Heart Patents (Class 607/119)
  • Patent number: 8805540
    Abstract: An MRI compatible cable construct is provided. The cable is adapted to be used with a medical device in direct electrical contact with a patient. Each cable or cable set includes a plurality of filter components. The filter component comprises at least two filter components. One filter component may be a resonant filter at a distal end that resolves the issue of insufficient attenuation by effectively blocking the RF induced current on the cable from exiting the cable at the distal. The second filter component may comprise one or more non-resonant filter(s) or inductors positioned along the length of the cable that resolve(s) the issue of excessive heating of the resonant LC filter by significantly attenuating the current induced on the cable before it reaches the resonant LC filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Imricor Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Lloyd, Steven R. Wedan, Gregg S. Stenzel
  • Patent number: 8805495
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to advanced monitoring and control of medium voltage therapy (MVT) in implantable and external devices. Apparatus and methods are disclosed that facilitate dynamic adjustment of MVT parameter values in response to new and changing circumstances such as the patient's condition before, during, and after administration of MVT. Administration of MVT is automatically and dynamically adjusted to achieve specific treatment or life-support objectives, such as prolongation of the body's ability to endure and respond to MVT, specifically addressing the type of arrhythmia or other pathologic state of the patient with targeted treatment, a tiered-intensity MVT treatment strategy, and supporting patients in non life-critical conditions where the heart may nevertheless benefit from a certain level of assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Galvani, Ltd.
    Inventors: Byron L. Gilman, Mark Kroll, James E. Brewer
  • Patent number: 8805534
    Abstract: Grounding of a shield that is located in an implantable medical lead may be done in many ways. The shield may be grounded directly to tissue from the lead body at one or more points along the lead body. The pathway for grounding may be a direct current pathway or be capacitively coupled. The pathway for grounding may utilize an exposed or nearly exposed shield at one or more points along the lead body. A jacket forming the lead body may have an outer layer removed at these points to provide the RF pathway to ground. Alternatively, the jacket may be doped with conductive particles at these points. Metal conductors such as ring electrodes and/or lead anchors may be attached to the lead at one or more points to provide the RF pathway to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Olsen, Michael R. Klardie, Richard T. Stone, Chad Q. Cai, Spencer M. Bondhus, Mark J. Conroy, Timothy R. Abraham
  • Patent number: 8805501
    Abstract: An aspect of the present subject relates to an implantable medical system. An embodiment of the system includes a baroreflex stimulator, a myocardial infarction detector, and a controller. The baroreflex stimulator applies a baroreflex stimulation signal through an electrode. The myocardial infarction detector detects an event indicative of myocardial infarction, The controller is connected to the baroreflex stimulator and to the myocardial infarction detector, and is adapted to apply a baroreflex therapy in response to a detected event indicative of myocardial infarction. Other aspects are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: Imad Libbus
  • Patent number: 8798770
    Abstract: A transvenously implantable medical device (TIMD) includes an electrical lead and a control module. The electrical lead includes one or more electrodes and is adapted for transvenous implantation. The electrical lead is also pre-biased to expand from a collapsed state to an expanded state to mechanically engage an internal wall of a blood vessel. The control module is secured to and in electrical communication with the electrical lead. The control module includes a signal management component and a power component disposed in a housing adapted for implantation into the blood vessel. The control module is adapted for at least one of stimulating and sensing a physiologic response using the one or more electrodes of the electrical lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: G. Shantanu Reddy
  • Patent number: 8798771
    Abstract: Improving cardiac response in terms of pressure, ejected volume, and filling and ejection times by cardiac reverse remodelling, including temporary, occasionally harmful stimulation sequences. An original pacing configuration (a) is switched to a modified pacing configuration (b) in a direction opposite to that of an optimization of the hemodynamic parameters, to cause an immediate change in the response to controlled stimulation of the myocardium. This response is assessed based on: the maximum value (P (b, a)) achieved by the peak-to-peak (PEA (i)) of the first peak of endocardial acceleration (PEA) after a pacing configuration change, the mean PEA value (A (b, a)) after stabilization, the PEA variability (V (b, a)) around this average value, and the duration (T (b, a)) of stabilization after the pacing configuration change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Sorin CRM S.A.S.
