Electrical Energy Applicator Patents (Class 607/115)
  • Patent number: 10244950
    Abstract: Provided are biological information detection apparatuses and methods of detecting biological information. The biological information detection apparatus includes a pulse wave measuring unit configured to detect a biological signal of a subject; a height controller configured to adjust a height of the pulse wave measuring unit; and a support member formed on a side of the height controller, wherein the pulse wave measuring unit is further configured to detect the biological signal while the pulse wave measuring unit is spaced apart from a surface skin of the subject by the adjusted height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Younho Kim, Jaemin Kang, Sangyun Park, Hyoyoung Jeong
  • Patent number: 10231328
    Abstract: Some aspects of this disclosure generally are related to improving the robustness of a flexible circuit structure, for example, by providing fault-tolerant electrical pathways for flow of electric current through the flexible circuit structure. In some embodiments, such fault tolerance is enhanced by way of a conductive mesh provided between an adjacent pair of resistive elements. Some aspects are related to improved voltage, current, or voltage and current measurement associated with various pairs of adjacent resistive elements at least when the various pairs have differing distances between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: KARDIUM INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Robert Weinkam, Shane Fredrick Miller-Tait, Fernando Luis de Souza Lopes
  • Patent number: 10159835
    Abstract: Apparatus for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in a user, the apparatus comprising: stimulation means for electrically stimulating at least one nerve; an electrode array connectable to said stimulation means, said electrode array comprising a plurality of electrodes for electrical stimulation of the at least one nerve, said electrodes having a pre-formed geometry and known electrode-skin contact area size when in complete contact with the user's skin; monitoring means electrically connected to said stimulation means for monitoring the impedance of the electrical stimulation through said electrode array; and analysis means for analyzing said impedance to estimate a change in the electrode-skin contact area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: NeuroMetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Shai Gozani, Xuan Kong, Andres Aguirre, Tom Ferree
  • Patent number: 10155112
    Abstract: Various systems and methods related to the design and manufacturing of wearable patches for long-term, controlled stimulation of highly-localized regions on the skin of a wearer, including for the practice of acupuncture, are disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Inventor: Meredith Benderson Hillig
  • Patent number: 10143832
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering therapeutic electrostimulation across a tissue surface includes a current source, a low current component adapted to contact the tissue surface, a first electrode assembly electrically connected to the current source and supported by the low current component, a second electrode assembly electrically connected to the current source and supported by the low current component and a conductive fluid supported by the low current component for facilitating a flow of electric current across the tissue surface. At least one of the first and second electrodes assemblies includes at least one of a magnetic electrode, a high current component and a non-current component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
    Inventors: Marom Bikson, Abhishek Datta, Niranjan Khadka
  • Patent number: 10143396
    Abstract: Apparatus for providing information on at least one muscle in a patient, which apparatus comprises: (i) signal providing means for providing measurement-enabling signals for the muscle; (ii) first contact electrodes for enabling the measurement-enabling signals from the signal providing means to be received by the patient; (iii) measurement means for measuring a parameter of the muscle, the parameter being such that it is affected by the measurement-enabling signals, and the parameter being such that it relates to at least one electrical property that is indicative of changes in tissue impedance caused by movement of the muscle; and (iv) a garment which is for being worn over the muscle in the patient and which comprises an array of separate electrically conducting areas. The apparatus optionally includes neuromuscular stimulator means for providing neuromuscular stimulation signals for the muscle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON
    Inventors: Paul Hammond Chappell, Rodney Paul Lane
  • Patent number: 10105091
    Abstract: Methods for intra-operatively monitoring nerve evoked potentials such as somatosensory nerve evoked potentials during a surgical procedure. The methods include orthodromic and antidromic monitoring of nerve evoked potentials. Monitoring includes navigating the surgical pathway to avoid insult to anatomical tissue, minimizing activation of sensory nerves that result in undesirable side effects in a patient, and determining the suitable location for placement of an implantable medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignees: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Autonomic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis A. Papay, Mike Hardage, Anthony V. Caparso, Benjamin D. Pless
