Electrical Energy Applicator Patents (Class 607/115)
  • Patent number: 9167977
    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: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: NeuroPace, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Wingeier, Benjamin Pless
  • Patent number: 9155486
    Abstract: A cortical sensing device for contact with the surface of the brain is provided that includes a support member, at least one macroelectrode sensing element secured with respect to the support member and at least one microelectrode sensing element secured with respect to the macroelectrode. The support member is substantially thin and made from flexibly-conformable material to accurately and safely place the sensing device upon the brain surface. The microelectrode sensing element is surrounded by the macroelectrode brain-contact surface of the macroelectrode sensing element. The first surface of the support member, the macroelectrode brain-contact surface and the microelectrode brain-contact surface are substantially co-planar to abut the surface of the brain for sensoring and monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ad-Tech Medical Instrument Corp.
    Inventor: David A. Putz
  • Patent number: 9131866
    Abstract: Electrical activity propagation along an electrode array within a cardiac chamber is reconstructed. Signals are sampled from the electrode array including signals from a channel of interest. An N-dimensional signal vector is then constructed using signals from N neighboring channels referenced to the channel of interest. A change in the N-dimensional signal vector over time is then determined and compared to a predetermined threshold to establish whether local activation has occurred on the channel of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed Inc.
    Inventors: Pramodsingh Hirasingh Thakur, Barun Maskara, Allan C. Shuros, Sunipa Saha, Shibaji Shome
  • Patent number: 9095323
    Abstract: A holder serves as a removable accessory to a stimulator unit chassis or cabinet, or other device. It can function as an integral part of the device that closely fits over the top of the device, to provide a support for a hand-held tool associated with the device, e.g., a bipolar probe with widely spaced electrodes. The holder, which may be constructed to be of one piece, is configured to be easily removed from the device to facilitate cleaning of the holder and/or to facilitate packing of the stimulator unit (or other device) for shipping purposes, e.g., in case of device repairs, etc. In other embodiments, the holder may associate a tray or box for storing a variety of items with a host device on which the holder is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: JusJas LLC
    Inventors: Jennifer Chu, Janette Chu
  • Patent number: 9089689
    Abstract: A method of making a stimulation lead includes providing a carrier with a body having a first surface, a distal end, and a proximal end. The carrier also includes flanges and each flange has a leg portion attached to the body and extending away from the first surface at a non-zero angle. The method further includes attaching segmented electrodes to the first surface of the carrier; attaching conductors to the segmented electrodes; forming the carrier into a cylinder with the cylinder defining a central longitudinal axis through a center of the cylinder with the segmented electrodes disposed within the cylinder and the leg portions of the flanges extending toward the central longitudinal axis of the cylinder; molding a lead body around the segmented electrodes disposed on the carrier and around the flanges; and removing at least a portion of the carrier to separate the segmented electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Michael X. Govea
  • Patent number: 9079035
    Abstract: Methods and implantable cardiac stimulus devices that include leads designed to avoid post-shock afterpotentials. Some examples are directed toward lead-electrode designs that reduce the impact of an applied stimulus on sensing attributes. These examples may find particular use in systems that provide both sensing and therapy delivery from subcutaneous location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: CAMERON HEALTH, INC.