    Inventors: Cyrille Casset, Melanie Heurteau
  • Patent number: 8792998
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices efficiently identify cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) pacing parameter set(s) that provide improved hemodynamic response relative to an initial CRT pacing parameter set, wherein each CRT pacing parameter set includes at least two CRT pacing parameters. User input(s) are accepted that specify a maximum amount of time and/or parameter sets that can be used to perform testing, and specify relative importance of parameters within the sets. Based on the accepted user input(s), there is a determination of how many different variations of each of the CRT pacing parameters can be tested, and based on this determination different CRT pacing parameter sets are selected and tested to obtain a hemodynamic response measure corresponding to each of the different sets tested. Additionally, one or more of the tested CRT pacing parameter sets, if any, that provide improved hemodynamic response relative to the initial CRT pacing parameter set is/are identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Cecilia Qin Xi, Yasser Sowb
  • Patent number: 8792997
    Abstract: A peel-away lead implant tool is described. The peel away lead implant tool is adapted to be disposed over the terminal connector of a lead during an implantation procedure to protect the terminal connector. The peel-away lead implant tool includes a flexible polymer sheath including electrical contacts formed in a contact region of the sheath. The electrical contacts can be either metal foil contacts or conductive polymer contacts and extend from an outer surface to an inner surface of the sheath such that when the testing apparatus is coupled to the lead implant tool, the electrical contacts are pressed into electrical contact with the ring electrodes located on the terminal connector. The lead implant tool also includes various removal means facilitating the easy removal of the implant tool from the terminal connector when the implantation procedure is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Tockman, Timothy R. Jackson, Peter J. Wolf, Christopher A. Fuhs
  • Publication number: 20140207221
    Abstract: A capacitor for an implantable medical device is presented. The capacitor includes an anode, a cathode, a separator therebetween, and an electrolyte over the anode, cathode, and separator. The electrolyte includes ingredients comprising acetic acid, ammonium acetate, phosphoric acid, and tetaethylene glycol dimethyl ether. The capacitor has an operating voltage ninety percent or greater of its formation voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Viste, John D. Norton, Joachim Hossick-Schott, Anthony W. Rorvick
  • Publication number: 20140207222
    Abstract: Described herein is an implantable medical device and methods for making a device that includes a metal housing a molding process. In one embodiment, the housing includes a header attachment element extends from the housing. In another embodiment, the implantable medical device includes a header attachment surface comprising one or more header retaining features configured to secure a connector header to the header attachment surface. In another embodiment, the housing includes one or more structural elements extending from and integrally molded with the interior surface of the first or second portions of the housing. Also disclosed are methods of making the implantable medical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Knipfer, John M. Edgell, Robbie L. Halvorson, Lawrence D. Swanson
  • Patent number: 8788065
    Abstract: A method is provided for renal neuromodulation. One step of the method includes providing an expandable support member having a cuff-like configuration and including a main body portion (MBP). The MBP includes a lumen for engaging a wall of a blood vessel including a portion of a renal vasculature. At least one electrode connected with the MBP is arranged to selectively deliver electric current to a desired location. An insulative material is attached to at least a portion of the MBP. Next, the MBP is implanted extravascularly so that the MBP is in direct contact with a portion of the renal vasculature. At least one electrode is positioned substantially adjacent a desired location where modulation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is effective to alter renal function. Electric current is then delivered to the at least one electrode to effect a change in the SNS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventors: Ali R. Rezai, Roy K. Greenberg, Milind Deogaonkar
  • Patent number: 8786049
    Abstract: Solid-state thin-film capacitors are provided. Aspects of the solid-state thin-film capacitors include a first electrode layer of a transition metal, a dielectric layer of an oxide of the transition metal, and a second electrode layer of a metal oxide. Also provided are methods of making the solid-state thin-film capacitors, as well as devices that include the same. The capacitor may have one or more cathodic arc produced structures, i.e., structures produced using a cathodic arc deposition process. The structures may be stress-free metallic structures, porous layers and layers displaying crenulations. Aspects of the invention further include methods of producing capacitive structures using chemical vapor deposition and/or by sputter deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Proteus Digital Health, Inc.