  • Patent number: 10076430
    Abstract: This disclosure provides for a medical device to be implanted in the vasculature and a method for treatment in the vasculature. The device has an outer layer of a first material and an inner layer of a second material attached to the outer layer. The inner layer further has a plurality of elastomeric tensioners. If the device experiences relaxation, resulting in a decreased radial force against the vessel wall, the elastomeric tensioners may provide a contraction force to the inner layer and the outer layer, resulting in a maintained radial force on the vessel wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Kasper Klausen
  • Patent number: 10058698
    Abstract: An implantable lead may include an insulating substrate and a first asymmetric electrode formed on the insulating substrate. The first asymmetric electrode may have external perimeter edges defining a boundary between an exposed portion of the first electrode and the insulating substrate, wherein the external perimeter edges of the first electrode have asymmetric edge lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics AG
    Inventors: Bing Xu, Kurt J. Koester, Mark B. Downing
  • Patent number: 10028376
    Abstract: Some aspects of this disclosure generally are related to improving the robustness of a flexible circuit structure, for example, by providing fault-tolerant electrical pathways for flow of electric current through the flexible circuit structure. In some embodiments, such fault tolerance is enhanced by way of a conductive mesh provided between an adjacent pair of resistive elements. Some aspects are related to improved voltage, current, or voltage and current measurement associated with various pairs of adjacent resistive elements at least when the various pairs have differing distances between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: KARDIUM INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Robert Weinkam, Shane Fredrick Miller-Tait, Fernando Luis de Souza Lopes
  • Patent number: 10016600
    Abstract: A topical nerve stimulator patch and system are provided comprising a dermal patch; an electrical signal generator associated with the patch; a signal receiver to activate the electrical signal generator; a power source for the electrical signal generator associated with the patch; an electrical signal activation device; and a nerve feedback sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: NEUROSTIM SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Graham H. Creasey, Hoo-Min Toong
  • Patent number: 9993641
    Abstract: Example devices and methods of tongue stimulation for communication of information to a user are disclosed herein. In an example, a tongue stimulation device may include a body configured to be placed entirely within a mouth of the user and atop the tongue of the user. An array of electro-tactile elements may be distributed on the body, wherein each of the electro-tactile elements is configured to stimulate an area of the tongue adjacent the electro-tactile element. A wireless receiver coupled to the body may be configured to receive stimulation information wirelessly from outside the mouth of the user. At least one processing unit coupled to the body may be configured to transform the received stimulation information into a stimulation signal for each of the electro-tactile elements, and to provide the stimulation signals to the electro-tactile elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Colorado State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: John D. Williams, Joel A. Moritz, Leslie M. Stone-Roy
  • Patent number: 9962541
    Abstract: A stimulation lead includes an electrode carrier disposed along a distal portion of a lead body. The electrode carrier defines multiple segmented-electrode-receiving apertures extending between an outer surface and a central lumen. Each of the segmented-electrode-receiving apertures includes a ledge disposed around a perimeter of that segmented-electrode-receiving aperture and inset from the outer surface of the electrode carrier. The stimulation lead also includes multiple segmented electrodes, with each of the segmented electrode disposed in a different one of the segmented-electrode-receiving apertures with an outer stimulation surface exposed through the segmented-electrode-receiving aperture and an inner surface abutting the ledge disposed around the perimeter of that segmented-electrode-receiving aperture. Conductive wires extend along the lead body and couple the segmented electrodes to terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua Dale Howard, James Robert Black, Jose Ulloa, Anne Margaret Pianca
  • Patent number: 9950164
