Spinal Cord Patents (Class 607/117)
  • Patent number: 10420948
    Abstract: An implantable medical device (“IMD”) as described herein includes an adjustable data retransmission scheme, which controls the manner in which data is retransmitted by the IMD. The retransmission feature can be adjusted in a dynamic manner based upon the type, context, or meaning of the telemetry data transmitted by the IMD. The IMD may process contextual meaning information that influences its data retransmission configuration. Such adjustability enables the IMD to satisfy minimum telemetry requirements in a manner that does not waste power, thus extending the IMD battery life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Javaid Masoud, Charles H. Dudding, Robert A. Patrias
  • Patent number: 10413736
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an implant tool and cannula used to facilitate the implantation of a medical device into a patient. The implant tool includes a housing that is held by a user and a needle attached to the housing. The cannula may be positioned over the needle and delivered to a target tissue within the patient. The cannula includes an electrode at a distal portion to deliver test stimulation to confirm the location of the target site or placement of the implant tool relative to the target site before removing the needle of the implant tool. In this manner, the cannula may be repositioned within the patient until the position of the implant tool and cannula relative to the target site is verified with the test stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric H. Bonde, Martin T. Gerber
  • Patent number: 10391304
    Abstract: An implantable electrical lead is provided. The electrical lead comprises an electrically insulative, flexible, elongated lead body having a proximal end and a distal end, an electrical contact carried by the distal end of the lead body, an electrical terminal carried by the proximal end of the lead body, an electrical conductor axially extending within the lead body between the electrical contact and the electrical terminal, and a stiffening tube extending within the proximal end of the lead body from a point proximal to the terminal to a point distal to the terminal and proximal to the electrode. An implantable lead assembly kit comprises the implantable electrical lead, and a connector configured for firmly receiving the proximal end of the lead body. A method of implanting the electrical lead comprises introducing the electrical lead into a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Braden Flowers, John Michael Barker
  • Patent number: 10384058
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a sensor at the heart is formed based on a modified, branched, pacemaker lead to provide a heart anchor lead where two anchors are coupled to a single main lead rather than there being just a single anchor. Thus, the proposed heart anchor lead comprises a single main lead, a sensor included within the main lead, in which the sensor has a distal end and a proximal end, a first anchor coupled to the distal end of the sensor and extending outward from the distal end of the sensor, and a second anchor coupled to the proximal end of the sensor and extending outward from the proximal end of the sensor in a direction that forms an angle with the first anchor. The heart anchor lead can optionally also have a pacemaking function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Cardiaccs AS
    Inventors: Erik Fosse, Jonas Tyssø
  • Patent number: 10383657
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cannula for passing a tissue graft through soft tissue. The cannula can comprise an elongated body including oppositely disposed first and second ends and an axis that extends between the first and second ends. The elongated body can further include a passage extending between the first and second ends. The second end can include a curved portion that terminates at a sharpened, pointed tip configured to pierce and/or cut soft tissue at the surgical repair site. The tip can be axially offset from the axis of the elongated body at an angle that is less than 180°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: THE CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Kathleen A. Derwin, Joseph P. Iannotti, Ryan A. Milks
  • Patent number: 10368761
    Abstract: An implanted neural micro interface device is provided. The device comprises microfilaments of various materials and forms embedded within a body. The microfilaments form interaction sites with surrounding neural tissue at their exit points from the implantable body. The body and filaments are configurable in a multitude of positions to provide increased engagement of a given neural tissue section as well as interaction and closed loop feedback between the microfilament sites. Such configurations allow for a range of recording, stimulating, and treatment modalities for the device within research and clinical settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Modular Bionics Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Loren Halpern, Mark William Merlo
  • Patent number: 10342128
    Abstract: Thicker electrodes are provided on microelectronic device using thermo-compression bonding. A thin-film electrical conducting layer forms electrical conduits and bulk depositing provides an electrode layer on the thin-film electrical conducting layer. An insulating polymer layer encapsulates the electrically thin-film electrical conducting layer and the electrode layer. Some of the insulating layer is removed to expose the electrode layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Kedar G. Shah, Satinderpall S. Pannu, Vanessa Tolosa, Angela C. Tooker, Heeral J. Sheth, Sarah H. Felix, Terri L. Delima
  • Patent number: 10328271
    Abstract: In some examples, an implantable medical device includes an implantable housing, a neurostimulator within the housing, a plurality of electrodes, an implantable lead coupled to the housing, and an actuator formed with the housing. The implantable lead includes at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes and one or more conductors coupling the at least one electrode to the neurostimulator. The actuator is configured to cause at least a portion of the implantable lead to deflect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Eric H. Bonde, John E. Kast, Erik R. Scott, Xuan K. Wei
  • Patent number: 10328256
    Abstract: Autonomic nervous system control via high frequency spinal cord modulation, and associated systems and methods. A method for treating a patient in accordance with a particular embodiment includes selecting a neural modulation site to include a neural population of the patient's spinal cord, and selecting parameters of a neural modulation signal to at least reduce an autonomic system deficit in the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Nevro Corp.