    Inventors: Rick Sanghera, Eric F. King, Don E. Scheck, Abdulkader O. Sudam, Jay A. Warren
  • Patent number: 9067073
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for communicating device information and performance information associated with a population of other electrodes to a remote transceiver. The system can include a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit coupled to an implantable component. The RFID circuit can include a memory circuit configured to store device information associated with at least one implantation-independent attribute of the implantable component. The RFID circuit can communicate the device information and performance parameters associated with the implantable component to at least one programming unit such as a remote transceiver. The programming unit can program the RFID circuit with information associated with the implantable component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard D. Simms, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150148878
    Abstract: Methods and systems for improving nerve stimulation are disclosed and are termed enhanced transcutaneous electrical stimulation (eTENS). One embodiment can be used for enhancing the excitation properties of neural tissue. In one embodiment, systems and methods are provided to enable the selective modulation of specific (targeted) neural substrate, while minimizing the activation of adjacent (non-targeted) nervous tissue, or differentially providing different modulation signals to tissue targeted by different implants. In one embodiment, the system consists of an implant that is used to modify the extracellular potential (i.e. activating function) generated by an independent electrical stimulus generator. Certain aspects of this technology can be applied to any part of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Particular embodiments of this technology provide for therapy related to urological disorders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: PAUL B. YOO, MICHAEL SASHA JOHN
  • Patent number: 9043001
    Abstract: Non-invasive electrical nerve stimulation devices and magnetic stimulation devices are disclosed, along with methods of treating medical disorders using energy that is delivered noninvasively by such devices. The disorders comprise migraine and other primary headaches such as cluster headaches, including sinus symptoms that resemble an immune-mediated response (“sinus” headaches), irrespective of whether those symptoms arise from an allergy that is co-morbid with the headache. The disclosed methods may also be used to treat other disorders that may be co-morbid with migraine headaches, such as anxiety disorders. In preferred embodiments of the disclosed methods, one or both of the patient's vagus nerves are stimulated non-invasively. In other embodiments, parts of the sympathetic nervous system and/or the adrenal glands are stimulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Electrocore, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Patent number: 9042956
    Abstract: The system for displaying muscle force data includes a wearable patch and a remote visual display. The wearable patch carries electrodes suitable for sensing electromyographic signals on the skin of the patient. The patch carries circuitry which converts the detected electromyographic signal to a digital output which can be transmitted to the remote visual display. The circuitry relies on filtering to produce a usable digital signal at very low power consumption. The transmitted signal can be used to drive a variety of visual displays, including a conventional hand-held personal communicators and entertainment devices which had been programmed to suitably process the visual display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: TECH TEAM LLC
    Inventors: Christopher R. Clare, Denise F. Gottfried, Jonathan Gottfried
  • Patent number: 9037242
    Abstract: A system to increase the reliability of the electrical connections between the stimulating electrodes and the battery/controlling electronics of an electrical stimulating device as DBS (Deep Brain Stimulator), heart pacemakers and the like. We disclose a redundant male/female connector and/or a set of redundant wires to improve the reliability of the electrical connections. The redundant male/female connector serves as a backup for a potential loss of electrical continuity due to the adverse effect of body fluids, and the redundant wires serve as a backup for potential loss of electrical continuity due to repetitive muscle movement causing wire movement, stress and breaking. DBS connecting wires, that ran down the neck of the patient, are subjected to repetitive stresses due to neck twisting and therefore at high risk of breaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventors: Chong Il Lee, Sergio Lara Pereira Monteiro
  • Patent number: 9037261
    Abstract: A method of providing therapy to a patient having a disorder using an electrode located adjacent a peripheral target neural region. The method comprises conveying electrical stimulation energy from the electrode that stimulates a first set of nerve endings in the peripheral target neural region. The method further comprises increasing an activation threshold of a second set of nerve endings in the peripheral target neural region, thereby rendering the second set of nerve endings less excitable to the electrical stimulation energy. The first set of nerve endings are relatively far from the electrode and the second set of nerve endings are relatively near the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Kerry Bradley
  • Patent number: 9032614
    Abstract: One aspect relates to an electrical bushing for use in a housing of an implantable medical device. The electrical bushing includes at least one electrically insulating base body and at least one electrical conducting element. The electrical bushing includes a holding element to hold the electrical bushing in or on the housing. The conducting element is set-up to establish, through the base body, at least one electrically conductive connection between an internal space of the housing and an external space. The conducting element is hermetically sealed with respect to the base body. The at least one conducting element includes at least one cermet. The holding element is made, to at least 80% by weight with respect to the holding element, from a material selected from the group consisting of a metal from any of the subgroups IV, V, VI, VIII, IX, and X of the periodic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Heraeus Precious Metals GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Heiko Specht