    Abstract: Methods and devices to treat discogenic lumbar back pain are disclosed. Electrodes are implanted within the anterior epidural space of the patient. A pulse generator that is connected to the electrodes delivers electrical impulses to sympathetic nerves located within the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) of the lumbar spine and outer posterior annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc. In alternate embodiments, energy directed to nerves in the PLL may be from light or mechanical vibrations, or the nerves may be cooled. The electrodes may also be used diagnostically to correlate spontaneous nerve activity with spinal movement, fluctuations in autonomic tone and the patient's experience of pain. The electrodes may also be used to generate diagnostic evoked potentials. The diagnostic data are used to devise parameters for the therapeutic nerve stimulation. Automatic analysis of the data may be incorporated into a closed-loop system that performs the nerve stimulation automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: John D Lipani
  • Patent number: 9936574
    Abstract: Described herein are flexible and stretchable LED arrays and methods utilizing flexible and stretchable LED arrays. Assembly of flexible LED arrays alongside flexible plasmonic crystals is useful for construction of fluid monitors, permitting sensitive detection of fluid refractive index and composition. Co-integration of flexible LED arrays with flexible photodetector arrays is useful for construction of flexible proximity sensors. Application of stretchable LED arrays onto flexible threads as light emitting sutures provides novel means for performing radiation therapy on wounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignees: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS, TRUSTEES OF TUFTS COLLEGE
    Inventors: John A. Rogers, Rak-Hwan Kim, Dae-Hyeong Kim, David L. Kaplan, Fiorenzo G. Omenetto
  • Patent number: 9927313
    Abstract: A pressure sensing device is disclosed in the present disclosure. The pressure sensing device includes a bottom plate, a flexible shell and a MEMS pressure sensor. The flexible shell covers the bottom plate for forming a hermetical cavity, and the MEMS pressure sensor is accommodated in the hermetical cavity. Air in the hermetical cavity is compressed when the flexible shell is pressed, the MEMS pressure sensor is configured for detecting variation of an air pressure within the hermetical cavity when the flexible shell is pressed, and convert the variation of the air pressure into an electric signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: AAC TECHNOLOGIES PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Jinyu Zhang, Rui Zhang
  • Patent number: 9925354
    Abstract: A catheter or other elongated member can include an elongated inner portion, an elongated outer portion, a flex circuit ribbon comprising at least one conductor, and an electrical contact. The flex circuit ribbon can be situated between the inner portion and the outer portion. The inner portion and the outer portion can be (1) affixed together between portions of the flex circuit ribbon or (2) integrally formed such that masses of the inner and outer portions are joined together between portions of the flex circuit ribbon. The electrical contact can be configured to be exposed during use. The electrical contact can be situated at, or connected to, the at least one conductor of the flex circuit ribbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Evergreen Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Scott, Jahn Stopperan, John Tracy, Greg Closser
  • Patent number: 9901714
    Abstract: A stylet for use in guiding a distal tip of a catheter to a predetermined location within the body of a patient. In one embodiment the stylet is configured for use within a lumen of the catheter and comprises a core wire, an ECG sensor, and a magnetic assembly. The ECG sensor senses an ECG signal of a patient when the stylet is disposed within the lumen of the catheter and the catheter is disposed within the body of the patient. The magnetic assembly includes at least one element capable of producing a magnetic or electromagnetic field for detection by a sensor external to the patient. In another embodiment, the stylet includes a pre-shaped distal segment that is deflected with respect to a more proximal portion of the stylet, which in turn causes a distal segment of the catheter to be deflected when the stylet is received within the lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan R. Lemon, Matthew W. Bown
  • Patent number: 9894756
    Abstract: Some aspects of this disclosure generally are related to improving the robustness of a flexible circuit structure, for example, by providing fault-tolerant electrical pathways for flow of electric current through the flexible circuit structure. In some embodiments, such fault tolerance is enhanced by way of a conductive mesh provided between an adjacent pair of resistive elements. Some aspects are related to improved voltage, current, or voltage and current measurement associated with various pairs of adjacent resistive elements at least when the various pairs have differing distances between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: KARDIUM INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Robert Weinkam, Shane Fredrick Miller-Tait, Fernando Luis de Souza Lopes
  • Patent number: 9802051
