Mouth Patents (Class 607/134)
  • Patent number: 11717164
    Abstract: A device for measuring elasticity of a tissue of an object is disclosed. It comprises a base portion comprising contact means for contacting the tissue. It also comprises a palpation probe for pushing down on the tissue comprising a palpation pen for pushing down the tissue and a force measuring means for determining a palpation force applied to the palpation probe and/or a displacement measuring means for determining a displacement of the palpation pen being representative for a displacement of the tissue. The device also comprises a swiveling handle mounted pivotally to the base portion for positioning the device and for distributing a positioning force along the at least two contact points in a predetermined manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: UNIVERSITEIT ANTWERPEN
    Inventors: Stijn Verwulgen, Steven Truijen, Jochen Vleugels
  • Patent number: 11426305
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that monitors and detects obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The system includes an oropharynx protection appliance (12), which includes a passive tongue retention structure (13) having an end portion adapted to prevent a pharyngeal portion of a tongue of a subject from collapsing and at least one anchoring structure (15) that is connected to the passive tongue retention structure and adapted to secure the passive tongue retention structure within the subject's mouth in a removable fashion. The system also includes a sensing system (14) attached to a portion of the oropharynx apparatus. The sensing system includes a sensor (16) to measure a position of the pharyngeal portion of the tongue to detect an obstruction of the oropharynx; and a wireless transceiver (17) to transmit data related to the obstruction of the oropharynx to a remote diagnostic device (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Dominique M. Durand
  • Patent number: 11406558
    Abstract: A brain injury reduction system provides a protective measure that temporarily or decreases venous drainage out of the intracranial compartment during or immediately before and during a sudden change in acceleration of an individual's head. Specifically, a wearable helmet or other wearable structure of the brain injury reduction system detects an impending collision and determines whether a protective measure is needed. If so, one or more actuation devices provides the protective measure to reduce venous drainage through one or both of the internal jugular veins or paravertebral venous plexus. A first actuation device stimulates a gag reflex or valsalva-like maneuver to reduce venous drainage through the paravertebral venous plexus. A second actuation device can physically compress the internal jugular veins. Thus, the brain injury reduction system minimizes the detrimental impact that may occur due to the sudden change in acceleration of the individual's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: PreActive Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent E. Bryan, Randal P. Ching, Daniel Reed Baker
  • Patent number: 11351377
    Abstract: An intra-oral appliance to power and/or communicate with a neurostimulator is provided. The intra-oral appliance can include a teeth covering configured to fit over mandibular incisor, canine and/or premolar teeth of a human being and a remote controller in the form of a housing extending posteriorly from and operably connected to the teeth covering. The housing can include a power source, a coupling coil configured to transmit power to the neurostimulator and configured to receive power from an external charger, and electrical circuitry operably connected to the coupling coil and the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignees: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, XII Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis A. Papay, Kelly B. Emerton, Charles P. Steiner, Anthony V. Caparso
  • Patent number: 11185696
    Abstract: A method to provide non-invasive neurostimulation to enhance a subject's attention span, concentration, multitasking ability, or alertness includes (a) engaging a subject in a brain exercise requiring use of the subject's attention span, concentration, multitasking ability, or alertness; (b) providing intraoral cutaneous stimulation of at least one of the subject's trigeminal nerve, facial nerve or lingual nerve by delivering electrical pulses to one or more stimulators situated within the subject's oral cavity, the delivery of electrical pulses occurring contemporaneously with the subject's engagement in the brain exercise; and (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) on a periodic basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Inventors: Yuri P. Danilov, Mitchell E. Tyler, Kurt A. Kaczmarek
  • Patent number: 11141593
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for modulating a nerve of a patient by applying electrical stimulation to the nerve of the patient. The device includes a stimulation module that applies a signal to the nerve of the patient, and a controller that controls a signal to be applied to the stimulation module, wherein the signal to be applied to the stimulation module includes pulse bursts and a direct current (DC) waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Y-BRAIN INC.