  • Patent number: 9031665
    Abstract: An external controller/charger system for an implantable medical device is disclosed, in which the external controller/charger system provides automatic switching between telemetry and charging without any manual intervention by the patient. The external controller/charger system includes an external controller which houses a telemetry coil and an external charging coil coupled to the external controller. Normally, a charging session is carried out using the external charging coil, and a telemetry session is carried out using the telemetry coil. However, when a patient requests to carry out telemetry during a charging session, the external charging coil is used instead of the internal telemetry coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Aghassian
  • Patent number: 9031650
    Abstract: Various aspects of the present subject matter relate to a method. According to various method embodiments, cardiac activity is detected, and neural stimulation is synchronized with a reference event in the detected cardiac activity. Neural stimulation is titrated based on a detected response to the neural stimulation. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron R. McCabe, Imad Libbus, Yi Zhang, Paul A. Haefner, Alok S. Sathaye, Anthony V. Caparso, M. Jason Brooke
  • Patent number: 9022916
    Abstract: A cannula assembly, further comprising a cannula body for directing blood from the heart of a patient, having distal and proximal ends and a lumen therebetween. A tip coupled to the distal end of the body, the tip having an opening. A pump for drawing blood into the cannula assembly and dispensing the blood from the cannula assembly and into the patient circulatory system. The lumen of the cannula body further comprises a first inner diameter at the proximal end and a second inner diameter at the distal end, the first inner diameter being larger than the second inner diameter. A tapered portion defined as a decrease in inner diameter from the first inner diameter to the second inner diameter between the proximal and distal ends, the tapered portion configured to prevent cavitation of the blood within the cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Circulite, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Farnan, Scott A. Olson, Elizabeth Jung, Andrew J. Dusbabek, Robert G. Hudgins
  • Patent number: 9026213
    Abstract: A medical device lead includes a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is configured for connection to a pulse generator. One or more electrodes are at a distal end of the lead body, and a lead conductor extends through the lead body and is electrically coupled to at least one of the one or more electrodes. The conductor is configured to deliver electrical signals between the proximal end and the at least one of the one or more electrodes. A sacrificial conductor extends through the lead body adjacent to lead conductor and is configured to fail at a lower stress than the lead conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur J. Foster, Christopher Perrey, Jeffrey E. Stahmann, Scott R. Stubbs
  • Patent number: 9026219
    Abstract: A universal programming device for individualized patient medical devices such as implants has an RF transceiver (transmitter/receiver), a control unit, and a man-machine interface (or a connection for a man-machine interface). The RF transceiver is configured to receive and transmit data in the MICS frequency band. The control unit is connected to the transceiver and has preconfigured software interfaces, such that the programming device can be expanded by addition of control software modules. The preconfigured software interfaces define a uniform interface for triggering the transceiver, which the control software modules can access. The man-machine interface, e.g., a keyboard and/or a display (and/or the connection for such a man-machine interface) is connected to the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: BIOTRONIK CRM Patent AG
    Inventors: Thomas Doerr, Carsten Hennig, Joachim Elsner, Kai Hensen, Torsten Dodt
  • Patent number: 9020598
    Abstract: Non-invasive electrical nerve stimulation devices and magnetic stimulation devices are disclosed, along with methods of treating medical disorders using energy that is delivered noninvasively by such devices. The disorders comprise migraine and other primary headaches such as cluster headaches, including sinus symptoms that resemble an immune-mediated response (“sinus” headaches), irrespective of whether those symptoms arise from an allergy that is co-morbid with the headache. The disclosed methods may also be used to treat other disorders that may be co-morbid with migraine headaches, such as anxiety disorders. In preferred embodiments of the disclosed methods, one or both of the patient's vagus nerves are stimulated non-invasively. In other embodiments, parts of the sympathetic nervous system and/or the adrenal glands are stimulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: ElectroCore, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Patent number: 9020606
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for anchoring a brain lead that includes an anchoring ring with a circular base and a flange joining together where the inner walls form an aperture define a passage of a lead. Outer walls engage with a burr hole to secure the ring to the cranium, and a septum is contained within the aperture of the anchoring ring. Because the septum is already placed in the aperture when the trocar is removed from the brain, the body of the brain lead is immediately clamped by the elastic material of the septum while the tip of trocar is removed from the slit of septum. Friction between the lead body and the elastic material prohibits any movement of the lead caused by handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Sceneray Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Weizhong Yin