    Inventor: Hooman Hafezi
  • Patent number: 8788063
    Abstract: A device for brain stimulation includes a lead having a longitudinal surface and a distal end. The lead includes a longitudinal rail disposed within the distal end of the lead. The longitudinal rail includes at least two prongs, each prong being configured and arranged to receive at least one segmented electrode. The lead further includes a plurality of segmented electrodes disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead near the distal end of the lead. Each of the plurality of segmented electrodes is coupled to one of the at least two prongs of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Roger Chen
  • Publication number: 20140200644
    Abstract: A bioelectric battery may be used to power implantable devices. The bioelectric battery may have an anode electrode and a cathode electrode separated by an insulating member comprising a tube having a first end and a second end, wherein said anode is inserted into said first end of said tube and said cathode surrounds said tube such that the tube provides a support for the cathode electrode. The bioelectric battery may also have a membrane surrounding the cathode to reduce tissue encapsulation. Alternatively, an anode electrode, a cathode electrode surrounding the cathode electrode, a permeable membrane surrounding the cathode electrode. An electrolyte is disposed within the permeable membrane and a mesh surrounds the permeable membrane. In an alternative embodiment, a pacemaker housing acts as a cathode electrode for a bioelectric battery and an anode electrode is attached to the housing with an insulative adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Naixiong Jiang, Gene A. Bornzin, John W. Poore, Sheldon Williams, Weiqun Yang, Taraneh Ghaffari Farazi
  • Publication number: 20140200592
    Abstract: Insertion tools, lead assemblies, kits, and methods for placement of cardiac device electrodes. In some embodiments, an insertion tool having a proximal end and a distal, dissecting end includes a structure configured to receive or engage a structure on a lead assembly. Some embodiments include a lead assembly having an end including a structure configured for engaging the distal end of an associated insertion tool. Some embodiments include kits or systems including both an insertion tool and a lead assembly, each having a structure for engaging the other. In these embodiments, the engaging structures may take several forms including threads, small posts, circular or semi-circular receiving members, and/or a slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Cameron Health, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen A.P. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8781605
    Abstract: An assembly for introducing a leadless intra-cardiac medical device includes a sheath having an internal passage, wherein the sheath is configured to be maneuvered into the heart of the patient. A housing may be retained within the internal passage, wherein the housing is configured to be pushed out of the sheath, the housing having a first anchoring member configured to anchor the housing to a first implant location within the heart. The assembly may also include an electrode trailing the housing within the internal passage, wherein the electrode is also configured to be pushed out of the sheath. The electrode has a second anchoring member configured to anchor the electrode to a second implant location within the heart. A conductive wire connects the housing to the electrode, wherein movement of the housing out of the sheath causes the electrode to follow the movement to a distal end of the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene A. Bornzin, John W. Poore, Zoltan Somogyi
  • Publication number: 20140194964
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed filtered feedthrough assembly for an AIMD includes an insulator hermetically sealed to a conductive ferrule or housing. A conductor is hermetically sealed and disposed through the insulator in non-conductive relation to the conductive ferrule or housing between a body fluid side and a device side. A feedthrough capacitor is disposed on the device side. A first low impedance electrical connection is between a first end metallization of the capacitor and the conductor. A second low impedance electrical connection is between a second end metallization of the capacitor and the ferrule or housing. The second low impedance electrical connection includes an oxide-resistant metal addition attached directly to the ferrule or housing and an electrical connection coupling the second end metallization electrically and physically directly to the oxide-resistant metal addition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: GREATBATCH LTD.