    Inventor: Bradford Evan Gliner
  • Patent number: 10292656
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating ultra-miniature, ultra-compliant probe arrays through spin coating, wherein a dissolvable material in hydrogel form is dispensed onto an assembled mold with wires. Once the dissolvable material is dispensed onto the mold, centrifuging spin casts the material by evaporating the solvent, forming a dried dissolvable polymer. Finally, a device is used with water to remove excess dissolvable material to obtain a dissolvable needle with wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Gary K. Fedder, Burak Ozdoganlar, Peter J. Gilgunn
  • Patent number: 10286216
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a method and system that allows a user to configure electrical stimulation therapy by defining a three-dimensional (3D) stimulation field. After a stimulation lead is implanted in a patient, a clinician manipulates the 3D stimulation field in a 3D environment to encompass desired anatomical regions of the patient. In this manner, the clinician determines which anatomical regions to stimulate, and the system generates the necessary stimulation parameters. In some cases, a lead icon representing the implanted lead is displayed to show the clinician where the lead is relative to the 3D anatomical regions of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Stone, Warren W. Ball, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Steven M. Goetz, Lynn M. Otten
  • Patent number: 10271899
    Abstract: A device, method, and system for adding mapping functionality to an ablation device without adding electrodes, wiring, or other components to the ablation device. The device includes a treatment catheter including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion including a longitudinal groove. The device also includes a mapping catheter including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion of the mapping catheter being coupled to the distal portion of the treatment catheter. For example, the distal portion of the mapping catheter is snapped into the groove of the treatment catheter. Together the treatment and mapping catheters are transitionable between a variety of configurations. In this way, the medical device may be used to both treat and map tissue without complicating the design and manufacture of the treatment catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic Cryocath LP
    Inventor: Ioana Deac
  • Patent number: 10252065
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pulse generating system comprising a pulse generator for generating a pulse or pulses and a controller for controlling the pulse generating means, where the pulse generating system is capable to work in at least a regular mode and a safety mode, where in the regular mode the pulse generator and the controller are connected and where in the safety mode there is no connection between the pulse generator and the controller and where in the safety mode the pulse generator automatically switches to a baseline stimulation command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: GTX medical B.V.
    Inventors: Vincent Delattre, Joachim Von Zitzewitz, Sjaak Deckers
  • Patent number: 10245427
    Abstract: A neurostimulation system is disclosed herein. The neurostimulation system includes an implantable pulse generator and an implantable therapy lead configured to be electrically coupled to the implantable pulse generator. The implantable therapy lead includes a flexible paddle electrode array with flexible electrodes. Each flexible electrode has a segmented configuration having first and second electrode segments and a flexible bridge or living hinge joining together the first and second electrode segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jodi Townsley Dubuclet
  • Patent number: 10238865
    Abstract: An implantable medical device assembly includes a mounting structure, an electrode protruding from a surface of the structure, between opposing sides thereof, and tissue-penetrating fixation tines, each extending from a corresponding shoulder of the structure surface, adjacent to the opposing sides. In a relaxed condition, each tine extends away from the surface and then bends toward a proximal end of the structure and back toward the surface. In an extended condition, each tine bends toward a distal end of the structure and extends along the corresponding shoulder. A holding member of a delivery tool has opposing sidewalls defining a cavity, wherein each sidewall includes a rail-like edge that fits in sliding engagement with a corresponding shoulder, to deform a corresponding tine into the extended condition, when an operator passes the assembly into the cavity. Applying a push force, to move the assembly back out form the cavity, releases the tines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D Bonner, Raymond W Usher, Teresa A Whitman, Jean M Carver, Kathryn Hilpisch
  • Patent number: 10220210
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing pain in a patient using an electrical waveform that link the modulation of a waveform parameter for different areas of a patient. One embodiment in a system for managing pain in a patient comprises an electric device configured to be implanted into the patient and including a plurality of electrodes having at least a first electrode associated with a first area of the patient and a second electrode associated with a second area of the patient. The system further includes an implantable device configured to be coupled to the electrode device and having a computer-operable medium programmed to change the waveform parameter applied to the first electrode and automatically set the waveform parameter applied to the second electrode based on a relationship between a first therapy range and a second therapy range of the waveform parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Nevro Corp.
