Feature Of Stimulator Housing Or Encapsulation Patents (Class 607/36)
  • Patent number: 8326434
    Abstract: A medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes an insulative carrier and at least one conductive component. The at least one conductive component includes an electrode portion disposed on a first side of the carrier and at least one tab extending away from the electrode portion, through the carrier to a second side of the carrier. The electrode portion of the at least one component includes an outward facing contact surface and an inward facing surface, the inward facing surface being disposed opposite the contact surface and against a surface of the first side of the carrier. The electrode assembly further includes a joint coupling a flexible elongate conductor to the tab of the at least one component on the second side of the carrier, and an insulative layer extending over the joint and the tab and the conductor, the insulative layer being bonded to the second side of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Patrick Skubitz, Mary Boatwright, Stephen L. Bolea, Jessica L. Tower, Michael E. Metzler
  • Patent number: 8326426
    Abstract: Example embodiments of an implantable device are configured to be implanted within a patient to provide medical therapy to the patient. In general, an implantable rechargeable device includes a rechargeable battery and an electronic board assembly arranged within a case and an antenna electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery. The antenna is configured to receive power and to transfer at least a portion of the received power to the rechargeable battery for recharging. A phase change material is arranged within the case around at least a portion of the electronic board assembly. The phase change material is configured to transition from a first phase to a second phase at a transition temperature when the insulating material absorbs heat (e.g., from the electronic board assembly).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: EnteroMedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold W. Thornton, Adrianus P. Donders, Jason W. Sprain, Koen J. Weijand
  • Patent number: 8326425
    Abstract: An implantable device includes a header, a pulse generator housing, one or more electrical connectors connected to the header, and a feedthrough assembly mounted to the pulse generator housing. The feedthrough assembly includes a nonconductive base having one or more holes therethrough, the feedthrough assembly further including one or more feedthrough pins, each feedthrough pin extending through one of the holes, each feedthrough pin including a pin body and an upper contact surface for connecting to one or more of the electrical connectors, the upper contact surface having a larger surface area than a cross-sectional area of the pin body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason W. Sprain, Anthony Joseph Angelo
  • Patent number: 8321028
    Abstract: An impact resistant implantable antenna coil assembly comprising a flat antenna coil having a plurality of laterally separated turns of wire encapsulated with a non-orthogonal force absorbing coil reinforcement in a flexible biocompatible polymer and axially anchored with the reinforcement to a feedthrough case. Thus configured, non-orthogonal impact forces applied to the antenna coil assembly are absorbed and lateral components thereof that would otherwise be reflected as tensile forces in the plane of the coil are prevented from forming or from fracturing wire within the antenna coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics
    Inventors: Chuladatta Thenuwara, William A. Morgan, Janusz A. Kuzma
  • Patent number: 8315700
    Abstract: Biodegradable polymer-coated surgical meshes formed into pouches are described for use with cardiac rhythm management devices (CRMs) and other implantable medical devices. Such meshes are formed into a receptacle, e.g., a pouch or other covering, capable of encasing, surrounding and/or holding the cardiac rhythm management device or other implantable medical device and preventing or retarding the formation of a biofilm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: TYRX, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Citron, William McJames
  • Patent number: 8315686
    Abstract: An electrode device and a method of installing the electrode device in the vicinity of the brain. The electrode device includes a plurality of electrode assemblies, each with at least one electrode lead, extending from a common base. The base is configured to be positioned on an outside of the patient's cranium with each electrode assembly projecting individually through a hole in the patient's cranium such that the electrode lead is in the vicinity of the brain. The method of installation includes carving a recess out of the patient's cranium and inserting the base therein. Each of the electrode assemblies are placed in their respective holes in order to stimulate, monitor or record neurological activity. The electrode device may be used over long periods of time for chronic treatment or recording.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: New York University
    Inventors: Rodolfo R. Llinas, Mutsuyuki Sugimori
  • Patent number: 8315693