    Inventors: Jason Woods, Richard L. Brendel, Robert A. Stevenson, Christopher M. Williams, Robert Naugler, Christine A. Frysz
  • Publication number: 20140180306
    Abstract: Various fixation techniques for implantable medical device (IMDs) are described. In one example, an assembly comprises an IMD; and a set of active fixation tines attached to the IMD. The active fixation tines in the set are deployable from a spring-loaded position in which distal ends of the active fixation tines point away from the IMD to a hooked position in which the active fixation tines bend back towards the IMD. The active fixation tines are configured to secure the IMD to a patient tissue when deployed while the distal ends of the active fixation tines are positioned adjacent to the patient tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Vladimir Grubac, Matthew D. Bonner, Raymond W. Usher, Thomas A. Anderson, Arshad A. Alfoqaha
  • Patent number: 8761901
    Abstract: A contact spring for the electrical contact of an electrode housing, which is located at the distal end of an electrode line, and a shaft located inside the electrode housing, the contact spring having an external diameter having a center point, which is connectable to the housing in an electrically conductive manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Biotronik SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gernot Kolberg, Carsten Schilk
  • Patent number: 8761900
    Abstract: An MRI compatible electrode circuit construct is provided. The construct includes at least two filter components constructed from an electrode wire. One filter component may be a resonant LC filter at or near an electrode/wire interface that resolves the issue of insufficient attenuation by effectively blocking the RF induced current on the wire from exiting the wire through the electrode. The second filter component may include one or more non-resonant filter(s) positioned along the length of the electrode wire that resolve(s) the issue of excessive heating of the resonant LC filter by significantly attenuating the current induced on the wire before it reaches the resonant LC filter. The non-resonant filter(s) may also attenuate the RF current reflected from the resonant LC filter thereby resolving the issue of the strong reflected power from the resonant filter and the associated dielectric heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Imricor Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Lloyd, Steven R. Wedan, Gregg S. Stenzel
  • Patent number: 8761883
    Abstract: An implantable medical device is connectable to an epicardial left ventricular lead having at least one epicardial electrode and a myocardium penetrating catheter with at least one endocardial electrode and present in a lumen of the lead. The device comprises a pulse generator controller that controls a ventricular pulse generator to generate pulses to be applied to the epicardial and endocardial electrodes. The controller uses an endocardial-to-epicardial time interval or epicardial-to-endocardial time interval to coordinate endocardial and epicardial activation of the left ventricle to thereby achieve cardiac pacing that closely mimics the natural electrical activation pattern of a healthy heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical AB
    Inventors: Tomas Svensson, Andreas Blomqvist, Andreas Karlsson, Michael Broome
  • Patent number: 8755882
    Abstract: Embodiments of close loop optimization of atrio-ventricular (A-V) delay interval and/or inter-ventricular (V-V) timing are disclosed. An implantable medical device includes a housing that supports a processing means adapted for implantation in a patient. There can be two or more electrodes electrically coupled to the processing means where the two or more electrodes can be used for sensing a patient's cardiac signals, which include a far-field EGM. The processing means can determine a width of a P-wave from the sensed far-field EGM. Also included can be a means for delivering an adapted cardiac pacing therapy based upon the width of the P-wave, including revised A-V delay and/or V-V temporal intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Li Wang
  • Patent number: 8750976
    Abstract: An implantable medical device acquires a first cardiac signal in a first heart chamber and a second cardiac signal in a second heart chamber. The device determines if the first signal is unreliable. In response to determining the first signal to be unreliable, the device switches from a first cardiac arrhythmia detection mode of operation to a second cardiac arrhythmia detection mode of operation, the first detection mode requiring the use of both the first cardiac signal and the second cardiac signal and the second detection mode requiring the use of the second cardiac signal and not requiring the use of the first cardiac signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Stadler, Mark L. Brown
  • Patent number: 8751018
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an implantable lead includes providing a core including at least one longitudinal lumen; providing a jacket comprising a reflowable material; positioning the core at least partially within the jacket; and, after positioning, applying heat to cause the material of the jacket to reflow and bond to the core. An implantable lead includes a core including at least one longitudinal lumen; and a jacket comprising a reflowable material. The core may be at least partially disposed within the jacket with the material of the jacket reflow-bonded to the core. The implantable lead may further include at least one lead component associated with at least one of the core and the jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Pacesetter Inc.
