Combined With Nonelectrical Therapy Patents (Class 607/3)
  • Publication number: 20140074176
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a method of transient and selective suppression of neural activities of a target of interest, such as one or more nerves, includes selectively applying at least one light to the target of interest at selected locations with predetermined radiant exposures to create a localized and selective inhibitory response therein. The localized and selective inhibitory response comprises a local temperature change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicants: Case Western Reserve University, Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: E. Duco Jansen, Austin Robert Duke, Michael W. Jenkins, Hillel J. Chiel
  • Patent number: 8666501
    Abstract: A method of treating tinnitus comprising measuring a patient's hearing, determining the patient's hearing loss and the patient's tinnitus frequency using the measurements of the patient's hearing, programming a clinical controller with the measurements of the patient's hearing, selecting a plurality of therapeutic tones, where the therapeutic tones are selected to be at least a half-octave above or below of the patient's tinnitus frequency, setting an appropriate volume for each of the plurality of tones, repetitively playing each of the plurality of therapeutic tones, and pairing a vagus nerve stimulation pulse train with each playing of a therapeutic tone, thereby reducing the patient's perception of tinnitus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignees: MicroTransponder, Inc., The Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Michael P. Kilgard, Navzer Engineer, David Michael Pierce
  • Patent number: 8663202
    Abstract: A therapy system includes a therapy module implantable within a mammalian body that provides a given therapy and a control module implantable within the mammalian body that effects the therapy provided by the therapy module. The control module is physically separate from the therapy module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: AdvaStim, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Mitchell Yomtov, John R. Batty, Marvin L. Sussman
  • Publication number: 20140058295
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for stimulating cellular function in biological tissue. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a method for stimulating cellular function within tissue that involves providing a first type of energy to a region of tissue, in which the first type is provided in an amount that inhibits cellular function within the region of tissue, and providing a second type of energy to the region of tissue, in which the second type is provided in an amount that facilitates cellular function within the region of tissue, wherein the combined effect stimulates cellular function within the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Highland Instruments
    Inventor: Timothy A. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20140052199
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for applying stimulation to a body has a distributed control system comprising a first CPU (7) in a main unit (24), a second CPU (30) in a display and control unit (2) and a further CPU 5 in each of one or more interface cards (3, 4). The second CPU (30) is configured to control the operation of the first CPU (7), whilst the first CPU (7) is configured to control and coordinate the operation of the CPUs (5) in each interface card (3, 4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Louise Mohn
    Inventors: Louise Mohn, Ole Brix, Bard Henriksen, Inge Klepsvilk
  • Publication number: 20140052198
    Abstract: A circuit (51) for applying heat and electrical stimulation comprises a substrate (500). The substrate (500) comprises an electrode (514) for applying electrical stimulation and a heating element (502). At least one of the electrode (514) and the heating element (502) comprises an electrically conducting region patterned on a surface of the substrate (500). The substrate (500) can be flexible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Louise Mohn, Ole Brix, Bard Henriksen, Inge Klepsvik
  • Patent number: 8655448
    Abstract: A method and system of conditioning human skin and hair using a hand-held skin/hair conditioner having interchangeable interface conductors that are contoured to enhance electrical conductivity between the conditioner and a variety of body areas. Each of the interchangeable interface conductors are preferably formed to maximize surface area contact with a variety of body surfaces such as scalp/hair, body skin, and facial skin. In a preferred embodiment, the skin/hair conditioner is formed to fit comfortably and controllably in a user's grasp while providing maximum contact with the selected body surface. The skin/hair conditioner includes an audio signal generator and a vibration mechanism to alert a user of a change in status of the conditioner. The interface conductors may be (1) smoothly rounded, (2) include teeth, (3) spherical or hemispherical (4) include multiple rounded nodules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Proventure (Far East), Limited
    Inventors: Stuart A. Cook, Bruno Gimelli, James N. Doyle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8652187