    Inventors: Andre B. Walker, Jon Parker
  • Patent number: 10213148
    Abstract: A system and method for modeling patient-specific spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is disclosed. The system and method acquire impedance and evoked compound action potential (ECAP) signals from a lead positioned proximate to a spinal cord (SC). The lead includes at least one electrode. The system and method determine a patient-specific anatomical model based on the impedance and ECAP signals, and transform a dorsal column (DC) map template based on a DC boundary of the patient-specific anatomical model. Further, the system and method map the transformed DC map template to the patient-specific anatomical model. The system and method may also include the algorithms to solve extracellular and intracellular domain electrical fields and propagation along neurons. The system and method may also include the user interfaces to collect patient responses and compare with the patient-specific anatomical model as well as using the patient-specific anatomical model for guiding SCS programming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoyi Min, Alexander Kent
  • Patent number: 10092750
    Abstract: Neuromodulation systems are described comprising a signal generator and at least one electrode. The at least one electrode can be configured to deliver a stimulation to a mammal, wherein the stimulation includes a biphasic signal and an overlapping high frequency pulse thereby inducing voluntary movement in the individual. Methods of administering the stimulation are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Neuroenabling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Reggie Edgerton, Yury P. Gerasimenko, Nicholas A. Terrafranca, Parag Gad
  • Patent number: 10076657
    Abstract: Various embodiments of this disclosure concern a lead end containing a slotted member. A slotted member can have a plurality of slots extending along at least a portion of the length of the slotted member, each of the slots having a respective positioning feature, the plurality of slots having a plurality of positioning features at different longitudinal positions along the length of the slotted member. The lead end can further include a plurality of conductors at least partially within the plurality of slots, each slot of the plurality of slots containing at least a respective one of the plurality of conductors, the plurality of conductors electrically connecting exposed electrical elements of both ends of the lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel C. Oster, Rodney J. Haberte, Jeffrey M. Novotny
  • Patent number: 10065323
    Abstract: A robotic actuator includes an internal anchor and an instrument. The internal anchor is adapted to be inserted into a body via an entrance port, positioned inside the body, and magnetically coupled with an external anchor positioned outside the body. The instrument is adapted to be inserted into the body via the entrance port and secured to the internal anchor. The instrument includes an end-effector having multiple degrees of movement via multiple axes, and a plurality of actuators that provide the multiple degrees of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Bio-Medical Engineering (HK) Limited
    Inventors: Chung Kwong Yeung, Kai Leung Yung
  • Patent number: 9913975
    Abstract: A neurostimulation system and method of providing therapy to a patient implanted with a plurality of electrodes using a plurality of electrical sources is provided. A source-electrode coupling configuration is determined from the electrical sources and electrodes. Electrical current is respectively conveyed between active ones of the plurality of electrical sources and active subsets of the plurality of electrodes in accordance with the determined source-electrode coupling configuration. The total number of the electrodes in the active electrode subsets is greater than the total number of the active electrical sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Rafael Carbunaru, Kristen Jaax, Andrew DiGiore
  • Patent number: 9907966
    Abstract: An electrical stimulation system provides stimulation therapy to a patient. The system includes a neurostimulation lead that contacts patient tissue and couples with an implantable stimulation device, such as an implantable pulse generator, that receives stimulation parameters for providing stimulation therapy to a patient. The implantable stimulation device includes a header with a plurality of connector assemblies that receive an end of the neurostimulation lead, and a case containing a charging coil and a telemetry coil coupled to programming circuitry on a printed circuit board, which is in turn coupled to the connector assemblies via a feedthrough assembly. The telemetry coil receives data from an external programmer and transmits the data to the programming circuitry, which in turn uses the data to communicate to the connector assemblies and the neurostimulation lead to provide stimulation therapy to a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery V. Funderburk, Randy L. Brase, Robert R. Tong, Md. Mizanur Rahman
  • Patent number: 9901737
    Abstract: A method for providing therapy to a patient using intermittent electrical stimulation includes advancing a plurality of electrodes disposed along a distal portion of a lead to a target stimulation location within a patient. A proximal portion of the lead is coupled to an electrical stimulator disposed external to the patient. Patient tissue at the target stimulation location is stimulated for a first duration of time that is no greater than one day using the plurality of electrodes. The stimulation provides efficacious treatment to the patient for a second duration of time that is at least twice as long as the first duration of time. Stimulation is ceased after completion of the first duration of time. The lead is removed from the patient after ceasing stimulation and prior to an end of the second duration of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Moffitt, Stephen Carcieri