    Inventors: Dorab N. Sethna, Keith Victorine, Scott Salys
  • Publication number: 20140155974
    Abstract: Various embodiments concern a lead having a proximal section and a curbed section. The lead can comprise an outer tubular portion having a bias such that the lead assumes a curved shape along the curved section. The lead can further include an inner tubular portion extending within the outer tubular portion, the inner tubular portion comprising an inner coil conductor and an inner polymer jacket over the inner coil conductor along the curved section, the inner tubular member stiffer along the proximal section than the curved section, the outer tubular portion stiffer along the curved section relative to the inner tubular portion along the curved section such that the inner tubular portion can rotate relative to the outer tubular portion while the curved shape is substantially maintained. Relative rotation can extend and rotate and active fixation element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. Petersen, Todd Rowe, Rui He
  • Patent number: 8744600
    Abstract: A medical device lead includes an electrode, a helically coiled conductor electrically coupled to the electrode, and a polymer sheath formed over the helically coiled conductor. The helically coiled conductor includes a plurality of turns helically wound around a longitudinal axis of the conductor, and consists of one filar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Perrey, Bryan A. Clark, Arthur J. Foster
  • Publication number: 20140148675
    Abstract: A detachable electrode and anchor utilized with electrode leads and leadless medical implants that enable explantation of the electrode while leaving the anchor in place. The detachable electrode and anchor utilizes a detachable mechanism that detachably couples the electrode to the anchor. Embodiments do not require removal of existing scar tissue before explantation, which minimize chances of internal bleeding at the extraction site. Embodiments also minimize impact on the vein in which the electrode lead travels by eliminating use of a necessarily larger diameter sheath that is utilized around the electrode lead to remove the electrode lead and attached anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Biotronik SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Karl Nordstrom, Michael J. Ayton, Matthias Wenzel
  • Patent number: 8738119
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises plurality of sensors and a processor. Each sensor provides a sensor signal that includes physiological information and at least one sensor is implantable. The processor includes a physiological change event detection module that detects a physiological change event from a sensor signal and produces an indication of occurrence of one or more detected physiological change events, and a heart failure (HF) detection module. The HF detection module determines, using a first rule, whether the detected physiological change event is indicative of a change in HF status of a subject, determines whether to override the first rule HF determination using a second rules, and declares whether the change in HF status occurred according to the first and second rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Yi Zhang, Jeffrey E. Stahmann, Krzysztof Z. Siejko, Ramesh Wariar, Julie A. Thompson, John D. Hatlestad, Kenneth C. Beck
  • Patent number: 8738560
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system capable of resolving interactions between programmable parameters for operation of a medical device. Programming these devices is a difficult task when many parameters are involved. The disclosed systems and methods attempt to reduce and minimize constraint violations between interdependent parameters using an initial set of parameter values supplied by user (typically a physician) input or calculated automatically, and constraint violations describing invalid parameter values. If possible, a set of parameter values with less egregious constraint violations is generated and may be displayed to the user. A user is prompted to accept the set of parameter values and program the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff West, Jay A. Tzucker, Mahesh Maddali, James Kalgren
  • Patent number: 8738152
    Abstract: A lead assembly includes a ring component having mechanical coupling features, and at least one polymer component mechanically coupled with the mechanical coupling features of the ring component. Elongate tubing is disposed over the polymer component and is secured with the polymer component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Zarembo, Elliott Rodriguez Roman
  • Publication number: 20140142674