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for making and using devices that generate optical signals, and optionally also electrical signals in combination with one or more such optical signals, to stimulate (i.e., trigger) and/or simulate a sensory-nerve signal in nerve and/or brain tissue of a living animal (e.g., a human), for example to treat nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) or the central nervous system (CNS) and provide sensations to stimulate and/or simulate “sensory” signals in nerves and/or brain tissue of a living animal (e.g., a human) to treat other sensory deficiencies (e.g., touch, feel, balance, visual, taste, or olfactory) and provide sensations related to those sensory deficiencies, and/or to stimulate (i.e., trigger) and/or simulate a motor-nerve signal in nerve and/or brain tissue of a living animal (e.g., a human), for example to control a muscle or a robotic prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathon D. Wells, Andrew Xing, Mark P. Bendett, Matthew D. Keller, Charles A. Lemaire
  • Patent number: 8649863
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use with a heart of a subject, including a set of one or more electrodes. A control unit paces the heart by driving a first electric current via the electrode set into tissue of the subject, in accordance with a first set of parameters. The control unit stimulates nitric oxide production by a portion of the heart by driving a second electric current via the electrode set into the portion of the heart, in accordance with a second set of parameters. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Rainbow Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: Yossi Gross, Amir Dagan, Yotam Reisner, Offer Glasberg, Nitai Hanani, Gal Ariav
  • Publication number: 20140039357
    Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an actively-controllable disinfecting implantable device configured to, for example, treat or prevent an infection in a biological subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Edward S. Boyden, Ralph G. Dacey, JR., Gregory J. Della Rocca, Joshua L. Dowling, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kara, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Dennis J. Rivet, Paul Santiago, Michael A. Smith, Todd J. Stewart, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood
  • Patent number: 8636638
    Abstract: A controller for a heart pump, the controller including a processing system for determining movement of an impeller within a cavity in a first axial direction, the cavity including at least one inlet and at least one outlet, and the impeller including vanes for urging fluid from the inlet to the outlet, causing a magnetic bearing to move the impeller in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction, the magnetic bearing including at least one coil for controlling an axial position of the impeller within the cavity, determining an indicator indicative of the power used by the magnetic bearing and causing the magnetic bearing to control the axial position of the impeller in accordance with the indicator to thereby control a fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: BiVACOR Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Daniel Timms
  • Patent number: 8639323
    Abstract: The present invention includes systems, devices, and methods relating to the monitoring of the functional maturation of biological interventions effecting cardiac pacing; the systems, devices, and methods including an implantable electronic pulse generator delivering artificial cardiac pacing; a means for halting the electronic pulse generator delivering artificial cardiac pacing at predetermined data collection intervals; and a sensor for recording and storing data on one or more intrinsic physiological parameters of cardiac pacing during the predetermined data collection intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Vinod Sharma, Deborah A. Jaye, Daniel Sigg
  • Publication number: 20140024881
    Abstract: A portable multi-sensor device (1) comprises a substantially sheet-like and at least partially flexible unit support element (2), a garment (W) designed to be worn by a user and to be removably associated with the unit element (2), a plurality of sensors (S), adapted to detect biological and/or vital parameters on the body of a user and transduce them into electric signals, at least one of which is incorporated in the unit support element (2), transceiver means (6) for remote transmission of the electric signals to a remote monitoring center (C), processing and control means (6?) for processing and controlling the associated electric signals, therapeutic treatment means (21) associated with the unit support element (2) and designed to contact one part of the wearer's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Antonio Alexandre, Alvise Alexandre, Andrea Alexandre
  • Patent number: 8634909
    Abstract: A magnetic arrangement is described for an implantable system for a recipient patient. A planar coil housing contains a signal coil for transcutaneous communication of an implant communication signal. A first attachment magnet is located within the plane of the coil housing and rotatable therein, and has a magnetic dipole parallel to the plane of the coil housing for transcutaneous magnetic interaction with a corresponding second attachment magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Med-El Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Zimmerling, Bernhard Jamnig
  • Patent number: 8634924