  • Patent number: 9901732
    Abstract: The present disclosure may comprise an improvement to the prior art leads as disclosed above. One embodiment is directed to an intravenous medical electrical lead that includes an elongated lead body. The elongated lead body comprises a length between proximal and distal ends with a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The distal end of the lead body includes a plurality of electrodes forming first and second pairs of electrodes. The first pair of electrodes comprises one electrode electrically connected to another electrode circumferentially and diagonally spaced apart along the longitudinal axis. The second pair of electrodes comprising one electrode electrically connected to another electrode circumferentially and diagonally spaced apart along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John L Sommer, William J Clemens, Linda L Franke
  • Patent number: 9833611
    Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead or lead extension includes a body having an outer surface, a proximal end, a proximal portion, at least one distal portion, an outer surface, a perimeter, and a longitudinal length, the body defining an alignment slit extending distally from the proximal end of the body and splitting the proximal portion of the body into two transversely space-apart sections; first contacts disposed along the distal portion of the body; segmented second contacts disposed along the proximal portion of the body, where each segmented second contact extends around less than the entire perimeter of the body and is separated from all other segmented second contacts by portions of the body or the alignment slit; and conductors electrically coupling the first contacts to the second contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Michael X. Govea, Joshua Dale Howard
  • Patent number: 9827423
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing pain in a patient using an electrical waveform that link the modulation of a waveform parameter for different areas of a patient. One embodiment in a system for managing pain in a patient comprises an electric device configured to be implanted into the patient and including a plurality of electrodes having at least a first electrode associated with a first area of the patient and a second electrode associated with a second area of the patient. The system further includes an implantable device configured to be coupled to the electrode device and having a computer-operable medium programmed to change the waveform parameter applied to the first electrode and automatically set the waveform parameter applied to the second electrode based on a relationship between a first therapy range and a second therapy range of the waveform parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Nevro Corp.
    Inventors: Andre B. Walker, Jon Parker
  • Patent number: 9820811
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for locating and identifying nerves innervating the wall of arteries such as the renal artery. The present invention identifies areas on vessel walls that are innervated with nerves; provides indication on whether energy is delivered accurately to a targeted nerve; and provides immediate post-procedural assessment of the effect of energy delivered to the nerve. The methods includes evaluating a change in physiological parameters after energy is delivered to an arterial wall; and determining the type of nerve that the energy was directed to (sympathetic or parasympathetic or none) based on the evaluated results. The system includes at least a device for delivering energy to the wall of blood vessel; sensors for detecting physiological signals from a subject; and indicators to display results obtained using said method. Also provided are catheters for performing the mapping and ablating functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: SYMAP MEDICAL (SUZHOU), LTD
    Inventor: Jie Wang
  • Patent number: 9814488
    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: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Robert Louis Tatsumi
  • Patent number: 9808614
    Abstract: An implantable curved shaping part for externally shaping an implantable electrode line or a catheter, wherein the shaping part has a continuous first lumen to allow a portion of the electrode line or of the catheter to pass through, wherein the shaping part has an extruded tube formed from two materials, each coextruded over a predetermined wall segment, having different shrinkage behavior or has a portion of an extruded spiral tube, wherein one of the coextruded materials or the material of the spiral tube has a high Shore hardness, in particular, of 60 Shore or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: BIOTRONIK SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Detmar Jadwizak, Carsten Fruendt, Dajana Kaiser, Gordon Hillebrand
  • Patent number: 9802038
    Abstract: Anchoring devices and methods for affixing an implanted lead of a neurostimulation system at a target location in a patient are provided herein. Such anchoring devices includes a helical body having a plurality of tines extending laterally outward from the lead when deployed that engage tissue to inhibit axial movement of the implanted lead. The plurality of tines are biased towards the laterally extended deployed configuration and fold inward towards the lead to a delivery configuration to facilitate delivery of the lead through a sheath. The tines may be angled in a proximal direction or in both proximal and distal directions and may include various features to assist in visualization and delivery of the lead. The anchor may be formed according to various methods, including laser cutting of a tubular section along with heat or reflow to set the material with the anchor in the deployed configuration and injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: AXONICS MODULATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Henry Lee, Alexander Hwu