    Inventors: Ki Won Lee, Hyeri Sim, Yuhee Kim
  • Patent number: 11110289
    Abstract: An implantable magnetic neurostimulation probe includes at least one electrical conductor disposed on a substrate and arranged in at least one planar loop. At least one planar magnetic core comprising a magnetic material is disposed on the substrate and within the planar loop. A biocompatible coating is disposed over the substrate, electrically conductive trace, and magnetic core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Krishnan Thyagarajan, George Daniel, Bernard D. Casse
  • Patent number: 10702695
    Abstract: The system includes various embodiments of components, including (1) a sensor array, (2) a processor, (3) a transmitter, (4) a receiver-stimulator, and (5) an implantable electrode array. The gustatory implant system generates tastant fingerprints by detecting tastants with an array of chemical sensors and then transmitting variable spatiotemporal stimulation patterns for an electrode array with electrode stimulating points positioned at different locations in the gustatory cortex (e.g., stimulating the chorda tympanic nerve). Different patterns of activity in the gustatory cortex are thereby generated which mimic the sense of taste in a subject. Once trained the system should be usable by a subject to detect or correctly identify or perceive one or more tastes. The system may also include an external electronic device for processing and displaying information to monitor ingestion of various substances in a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth University
    Inventors: Richard M. Costanzo, Woon-Hong Yeo
  • Patent number: 10426968
    Abstract: A neural modulation system includes neural encoder in a patient-external device. The neural encoder converts input signals into a neural stimulation pattern and wirelessly transmits the neural stimulation pattern to a patient-internal device. The patient internal device includes a flexible substrate and a two dimensional array of neural probes disposed on the flexible substrate. Each neural probe includes an array of magnetic neural stimulators and/or an array of neural sensors along with probe addressing circuitry that allow for addressing the magnetic neural stimualtors and/or neural sensors. Control circuitry in the implantable device controls activation of the magnetic neural stimulators and/or neural sensors according to the neural stimulation pattern via the probe addressing circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Bernard D. Casse, George Daniel, Jonathan Rivnay, Christopher Paulson, Robert Street
  • Patent number: 9981127
    Abstract: A system for providing non-invasive neuromodulation to a patient includes a mouthpiece and a controller. The mouthpiece includes an elongated housing, a printed circuit board, control circuitry mounted within the elongated housing, and a cable for connecting to a controller. The controller includes an elongated u-shaped element, an electronic receptacle, and a microcontroller. A method for providing non-invasive neurorehabilitation of a patient including connecting a mouthpiece to a controller, transmitting a numeric sequence to the mouthpiece, generating a first hash code, transmitting the first hash code to the controller, generating a second hash code, comparing the second hash code with the first hash code, enabling electrical communication between the mouthpiece and the controller only if the first hash code matches the second hash code, contacting the mouthpiece with the patient's intraoral cavity, and delivering neurostimulation to the patient's intraoral cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Neurohabilitation Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Guarraia, Adam Muratori, Justin Fisk, Aidan Petrie, Jeffrey M. Wallace, Jeffrey C. Morang
  • Patent number: 9682236
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, devices and systems used for the treatment of mood, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and cognitive and behavioral disorders (collectively, neuropsychiatric disorders) via stimulation of the superficial elements of the trigeminal nerve (“TNS”). More specifically, cutaneous methods of stimulation of the superficial branches of the trigeminal nerve located extracranially in the face, namely the supraorbital, supratrochlear, infraorbital, auriculotemporal, zygomaticotemporal, zygomaticoorbital, zygomaticofacial, infraorbital, nasal and mentalis nerves (also referred to collectively as the superficial trigeminal nerve) are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Christopher DeGiorgio, Ian A. Cook, Alejandro Covalin, Patrick R. Miller, Lara Schrader
  • Patent number: 9649493
    Abstract: An implant unit configured for implantation into a body of a subject may include an antenna configured to receive a signal. The implant unit may also include at least one pair of modulation electrodes configured to be implanted into the body of the subject in the vicinity of at least one nerve to be modulated, the at least one pair of modulation electrodes being configured to receive an applied electric signal in response to the signal received by the antenna and generate an electrical field to modulate the at least one nerve from a position where the at least one pair of modulation electrodes does not contact the at least one nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Inventor: Adi Mashiach
  • Patent number: 9597504