    Abstract: An absorbable pacing lead assembly may comprise a core, a conductive coating surrounding the core, and an insulator surrounding the conductive coating along a middle portion of the assembly. In some aspects, a distal end of the assembly may comprise a barb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventor: Norman H. SCHULMAN
  • Patent number: 8731662
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods for the detection and treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) and related conditions. One embodiment provides a method comprising measuring electrical activity of the heart using electrodes arranged on the heart surface to define an area for detecting aberrant electrical activity (AEA) and then using the measured electrical activity (MEA) to detect foci of AEA causing AF. A pacing signal may then be sent to the foci to prevent AF onset. Atrial wall motion characteristics (WMC) may be sensed using an accelerometer placed on the heart and used with MEA to detect AF. The WMC may be used to monitor effectiveness of the pacing signal in preventing AF and/or returning the heart to normal sinus rhythm (NSR). Also, upon AF detection, a cardioversion signal may be sent to the atria using the electrodes to depolorize an atrial area causing AF and return the heart to NSR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Incube Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Mir Imran
  • Patent number: 8728562
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a medical electrical lead includes molding a lead body pre-form, stringing an electrode onto the pre-form and overmolding the pre-form with a polymer to form a lead body portion. The pre-form has a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. At least one asymmetric region of the pre-form has a transverse cross-section that has a non-circular outer dimension. The overmolding causes the asymmetric region to become substantially circular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly A. Morris, Andrew De Kock, David A. Durand, Joshua Haarer, Ronald W. Kunkel, Peter J. Wolf, Joel T. Eggert, Joseph A. Cihlar
  • Patent number: 8731685
    Abstract: Systems and methods for shielding implantable leads from magnetic fields during medical procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are described. In various embodiments, the lead includes an inner conductor that is helically shaped and radially surrounded, at least in part, by one or more outer shielding conductors. The pitch of the inner conductor, and in some cases also the outer conductor, can be varied (e.g., continuously or at certain points) along the length of the lead, forming a plurality of high impedance points along the length of the lead which result in the dissipation of electromagnetic energy at an interrogation frequency of a magnetic resonance imaging device (e.g., 64 MHz, 128 MHz, or the like). In some embodiments, the variance in the pitch of the inner conductor follows a sinusoidal function, a modified square-wave function, or some other repeating pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: Masoud Ameri
  • Patent number: 8718793
    Abstract: Insertion tools, lead assemblies, kits, and methods for placement of cardiac device electrodes. In some embodiments, an insertion tool having a proximal end and a distal, dissecting end includes a structure configured to receive or engage a structure on a lead assembly. Some embodiments include a lead assembly having an end including a structure configured for engaging the distal end of an associated insertion tool. Some embodiments include kits or systems including both an insertion tool and a lead assembly, each having a structure for engaging the other. In these embodiments, the engaging structures may take several forms including threads, small posts, circular or semi-circular receiving members, and/or a slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron Health, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen A. P. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8718762
    Abstract: A cardiac medical device and associated method control delivery of dual chamber burst pacing pulses in response to detecting tachycardia. In one embodiment, a single chamber pacing pulse is delivered in response to detecting a tachycardia. Dual chamber pacing pulses are delivered subsequent to the single chamber pacing pulse. An intrinsic depolarization is sensed subsequent to delivering the dual chamber pacing pulses. The tachycardia episode is classified in response to the sensed intrinsic depolarization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Brown, Troy Edward Jackson, Jeffrey M. Gillberg
  • Publication number: 20140121742