    Abstract: Techniques for determining whether one or more leads are not adequately connected to a patient, e.g., for ECG monitoring, are described. The techniques involve injection of an integrated signal (which includes a test signal) into one lead, and monitoring the driven lead and the response at the other leads, including the common mode and the difference between the other leads. These “lead-off” detection techniques may be provided by an external defibrillator that provides three-wire ECG monitoring. Techniques for determining a type of a cable coupled to a defibrillator are also described. The cable-type identification may allow a defibrillator to, for example, operate in either a three-wire ECG monitoring mode or a therapy mode, based on whether a three-wire ECG cable or a defibrillation cable is coupled to the defibrillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Physio-Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhong Qun Lu, Richard C. Nova, Paul S. Tamura, Gary A. DeBardi, David W. Tecklenburg, Tyler R. Hart, James S. Neumiller, Richard J. Cardin
  • Patent number: 8311633
    Abstract: Anchoring methods, systems and devices anchor an intravascular implantable device within a vessel that is located superior to the heart, i.e. above the heart in a direction toward the head of a patient. A method of providing an intravascular device and instructions for implanting the intravascular device, includes providing an intravascular device having an elongate device body with a proximal end and a distal end that is adapted for chronic implantation within the vasculature of a patient and that includes a distal portion of the intravascular device proximate the distal end of the elongate device body, and providing instructions for chronically implanting the intravascular device substantially wholly within the vasculature of a patient in a target vessel superior to the heart of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Synecor LLC
    Inventors: Terrance Ransbury, Kevin Holbrook
  • Publication number: 20120283588
    Abstract: An adhesive magnetic system for modifying an implantable device is provided. The system may include at least one magnet, an enclosure configured to receive the magnet, and an adhesive layer positioned on the enclosure for adhering the enclosure to a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Jonathan Lowy, Leasa Lowy
  • Patent number: 8295936
    Abstract: The disclosure describes an implantable neurostimulator device for delivery of neurostimulation to treat head, neck, or facial pain or tension, including pain or tension caused by occipital neuralgia. The device may be a neurostimulation device having a miniaturized housing with a low profile that permits subcutaneous implantation at a stimulation site directly adjacent a neuralgic region at the back of the neck of a patient. For example, the device may be subcutaneously implanted at the back of the neck of a patient to relieve symptoms of occipital neuralgia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D. Wahlstrand, Robert M. Skime
  • Patent number: 8295929
    Abstract: A feedthrough assembly of an implantable medical device includes a glass insulator containing at least approximately 20 mol % of calcium oxide (CaO), preferably of a CABAL-12 type composition. The assembly is either manufactured so that the glass insulator includes a surface layer including calcium phosphate, preferably of relatively low solubility, or is assembled in the implantable device so that the glass insulator is exposed to phosphate-containing body fluid, when the device is implanted, for the formation of a surface layer including calcium phosphate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhi Fang, Xingfu Chen
  • Patent number: 8290592
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, is an implantable medical device header assembly with an optical interface. The header assembly can include a housing defining a cavity; an electrical contact disposed along the cavity; an electrical conductor configured to electrically couple the electrical contact with the implantable medical device; and an optical conductor. The header assembly can include a housing defining a first cavity for receiving a proximal end of an electrical lead; and a second cavity for receiving a proximal end of an optical lead. The header assembly can include a housing configured to be coupled to the implantable medical device, the housing defining a lead port for receiving a proximal end of a lead, the port configured to be in electrical and optical communication with the lead; a transducer disposed within the housing, and an electrical conductor disposed within the housing. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael John Kane, Greg Paul Carpenter, Amy Christine Kubas, Jennifer Lynn Pavlovic
  • Patent number: 8285379
    Abstract: An electrical interconnect structure for an implantable medical device includes a feedthrough that has a pin extending therefrom. The pin defines a first end and a middle portion. A bonding surface is formed at the first end of the pin, and the bonding surface has a surface area greater than a cross-sectional area of the pin at its middle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajesh V. Iyer, William J. Taylor, Joseph F. Lessar, Mark D. Breyen, Daniel J. Koch
  • Patent number: 8285380