    Abstract: In a patient suffering from neural impairment, stimulation is provided to sensory surfaces of the face and/or neck, or more generally to areas of the body that stimulate the trigeminal nerve, while performing an activity intended to stimulate a brain function to be rehabilitated. The simulation may then be continued after the performance of the activity has ceased. It has been found that the patient's performance of the activity is then improved after stimulation has ceased. Moreover, it tends to improve to a greater extent, and/or for a longer time, when the post-activity stimulation is applied, as compared to when postactivity stimulation is not applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Neurohabilitation Corporation
    Inventors: Yuri P. Danilov, Mitchell E. Tyler, Kurt A. Kaczmarek
  • Patent number: 9536414
    Abstract: A device for delivering stimuli to a user of a vehicle includes a data generating device that generates signals regarding information regarding a vehicle or surroundings about the vehicle. A human interface device is provided for positioning in contact with a user of the vehicle. The human interface device receives the signals from the data generating device. A control is operable to select the signals from the data generating device for operating the human interface device to deliver stimuli to the user of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Perry R. MacNeille
  • Patent number: 9358380
    Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering an active agent into an intraoral structure are disclosed. One embodiment of a method for implementing the subject matter described herein includes generating an electrical signal that includes a first frequency, a second frequency, and a third frequency, and supplying the electrical signal to an embedded circuit contained in an intraoral delivery tray, wherein the embedded circuit includes at least one electrode that includes projections positioned proximally to a surface of an intraoral structure. The method further includes providing the first frequency and the second frequency to the at least one electrode to generate an electrical field that electrically motivates the active agent suspended in a fluid medium contained in the intraoral delivery tray toward the intraoral structure via dielectrophoresis and providing the third frequency to the at least one electrode to increase the uptake of the active agent into intraoral structure via alternating current electroosmosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: University of Tennessee Research Foundation
    Inventors: Chris S. Ivanoff, Timothy L. Hottel, Franklin Garcia-Godoy
  • Patent number: 9168370
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the concurrent treatment of multiple oral diseases and defects while promoting general oral hygiene utilizing direct current electricity. Electrodes are used to deliver a direct current to the gingival tissues of a mouth in order to achieve a number of therapeutic, prophylactic, and regenerative benefits. These benefits include killing oral microbes, increasing oral vasodilation, reducing oral biofilm, improving oral blood circulation, reversing oral bone resorption, promoting oral osteogenesis, treating gum recession, and fostering gingival regeneration. Other benefits include the treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral malodor, and other systemic diseases correlated with oral pathogens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Biolectrics LLC
    Inventors: Issam Nemeh, William J. Leimkuehler, Jr., James G. Azlein, David Mandel, Leon Marucchi, Michael Keller, David Pierson
  • Patent number: 9037266
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for using the system. In particular, the present invention relates to an application, executable by a processing device to assess the organization of a non-nutritive suck (NNS) pattern of a patient and to entrain an organized NNS pattern in the patient. The software system receives data from an orofacial stimulation appliance to assess the patient's natural NNS pattern and generates a precise therapeutic pulse profile that is actuated as a tactile stimulus via the orofacial stimulation appliance to entrain an organized NNS pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Innara Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Barlow, David L. Stalling, Kenneth Aron
  • Patent number: 9020612
    Abstract: In a patient suffering from neural impairment, stimulation is provided to sensory surfaces of the face and/or neck, or more generally to areas of the body that stimulate the trigeminal nerve, while performing an activity intended to stimulate a brain function to be rehabilitated. The simulation may then be continued after the performance of the activity has ceased. It has been found that the patient's performance of the activity is then improved after stimulation has ceased. Moreover, it tends to improve to a greater extent, and/or for a longer time, when the post-activity stimulation is applied, as compared to when postactivity stimulation is not applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventors: Yuri P. Danilov, Mitchell E. Tyler, Kurt A. Kaczmarek
  • Publication number: 20150112416
    Abstract: A device for conveying power from a location external to a subject to a location within the subject may include a flexible carrier and an adhesive on a first side of the carrier. A coil of electrically conductive material may be associated with the flexible carrier. A mechanical connector may be associated with the carrier opposite the adhesive, wherein the mechanical connector is configured to retain a housing and permit the housing to rotate relative to the flexible carrier. At least one electrical portion may be associated with the carrier in a manner permitting electrical connection to be maintained between the flexible carrier and the housing as the housing is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Adi Mashiach, Tim Ruytjens