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a trial neurostimulation to a patient for assessing suitability of a permanently implanted neurostimulation are provided herein. In one aspect, a trial neurostimulation system includes an EPG patch adhered to a skin surface of a patient and connected to a lead extending through a percutaneous incision to a target tissue location. The EPG may be a modified version of the IPG used in the permanent system, the EPG may be smaller and/or lighter than the corresponding IPG device. The EPG and a lead extension may be sealed to allow improved patient mobility and reduced risk of infection. The EPG may be compatible with wireless systems used to control and monitor the IPG such that operation and control of the EPG is substantially the same in each system to allow seemless conversion to the permanently implanted system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: AXONICS MODULATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Prabodh Mathur, Rinda Sama, Dennis Schroeder, Eric Schmid, Stuart Karten
  • Patent number: 9802037
    Abstract: An electrical stimulation device comprises a stimulation lead with a tension section to prevent induction of an electrical current when the electrical stimulation device is in the presence of a magnetic field generated by a device such as an MRI machine. The tension section is shaped to organize excess length of the stimulation lead while providing a variable length between a distal end of the stimulation lead and an electrical source. The shape of the tension section avoids coils and may utilize combinations of straight and curved legs that lie substantially in a common plane to both organize excess length of the stimulation lead and prevent electrical induction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventor: Bradley D. Vilims
  • Patent number: 9795797
    Abstract: A wireless electrostimulation system can comprise a wireless energy transmission source, and an implantable cardiovascular wireless electrostimulation node. A receiver circuit comprising an inductive antenna can be configured to capture magnetic energy to generate a tissue electrostimulation. A tissue electrostimulation circuit, coupled to the receiver circuit, can be configured to deliver energy captured by the receiver circuit as a tissue electrostimulation waveform. Delivery of tissue electrostimulation can be initiated by a therapy control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Hastings, John A. Becker, Michael J. Pikus, Daniel M. Lafontaine, Kevin D. Edmunds
  • Patent number: 9789308
    Abstract: A method of treating a waste evacuation dysfunction comprising administering transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) to at least one lower pelvic and/or sacral region for a specific treatment regimens. Also disclosed is a system for configuring a stimulation device to deliver transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) the system comprising: a computing device storing or having access to a plurality or TES settings and comprising a user interface to enable authorized selection of at least on of the TES settings for provision of TES by the stimulation device according to the at least one selected TES setting and the stimulation device communicatively coupled to the computing device to receive and store the selected at least one TES setting the stimulation device being of a size to be readily carried on a body and configured to selectively provide current to external electrode according to the one TES setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: MURDOCH CHILDRENS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Bridget Rae Southwell, John Medwyn Hutson, Andre Yi Feng Tan
  • Patent number: 9782582
    Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead includes a lead body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal length; electrodes disposed along the distal end of the lead body; terminals disposed along the proximal end of the lead body; a non-conducting core extending along lead body; and conductors extending along the lead body to electrically couple the electrodes to the terminals. The conductors include a first conductor and a second conductor arranged along the core with a non-conducting gap between the first and the second conductors. Each of the first and the second conductors includes an inner conductor portion with a first electrical resistivity and an outer conductor portion having a second electrical resistivity that is at least twice the first electrical resistivity. The outer conductor portion is disposed exclusively radially outward from the inner conductor portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Michael X. Govea, Joshua Dale Howard
  • Patent number: 9737712
    Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods of use thereof for treating dry eye, tired eye, or other forms of ocular discomfort such as from contact lenses. The methods generally include applying spatially and/or temporally patterned stimulation to one or more anatomical structures located in an ocular or nasal region. The electrical stimulation may elicit a reflex that activates the lacrimal gland or may directly activate the lacrimal gland or nerves innervating the lacrimal gland to produce tears. The devices may be implantable or handheld, and may be configured to deliver the spatially and/or temporally patterned stimulation patterns described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.