    Abstract: A system and method for a Micro Electro-Mechanical System acoustic sensor, or MEMS acoustic sensor, to be used as an implanted microphone for totally implantable cochlear implants or middle ear implants is presented. The MEMS acoustic sensor comprises a coupler that attaches the sensor to an inner part of the ear, a MEMS acoustic sensor that converts acoustic vibrations into a change in capacitance, and a low-noise interface electronics circuit chip that detects the change in capacitance in the MEMS acoustic sensor, creates an signal representing a portion of the acoustic vibrations, and transmits the signal to one or more other devices, such as a cochlear implant. A method of fabrication enables the MEMS acoustic sensor to be fabricated as a small, less than 1 mm3, light weight, less than 30 mg, device suitable for implantation on a structure of the middle ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Wen H. Ko, Darrin J. Young, Rui Zhang, Ping Huang, Jun Guo, Xuesong Ye, Cliff A. Megerian
  • Patent number: 8626283
    Abstract: A method for providing tactile stimulation is applied in an electronic device. The electronic device includes a touch-sensitive screen and a tactile stimulation multilayer connected to the touch-sensitive screen. The tactile stimulation multilayer includes a number of electrodes. The method includes the steps of: providing a first user interface on the touch-sensitive screen for a user to select one body part for massage, and providing a second user interface for the user to select at least one acupuncture point of the selected body part; displaying a model of the selected body part and the selected acupuncture point thereof; according to the detected outline, adjusting a position of the selected acupuncture point to match the outline of the body part actually touching the screen; and energizing at least one electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shang-Qing Zhou
  • Publication number: 20130345767
    Abstract: An exemplary system includes an electro-acoustic stimulation (EAS) subsystem and a volume control subsystem communicatively coupled to the EAS subsystem. The EAS subsystem is configured to direct a cochlear implant to apply electrical stimulation representative of audio content included in a first frequency band to a patient and to direct a receiver to apply acoustic stimulation representative of audio content included in a second frequency band to the patient. The volume control subsystem is configured to facilitate independent control of a volume associated with the electrical stimulation and a volume associated with the acoustic stimulation. Corresponding systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: ADVANCED BIONICS AG
    Inventors: Stefan D. Menzl, Hans-Uelii Roeck, Logan P. Palmer, Abhijit Kulkarni, Manish Vaishya, Volkmar Hamacher
  • Patent number: 8613701
    Abstract: A novel wearable electronic skin patch sensor device configured for the real time acquisition, processing and communicating of cardiac activity and other types of biological information within a wired or wireless network is disclosed. A system level scheme for networking the sensor device with client devices that include intelligent personal health management appliances, cellular telephones, PDAs, portable computers, personal computers, RFID Tags and servers is disclosed. The sensor device and the system enable distributed processing, archival and correlation of the biological information with biometrics, gastronomic information, user profiles and health factors that include height, weight, blood pressure and physical activity facilitating real time personal health management at any time and any place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: IP Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Raman K. Rao, Sunil K. Rao, Rekha K. Rao
  • Publication number: 20130338526
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-invasive system with diagnostic and treatment capacities that use a unified code that is intrinsic to physiological brain function. In an embodiment of the present invention, an approach to the treatment of disorders that supplements existing diagnostic and treatment methods with robust quantitative data analysis are presented. This is achieved by a unification of cognitive and neural phenomena known as the Fundamental Code Unit (FCU), representing identifiable patterns of brain activity at the submolecular, molecular, and cellular levels (intra-brain communications), as well as their manifestations in thought and language (inter-brain communications).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Newton Howard
  • Publication number: 20130338724
    Abstract: A cardiac pulse in a patient is determined by evaluating physiological signals in the patient. A medical device evaluates two or more different physiological signals, such as phonocardiogram (PCG) signals, electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, patient impedance signals, piezoelectric signals, and accelerometer signals for features indicative of the presence of a cardiac pulse. Using these features, the medical device determines whether a cardiac pulse is present in the patient. The medical device may also be configured to report whether the patient is in a VF, VT, asystole, or PEA condition, in addition to being in a pulseless condition, and prompt different therapies, such as chest compressions, rescue breathing, defibrillation, and PEA-specific electrotherapy, depending on the analysis of the physiological signals. Auto-capture of a cardiac pulse using pacing stimuli is further provided. The medical devices, or any portion thereof, can be worn by the patient or may be attached to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Physio-Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Tae H. Joo, Ronald E. Stickney, Cynthia P. Jayne, Paula Lank, Patricia O'Hearn, David R. Hampton, James W. Taylor, William E. Crone, Daniel Yerkovich