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of bonding a hermetically sealed electronics package to an electrode or a flexible circuit and the resulting electronics package that is suitable for implantation in living tissue, such as for a retinal or cortical electrode array to enable restoration of sight to certain non-sighted individuals. The hermetically sealed electronics package is directly bonded to the flex circuit or electrode by electroplating a biocompatible material, such as platinum or gold, effectively forming a plated rivet-shaped connection, which bonds the flex circuit to the electronics package. The resulting electronic device is biocompatible and is suitable for long-term implantation in living tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Greenberg, Jerry Ok
  • Patent number: 8280506
    Abstract: The connector between the patient electrode pads and the base unit of an automatic external defibrillator (AED) system can be formed by capturing a printed circuit board (PCB) within a connector housing. The PCB can have conductive metal traces that serve as the contact points between the wires from the patient electrodes and the electronics within the AED base unit. The PCB in combination with the conductive metal traces can be shaped similar to a conventional two-prong or two-blade connector. Employing such a PCB-based connector may result in AED pads which are less complex and less costly to manufacture. The PCB can also support a configuration circuit that is positioned between the conductive metal traces and that allows the AED to read and store information about the attached pads. For example, the AED can use this data storage feature to check the expiration date of the pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Defibtech, LLC
    Inventors: Gintaras A. Vaisnys, Giovanni C. Meier, Glenn W. Laub, Benny Chi
  • Patent number: 8275459
    Abstract: An implantable arrangement including an implantable electromedical device having an exterior wall and an implantable sensor and/or actuator outside of the exterior wall. The sensor and/or actuator are in signal connection with the implantable device via an electric stage and a mechanical stage arranged in series, wherein the mechanical stage sends and/or receives mechanical vibration signals through the closed exterior wall, and the electrical stage sends and/or receives the same signals in electrical form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Biotronik CRM Patent AG
    Inventors: Ingo Weiss, Stefan Knorr
  • Patent number: 8255054
    Abstract: An implantable electronic medical device is compatible with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. The device has a housing with exterior walls, each formed by a dielectric substrate with electrically conductive layers on interior and exterior surfaces. A series of slots divide each layer into segments. Segmenting the layers provides high impedance to eddy currents produced by fields of the MRI scanner, while capacitive coupling of the segments provides radio frequency shielding for components inside the housing. Electrical leads extending from the housing have a pair of coaxially arranged conductors and traps that attenuate currents induced in the conductors by the fields of the MRI scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Kenergy, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Denker, Arthur J. Beutler, Cherik Bulkes
  • Patent number: 8255055
    Abstract: A medical device includes a pulse generator, an electrode configured to contact tissue in a coronary vessel, a lead comprising a lead conductor, the lead conductor connecting the pulse generator with the electrode, and a filter circuit electrically connected in series between the lead conductor and the electrode. The filter circuit may include a band pass filter that attenuates signals having a frequency other than a natural resonance frequency (e.g. MRI device signals), and the pulse generator may transmit therapy signals to the electrode as a sinusoidal voltage wave at the natural resonance frequency. The filter circuit may include a diode that rectifies the sinusoidal voltage wave before the rectified sinusoidal voltage wave passes to the electrode. In some embodiments, therapy signals may be provided to the electrode through the band pass filter over a natural resonance frequency range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: Masoud Ameri
  • Patent number: 8249710
    Abstract: At least one storage component, for example a capacitor or a battery, of an implantable medical device includes two perimeter surfaces. Linear extensions of the two perimeter surfaces define a zone. An electrical connector, which is coupled to the storage component and includes at least one connection point for electrically connecting the storage component with at least one other component within the medical device, is contained within the zone defined by the linear extensions of the two perimeter surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Angela Rodgers, Andrew J. Ries, Kurt J. Casby, John D. Norton, Mark D. Breyen, Dan D. Erklouts, Brian J. Ross, Timothy T. Bomstad, Wayne L. Appleseth, Michael E. Clarke, Jeffrey L. Kehn, Scott J. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20120209344