    Inventors: Manfred Franke, James Donald Loudin, John Wardle, Mark Jeffrey Holdbrook
  • Patent number: 9724512
    Abstract: An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats Parkinson's disease or Essential Tremor through application of stimulation pulses applied to at least one of the acupoints on the chorea line. The IEAD includes an hermetically-sealed implantable electroacupuncture (EA) device and a conduit extending therefrom. At least one electrode is located on the outside of the housing. At least one electrode is located at an opening formed through the conduit. The housing contains a primary power source and pulse generation circuitry. A sensor wirelessly senses externally-generated operating commands, such as ON, OFF and AMPLITUDE. The pulse generation circuitry generates stimulation pulses. The stimulation pulses are applied to the specified acupoint or nerve through the electrodes in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Valencia Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: David K. L. Peterson, Stacy Greiner Chambliss
  • Patent number: 9713711
    Abstract: A method for treating a disorder of a patient. The method comprises transcutaneously delivering electrical energy to a targeted tissue site at a frequency of at least 50 KHz, thereby treating the disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley L. Hershey, Tamara C. Baynham
  • Patent number: 9700713
    Abstract: The present invention relates to active implantable medical stimulation devices. An active implantable medical stimulation device comprises an electrically non-conductive support member, one or more electrically conductive stimulation electrodes disposed on the support member and a cover covering the support member and the one or more electrodes. At locations where the cover covers the electrodes, the cover comprises one or more openings dimensioned such that the one or more openings which facilitate electrical conduction to allow stimulation of tissue and/or measurement of electrical signal s by the electrodes while preventing tissue ingrowth. The support member can be of an advantageous structure, that would not be usable without the cover since tissue in-growth would not allow the removal of the implant. At the same time, the cover still allows the stimulation of the tissue so that the functionality of the device is not prevented by the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: SALUDA MEDICAL PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: David Robinson, Mark Fretz, David Thomas, John Luis Parker
  • Patent number: 9656070
    Abstract: Apparatus for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in humans, the apparatus comprising: a housing; stimulation means mounted within the housing for electrically stimulating nerves; an electrode array releasably mounted to the housing and connectable to the stimulation means, the electrode array comprising a plurality of electrodes for electrical stimulation of nerves; control means mounted to the housing and electrically connected to the stimulation means for controlling at least one characteristic of the stimulation means; monitoring means mounted to the housing and electrically connected to the stimulation means for monitoring at least one characteristic of the stimulation means; user interface means mounted to the housing and electrically connected to the control means for controlling the stimulation means; display means mounted to the housing and electrically connected to the control means and the monitoring means for displaying the status of the stimulations means; and a strap attached to the hous
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: NeuroMetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Shai N. Gozani, Xuan Kong, Andres Aguirre, Glenn Herb, Marc Cryan, Michael Williams
  • Patent number: 9649491
    Abstract: An electric stimulator includes a housing, a control circuit board, and at least two electrode plates. The housing includes an internal space formed therein and an outside surface in which at least one electrode plate retention slot is formed. The control circuit board is mounted in the internal space of the housing to control intensity and frequency of a current output. The electrode plates are electrically conductive and are received in the electrode plate retention slot of the housing and are in electric connection with the control circuit board. The electrode plates have an outside surface including a large-area contact surface and a small-area contact surface connected to the large-area contact surface. The large-area contact surface has a surface area greater than that of the small-area contact surface. The large-area contact surface and the small-area contact surface define therebetween an inclined angle that is not equal to 180 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Inventor: Richard Li
  • Patent number: 9649488
    Abstract: A contacting device for electrical connections to flexible electrode lines insertable or implantable into a patient body, includes a line coil with a plurality of coradially bundled coil wires, an inner fixing sleeve for a partial bundle of the coil wires, the fixing sleeve has a through-slit running in the axial direction for the partial bundle of the coil wires, and a winding groove running in the peripheral direction for the partial bundle led through, an outer electrode sleeve sitting on the inner fixing sleeve and electrically contacted with the partial bundle, and a strain-resistant fixing between the fixing sleeve and the partial bundle guided through the through-slit via an application of force on the partial bundle by pressing the fixing sleeve onto the line coil to produce plastic deformation and by looping the led-out partial bundle around the fixing sleeve in the winding groove by a minimum looping angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: BIOTRONIK SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Detmar Jadwizak, Pierre Weitzig, Jochen Palm, Carsten Fruendt, Gordon Hillebrand
  • Patent number: 9642674
    Abstract: While detecting a cardiac arrhythmia, a mapping electrode of a probe is used to associate a local activation time with a first location in a region of interest in the heart. While detecting an absence of the cardiac arrhythmia, the local activation time is associated with a second location in the heart. Electrical data of the first location is assigned to the second location, and an electroanatomic map of the heart is generated that includes the second location in association with the assigned electrical data of the first location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL) LTD.