  • Patent number: 9782580
    Abstract: A percutaneously implantable paddle lead includes an elongated lead body having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a plurality of terminals disposed on the proximal portion of the lead; a flexible paddle body coupled to the distal portion of the lead; and a plurality of electrodes disposed in the paddle body and electrically coupled to the terminals on the proximal portion of the lead. The percutaneously implantable paddle lead also includes a bonding material in contact with the paddle body and holding the paddle body in a compacted form prior to, and during, insertion into a percutaneous implantation tool. The bonding material is configured and arranged to release the paddle body during or soon after implantation into a patient so that the paddle body can deploy into its paddle-like form. Alternatively, at least one current-degradable fastener can be used instead of the binding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Anne Margaret Pianca, Douglas Michael Ackermann
  • Patent number: 9776011
    Abstract: An implantable curved shaping part for externally shaping an implantable electrode line or a catheter, wherein the shaping part has a continuous first lumen to allow a portion of the electrode line or of the catheter to pass through, wherein the shaping part is formed as an injection molded part or has at least one injection molded portion, and an elongated, rigid yet flexible bend impression element is fixed within the wall or to the inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: BIOTRONIK SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Detmar Jadwizak, Carsten Fruendt, Dajana Kaiser, Gordon Hillebrand
  • Patent number: 9757557
    Abstract: A method for optimizing the stimulation of the dorsal column of the spinal cord is disclosed. The method includes providing a stimulating electrode array and a frame element. The frame element is configured to couple to the stimulating electrode array and guide the stimulating electrode array to a desired position proximate the dorsal column of the spinal cord of a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Joel D. MacDonald, Kirk Fisher
  • Patent number: 9723998
    Abstract: System and method for locating and identifying nerves innervating the wall of arteries such as the renal artery are disclosed. The present invention identifies areas on vessel walls that are innervated with nerves; provides indication on whether energy is delivered accurately to a targeted nerve; and provides immediate post-procedural assessment of the effect of energy delivered to the nerve. The method includes at least the steps to evaluate a change in physiological parameters after energy is delivered to an arterial wall; and to determine the type of nerve that the energy was directed to (none, sympathetic or parasympathetic) based on the evaluated results. The system includes at least a device for delivering energy to the wall of blood vessel; sensors for detecting physiological signals from a subject; and indicators to display results obtained using this method. Also provided are catheters for performing the mapping and ablating functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: SYMAP MEDICAL (SUZHOU), LTD
    Inventor: Jie Wang
  • Patent number: 9707388
    Abstract: An electrode for use with a cochlear implant system includes an electrode array with at least one electrode contact, and an electrode lead adjacent to the electrode array. The electrode lead has a flexible region configured to allow the electrode lead to bend and has an attachment mechanism with an internal portion positioned within the electrode lead and an external portion configured to be bent and secured to bone. A method of securing the electrode to bone is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
    Inventors: Claude Jolly, Anandhan Dhanasingh
  • Patent number: 9649048
    Abstract: An integrated catheter placement system for accurately placing a catheter within a patient's vasculature is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated system comprises a system console, a tip location sensor for temporary placement on the patient's chest, and an ultrasound probe. The tip location sensor senses a magnetic field of a stylet disposed in a lumen of the catheter when the catheter is disposed in the vasculature. The ultrasound probe ultrasonically images a portion of the vasculature prior to introduction of the catheter. ECG signal-based catheter tip guidance is included in the integrated system to enable guidance of the catheter tip to a desired position with respect to a node of the patient's heart. Various means for establishing a conductive pathway between a sterile field of the patient and a non-sterile field to enable passage of ECG signals from the catheter to the tip location sensor are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy B. Cox, Anthony K. Misener, Catherine C. Breiter, Eddie K. Burnside, Jason R. Stats
  • Patent number: 9622677