    Abstract: An energy-releasing carbon nanotube transponder comprising a nanocapacitor connected to at least one carbon nanotube and method of using same are described. An adjustable amount of electric energy is stored within the nanocapacitor so that the energy-releasing carbon nanotube transponder delivers either a biologically destructive or a biologically non-destructive electrical charge to target cells in response to biological, chemical or electrical stimuli. An optional biocompatible coating onto the outer surface of the carbon nanotube transponder improves cellular targeting, cellular binding or body tolerance towards the carbon nanotube transponder. Optionally, a molecular label attached to at least one carbon nanotube allows for in vivo tracking of the carbon nanotube transponder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Marvin A. Rossi
  • Patent number: 8244356
    Abstract: EMI shields for use in implantable medical devices that include inner and outer metal layers separated by a dielectric layer. When assembled as medical devices, the outer metal layer of an illustrative EMI shield is placed into electrical contact with a conductive inner surface of an associated canister for an implantable medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Cameron Health, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy A. Fonte
  • Patent number: 8239026
    Abstract: An implantable medical device has a hermetically sealed housing with at least one feedthrough therein for a conductive path between an RF antenna carried by the housing, and an RF telemetry circuit contained in the housing. The feedthrough has a feedthrough housing with a capacitor element therein having first and second capacitor plate configurations, with a first of the capacitor plate configurations being connected to the RF antenna and a second of the capacitor plate configurations being connected to the RF telemetry circuit. The feedthrough functions both as a hermetic seal and as a galvanic isolation for voltage protection of the components of the RF telemetry circuit, and other circuitry in the sealed housing connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical AB
    Inventor: Kenneth Dahlberg
  • Publication number: 20120197327
    Abstract: One aspect relates to an electrical bushing for use in a housing of an implantable medical device. The electrical bushing includes at least one electrically insulating base body and at least one electrical conducting element. The electrical bushing includes a holding element to hold the electrical bushing in or on the housing. The conducting element is set-up to establish, through the base body, at least one electrically conductive connection between an internal space of the housing and an external space. The conducting element is hermetically sealed with respect to the base body. The at least one conducting element includes at least one cermet. The holding element is made, to at least 80% by weight with respect to the holding element, from a material selected from the group consisting of a metal from any of the subgroups IV, V, VI, VIII, IX, and X of the periodic system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: HERAEUS PRECIOUS METALS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Heiko Specht
  • Patent number: 8233985
    Abstract: An antenna module, that is compatible with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner for the purpose of diagnostic quality imaging, is adapted to be implanted inside an animal. The antenna module comprises an electrically non-conducting, biocompatible, and electromagnetically transparent enclosure with inductive antenna wires looping around an inside surface. An electronic module is enclosed in an electromagnetic shield inside the enclosure to minimize the electromagnetic interference from the magnetic resonance imaging scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Kenergy, Inc.
    Inventors: Cherik Bulkes, Stephen Denker
  • Patent number: 8224448
    Abstract: A feedthrough assembly is disposable in an aperture of, for example, a power source encasement. In various examples, the feedthrough assembly comprises a ferrule, an insulator, a terminal conductor, and a sleeve. A portion of the terminal conductor extends through the ferrule thereby creating a portion internal to and a portion external to the encasement. The insulator is disposed within the ferrule and is sealably engaged with the terminal conductor portion extending through the ferrule. The sleeve is disposed over the internal portion of the terminal conductor and coupled thereto. In one example, the sleeve includes at least one notch on a sleeve first end or a sleeve second end, which may be used to weld or solder the sleeve to the terminal conductor. In another example, the sleeve includes a longitudinally extending void, which may be used to crimp the sleeve to the terminal conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Wegrzyn, III, Edward J. Maierhofer, James P. Rohl, Stephen W. VanDerlick, Benjamin J. Haasl
  • Patent number: 8224449
    Abstract: An implantable microstimulator includes an elongate casing, a flap coupled directly to the casing, and electrodes attached to the flap such that the electrodes extend laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of the casing. The electrodes are coupled to active circuitry that is housed within the casing. Due to the lateral arrangement of the electrodes relative to the casing, effective operation of the microstimulator may still occur even after the microstimulator migrates away from the target stimulation site. Since there are not any leads associated with the microstimulator, the entire microstimulator, including the electrodes and the casing, is implanted adjacent to the target stimulation site. The electrodes may be configured for mono-polar or multi-polar stimulation. In one example, the microstimulator includes an insulative coating on the casing and the coating and the flap are contiguous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Rafael Carbunaru, Andrew DiGiore, Brett Schleicher