  • Patent number: 8929999
    Abstract: A device according to some embodiments may include an implantable flexible carrier and a pair of electrodes located on the carrier. The electrodes may be spaced from each other by a distance greater than 3 mm, and may be configured to cause, when supplied with an electrical signal, a unidirectional electric field sufficient to modulate at least one nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Adi Maschiach
  • Publication number: 20140379049
    Abstract: A neuromodulation device is provided. The neuromodulation device may include a carrier configured for implantation in a subject, the carrier including a first elongated arm and a second elongated arm, each extending from a central portion of the carrier. The device may further include a first pair of modulation electrodes arranged on the first elongated arm, a second pair of modulation electrodes arranged on the second elongated arm. The carrier may be sized and shaped for implantation in a vicinity of a hypoglossal nerve to be modulated such that the first pair of modulation electrodes is located to modulate a first hypoglossal nerve on a first side of the subject and the second pair of modulation electrodes is located to modulate a second hypoglossal nerve on a second side of the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Adi Mashiach, Itzik Mashiach
  • Patent number: 8918178
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that are primarily or at least partially driven by an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain, such as asthma, COPD, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and the like. The invention involves the use of an energy source comprising magnetic and/or electrical energy that is transmitted non-invasively to, or in close proximity to, a selected nerve to temporarily stimulate, block and/or modulate the signals in the selected nerve such that neural pathways are activated to release inhibitory neurotransmitters in the patient's brain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Electrocore, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Patent number: 8903515
    Abstract: A sleep apnea treatment device may include a flexible carrier configured to be implanted in a body of a subject. The device may also include at least one electrode disposed on the flexible carrier, the at least one electrode being configured to modulate nerve fibers of the subject. A flexible antenna may be disposed on the flexible carrier, the flexible antenna electrically connected to the at least one electrode in a manner permitting at least some energy received by the flexible antenna to be transferred to the at least one electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Nyxoah SA
    Inventor: Adi Mashiach
  • Patent number: 8903493
    Abstract: A device may include a primary antenna configured to be located external to a subject and at least one processor in electrical communication with the primary antenna. The at least one processor may be configured to cause transmission of a primary signal from the primary antenna to an implantable device, wherein the implantable device includes at least one pair of modulation electrodes. The at least one processor may be further configured to adjust one or more characteristics of the primary signal to generate a sub-modulation control signal adapted so as not to cause a neuromuscular modulation inducing current at the at least one pair of modulation electrodes when received by the implantable device and to generate a modulation control signal adapted so as to cause a neuromuscular modulation inducing current at the at least one pair of modulation electrodes when received by the implantable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventors: Adi Mashiach, Carsten Mueller
  • Patent number: 8849407
    Abstract: In a patient suffering from neural impairment, stimulation is provided to sensory surfaces of the face and/or neck, or more generally to areas of the body that stimulate the trigeminal nerve, while performing an activity intended to stimulate a brain function to be rehabilitated. The simulation may then be continued after the performance of the activity has ceased. It has been found that the patient's performance of the activity is then improved after stimulation has ceased. Moreover, it tends to improve to a greater extent, and/or for a longer time, when the post-activity stimulation is applied, as compared to when post-activity stimulation is not applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventors: Yuri P. Danilov, Mitchell E. Tyler, Kurt A. Kaczmarek
  • Publication number: 20140277323
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to treatment of a migraine headache or other nervous system malady such as seizures and epilepsy by applying electrical stimulation to a subject's oral mucosa. Noninvasive electrodes may be placed against the subject's oral mucosa tissue by inserting a mouthpiece comprising the electrodes into the subject's mouth. One or more electrical pulses may be applied to the electrodes to stimulate the subject's cranial nerves and thereby treat the malady.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ORALTONE LLC
    Inventor: TERRELL F. TINGEY
  • Patent number: 8838256
    Abstract: An implant unit may include a substrate and an implantable circuit arranged on the substrate. An encapsulation structure may be disposed over at least a portion of the substrate and at least a portion of the implantable circuit, the encapsulation structure including a parylene layer and a silicon layer disposed over the parylene layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Nyxoah SA
    Inventors: Adi Mashiach, Itzik Mashiach
  • Patent number: 8812135