  • Patent number: 8609082
    Abstract: A method is provided including selecting a patient suffering from a condition, administering cells to the patient selected from the group consisting of: progenitor cells and genetically-modified cells, applying an electrical current to a site of the patient in a vicinity of nervous tissue, and configuring the current to stimulate the nervous tissue. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Bio Control Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: Tamir Ben-David, Omry Ben-Ezra, Ehud Cohen
  • Patent number: 8606361
    Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing or affecting neural stimulation efficiency and/or efficacy are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system and/or method may apply electromagnetic stimulation to a patient's nervous system over a first time domain according to a first set of stimulation parameters, and over a second time domain according to a second set of stimulation parameters. The first and second time domains may be sequential, simultaneous, or nested. Stimulation parameters may vary in accordance with one or more types of duty cycle, amplitude, pulse repetition frequency, pulse width, spatiotemporal, and/or polarity variations. Stimulation may be applied at subthreshold, threshold, and/or suprathreshold levels in one or more periodic, aperiodic (e.g., chaotic), and/or pseudo-random manners. In some embodiments stimulation may comprise a burst pattern having an interburst frequency corresponding to an intrinsic brainwave frequency, and regular and/or varying intraburst stimulation parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradford Evan Gliner, Allen Wyler, Brad Fowler, W. Douglas Sheffield, Richard Kuntz, Kent Leyde, Leif R. Sloan
  • Patent number: 8606371
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a system and method for treating insufficient uterine contractions after labor and delivery. The system includes a control module and a current source controlled by the control module to produce stimulating current at a frequency greater than or equal to about 5.0 Hertz. The system also includes one or more stimulation electrodes to provide the stimulating current to the patient in order for the patient to produce tonic uterine contractions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Dignity Health
    Inventors: Robert E. Garfield, Harvey Carp, William L. Maner
  • Patent number: 8600495
    Abstract: Apparatus and techniques to address problems associated with lead migration, patient movement or position, histological changes, neural plasticity or disease progression. Disclosed are techniques for implanting a lead having therapy delivery elements, such as electrodes or drug delivery ports, within a vertebral or cranial bone so as to maintain these elements in a fixed position relative to a desired treatment site. The therapy delivery elements may thereafter be adjusted in situ with a position control mechanism and/or a position controller to improve the desired treatment, such as electrical stimulation and/or drug infusion to a precise target. The therapy delivery elements may be positioned laterally in any direction relative to the targeted treatment site or toward or away from the targeted treatment site. A control system maybe provided for open- or closed-loop feedback control of the position of the therapy delivery elements as well as other aspects of the treatment therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Frans Gielen, Gary W. King, Daryle Petersen, Mark T. Rise, Michael Schendel, Warren Starkebaum
  • Patent number: 8600512
    Abstract: Methods for treating seizures caused by brain stimulation include providing a stimulator, programming the stimulator with one or more stimulation parameters configured to treat a medical condition, applying at least one stimulus with the stimulator to a stimulation site within the brain of a patient in accordance with the one or more stimulation parameters, and monitoring the patient for a seizure caused by the at least one stimulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Todd K. Whitehurst, Rafael Carbunaru, Kristen N. Jaax, Andrew DiGiore, Brett Schleicher, Greg Baldwin
  • Patent number: 8594783
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for stimulating cellular function in biological tissue. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a method for stimulating cellular function within tissue that involves providing a first type of energy to a region of tissue, in which the first type is provided in an amount that inhibits cellular function within the region of tissue, and providing a second type of energy to the region of tissue, in which the second type is provided in an amount that facilitates cellular function within the region of tissue, wherein the combined effect stimulates cellular function within the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Highland Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Andrew Wagner
  • Patent number: 8588902
    Abstract: There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention a method of treating diabetic patients comprising measuring a triglyceride level in a diabetic patient and applying a diabetes treatment according to the triglyceride level. Optionally, there is provided a method of screening. Alternatively or additionally, there is provided a method of weight loss. Alternatively or additionally, there is provided a method of relatively reducing HOMA-IR levels. Alternatively or additionally, there is provided a method of relatively reducing blood pressure. An exemplary device to apply the treatment is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: MetaCure Limited