    Abstract: A coiled continuous conductor wire of an implantable medical electrical lead includes a first, electrode length and a second, insulated length, wherein the insulated length of the wire has a radial cross-section defined by a round profile, while the electrode length of the wire has a radial cross-section defined by a flattened profile, a long axis edge of which defines an outer diameter surface of the electrode length. The radial cross-section profile, along the electrode length of wire, is preferably flattened after an entire length of the wire has been coiled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Boser, Peter B. McIntyre, Kevin R. Seifert
  • Patent number: 8712542
    Abstract: An implantable lead includes an inner core substrate. A plurality of conductors that include at least one layer of at least one conductive material are deposited on the inner core substrate. A patterned insulator layer is disposed over the conductors such that at least two regions of each conductor remain exposed through the insulator. A patterned terminal layer defines a plurality of separated terminals that are deposited at a proximal end of the lead. At least one terminal is electrically coupled to each conductor via at least one of the exposed regions of the at least one conductor. A patterned electrode layer defines a plurality of separated electrodes that are deposited at a distal end of the lead. At least one electrode is electrically coupled to each conductor via at least one of the exposed regions of the at least one conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: David Michael McMorrow, Anne M. Pianca
  • Patent number: 8712528
    Abstract: A lead includes a plurality of electrodes disposed on the distal end of the lead, a plurality of contact terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead, a plurality of conductor wires extending along the lead to couple the electrodes electrically to the contact terminals, a central lumen defined by the lead and extending from the proximal end of the lead towards the distal end of the lead, and a tubular stiffener disposed in the proximal end of the central lumen. The tubular stiffener is configured and arranged to facilitate insertion of the proximal end of the lead into a connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: John Michael Barker
  • Patent number: 8712554
    Abstract: A cochlear lead includes a plurality electrodes forming an electrode array configured to stimulate an auditory nerve from within a cochlea; a lead body connected to the electrode array; a plurality of wires passing through the lead body and connecting to the plurality of electrodes; an integrated wire carrier extending between an exit of the wires from the lead body and a first electrode in the electrode array, the integrated wire carrier comprising a cavity along its longitudinal axis configured to contain the plurality of wires and shape the plurality of wires into a wire bundle in which the plurality of wires passing through the integrated wire carrier are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the integrated wire carrier; and a flexible body encapsulating the integrated wire carrier and the wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics
    Inventors: Timothy Beerling, Chuladatta Thenuwara
  • Patent number: 8712550
    Abstract: A catheter with ablation and potential sensing capabilities is adapted for outer circumferential contact with an opening of a tubular region and inner circumferential contact within the tubular region. The catheter has a proximal electrode assembly and a distal electrode assembly for ablation of an ostium and potential sensing inside the pulmonary vein so that it is possible to obtain ECG signals inside a pulmonary vein when ablating around the ostium. The distal electrode assembly has an elongated member defining a longitudinal axis and a plurality of spines surrounding the member and converging at their proximal and distal ends, where each spine has at least one electrode and a curvature so that the spine bows radially outwardly from the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.
    Inventor: Debby Esther Grunewald
  • Patent number: 8712548
    Abstract: A coronary sinus lead is disclosed that includes a lead body having opposed proximal and distal end portions, and an open-ended cavity formed in the distal end portion of the lead body for temporarily receiving an angioplasty balloon. The lead is configured for connection with a pacing device. A method of implanting the lead is also disclosed, which includes passing a coronary angioplasty balloon catheter over a length of guide wire extending through the coronary sinus, coronary veins, and collaterals so that the balloon is externalized. The method further includes inserting the balloon into an open cavity of the lead, inflating the balloon within the open cavity to temporarily engage a distal end portion of the lead to the catheter, and pulling the distal end portion of the lead though the coronary sinus and into a coronary vein by at least partially withdrawing the catheter from the coronary sinus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Oscor Inc.