    Inventors: Yoram Chmiel, Gal Hayam
  • Patent number: 9630016
    Abstract: A defibrillator includes: an impedance measuring section which is configured to obtain an impedance measurement value between a living body of a rescue target and electrodes; a controller which is configured to detect a kind of the electrodes, and which, based on the detected kind of the electrodes, is configured to perform determination of whether the impedance measurement value is to be output or not; and an outputting section which, based on the determination, is configured to output the impedance measurement value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: NIHON KOHDEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsutomu Wakabayashi, Satoshi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 9603773
    Abstract: An exemplary method treating a cardiovascular disease in a patient includes 1) generating, by an electroacupuncture device implanted beneath a skin surface of the patient at an acupoint corresponding to a median nerve of the patient, stimulation sessions at a duty cycle that is less than 0.05, wherein the duty cycle is a ratio of T3 to T4, each stimulation session included in the stimulation sessions has a duration of T3 minutes and occurs at a rate of once every T4 minutes, and the electroacupuncture device comprises a central electrode of a first polarity and an annular electrode of a second polarity and that is spaced apart from the central electrode; and 2) applying, by the electroacupuncture device, the stimulation sessions to the median nerve by way of the central electrode and the annular electrode in accordance with the duty cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Valencia Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Greiner, David K. L. Peterson, Chuladatta Thenuwara
  • Patent number: 9498142
    Abstract: One aspect relates to a method for producing a layered structure, including providing a substrate, forming a first layer onto at least part of the substrate, the first layer being a first polymer, and forming a second layer onto at least part of the first layer, the second layer being a second polymer. The substrate and the second layer are electrically conductive and the first layer is insulating or the substrate and the second layer are insulating and the first layer is electrically conductive. Forming each of the first and second layers includes forming such that each layer is no more than one tenth of the thickness of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Heraeus Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jami A. Hafiz, Stefan Schibli, Jens Troetzschel
  • Patent number: 9492664
    Abstract: A method of providing therapy to a patient comprising sinking first electrical current into at least a first one of a plurality of electrodes adjacent the spinal cord tissue, thereby providing therapy to a first region of the patient. The method further comprises sinking second electrical current into at least one electrode adjacent peripheral tissue remote from the spinal cord tissue, thereby providing therapy to a second region of the patient. The method further comprises sourcing at least a portion of the first electrical current and at least a portion of the second electrical current into at least a second one of the plurality of electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: David K. L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 9480168
    Abstract: One aspect relates to a method for producing an electrical bushing for an implantable medical device. The method includes generating an insulation element green compact for an insulation element from an insulating composition of materials. The insulation element green compact is partially sintered. At least one cermet-containing conduction element green compact for a conduction element is formed. The at least one conduction element green compact is introduced into the insulation element green compact. The insulation element green compact and the at least one conduction element green compact are fired to obtain an insulation element with at least one conduction element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Heraeus Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jens Troetzschel, Heiko Specht
  • Patent number: 9474898
    Abstract: Apparatus for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in a user, the apparatus comprising: stimulation means for electrically stimulating at least one nerve; an electrode array connectable to said stimulation means, said electrode array comprising a plurality of electrodes for electrical stimulation of the at least one nerve, said electrodes having a pre-formed geometry and known electrode-skin contact area size when in complete contact with the user's skin; monitoring means electrically connected to said stimulation means for monitoring the impedance of the electrical stimulation through said electrode array; and analysis means for analyzing said impedance to estimate a change in the electrode-skin contact area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: NeuroMetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Shai Gozani, Xuan Kong, Andres Aguirre, Tom Ferree