  • Patent number: 8224447
    Abstract: A system, comprising a sterilizable package; an implantable medical device placed inside the sterilizable package; and an electrical interface electrically coupled to the implantable medical device and extending from inside the sterilizable package to outside the sterilizable package. In various embodiments, the interface may include package contacts electrically coupled to electrode terminals on the implantable medical device, patient terminals and conductors extending between the package contacts and the patient terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: William K. Wenger, Paul G. Krause, William J. Plombon, Steven N. Lu, Sean B. McAdams, Brian B. Lee, Lee Stylos, Judy B. Salzer, G. Jordan Montgomery
  • Patent number: 8219199
    Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) can include an implantable pulse generator (IPG), such as a cardiac pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). At least one lead is coupled to the IMD at a proximal end to the anatomic tissue of a patient at a distal end. According to various embodiments, a one-quarter wavelength open circuit terminated transmission line forms a stub filter to attenuate an interfering signal, such as those created by an MRI scanner during an MRI procedure. By cancelling the interfering signal, both the IMD and patient are protected from any adverse effects caused by the interfering signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Goedeke, Michael E. Nowak, Christopher Stancer
  • Patent number: 8219200
    Abstract: A system, comprising a sterilizable package; an implantable medical device placed inside the sterilizable package; and an electrical interface electrically coupled to the implantable medical device and extending from inside the sterilizable package to outside the sterilizable package. In various embodiments, the interface may include package contacts electrically coupled to electrode terminals on the implantable medical device, patient terminals and conductors extending between the package contacts and the patient terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: William K. Wenger, Paul G. Krause, William J. Plombon, Steven N. Lu, Sean B. McAdams, Brian B. Lee, Lee Stylos, Judy B. Salzer, G. Jordan Montgomery
  • Patent number: 8214045
    Abstract: A lead implant system includes a lead coupling device, which is configured to couple a lead during an implant procedure, in communication with a medical device and an implantable medical device, which is contained within a package that includes an electrical interface for electrical coupling with an electrical contact of the implantable medical device. The electrical interface facilitates coupling of the packaged medical device to an electrical contact of another medical device, which is located outside the package. If the electrical contact of the packaged device is mounted within a bore of the device, then the connector structure allows for passage of a sterilizing gas into the connector bore, and past the connector contact, within the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Christine G. Kronich, John L. Sommer, William K. Wenger, Michael D. Eggen, Gerald Jordan Montgomery, Joseph A. DuPay
  • Patent number: 8214046
    Abstract: In fabricating a header assembly of an implantable medical device, one end of a bore contact wire attached to a connector block is keyed with one guiding channel at an upper region of a feedthru adapter and through the adapter to its undersurface. An opposite end is bent into conformance with an orientation channel on the adaptor undersurface. A tip end of a feedthru wire connected to electronic circuitry of the medical device and projecting out of a casing mounting surface is bent for alignment with the orientation channel so end portions of the feedthru wire and bore contact wire are in end to end engagement, then welded together. A plastic header is molded to encapsulate the adapter, connector block, and bore contact wire and, when solidified, has an undersurface for engagement on the casing and an elongated receptacle aligned with a connector block bore to receive the lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: William Alexander, Christopher Fleck, Sergey Safarevich
  • Patent number: 8209016
    Abstract: An apparatus for managing a lead of an implantable medical device includes a lead retention element and a fixation element. The lead retention element has a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The lumen is configured to slidably receive the lead. The fixation element is configured to fix the lead retention element relative to the implantable medical device in an orientation orthogonal to a lead receptacle of the device such that the proximal end of the lead retention element is closer to an opening of the lead receptacle than the distal end of the retention element. The distal end of the lead retention element is configured to firmly engage the lead to resist proximal sliding of the lead in the lumen of the retention element once the lead has been moved distally through the lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve T. Deininger, John E. Kast, Raymond F. McMullen