  • Patent number: 9020605
    Abstract: An electroporation device produces electric signals that may be adjusted in response to a cover area of electrodes, so that the electric signals are tolerable when delivered to cells within the cover area. The electroporation device can include an applicator, a plurality of electrodes extending from the applicator, a power supply in electrical communication with the electrodes, and a guide member coupled to the electrodes. The electrodes are associated with a cover area. The power supply is configured to generate one or more electroporating signals to cells within the cover area. The guide member can be configured to adjust the cover area of the electrodes. In some embodiments, the electrical signals may include opposing waveforms that produce a resultant interference waveform to effectively target the cover area, and each waveform may be a unipolar waveform or a bipolar waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: OncoSec Medical Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian McCluskey, Punit Dhillon
  • Patent number: 9014823
    Abstract: Non-invasive electrical nerve stimulation devices and magnetic stimulation devices are disclosed, along with methods of treating medical disorders using energy that is delivered noninvasively by such devices. The disorders comprise migraine and other primary headaches such as cluster headaches, including sinus symptoms that resemble an immune-mediated response (“sinus” headaches), irrespective of whether those symptoms arise from an allergy that is co-morbid with the headache. The disclosed methods may also be used to treat other disorders that may be co-morbid with migraine headaches, such as anxiety disorders. In preferred embodiments of the disclosed methods, one or both of the patient's vagus nerves are stimulated non-invasively. In other embodiments, parts of the sympathetic nervous system and/or the adrenal glands are stimulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: ElectroCore, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Patent number: 9014822
    Abstract: A pacing lead for a left cavity of the heart, implanted in the coronary system. This lead (24) includes a lead body with a hollow sheath (26, 28) of deformable material, having a central lumen open at both ends, and at least one telescopic microcable (42) of conductive material. The microcable slides along the length of the lead body and extends beyond the distal end (32) thereof. The party emerging beyond the distal end is an active free part (34) comprising a plurality of distinct bare areas (36, 38, 50, 50?, 50?), intended to come into contact (40) with the wall of a target vein (22) of the coronary system (14-22), so as to form a network of stimulation electrodes electrically connected together in parallel. The microcable further comprises, proximally, a connector to a generator of active implantable medical device such as a pacemaker or a resynchronizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Sorin CRM S.A.S.
    Inventor: Jean-François Ollivier
  • Patent number: 9014804
    Abstract: An implantable medical device such as an implantable pulse generator that includes EEG sensing for monitoring and treating neurological conditions, and leadless ECG sensing for monitoring cardiac signals. The device includes a connector block with provisions for cardiac leads which may be used/enabled when needed. If significant co-morbid cardiac events are observed in patients via the leadless ECG monitoring, then cardiac leads may be subsequently connected for therapeutic use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathon E. Giftakis, Nina M. Graves, Jonathan C. Werder, Eric J. Panken
  • Patent number: 9014815
    Abstract: A medical device lead is presented that includes an electrode assembly having a first electrode located near a distal end of the electrode assembly and a second electrode located near a proximal end of the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly also includes a conductive elongated coupler that is electrically coupled to the first electrode and capacitively coupled to the second electrode. At low frequencies and DC (e.g., during delivery of stimulation therapy), the capacitive coupling between the conductive elongated coupler and the second electrode presents a high impedance allowing little current to be redirected from the first electrode to the second electrode. However, at high frequencies (e.g., during an MRI scan) the capacitive coupling between the conductive elongated coupler and the second electrode presents a low impedance, resulting in a significant amount of induced current being redirected to the second electrode and dissipated into bodily fluid surrounding the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhongping C. Yang, Piotr J. Przybyszewski, Ben W. Herberg, Kevin R. Seifert, Dina L. Williams
  • Publication number: 20150105713
    Abstract: An electrode cover for use with a medical electrode is formed of a main body having a substantially planer configuration with a distal surface constructed to mate with an electrode and a proximal surface constructed for placement on a user's skin, wherein the main body is constructed and arranged with thickness and porosity to deliver 95.0-99.9% of electrical energy transmitted from said medical electrode to the skin surface of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Rael Gilchrist
  • Patent number: 9005102
    Abstract: Energy emitting systems are provided which include an adjustable conductive coil configured to generate a magnetic or electromagnetic field focused on a target nerve. The coil includes a central aperture which may be adjustable between a first configuration and a second configuration having a radius greater than the radius of the first configuration. The adjustable or movable nature of the coil allows the conductive coil to conform to, accommodate, or be positioned on a particular anatomical structure of a patient to position the coil in proximity to the underlying target nerve. In certain embodiments, methods of magnetic induction therapy are provided which include positioning a conductive coil relative to a portion of a patient's body by adjusting the central aperture of the coil such that the coil may conform to, accommodate or be positioned on the portion of the patient's body in proximity to the underlying target nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: EMKinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Burnett, Christopher Hermanson, James H. Ahlman, Bruno Strul
