract: A microwave antenna having a curved configuration is described herein. The antenna portion is formed into various shapes whereby the antenna substantially encloses, by a partial or complete loop or enclosure, at least a majority of the tissue to be irradiated. When microwave energy is delivered through the antenna, the curved configuration forms an ablation field or region defined by the curved antenna and any tissue enclosed within the ablation region becomes irradiated by the microwave energy. The microwave antenna is deployed through one of several methods, and multiple curved antennas can be used in conjunction with one another. Moreover, RF energy can also be used at the distal tip of the antenna to provide a cutting tip for the antenna during deployment in tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDEN LP
    Inventors: Mani Prakash, Francesca Rossetto
  • Patent number: 10322261
    Abstract: A catheter with three distinct compression resistance coils, including a body coil and two pull wire coils, is disclosed. The triple coil system can provide maximal resistance to compression of the catheter's proximal shaft, as well as maximization of the curve angle that the catheter tip can achieve. Additionally, the tri-coil catheter can allow for a lower initial compression load and a more flexible proximal shaft. A gap between the outer diameter of the pull wire and the inner diameter of the pull wire compression coil that is equal to about 10-30% of inner diameter of the pull wire compression coil can provide optimal catheter performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Sameer D. Pai, Zachary L. Helgeson, Troy T. Tegg
  • Patent number: 10322295
    Abstract: A system includes a communication interface for receiving information that includes data collected from an array of neural activity sensors that were placed on a patient during a session of applied stimuli. A processor is configured to analyze the received information to obtain a frequency spectrum for each sensor for a given stimulus of the applied stimuli. Neural network frequencies that correspond to an indicated impaired functionality of the nervous system of the patient are selected. For each selected frequencies, a spatial map of neural activity is generated. Each of the generated spatial maps is compared with retrieved corresponding spatial maps to identify treatment frequencies from among the selected neural network frequencies. A treatment protocol is generated for input into an electromagnetic field generator to cause the generator to apply to the patient an electromagnetic field at each identified treatment frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: BRAINQ TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventor: Yaron Segal
  • Patent number: 10293139
    Abstract: The instant invention relates generally to introducer catheters used to help deliver catheters or other medical devices to locations within the human body. In particular, the instant invention relates to large diameter introducer catheters (introducer catheters with lumens greater than about 6 French) having increased strength, flexibility, and kink resistance. Introducer catheters according to the teachings herein may also include curved distal ends and flared (that is, funnel-like) transition sections within their lumens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Divison, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad A. Thorstenson, James D. Savage
  • Patent number: 10286183
    Abstract: A steerable sheath catheter for providing access into body vasculature, the catheter including a sheath handle with an actuator and a control mechanism operative to selectively deflect a tip section of the catheter, and a feedback mechanism that provides, for example, tactile feedback that is felt by the user as the control mechanism passes a neutral position while deflecting the tip section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Flygare, Richard D. Jenkins, Jon Jensen, Gregory R. McArthur, Richard Paul Jenkins
  • Patent number: 10279166
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to programming implantable stimulators to deliver stimulation energy via one or more implantable leads having complex electrode array geometries. The disclosure also contemplates guided programming to select electrode combinations and parameter values to support efficacy. The techniques may be applied to a programming interface associated with a clinician programmer, a patient programmer, or both. A user interface permits a user to view electrodes from different perspectives relative to the lead. For example, the user interface provides a side view of a lead and a cross-sectional view of the lead. The user interface may include an axial control medium to select and/or view electrodes at different axial positions along the length of a lead, and a rotational control medium to select and/or view electrodes at different angular positions around a circumference of the lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Richard T. Stone, Warren W. Ball, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Michael T. Hegland, Gabriela C. Molnar, James M. Olsen
  • Patent number: 10219745
    Abstract: A sensor includes: a base layer; first and second conduction paths supported by the base layer; a first adhesive layer covering a first portion of the first conduction path; a second adhesive layer covering the second conduction path; an insulation sheet including: a first protecting portion covering the second adhesive laver; a second protecting portion disposed between a second portion of the first conduction path, and a part of the second conduction path; and a third protecting portion covering the first adhesive layer; a detecting section; a wireless transmitter; and a power source. When the insulation sheet is peeled off, the second portion of the first conduction path, and the part of the second conduction path are caused to be in contact with each other, and an electric power is supplied from the power source to the detecting section and the wireless transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignees: NIHON KOHDEN CORPORATION, SHINKO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Norihito Konno, Yoshihiro Ihara, Tomoharu Fujii
  • Patent number: 10219716
    Abstract: Described embodiments include a method for use with a catheter that includes at least one flexible arm to which are coupled a plurality of electrodes. The method includes calculating, by a processor, respective estimated locations of the electrodes while the catheter is within a portion of a body of a subject, fitting a model of the catheter, which models the flexible arm as a piecewise-linear element that includes a plurality of linear segments, to the estimated locations, ascertaining for each of the electrodes, based on respective orientations of one or more of the linear segments per the fitting, whether the electrode is in contact with tissue of the subject, and updating a map of the portion of the body of the subject, in response to ascertaining that at least one of the electrodes is in contact with the tissue. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL) LTD.
    Inventors: Daniel Osadchy, Meir Bar-Tal
  • Patent number: 10207119
    Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide implantable electronic devices having a thin film feedthrough and methods of manufacturing the same. In one implementation, an implantable electronic device includes a housing enclosing one or more internal electronic components within a hermetic environment. A feedthrough port is defined in a wall of the housing. A thin film feedthrough has a feedthrough body extending through the feedthrough port. The feedthrough body provides one or more electrical pathways between external contacts and internal contacts. The external contacts are disposed outside the hermetic environment, and the internal contacts are electrically connected to the one or more internal electronic components at an internal connection junction. A hermetic junction is disposed in the feedthrough port isolating the thin film feedthrough from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Urbanski, Theodore Alfonso, John R. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 10211362
    Abstract: A display panel and a method of manufacturing the same, a display device and a wearable intelligent device are disclosed. The display panel includes: a substrate; a display unit arranged on the substrate; a monitoring light emitting unit formed on a side of the substrate away from the display unit, for emitting monitoring light toward an object in a direction facing away from the display unit; and a light receiving unit formed on the side of the substrate away from the display unit, for receiving reflected monitoring light from the object and generating monitoring data of the object based to the reflected monitoring light. With technique solutions of the invention, devices for monitoring a user's body conditions can be integrated on the back of the substrate, that is, be integrated with the substrate, such that the display panel has a more compact structure and a more aesthetic appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., ORDOS YUANSHENG OPTOELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yun Qiu, Jiuxia Yang