  • Patent number: 9431919
    Abstract: A biomedical implant is provided for simultaneously generating multiple voltages for digital and analog circuits. Two AC voltages induced from an external single AC source located externally to the biomedical implant are used as input to a multi-voltage rectifier. The multi-voltage rectifier has a rectifier circuitry for simultaneously generating: (i) both low positive and negative voltages and (ii) both high positive and negative voltages. A startup circuitry is designed to stabilize both low positive and negative voltages prior to stabilizing both high positive and negative voltages. A timing control circuitry is used to prevent reverse leakage currents from loading capacitors to input for efficiency enhancement. The biomedical implant, by virtue of the multi-voltage timing control rectifier, achieves high power transfer efficiency greater than 85%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Wentai Liu, Yi-Kai Lo
  • Patent number: 9415219
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that are primarily or at least partially driven by an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain, such as asthma, COPD, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and the like. The invention involves the use of an energy source comprising magnetic and/or electrical energy that is transmitted non-invasively to, or in close proximity to, a selected nerve to temporarily stimulate, block and/or modulate the signals in the selected nerve such that neural pathways are activated to release inhibitory neurotransmitters in the patient's brain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Electrocore, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Patent number: 9387318
    Abstract: A stimulation apparatus includes a stimulation lead (102), a multiplexer (114), a stimulation signal generator (116), and a signal detector (120). The stimulation lead (102) includes a plurality of stimulation electrodes (112) disposed in an array about a distal portion of the lead body (110). The arrangement of the electrodes (112) facilitates the controlled steering of stimulating electrical field (118) in three dimensions. Four dimensional field steering may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Bakken Research Center B.V
    Inventors: Hubert Cecile Francois Martens, Michel Marcel Jose Decre, Eugenio Cantatore
  • Patent number: 9333344
    Abstract: A medical device lead includes an insulative body having a proximal region with a proximal end, and a distal region with a distal end. The medical device lead also includes a connector coupled to the proximal end of the insulative body of the lead to electrically and mechanically connect the lead to an implantable pulse generator. The medical device lead further includes a conductor extending through the insulative body with a proximal end electrically connected to the connector. A distal electrode assembly at a distal end of the insulative body includes a proximal portion electrically coupled to a distal end of the conductor, a distal portion, and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion comprises a coiled element electrically connecting the proximal portion and distal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur J. Foster
  • Patent number: 9327132
    Abstract: A device according to some embodiments may include an implant unit which may include a flexible carrier, an antenna arranged on the flexible carrier, at least one pair of modulation electrodes on the flexible carrier, at least one implantable circuit electrically connected to the at least one pair of modulation electrodes and the antenna; and at least one pair of suture holes passing through the flexible carrier. The at least one pair of suture holes may be arranged on the flexible carrier such that the flexible carrier may be configured to conform to tissue in a subject's body, and such that each suture hole of the at least one pair of suture holes may be positioned to allow suturing to tissue adjacent to the suture holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Inventor: Adi Mashiach
  • Patent number: 9295832
    Abstract: The present disclosure involves a medical system. The medical system an implantable lead configured to deliver an electrical stimulation therapy for a patient. The lead includes an elongate lead body that is configured to be coupled to a pulse generator that generates electrical stimulations pulses as part of the electrical stimulation therapy. The lead also includes a paddle coupled to the lead body. The paddle contains a plurality of electrodes that are each configured to deliver the electrical stimulation pulses to the patient. The plurality of electrodes is arranged into at least three columns that each include a respective subset of the electrodes. The plurality of electrodes each includes a unique centerline, wherein the centerlines extend in directions transverse to the columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Kerry Bradley, Leslie Halberg