  • Patent number: 8209017
    Abstract: A connector for an electrostimulation lead includes a connector housing defining a fastener aperture, a septum disposed over the fastener aperture, and a fastener for mating with the fastener aperture to secure a received lead to the connector housing so that at least one terminal disposed on the received lead electrically couples with at least one conductor contact disposed in the connector housing. The septum includes a septum flap and an attachment cuff. The septum flap is configured and arranged for extending over the fastener aperture and for receiving a tool for folding the septum flap open to expose the fastener aperture. The attachment cuff is configured and arranged for coupling the septum flap to the connector housing. The fastener is configured and arranged to be disposed in the fastener aperture and to be tightened against the lead to hold the lead within the connector housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew Lee Mcdonald
  • Patent number: 8209015
    Abstract: An implantable medical device is provided which has a housing of an elongate form to minimize a size of an incision required for implantation. A stabilizing element is associated with the elongated form housing for the medical device. The stabilizing element transitions from a low profile initial form to a higher width final form to provide the medical device with a stabilized footprint after implantation. The stabilizing element is in the form of a rotating wing in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the stabilizing element is in the form of an expanding loop that can bend to extend out of side openings of a cavity within the housing, to provide such stabilization at the implantation site. The medical device can be in the form of a pacemaker, infusion pump, vascular access port or other subcutaneously implanted medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Stealth Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley J. Glenn
  • Patent number: 8204586
    Abstract: Methods for evaluating tissue motion of a tissue location, e.g., a cardiac location, via external continuous field tomography are provided. Aspects of the methods include generating at least one substantially linear continuous field gradient across the tissue location of interest, and using a resultant signal from a sensing element stably associated with the tissue location to evaluate motion of the tissue location. Also provided are systems, devices and related compositions for practicing the subject methods. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of different applications, including cardiac resynchronization therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Proteus Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Zdeblick
  • Patent number: 8200339
    Abstract: An implantable microphone for a hearing prosthesis. The microphone comprises: a housing having a diaphragm chamber formed therein, and an aperture extending from the exterior surface of the housing to the chamber; a diaphragm disposed on the exterior of the housing so as to seal the aperture, and configured to vibrate in response to sound signals; a sensor positioned adjacent an end of the chamber opposing the diaphragm, and configured to detect vibration of the diaphragm, and to generate electrical signals based thereon; and a stiffening material substantially filling the regions of the housing external to the sensor and the diaphragm such that that air gaps within the filled regions of the housing are substantially eliminated, wherein the stiffening material has an elastic modulus that enables the housing to substantially resist deformation there of in response to body-noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Pieter Wiskerke, Wim Bervoets
  • Patent number: 8192418
    Abstract: In general, the disclosure is directed toward releasing material within a medical device via an optical feedthrough. A system for releasing material with a medical device comprises a cup that holds a material, wherein the cup includes a discharge port, a seal disc that seals the material within the cup, an optical feedthrough assembly coupled to the cup, a shell that defines a chamber within a medical device, wherein the optical feedthrough assembly is coupled to the shell, and a radiant energy source that shines a beam through the optical feedthrough assembly to puncture the seal disc to allow the material to enter the chamber via the discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Reginald D. Robinson, David D. Differding, James A. Johnson, Bernard Q. Li, Gerald G. Lindner, Brad C. Tischendorf, Andrew J. Thom
  • Patent number: 8195295