    Inventors: Harold Lebovitz, Paul Goode, Walid Haddad, Shlomo Ben-Haim, Irit Yaniv, Benny Rousso
  • Patent number: 8583224
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems, devices, and methods for detecting infections associated with implantable medical devices. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of detecting infection in a patient including measuring a physiological parameter using a chronically implanted sensor at a plurality of time points and evaluating the physiological parameter measurements to determine if infection is indicated. In an embodiment, the invention includes an implantable medical device including a first chronically implantable sensor configured to generate a first signal corresponding to a physiological parameter and a controller disposed within a housing, the controller configured to evaluate the first physiological parameter signal to determine if an infection is indicated. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Lee, Jonathan T. Kwok, Hugo Andres Belalcazar, Jennifer Lynn Pavlovic, Ronald W. Heil, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130296957
    Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to a medical device implantable in a body of a patient. The device includes a housing with a plurality of collapsible fixation structures coupled to the housing, and can be in a collapsed configuration or an expanded configuration. The device assumes a collapsed configuration when in the bore of an insertion device, and assumes the expanded configuration when expelled from the insertion device into the body of the patient. The extended fixation structures engage the tissues in the body and restrict migration. One exemplary application of the invention is in the context of a microstimulator, with a pulse generator housed in the housing and one or more electrodes coupled to the housing. The fixation structures help keep the electrodes proximate to the tissues that are to receive the stimulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Carole A. Tronnes
  • Publication number: 20130289476
    Abstract: The health state of a subject is automatically evaluated or predicted using at least one implantable device. In varying examples, the health state is determined by sensing or receiving information about at least one physiological process having a circadian rhythm whose presence, absence, or baseline change is associated with impending disease, and comparing such rhythm to baseline circadian rhythm prediction criteria. Other chronobiological rhythms beside circadian may also be used. The baseline prediction criteria may be derived using one or more past physiological process observation of the subject or population of subjects in a non-disease health state. The prediction processing may be performed by the at least one implantable device or by an external device in communication with the implantable device. Systems and methods for invoking a therapy in response to the health state, such as to prevent or minimize the consequences of predicted impending heart failure, are also discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Yi Zhang, John D. Hatlestad, Gerrard M. Carlson, Yousufali Dalal, Marina V. Brockway, Kent Lee, Richard O. Kuenzler, Carlos Haro, Krzysztof Z. Siejko, Abhilash Patangay
  • Patent number: 8571679
    Abstract: An implantable microstimulator configured for implantation beneath a patient's skin for tissue stimulation to prevent and/or treat various disorders, uses a self-contained power source. Periodic or occasional replenishment of the power source is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external device. A bidirectional telemetry link allows the microstimulator to provide information regarding the system's status, including the power source's charge level, and stimulation parameter states. Processing circuitry automatically controls the applied stimulation pulses to match a set of programmed stimulation parameters established for a particular patient. The microstimulator preferably has a cylindrical hermetically sealed case having a length no greater than about 27 mm and a diameter no greater than about 3.3 mm. A reference electrode is located on one end of the case and an active electrode is located on the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Jordi Parramon, Goran N. Marnfeldt
  • Publication number: 20130281890
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for deep or superficial deep-brain stimulation using multiple therapeutic modalities, including up-regulation or down-regulation using ultrasound impacting one or multiple points in a neural circuit to produce Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) or Long-Term Depression (LTD).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: David J. MISHELEVICH
  • Publication number: 20130282069