    Abstract: A brain implant device includes a housing containing communication and control electronics coupled to a conduit configured for monitoring signals from a brain's motor cortex and providing stimulation signals to the brain's sensory cortex. The brain implant device is capable of wireless communication with an external communication and control signal source by means of an antenna provided in the housing. The conduit is flexible and may contain upwards of 128 electrical conductors providing electrical connections between the device electronics and related sites on the motor and/or sensory cortex by means of a plurality of electrically conductive protuberances extending from the conduit and adapted for contact with such sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventors: Howard H. Stover, John C. Gord, Charles L. Byers, Joseph H. Schulman, Guangqiang Jiang, Ross Davis
  • Patent number: 9610439
    Abstract: A method for determining whether the relative position of electrodes used by a neurostimulation system has changed within a patient comprises determining the amplitude of a field potential at each of at least one of the electrodes, determining if a change in each of the determined electric field amplitudes has occurred, and analyzing the change in each of the determined electric field amplitudes to determine whether a change in the relative position of the electrodes has occurred. Another method comprises measuring a first monopolar impedance between a first electrode and a reference electrode, measuring a second monopolar impedance between second electrode and the reference electrode, measuring a bipolar impedance between the first and second electrodes, and estimating an amplitude of a field potential at the second electrode based on the first and second monopolar impedances and the bipolar impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Kerry Bradley, James R. Thacker, Michael A. Moffitt
  • Patent number: 9586039
    Abstract: A neurostimulation (NS) lead configured to provide NS therapy to nervous tissue. The NS lead includes a lead body having an active side and a posterior side that face in generally opposite directions. The NS lead includes an array of electrodes provided on the active side and configured to face the nervous tissue and provide the NS therapy to the nervous tissue. The NS lead also includes a non-planar contour formed in the active side. The non-planar contour includes a plurality of slopes that form a morphological feature. The morphological feature is one of a projection or a depression that extends along a designated path on the active side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Gene A. Bornzin, Lalit Venkatesan
  • Patent number: 9579506
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for treating epilepsy by stimulating a main trunk of a vagus nerve, or a left vagus nerve, when the patient has had no seizure or a seizure that is not characterized by cardiac changes such as an increase in heart rate, and stimulating a cardiac branch of a vagus nerve, or a right vagus nerve, when the patient has had a seizure characterized by cardiac changes such as a heart rate increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: FLINT HILLS SCIENTIFIC, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Ivan Osorio
  • Patent number: 9572975
    Abstract: Various embodiments concern an implantable paddle lead. The paddle can be attached to a distal portion of an elongate lead body. The paddle can comprise a main panel and a ridge that peripherally surrounds the main panel. The main panel can comprise a first face and a second face opposite the first face. One or more electrodes can be exposed on the first face but not exposed on the second face. The paddles can be sutured to anatomical structures. The sutures can be threaded through the main panel but not through the ridge. The paddle can be thicker along the ridge than along the main panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew L. De Kock, Brian Soltis, Eric A. Mokelke
  • Patent number: 9561365
    Abstract: Sample and hold circuitry for monitoring electrodes and other voltages in an implantable neurostimulator is disclosed. The sample and hold circuitry in one embodiment contains multiplexers to selected appropriate voltages and to pass them to two storage capacitors during two different measurement phases. The capacitors are in a later stage serially connected to add the two voltages stored on the capacitors, and voltages present at the top and bottom of the serial connection are then input to a differential amplifier to compute their difference. The sample and hold circuitry is particularly useful in calculating the resistance between two electrodes, and is further particularly useful when resistance is measured using a biphasic pulse. The sample and hold circuitry is flexible, and can be used to measure other voltages of interest during biphasic or monophasic pulsing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Jess W. Shi, Emanuel Feldman, Jordi Parramon
  • Patent number: 9561371
    Abstract: A method for treating essential tremor or restless leg syndrome using spinal cord stimulation includes implanting a lead near a spinal cord of a patient. The lead includes a plurality of electrodes disposed on a distal end of the lead and electrically coupled to at least one contact terminal disposed on a proximal end of the lead. Electrical signals are provided from a control module coupled to the lead to stimulate a portion of the spinal cord of the patient using at least one of the electrodes. The electrical signals reduce, alleviate, or eliminate at least one adverse effect of essential tremor or restless leg syndrome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventor: Ahmed A. Elborno
  • Patent number: 9555248