  • Patent number: 9008794
    Abstract: A portable multi-sensor device includes a substantially sheet-like and at least partially flexible unit support element, a garment to be worn by a user and to be removably associated with the support element, a plurality of sensors, adapted to detect biological and/or vital parameters on the body of a user and transduce them into electric signals, at least one of which is incorporated in the unit support element, a transceiver for remote transmission of the electric signals to a remote monitoring center, a processing and control unit for processing and controlling the electric signals, therapeutic treatment elements associated with the unit support element and designed to contact one part of the wearer's body. The therapeutic treatment elements are electrically connected to the processing and control unit to be controlled thereby and to provide therapeutic and/or thermal therapeutic treatment to an area of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Alberto Alexandre
  • Patent number: 9007216
    Abstract: A wearable therapeutic device is provided. The wearable therapeutic device includes a garment, and the garment includes an electrode and a conductive thread. A control unit is coupled to the conductive thread and identifies an electrical connection between a conductive surface of the electrode and the conductive thread, and an alarm module can provide information about the positioning of the electrode in the garment based on the electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Zoll Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Emil Oskin, Philip C. Skalos, Thomas E. Kaib
  • Publication number: 20150100111
    Abstract: A vision restoration assist apparatus includes an insulating case including a biocompatible body portion and a biocompatible cover portion that are joined to each other to form a storage space in the case, an electrode disposed outside the case, an electronic circuit disposed in the storage space of the case, and a joint layer disposed between joint surfaces of the body portion and the cover portion of the case and formed of a sintered bulk of a predetermined metal powder having an average particle size of 1 ?m or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Masayuki SHINOMIYA
  • Patent number: 9002476
    Abstract: A biomedical conductor assembly adapted for at least partial insertion in a living body. The conductor assembly includes a plurality of the first electrical conductors each covered with an insulator and helically wound in a first direction to form an inner coil with a lumen. A plurality of second electrical conductors each including a plurality of un-insulated wires twisted in a ropelike configuration around a central axis to form a plurality of cables. Each cable is covered with an insulator and helically wound in a second opposite direction forming an outer coil in direct physical contact with the inner coil. The inner and outer coils are covered by an insulator. A method of making the conductor assembly and implanting a neurostimulation system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Jesse Geroy, John M. Swoyer
  • Patent number: 8998929
    Abstract: A medical device system for advancing a subcutaneous device to a desired implant site that includes a strap extending along a length from a proximal end to a distal end, a first flange and a second flange extending along a portion of the length of the strap, a base portion extending along a portion of the length of the strap between the first flange and the second flange, and an indentation extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the strap, the indentation formed by the first flange, the second flange, and the base portion, wherein the first flange and the second flange include curved bottom portions that make contact with and compress a tissue layer to position the tissue layer within the indentation during the placement of the subcutaneous device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Havel, Vladimir P. Nikolski
  • Patent number: 9002473
    Abstract: Defibrillator electrodes are sealed to the inside of a rigid enclosure. The enclosure is hinged to open and expose the electrodes for deployment. The electrode gel is sealed against moisture loss between the moisture impervious electrode backing and the inner surface of the enclosure. The enclosure may further include an electrical circuit for electrode self-testing, the circuit being broken when the enclosure is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Powers, Shannon Fong, Eric Jonsen, Patrick Hauge
  • Publication number: 20150094788
    Abstract: An apparatus for electrostimulation has a whole-body support and electrodes disposed in the support. The electrodes are disposed in pairs, relative to a center longitudinal axis of the apparatus, and are configured so that they can be controlled one after the other or simultaneously. A method for controlling multiple electrodes in an apparatus for electrostimulation disposes the electrodes in or on the apparatus for electrostimulation, which has a support for part of the body or for the whole body. The electrodes are configured so that they can be controlled one after the other or simultaneously. The electrodes are controlled individually or in pairs, with regard to a duration and/or an intensity of the stimulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: PIERENKEMPER GMBH
    Inventor: Roger PIERENKEMPER
  • Publication number: 20150094790
    Abstract: A trial stimulation system includes a disposable trial electrical stimulator that, in some examples, is sterilized for a single use in a stimulation trial of one patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: John Shishilla, Kathryn A. Pederson, Mukul Jain, Nicholas S. Mairs