    Abstract: An automated external defibrillator (AED) and methods for a corrective CPR prompting system. The AED includes a sensor that obtains compression measurement data of CPR chest compressions and a control system including a microprocessor programmed to run a non-parametric, Information-Theoretic analysis of the compression measurement data. The analysis includes ranking provided compression measurement data, determining a prompt time TN for review, locating the compression measurement data at TN in an initial expected histogram of depth and rate aspects of the compression data measurements with upper and lower limits, that divides the intervals of the histogram into a plurality of sections, weighting the compression measurement data based on a plurality of factors, deriving information content of the compression measurement data by mapping a probability density function into an information content function, and determining if a particular corrective prompt is necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: CARDIAC SCIENCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Srikanth Thiagarajan, James Walter Taylor
  • Publication number: 20130282070
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to stimulate tissue to treat medical conditions involving tissues such as the bone, spine, stomach, nerves, brain and the cochlea. The disclosed invention uses electrical stimulation of the tissue, where vibrational (or acoustic) energy from a source is received by an implanted device and converted to electrical energy and the converted electrical energy is used by implanted electrodes to stimulate the pre-determined tissue sites. The vibrational energy is generated by a controller-transmitter, which could be either implanted or located externally. The vibrational energy is received by a receiver-stimulator, which could be located at or close to the stimulation site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: EBR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Cowan, Richard E. Riley, Axel F. Brisken, Debra S. Echt
  • Publication number: 20130282068
    Abstract: A device and method for recommending an initial treatment of either a defibrillation shock or CPR for a cardiac arrest victim. An embodiment of the invention is directed to an AED with treatment protocols selected from a set of external defibrillation, CPR, or a combination thereof. The AED includes a power generation circuit, pair of external electrodes, and an ECG sensor. AED further includes a control system including a microprocessor configured to determine a survivability index number for a patient and recommend a treatment protocol using the AED as well as a communication system configured to communicate the selected protocol to a user of the AED.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Mustafa H. Sagiroglu, James Walter Taylor
  • Patent number: 8548583
    Abstract: A method of modifying tissue behavior, comprising: determining a desired modification of tissue behavior for at least one of treatment of a disease, short or long term modification of tissue behavior, assessing tissue state and assessing tissue response to stimulation; selecting an electric field having an expected effect of modifying protein activity of at least one protein as an immediate response of a tissue to the field, said expected effect correlated with said desired modification; and applying said field to said tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Impulse Dynamics NV
    Inventors: Benny Rousso, Yuval Mika, Shlomo Ben-Haim, Hani N. Sabbah
  • Publication number: 20130238042
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide air or gas-based temperature-controlled medical devices. The systems and methods may be applied to provide therapy to a patient suffering orthopedic or other injuries. Air or other gas is temperature-controlled and adjusted to meet a patient's physical needs and delivered the patient therapy site through a temperature regulated system including a therapeutic orthopedic wrap. Feedback mechanisms allow the caregiver or the patient to adjust the temperature of the gas. Other fluids may also be used. The systems and methods permit use of electrotherapy for enhanced therapy and injury recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Richard Gildersleeve, Thomas Jerome Bachinski
  • Publication number: 20130238043
    Abstract: A hand-held probe device capable of providing electro-stimulation and thermo-stimulation to a patient is described herein. While the probe device can include any suitable component, in some instances, it includes a probe head made with an electrically and thermally-conductive material. In some instances, the probe device also includes a temperature control mechanism that is configured to raise and lower a temperature of the probe head. The probe head is also connectable to an electro-stimulation unit (such as a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit) such that the probe head is able to provide electro-stimulation simultaneously with thermo-stimulation. Although the temperature control mechanism can include any suitable component, in some instances, it includes a thermoelectric device, such as a Peltier circuit. Other implementations are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Dynatronics Corporation
    Inventors: Larry K. Beardall, Ian K. Brown, Scott R. Mabey, William R. Lindhardt, Douglas G. Sampson
  • Patent number: 8532761
    Abstract: The invention relates to a resuscitation device for humans. The resuscitation device is designed to provide resuscitating stimulation of the respiratory area of the human brain stem, preferably from a location distant from said respiratory area. The invention further relates to a method for providing a resuscitating treatment to a human. Parameters are measured by a number of sensor means and processed by a processing means for providing a response by a number of stimulation means. The stimulation means are electrical, mechanical or chemical stimulation means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Nasophlex B.V.