    Inventors: James McCready, Thomas P. Osypka
  • Publication number: 20140107753
    Abstract: An active fixation lead may have a lead body formed at least in part from an inner member and an outer sheath. The inner member may include a pace/sense lumen and one or more cable lumens. The inner member may include one or more longitudinally extending crumple zones that are configured to reduce stress within the pace/sense lumen that could otherwise be caused by compressive forces applied to the lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Wulfman, Douglas D. Pagoria, Joseph C. Walker
  • Patent number: 8700147
    Abstract: A resuscitation system for use by a rescuer for resuscitating a patient having a ventricular arrhythmia, comprising circuitry and processing configured for detection of chest compression/phase timing information indicative of the start of the decompression phase, circuitry and processing configured for delivery of electromagnetic therapy for the termination of ventricular arrhythmias, wherein the circuitry and processing for the delivery of electromagnetic therapy utilizes the chest compression phase timing information to initiate delivery of the electromagnetic therapy within 300 milliseconds of the start of the decompression phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: ZOLL Medical Corporation
    Inventor: Gary A. Freeman
  • Patent number: 8700178
    Abstract: A lead for a stimulation device can include an array of electrodes with each electrode having a front surface and a back surface; a plurality of conductors; a carrier formed around the array of electrodes; and a biocompatible material that may be disposed over and/or joined with the carrier and the back surfaces of the electrodes. A conductor is attached to the back surface of each electrode. The carrier can be formed around the array of electrodes, but does not completely cover the front surface or back surface of the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Meredith L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8700181
    Abstract: A leadless intra-cardiac medical device (LIMD) configured to be implanted entirely within a heart of a patient includes a housing configured to be securely attached to an interior wall portion of a chamber of the heart, and a stabilizing intra-cardiac (IC) device extension connected to the housing. The stabilizing IC device extension may include a stabilizer arm, and/or an appendage arm, or an elongated body or a loop member configured to be passively secured within the heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene A. Bornzin, Xiaoyi Min, John W. Poore, Zoltan Somogyi, Didier Theret
  • Patent number: 8694127
    Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead includes a lead body insertable into a patient. Electrodes are disposed along the lead body. The electrodes include at least two sets of segmented electrodes. Each set of segmented electrodes includes a first segmented electrode and a second segmented electrode radially spaced apart from one another around a circumference of the lead body. A tab is disposed on the first segmented electrode of each set of segmented electrodes. The tabs extend into the lead body. A guide feature is disposed on the tabs. The guide features are each radially aligned with one another along the length of the lead body. Conductors extend along the length of the lead body from a proximal end to the electrodes. Each of the conductors is electrically coupled to at least one of the electrodes. At least one of the conductors extends through the radially-aligned guide features of the tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Anne Margaret Pianca, Priya Sundaramurthy
  • Publication number: 20140094889
    Abstract: An implantable therapy lead employs electrical conductors configured to enhance the abrasion resistance of the lead. Specifically, conductors are configured to create a surface contact area with walls of a wall lumen of a tubular body that is greater than would otherwise be possible with traditional conductors that have a circular transverse cross-section. As a result, the abrasion pressure of the conductors against the lumen walls is decreased for the conductors disclosed herein as compared to that of traditional conductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Tyler Strang, Daniel Hale, Michael Childers, Xiaoyi Min, Wenbo Hou, Phong D. Doan
  • Publication number: 20140094890
    Abstract: An implantable therapy lead employs electrical conductors configured to enhance the abrasion resistance of the lead. Specifically, conductors are configured to create a surface contact area with walls of a wall lumen of a tubular body that is greater than would otherwise be possible with traditional conductors that have a circular transverse cross-section. As a result, the abrasion pressure of the conductors against the lumen walls is decreased for the conductors disclosed herein as compared to that of traditional conductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Tyler Strang, Daniel Hale, Michael Childers, Xiaoyi Min, Wenbo Hou, Phong D. Doan
  • Publication number: 20140094891
    Abstract: Method and systems for determining the location or identify of implantable devices are disclosed. An implantable device generates an electrical output and then modifies the output at a pre-configured interval for a pre-configured period. A sensor detects the modified output and locates or identifies the implantable device based on the modified output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: EBR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Pare, David Moore, N. Parker Willis