  • Patent number: 8996125
    Abstract: An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats cardiovascular disease through application of stimulation pulses applied at at least one of acupoints EX-HN1, BL14, HT7, HT5, PC6, ST36, LI11, LU7 and LU2. The IEAD comprises an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4 is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Valencia Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Greiner, David K. L. Peterson, Chuladatta Thenuwara
  • Patent number: 8996126
    Abstract: A composite RF current attenuator for a medical lead includes a conductor having a distal electrode contactable to biological cells, a bandstop filter in series with the lead conductor for attenuating RF currents flow through the lead conductor at a selected center frequency or across a range of frequencies about the center frequency, and a lowpass filter in series with the bandstop filter and forming a portion of the lead conductor. The bandstop filter has a capacitance in parallel with a first inductance. In a preferred form, the lowpass filter includes a second inductance in series with the bandstop filter, wherein the values of capacitance and inductances for the composite RF current attenuator are selected such that it attenuates MRI-induced RF current flow in an MRI environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert A. Stevenson, Robert Shawn Johnson, Kishore Kumar Kondabatni, Joseph Spaulding, Dominick J. Frustaci, Warren S. Dabney, Holly Noelle Moschiano
  • Patent number: 8996128
    Abstract: Couplings for implanted leads and external stimulators, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a cable assembly that in turn includes an electrical cable having a proximal end and a distal end. A first connector is attached to the cable toward the proximal end and has a plurality of first connector contacts positioned to releasably connect to an external patient device. A second connector is attached by the cable toward the distal end, and includes a first portion and a second portion pivotably connected to the first portion. The first portion has a slot elongated along a slot axis and positioned to receive an implantable patient signal delivery element axially along the slot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Nevro Corporation
    Inventors: Jon Parker, Andre B. Walker
  • Patent number: 8996127
    Abstract: Assessment of neuron excitation is implemented by quantifying the interaction between focused and unfocused stimulation applied to a cochlear array. By applying focused and unfocused stimulation to the electrode array and comparing the difference in the responses to the two types of stimulation the interaction may be determined. The magnitude of the interaction may be related to neural excitation and using this data a neural excitation profile may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Christopher van den Honert, Zachary Smith, Christopher J. Long, Daniel M. Lisogurski, Robert P. Carlyon
  • Patent number: 8996100
    Abstract: An electrode structure for use with a monitoring system. A thin flexible body of an electrode material comprising conductive rubber is provided with projections extending externally to a working surface. According to this construction of the working surface of the electrode only the projections make a contact to the recipient's skin. When the projections are provided with a small cross-section, the constant electrode-skin contact is ensured due to the resiliency of the electrode material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Johanna Van Herk, Markus Cornelis Jakobus Lazeroms
  • Publication number: 20150080994
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a back support plate, which is integrally formed of plastic and includes an upper portion with an inner-side having a vertical curvature and a horizontal curvature that respectively conform to the curvature of human thoracic vertebrae and a horizontal curvature of the human back corresponding in position to the thoracic vertebrae, and a lower portion with an inner-side having a vertical curvature and a horizontal curvature that respectively conform to the curvature of human lumbar vertebrae and a horizontal curvature of the human back corresponding in position to the lumbar vertebrae. The two inner-sides are protrudingly provided with a plurality of protruding knobs which correspond in position to two lateral sides of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae and have upwardly and downwardly decreasing widths, respectively, such that the joining section between the two portions extends to the two lateral sides of the human back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Hoi Ming Michael Ho
  • Publication number: 20150080993
    Abstract: A contractible low-frequency electrotherapy apparatus comprises a flexible carrying member and an electric stimulation member. The flexible carrying member includes a sleeving member having at least one flexible serpentine region with at least one extension unit. Each extension unit has two extension segments symmetric to each other and a bendable segment connected with the two extension segments and deformed by external force. The electric stimulation member includes a pulse generation unit, a pulse transmission conductor electrically connected with the pulse generation unit, and an electrode member electrically connected with the pulse transmission conductor. The pulse transmission conductor has at least one electric conduction unit embedded inside the extension unit of the flexible serpentine region. Each electric conduction unit has two connection segments corresponding to the extension segments and a reversal segment corresponding to the bendable segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: TRANSLAND Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hung-Wen Wei
  • Publication number: 20150080989