    Abstract: A device according to some embodiments may include an implant unit which may include a flexible carrier, an antenna arranged on the flexible carrier, at least one pair of modulation electrodes on the flexible carrier, at least one implantable circuit electrically connected to the at least one pair of modulation electrodes and the antenna; and at least one pair of suture holes passing through the flexible carrier. The at least one pair of suture holes may be arranged on the flexible carrier such that the flexible carrier may be configured to conform to tissue in a subject's body, and such that each suture hole of the at least one pair of suture holes may be positioned to allow suturing to tissue adjacent to the suture holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Nyxoah SA
    Inventor: Adi Mashiach
  • Patent number: 8798773
    Abstract: A device according to some embodiments may include an implantable flexible carrier and a pair of electrodes located on the carrier. The electrodes may be spaced from each other by a distance greater than 3 mm, and may be configured to cause, when supplied with an electrical signal, a unidirectional electric field sufficient to modulate at least one nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Man & Science, SA
    Inventor: Adi Mashiach
  • Patent number: 8774943
    Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus, a system and a method for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The treatment involves monitoring the position of the tongue and/or the force exerted by the tongue and electrical stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve to move the tongue into an anterior position or to maintain the tongue in an anterior position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Huntington Medical Research Institutes
    Inventor: Douglas B. McCreery
  • Publication number: 20140172061
    Abstract: A device may include an implantable circuit and at least one pair of implantable electrodes, in electrical communication with the implantable circuit. The circuit and the electrodes may configured for implantation in a subject in the vicinity of a nerve. The circuit may be configured to deliver to the electrodes an electrical signal having a current less than about 1.6 milliamps, and the electrodes may be configured to emit an electric field such that a portion of the field lines extend along a length of the nerve such that the delivery of the electrical signal of less than about 1.6 milliamps causes modulation of the nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Adi Mashiach
  • Patent number: 8755896
    Abstract: Nerves that carry taste sensations to the brain are stimulated in order to diminish (or, depending on the application, augment) the pleasure ordinarily associated with consumption behavior to be modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Mark Humayun, Sean Caffey, Jeff Brennan
  • Patent number: 8700183
    Abstract: A device may include an implantable circuit and at least one pair of implantable electrodes, in electrical communication with the implantable circuit. The circuit and the electrodes may configured for implantation in a subject in the vicinity of a nerve. The circuit may be configured to deliver to the electrodes an electrical signal having a current less than about 1.6 milliamps, and the electrodes may be configured to emit an electric field such that a portion of the field lines extend along a length of the nerve such that the delivery of the electrical signal of less than about 1.6 milliamps causes modulation of the nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Nyxoah SA
    Inventor: Adi Mashiach
  • Patent number: 8660669
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the concurrent treatment of multiple oral diseases and defects while promoting general oral hygiene utilizing direct current electricity. Electrodes are used to deliver a direct current to the gingival tissues of a mouth in order to achieve a number of therapeutic, prophylactic, and regenerative benefits. These benefits include killing oral microbes, increasing oral vasodilation, improving oral blood circulation, reversing oral bone resorption, promoting oral osteogenesis, treating gum recession, and fostering gingival regeneration. Other benefits include the treatment of gingivitis, perdiodontitis, and oral malodor while also promoting general oral hygiene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Biolectrics LLC
    Inventors: Issam Nemeh, George Nicholas Szatkowski
  • Patent number: 8644957
    Abstract: A device according to some embodiments may include an implantable flexible carrier and a pair of electrodes located on the carrier. The electrodes may be spaced from each other by a distance greater than 3 mm, and may be configured to cause, when supplied with an electrical signal, a unidirectional electric field sufficient to modulate at least one nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nyxoah SA
    Inventor: Adi Mashiach
  • Publication number: 20140031913
    Abstract: A device according to some embodiments may include an implant unit which may include a flexible carrier, an antenna arranged on the flexible carrier, at least one pair of modulation electrodes on the flexible carrier, at least one implantable circuit electrically connected to the at least one pair of modulation electrodes and the antenna; and at least one pair of suture holes passing through the flexible carrier. The at least one pair of suture holes may be arranged on the flexible carrier such that the flexible carrier may be configured to conform to tissue in a subject's body, and such that each suture hole of the at least one pair of suture holes may be positioned to allow suturing to tissue adjacent to the suture holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Adi Mashiach