    Abstract: A method is provided to deliver C tactile fiber stimulation to nervous tissue of a patient. The method comprises delivering a first tactile stimulation waveform to a first electrode combination within an array of electrodes located proximate to nervous tissue of interest. The method further provides sequentially delivering successive tactile stimulation waveforms to successive electrode combinations within the array of electrodes. The first and successive tactile stimulation waveforms include at least one series of pulses having a pulse amplitude and pulse frequency. Delaying delivery of the successive tactile stimulation waveforms by a firing delay, the pulse amplitude, pulse frequency and firing delay represent therapy parameters. The method manages at least one of the therapy parameters of the first and successive tactile stimulation waveforms to excite C tactile fibers of the nervous tissue of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dirk De Ridder
  • Patent number: 9555246
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for positioning of an implantable lead in a patient with an integrated EMG and stimulation clinician programmer. The integrated clinician programmer is coupled to the implantable lead, wherein the implantable lead comprises at least four electrodes, and to at least one EMG sensing electrode minimally invasively positioned on a skin surface or within the patient. The method comprises delivering a test stimulation at a stimulation amplitude level from the integrated clinician programmer to a nerve tissue of the patient with a principal electrode of the implantable lead. Test stimulations are delivered at a same stimulation amplitude level for a same period of time sequentially to each of the four electrodes of the implantable lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: AXONICS MODULATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Guangqiang Jiang, John Woock, Dennis Schroeder, Eric Schmid
  • Patent number: 9511217
    Abstract: An introducer for a medical lead, the introducer having an arcuate component for creating an arcuate path in a patient. When used to percutaneously implant a medical device such as a medical lead with electrodes, the implanted lead has an arcuate configuration. The implanted lead can be used to at least partially encircle or bracket a region of chronic pain and provide therapeutic electrical signals to the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D. Wahlstrand, John E. Kast, Gabriela C. Molnar, Glenna L. Case, Lisa M. Johanek, Phillip C. Falkner
  • Patent number: 9510857
    Abstract: A lead introducer includes a multi-piece insertion needle insertable into a splitable member. The multi-piece insertion needle includes an outer insertion needle that defines an open channel that extends along substantially entirely a length of the outer insertion needle and an inner insertion needle configured and arranged for insertion into the open channel of the outer insertion needle. The splitable member includes at least two pull-apart tabs and at least one weakened region extending along at least a portion of a length of the splitable member from between the at least two pull-apart tabs. The at least one weakened region is configured and arranged for separating when the at least two pull-apart tabs are pulled apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: John Michael Barker
  • Patent number: 9492655
    Abstract: An implantable lead includes an expandable paddle body and a plurality of electrodes disposed on the paddle body. The electrodes are configured and arranged to provide electrical stimulation to adjacent tissue when implanted and the lead is coupled to a control module. The paddle body is configured for percutaneous implantation through an introducer followed by expansion of a volume of the paddle body by at least 10%. Alternatively, the paddle body is configured for percutaneous implantation and when implanted the lead is configured and arranged so that a position or orientation of the plurality of electrodes relative to the paddle body can be altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Anne Margaret Pianca, Christopher B. Gould, Joel Adam Krueger
  • Patent number: 9486621
    Abstract: A method for treating intractable pain via electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. Remote, non-contact stimulation of a selected region of spinal cord is achieved by placement of a transceiver patch directly on the surface of that region of spinal cord, with said patch optionally being inductively coupled to a transmitter patch of similar size on either the outer or inner wall of the dura surrounding that region of the spinal cord. By inductively exchanging electrical power and signals between said transmitter and transceiver patches, and by carrying out the necessary electronic and stimulus signal distribution functions on the transceiver patch, the targeted dorsal column axons can be stimulated without the unintended stray stimulation of nearby dorsal rootlets. Novel configurations of a pliable surface-sheath and clamp or dentate ligament attachment features which realize undamaging attachment of the patch to the spinal cord are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignees: University of Iowa Research Foundation, University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Matthew Howard, Timothy Brennan, Brian Dalm, Marcel Utz, George T. Gillies, Steven Scott, Randall S. Nelson, Robert Shurig
  • Patent number: 9486620
    Abstract: A paddle lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation of patient tissue includes a paddle body. The paddle body includes four columns of electrodes, each column including at least one electrode. The columns include two outer columns flanking two inner columns. The paddle lead assembly further includes a plurality of lead bodies coupled to the paddle body. At least one terminal is disposed on each of the plurality of lead bodies. A plurality of conductive wires couple each of the electrodes to at least one of the plurality of terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Anne Margaret Pianca