  • Patent number: 9289143
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are disclosed for directing and focusing signals to the brain for neuromodulation and for directing and focusing signals or other energy from the brain for measurement, heat transfer and imaging. An aperture in the skull and/or a channel device implantable in the skull can be used to facilitate direction and focusing. Treatment and diagnosis of multiple neurological conditions may be facilitated with the disclosed systems, methods and devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: NeuroPace, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Wingeier, Benjamin Pless
  • Patent number: 9289602
    Abstract: An elongate implantable electrical line including an end component at one longitudinal end of the electrical line, wherein the end component includes at least one electrically conductive electrode surface electrically connected to the electrical line. The end component is a composite component that includes at least one thin metal layer with a layer thickness less than 1 ?m. The at least one thin metal layer is applied to electrically insulating material of the composite component and is conductively connected to the electrical line, such that the at least one thin metal layer includes, or acts as, an electrode surface. The at least one thin metal layer includes an outer surface and is completely covered completely by at least one outer ceramic layer on the outer surface, such that the at least one thin metal layer is electrically insulated from a surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: BIOTRONIK SE & CO. KG
    Inventors: Jens Rump, Heinrich Buessing
  • Patent number: 9283372
    Abstract: Connector assemblies that are separate from medical lead extensions provide features such as bores for receiving both a medical lead and a medical lead extension and provide electrical connections between connectors of the leads and connectors of the lead extensions. Connector assemblies may include additional features such as contours and wings that reduce subcutaneous erosion. Connector assemblies may also include retention structures such as movable clips that are moved into engagement with leads and lead extensions to retain them within the connector assembly. Integrated lead extension connectors may also include contours and wings as well as retention structures including movable clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Spencer M. Bondhus, Patrick D. Wells
  • Patent number: 9270070
    Abstract: A method of making a lead for a stimulation device includes forming at least one pre-electrode in the shape of a ring, the at least one pre-electrode comprises at least two thin-walled portions separated by at least two thick-walled portions; disposing the at least one pre-electrode near a distal end of a lead body; joining at least one conductor to each thick-walled portion of the at least one pre-electrode; and grinding the lead body and the at least one pre-electrode to remove the thin-walled portions of the at least one pre-electrode to form segmented electrodes from the thick-walled portions of the at least one pre-electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Anne Margaret Pianca
  • Patent number: 9254235
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a head restraint attached to a top of a bed of one of a medical image diagnosis apparatus and a medical treatment apparatus, the head restraint comprises a headrest portion configured to allow a head of an object to be placed thereon, with the object being placed on the top, and an arm up holder configured to be detachable from the headrest portion and place an arm of the object near one of a vertex of the head of the object and a temple of the head when the head of the object is placed on the headrest portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Wang Lijun
  • Patent number: 9248276
    Abstract: A stimulation lead includes a lead body having a longitudinal surface, a distal end, a proximal end, and a shaft extending along at least a portion of the distal end of the lead body. The stimulation lead also includes multiple segmented electrode members disposed on the shaft along the longitudinal surface of the lead body near the distal end of the lead body. Each segmented electrode member includes a ring structure which forms at least a partial ring and is disposed on the shaft, and a segmented electrode coupled to the ring and having an exposed surface configured and arranged for stimulating tissue when the stimulation lead is implanted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Anne Margaret Pianca, Matthew Lee McDonald