  • Publication number: 20140031914
    Abstract: A sleep apnea treatment device may include a flexible carrier configured to be implanted in a body of a subject. The device may also include at least one electrode disposed on the flexible carrier, the at least one electrode being configured to modulate nerve fibers of the subject. A flexible antenna may be disposed on the flexible carrier, the flexible antenna electrically connected to the at least one electrode in a manner permitting at least some energy received by the flexible antenna to be transferred to the at least one electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Adi Mashiach
  • Publication number: 20140031916
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a device. The device includes a flexible carrier and at least one implantable circuit arranged on the flexible carrier. The device further includes at least one meandering electrical trace disposed on the flexible carrier and arranged to establish an electrically conductive path between a first contact point and a second contact point associated with the at least one implantable circuit. The at least one meandering electrical trace is configured to maintain the electrically conductive path during flexing of the flexible carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Adi Mashiach
  • Publication number: 20140031915
    Abstract: An implant unit may include a substrate and an implantable circuit arranged on the substrate. An encapsulation structure may be disposed over at least a portion of the substrate and at least a portion of the implantable circuit, the encapsulation structure including a parylene layer and a silicon layer disposed over the parylene layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: Adi Mashiach, Itzik Mashiach
  • Patent number: 8626317
    Abstract: A bite block for use during intraoperative monitoring of nerves is provided. The bite block is formed of a resilient material to inhibit injury to one or more teeth or the tongue of the patient. The bite block includes at least one access port angled with the respect to a plane and sized to slidingly receive an electrode. The electrode may be advanced through the access port and into the tongue of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: ProNerve, LLC
    Inventor: James Higgins
  • Patent number: 8588941
    Abstract: A device may include at least one pair of modulation electrodes configured for implantation in the vicinity of a nerve to be modulated such that the electrodes are spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal direction of the nerve to be modulated. The electrodes may be further configured to facilitate an electric field in response to an applied electric signal, the electric field including field lines extending in the longitudinal direction of the nerve to be modulated. The device may further include at least one circuit in electrical communication with the at least one pair of modulation electrodes and being configured to cause application of the electric signal applied at the at least one pair of modulation electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Nyxoah SA
    Inventor: Adi Mashiach
  • Patent number: 8577478
    Abstract: A device may include a primary antenna configured to be located external to a subject and at least one processor in electrical communication with the primary antenna. The at least one processor may be configured to cause transmission of a primary signal from the primary antenna to an implantable device, wherein the implantable device includes at least one pair of modulation electrodes. The at least one processor may be further configured to adjust one or more characteristics of the primary signal to generate a sub-modulation control signal adapted so as not to cause a neuromuscular modulation inducing current at the at least one pair of modulation electrodes when received by the implantable device and to generate a modulation control signal adapted so as to cause a neuromuscular modulation inducing current at the at least one pair of modulation electrodes when received by the implantable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Nyxoah SA
    Inventors: Adi Mashiach, Carsten Mueller
  • Publication number: 20130253627
    Abstract: A system for controlling a position of a patient's tongue includes attaching at least one electrode to the patient's Hypoglossal nerve and applying an electric signal through the electrode to at least one targeted motor efferent located within the Hypoglossal nerve to stimulate at least one muscle of the tongue. The system may also include the use of more than one contact to target more than one motor efferent and stimulating more than one muscle. The stimulation load to maintain the position of the tongue may be shared by each muscle. The position of the patient's tongue may be controlled in order to prevent obstructive sleep apnea.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Paul M. MEADOWS, Marcelo G. LIMA, Stanley R. CRAIG, Faisal N. ZAIDI, Monir M. ELIAS
  • Publication number: 20130184803
    Abstract: A method is provided that includes advancing at least one electrode through mucosa of an oral cavity, along a path that does not enter a greater palatine canal, to within 10 mm of a sphenopalatine fossa. The at least one electrode is left implanted within 10 mm of the sphenopalatine fossa. Optionally, the at least one electrode is advanced into the sphenopalatine fossa via a lateral aspect of the fossa, and left implanted in the sphenopalatine fossa. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: BRAINSGATE LTD.