    Inventors: Gerrit Johannis de Vos, Zoltán Tomori
  • Publication number: 20130231709
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving cognitive function within a human. The invention utilizes an implanted device, such as an implantable signal generator or an implantable pump, to affect tissue elements within a Papez circuit of the human brain as well as tissue upstream or downstream from the Papez circuit. The implanted device delivers treatment therapy to thereby improve cognitive function by the human. A sensor may be used to detect various symptoms of the cognitive disorder. A microprocessor algorithm may then analyze the output from the sensor to regulate delivery of the stimulation and/or drug therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Functional Neuromodulation, Inc.
    Inventor: Andres Lozano
  • Patent number: 8527043
    Abstract: Systems and methods of enhancing cardiopulmonary circulation in a subject during resuscitation are provided. A signal is received responsive to an induced heart compression that is applied to the subject, for example during ventricular fibrillation, an asystolic condition, or cardiac arrest. Responsive to receipt of the signal, a muscle distal subject's heart is electrically stimulated to contract and expel blood into the venous blood flow toward a heart of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Zoll Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Sheldon S. White, Mary Ann Dupelle
  • Patent number: 8521306
    Abstract: A pacing lead for a left cavity of the heart, implanted in the coronary system. One lead includes a telescopic microcable including multiple distinct bare areas that form a network of stimulation electrodes. The microcable includes a diameter providing for insertion of the microcable within smaller portions of the coronary vein system. The diameter may be selected from between 0.5 and 2 French. The microcable includes multiple strands twisted together. At least some strands incorporate either a core of radiopaque material wrapped by a sheath of mechanically durable material, or vice-versa. The bare areas that form the network of stimulation electrodes are provided on outward-facing portions of at least some of the strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Sorin CRM S.A.S.
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Ollivier
  • Patent number: 8498699
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for stimulating animal tissue (for example to trigger a nerve action potential (NAP) signal in a human patient) by application of both electrical and optical signals for treatment and diagnosis purposes. The application of an electrical signal before or simultaneously to the application of a NAP-triggering optical signal allows the use of a lower amount of optical power or energy than would otherwise be needed if an optical signal alone was used for the same purpose and effectiveness. The application of the electrical signal may precondition the nerve tissue such that a lower-power optical signal can be used to trigger the desired NAP, which otherwise would take a higher-power optical signal were the electric signal not applied. Some embodiments include an implanted nerve interface having a plurality of closely spaced electrodes placed transversely and/or longitudinally to the nerve and a plurality of optical emitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignees: Lockheed Martin Company, Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Jonathon D. Wells, Mark P. Bendett, James S. Webb, Charles A. Lemaire, Austin R. Duke, E. Duco Jansen, Peter E. Konrad, Anita Mahadevan-Jansen
  • Patent number: 8498708
    Abstract: An integrated system and method for treatment of various diseases, including psychiatric, mental and brain disorders, which preferably combines personalized non-invasive neuronal brain stimulation together with appropriate personalized cognitive training, and which iteratively fine-tunes this treatment by monitoring specific cognitive and brain functions in response to the treatment. A novel brain stimulator device and method, Computerized Magnetic Photo-Electric Stimulator (CCMPES), is described, which integrates electromagnetic stimulation with laser stimulation to generate a magnetic photo-electric stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Neuronix Ltd.