    Abstract: A method (100) of moulding an article comprises: forming (104) a first portion (2) of the article by injecting a first material (50) into a first mould (61), the first mould being shaped so as to define a flange (8) on the first portion of the article; placing (106) the first portion of the article into a second mould (91), the second mould having a first plate (90) and a second plate (92); compressing (108) the flange between the first and second plates of the second mould; and forming (110) a second portion (4) of the article by injecting a second material (55) into the second mould whilst the flange is compressed between the first and second plates of the second mould.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Louise Mohn
  • Patent number: 8977366
    Abstract: A patch for a therapeutic electrical stimulation device includes a shoe connected to the first side of the patch, the shoe including a body extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end, and having first and second surfaces, the first end of the shoe defining at least two ports, and the first surface of the shoe defining a connection member. The patch also includes at least one conductor positioned in the ports of the first end of the shoe. The shoe is configured for sliding insertion into a receptacle defined by a controller so that the conductor is connected to the controller to deliver electrical current from the controller, through the conductor, and to the electrodes, and the connection member is at least partially captured by a detent defined by the controller in the receptacle to retain the shoe within the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: EMPI Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Jerome Bachinski, Richard Paul Shindley, Dennis Lutz
  • Patent number: 8977370
    Abstract: A handheld treatment device is for applying electrical impulses to a living body through the surface of the body, for treating a variety of clinical conditions. The device comprises first and second electrodes for contact with the skin; a waveform generator for repeatedly generating an AC waveform for applying electrical impulses through the electrodes to the skin; a detector for detecting changes in the skin impedance and for generating output signals representing the skin impedance; means responsive to the output signals from the detector for monitoring the responsivity of the skin; and indicator means for generating a first indication when a predetermined level of responsivity is reached and a second indication when a pre-determined treatment has been administered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: James Colthurst
  • Patent number: 8977365
    Abstract: An electronic system activatable by electrical power is described. The system is useful for influencing cellular functions or malfunctions in a warm-blooded mammalian subject. The system includes one or more controllable low energy HF (High Frequency) carrier signal generator circuits, one or more data processors for receiving control information, one or more amplitude modulation control generators and one or more amplitude modulation frequency control generators. The amplitude modulation frequency control generators are adapted to accurately control the frequency of the amplitude modulations to within an accuracy of at least 1000 ppm, most preferably to within about 1 ppm, relative to one or more determined or predetermined reference amplitude modulation frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: TheraBionic, LLC
    Inventors: Boris Pasche, Alexandre Barbault
  • Publication number: 20150065910
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of electrochemistry to control and generate specific user defined chemical reactions in regions that may be defined by electrode placement and geometry. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of shape changing cartilage in a subject through potential-driven electrochemical modification of tissue (PDEMT) or use of a potential-driven electromechanical (EMR) device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Brian Jet-Fei Wong, Michael G. Hill, Dmitry E. Protsenko
  • Patent number: 8972013
    Abstract: An implantable medical system includes an implantable medical device (IMD) and an electrode coupleable to the IMD. The electrode is operative to deliver a first electrical signal from the IMD to a neural structure. The system includes a sensor coupleable to the IMD. The sensor is operative to sense a physiological parameter. The physiological parameter may include at least one of a neurotransmitter parameter, a neurotransmitter breakdown product parameter, a neuropeptide parameter, a norepinephrine parameter, a glucocorticoid (GC) parameter, a neuromodulator parameter, a neuromodulator breakdown product parameter, an amino acid parameter, and a hormone parameter. The IMD includes a controller operative to change a parameter of the first electrical signal based upon at least one sensed physiological parameter to generate a second electrical signal and to apply the second electrical signal to the neural structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Cyberonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven E. Maschino
  • Publication number: 20150057734
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of using same for preventing pressure ulcers is provided. More specifically, the present apparatus and method may be used in individuals having compromised mobility and/or lack of sensation to prevent pressure ulcers by electrically stimulating pressure-loaded or compressed muscles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Vivian Mushahwar, Glen Isaacson, Alisa Ahmetovic, Ryan Sommer
  • Patent number: 8965500
    Abstract: A wearable defibrillator and method of monitoring the condition of a patient. The wearable defibrillator includes at least one therapy pad, at least one sensor and at least one processing unit operatively connected to the one or more therapy pads and the one or more sensors. The wearable defibrillator also includes at least one audio device operatively connected to the one or more processing units. The one or more audio devices are configured to receive audio input from a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Zoll Medical Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Macho, Shane S. Volpe, Richard A. Rattanni, Philip C. Skalos, Thomas E. Kaib, Marshal W. Linder