    Abstract: A shielded three-terminal flat-through EMI/energy dissipating filter includes an active electrode plate through which a circuit current passes between a first terminal and a second terminal, a first shield plate on a first side of the active electrode plate, and a second shield plate on a second side of the active electrode plate opposite the first shield plate. The first and second shield plates are conductively coupled to a grounded third terminal. In preferred embodiments, the active electrode plate and the shield plates are at least partially disposed with a hybrid flat-through substrate that may include a flex cable section, a rigid cable section, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert A. Stevenson, Buehl E. Truex, Richard L. Brendel, Christine A. Frysz, Warren S. Dabney, Haytham Hussein, Jose Luis Lorente Adame, Robert Shawn Johnson, Scott Brainard
  • Patent number: 8190259
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an implantable pulse generator for electrically stimulating a patient comprises: a metallic housing enclosing pulse generating circuitry; a header mechanically coupled to the metallic housing, the header adapted to seal terminals of one or more stimulation leads within the header and to provide electrical connections for the terminals; the header comprising an inner compliant component for holding a plurality of electrical connectors, the plurality of electrical connectors electrically coupled to the pulse generating circuitry through feedthrough wires, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors are held in place in recesses within the compliant inner component, the header further comprising an outer shield component adapted to resist punctures, the outer shield component fitting over at least a portion of the inner compliant component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Galen L. Smith, Timothy J. Cox
  • Patent number: 8185196
    Abstract: The connector between the patient electrode pads and the base unit of an automatic external defibrillator (AED) system can be formed by capturing a printed circuit board (PCB) within a connector housing. The PCB can have conductive metal traces that serve as the contact points between the wires from the patient electrodes and the electronics within the AED base unit. The PCB in combination with the conductive metal traces can be shaped similar to a conventional two-prong or two-blade connector. Employing such a PCB-based connector may result in AED pads which are less complex and less costly to manufacture. The PCB can also support a configuration circuit that is positioned between the conductive metal traces and that allows the AED to read and store information about the attached pads. For example, the AED can use this data storage feature to check the expiration date of the pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Defibtech, LLC
    Inventors: Gintaras A. Vaisnys, Giovanni C. Meier, Glenn W. Laub, Benny Chi
  • Publication number: 20120123497
    Abstract: An implantable medical device that includes a first molded portion and a second molded portion fusion bonded to the first molded portion at an interface. The molded portions each are based on a moldable plastic material. A component, e.g., an electrical component, for the implantable device has at least one section disposed at the fusion-bonded interface of the first molded portion and the second molded portion so that the electronic component is fusion bonded to one or both portions at the interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: ACCELLENT INC.
    Inventors: Todd Garfield Sherva, Henri G. Asselin, JR., Roger J. White, Brendan Arash Zarechian, Donald Eric Welling, Todd R. Beaupre, Christopher M. Haenisch
  • Patent number: 8175710
    Abstract: An implantable microstimulator can include a housing with a surface containing a metal region. The housing defines an exterior and an interior. At least one conductive electrode is disposed on the exterior of the housing over the metal region of the housing. Adhesive is disposed between the metal region of the housing and the conductive electrodes. An electronic subassembly is disposed in the interior of the housing and coupled to the conductive electrodes through the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Tom Xiaohai He
  • Patent number: 8174460
    Abstract: An implantable medical device can include an implantable antenna for communication with external devices or other internal devices. Changes in the patient's body position, weight, composition or other factors may change the efficiency of the implantable antenna and hinder communication. The disclosed circuit can calculate a value for a matching network for an implantable telemetry circuit to decrease an impedance difference between the implantable telemetry circuit and the implantable antenna or increase or maximize a communication power transfer value associated with the implantable medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis E. Larson, Prashant Rawat, Daniel Kollmann
  • Patent number: 8165680
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of bonding a hermetically sealed electronics package to an electrode or a flexible circuit and the resulting electronics package that is suitable for implantation in living tissue, such as for a retinal or cortical electrode array to enable restoration of sight to certain non-sighted individuals. The hermetically sealed electronics package is directly bonded to the flex circuit or electrode by electroplating a biocompatible material, such as platinum or gold, effectively forming a plated rivet-shaped connection, which bonds the flex circuit to the electronics package. The resulting electronic device is biocompatible and is suitable for long-term implantation in living tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Greenberg, Jerry Ok