    Inventor: Hernan Altman
  • Patent number: 8442638
    Abstract: An approach to providing disordered breathing therapy includes delivering electrical stimulation therapy modifying a patient's baroreflex response. Disordered breathing therapy may be delivered in response to prediction or detection of disordered breathing events. Various conditions affecting the patient may be evaluated and the baroreflex therapy modified. The therapy may be modified to improve therapy efficacy, to reduce an impact to the patient and/or to mitigate therapy interactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Imad Libbus, Quan Ni, Kent Lee
  • Publication number: 20130085558
    Abstract: A device may include at least one pair of modulation electrodes configured for implantation in the vicinity of a nerve to be modulated such that the electrodes are spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal direction of the nerve to be modulated. The electrodes may be further configured to facilitate an electric field in response to an applied electric signal, the electric field including field lines extending in the longitudinal direction of the nerve to be modulated. The device may further include at least one circuit in electrical communication with the at least one pair of modulation electrodes and being configured to cause application of the electric signal applied at the at least one pair of modulation electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: Adi Mashiach
  • Publication number: 20130085560
    Abstract: An implant unit configured for implantation into a body of a subject may include an antenna configured to receive a signal. The implant unit may also include at least one pair of modulation electrodes configured to be implanted into the body of the subject in the vicinity of at least one nerve to be modulated, the at least one pair of modulation electrodes being configured to receive an applied electric signal in response to the signal received by the antenna and generate an electrical field to modulate the at least one nerve from a position where the at least one pair of modulation electrodes does not contact the at least one nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: Adi Mashiach
  • Publication number: 20130085559
    Abstract: An implant unit according to some embodiments may include a flexible carrier, at least one pair of modulation electrodes on the flexible carrier, and at least one implantable circuit in electrical communication with the at least one pair of modulation electrodes. The at least one pair of modulation electrodes and the at least one circuit may be configured for implantation through derma on an underside of a subject's chin and for location proximate to terminal fibers of the medial branch of the subject's hypoglossal nerve, such that an electric field extending from the at least one pair of modulation electrodes can modulate one or more of the terminal fibers of the medial branch of the hypoglossal nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: Adi Mashiach
  • Publication number: 20130085561
    Abstract: A device may include an implantable circuit and at least one pair of implantable electrodes, in electrical communication with the implantable circuit. The circuit and the electrodes may configured for implantation in a subject in the vicinity of a nerve. The circuit may be configured to deliver to the electrodes an electrical signal having a current less than about 1.6 milliamps, and the electrodes may be configured to emit an electric field such that a portion of the field lines extend along a length of the nerve such that the delivery of the electrical signal of less than about 1.6 milliamps causes modulation of the nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: Adi Mashiach
  • Patent number: 8398631
    Abstract: An ablation catheter system and method of use is provided to endoscopically access portions of the human esophagus experiencing undesired growth of columnar epithelium. The ablation catheter system and method includes controlled depth of ablation features and use of either radio frequency spectrum, non-ionizing ultraviolet radiation, warm fluid or microwave radiation, which may also be accompanied by improved sensitizer agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Robert A. Ganz, Brian D. Zelickson, Roger A. Stern