    Inventor: Jonathan Bentwich
  • Publication number: 20130184639
    Abstract: A system and method for introducing one or more stimulating drugs and/or applying electrical stimulation to the brain to treat mood and/or anxiety disorders uses an implantable system control unit (SCU), specifically an implantable signal/pulse generator (IPG) or microstimulator with one or more electrodes in the case of electrical stimulation, and an implantable pump with one or more catheters in the case of drug infusion. In cases requiring both electrical and drug stimulation, one or more SCUs are used. Alternatively and preferably, when needed, an SCU provides both electrical stimulation and one or more stimulating drugs. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one SCU includes a sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
  • Patent number: 8489185
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for paired training include timing controls so that training and neural stimulation can be provided simultaneously. Paired trainings may include therapies, rehabilitation and performance enhancement training. Stimulations of nerves such as the vagus nerve that affect subcortical regions such as the nucleus basalis, locus coeruleus or amygdala induce plasticity in the brain, enhancing the effects of a variety of therapies, such as those used to treat tinnitus, stroke, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Michael Kilgard, Larry Cauller, Navzer Engineer, Christa McIntyre, Will Rosellini
  • Patent number: 8478419
    Abstract: A system including an implantable neurostimulator device capable of modulating cerebral blood flow to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders. In one embodiment, the system is capable of modulating cerebral blood flow (also referred to as cerebral perfusion) in response to measurements and other observed conditions. Perfusion may be increased or decreased by systems and methods according to the invention as clinically required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: NeuroPace, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin D. Pless, Brett Wingeier
  • Patent number: 8473049
    Abstract: Various aspects of the present subject matter relate to an implantable device. Various device embodiments comprise at least one port to connect to at least one lead with at least electrode, stimulation circuitry connected to the at least one port and adapted to provide at least one neural stimulation therapy to at least one neural stimulation target using the at least one electrode, sensing circuitry connected to the at least one port and adapted to provide a sensed signal, and a controller connected to the stimulation circuitry to provide the at least one neural stimulation therapy and to the sensing circuitry to receive the sensed signal. In response to a triggering event, the controller is adapted to switch between at least two modes. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Imad Libbus, Andrew P. Kramer, William J. Linder, Jeffrey E. Stahmann
  • Publication number: 20130158612
    Abstract: A system and method of treating hyperactivity of an eyelid closing muscle in a subject after facial nerve paralysis includes providing a stimulation system and selectively stimulating eyelid opening muscle(s) or innervating nerves, eyelid opening reflexes, or eyelid opening reflexes in non-muscular tissue, using the stimulation system, without substantially activating the eyelid closing muscle. The system and method evokes eyelid movement in the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: MED-EL ELEKTROMEDIZINISCHE GERAETE GMBH
    Inventor: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
  • Patent number: 8467877
    Abstract: An apparatus for detection of ANEA comprising an introducer having at least one lumen. The introducer is introduced into brain tissue through an opening in the skull. A reference electrode is positioned at an introducer distal portion. A plurality of electrode members are advanceable within the at least one lumen with each member having an insulated portion and an exposed distal portion. The members have a non-deployed state in the introducer and a deployed state when outwardly advanced out of the introducer. In the deployed state, the members are substantially orthogonal to each other with the exposed distal portions defining a detection volume capable of determining an electric field vector produced by the ANEA and the direction of foci of the ANEA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: InCube Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Mir Imran