  • Patent number: 8165679
    Abstract: An implantable stimulator that includes a housing, a first plastic component, and a second plastic component, where the first and second plastic components form a polymer-polymer interface. A light absorbing metal layer is disposed over at least a portion of the interface and an electronic subassembly is disposed within the housing. The first and second plastic components can be welded together by irradiating the light absorbing metal layer which converts the light to heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Xiaohai He, Matthew Isaac Haller, Meredith L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8160708
    Abstract: A feedthrough assembly for use with implantable medical devices having a shield structure, the feedthrough assembly engaging with the remainder of the associated implantable medical device to form a seal with the medical device to inhibit unwanted gas, liquid, or solid exchange into or from the device. One or more feedthrough wires extend through the feedthrough assembly to facilitate transceiving of the electrical signals with one or more implantable patient leads. The feedthrough assembly is connected to a mechanical support which houses one or more filtering capacitors that are configured to filter and remove undesired frequencies from the electrical signals received via the feedthrough wires before the signals reach the electrical circuitry inside the implantable medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventor: Zeev Lavie
  • Patent number: 8160707
    Abstract: An implantable medical device is provided including a housing, an external circuit element extending outwardly from the housing, an internal circuit enclosed by the housing, a feedthrough array disposed along the housing having at least one filtered feedthrough and at least one unfiltered feedthrough, wherein the unfiltered feedthrough is adapted for connection to the outwardly extending circuit element; and including means for minimizing electromagnetic coupling between the filtered feedthrough and the unfiltered feedthrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajesh V. Iyer, Daniel J. Koch, Simon E. Goldman, Shawn D. Knowles, William J. Taylor, Joyce K. Yamamoto, Gregory J. Haubrich, Michael Nowak, David Nghiem, Roger L. Hubing, Len D. Twetan
  • Patent number: 8155758
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to fault tolerant instantiations of a cardiac therapy delivery device such as an implantable cardiac stimulator (e.g., an implantable pulse generator, IPG, and/or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, ICD) coupled to an implantable physiologic sensor (IPS). According to the disclosure delivery of cardiac pacing and/or cardioversion-defibrillator therapy delivery can cause errors in output signals from an IPS. Resolution of such errors involves selectively energizing (or disconnecting the output signal from) the IPS during pacing and/or defibrillation therapy delivery. Programmable signal “blanking” in lieu of or in addition to the foregoing also improves the integrity of the output signal (i.e., continuously energize the IPS and ignore parts of the output signal). An ICD having a transient weakness in an insulated conductor used for the IPS signal can likewise have the IPS de-energized and/or blank the IPS output signal during high voltage therapy delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn M. Roline, Michael B. Terry, Jonathan P. Roberts, James D. Reinke, Robert A. Corey
  • Patent number: 8155743
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an implantable pulse generator feedthru configured to make generally planar electrical contact with an electrical component housed within a can of an implantable pulse generator. The feedthru may include a feedthru housing including a header side and a can side, a core within the feedthru housing, a generally planar electrically conductive interface adjacent the can side, and a feedthru wire extending through the core. The feedthru wire may include an interface end and a header end, wherein the header end extends from the header side and the interface end is at least one of generally flush with the generally planar interface and generally recessed relative to the generally planar interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Rundle, Reza Imani
  • Patent number: 8150517
    Abstract: An active implantable medical device with RF telemetry comprising subcutaneous ECG electrodes. The case (12) of the device comprises electrodes (20, 22, 24, 26) for collecting subcutaneous ECG signals coming into contact with the patient's tissues surrounding the case after implantation, as well as an RF telemetry antenna (30). These ECG electrodes are surface electrodes and the RF antenna is a surface antenna. The case (12) presents a significantly planar face (16) for mounting the ECG electrodes in an arrangement where these electrodes are significantly coplanar and spaced apart with each other, and receiving the surface RF antenna. A platelet (18) mounted onto the case comprises an insulating substrate comprising on its free face, conductive deposits (20, 22, 24, 26, 30) forming the ECG electrodes and the RF antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ela Medical S.A.
    Inventors: Renzo Dal Molin, Anissa Bourguiba