Stimulating Bladder Or Gastrointestinal Tract Patents (Class 607/40)
  • Patent number: 10905580
    Abstract: A device for treating obesity of a patient, the device comprising: at least one operable stretching device implantable in the patient and adapted to stretch a portion of the patient's stomach wall, and an implantable control unit for automatically controlling the operable stretching device, when the control unit and stretching device are implanted, to stretch the stomach wall portion in connection with the patient eating such that satiety is created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Inventor: Peter Forsell
  • Patent number: 10881320
    Abstract: According to one aspect, an implantable medical device may include an anchor assembly configured to anchor the medical device to a body lumen. The implantable medical device may also include a capsule. The capsule may include a pH sensor. The pH sensor may be configured to measure a pH of contents within the body lumen. The capsule may also include a power source, a controller, and an impedance sensor. The impedance sensor may be configured to measure an impedance within the body lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: George W. Duval, Paul J. Smith, Michael Y. Ko
  • Patent number: 10835229
    Abstract: A balloon dissector includes a cannula, an expandable bladder, and a cord. The cannula defines a lumen between proximal and distal ends. The expandable bladder is configured to expand when fluid is injected into the lumen and includes an inner surface, a proximal base, and a retainer. The proximal base is selectively coupleable to the distal end of the cannula in a sealing relationship. The retainer is positioned on the inner surface of the expandable bladder. The cord includes a first end, a second end, and a central portion. The one end of the cord extends from the proximal end of the cannula. The cord extends through the lumen of the cannula and through the retainer of the bladder returning into the lumen. The cord configured to draw the expandable bladder into the lumen after the expandable bladder is expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Jessica Gould
  • Patent number: 10814127
    Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead for a target nerve includes a sleeve having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defines a nerve channel. A longitudinal slit extends from the outer surface to the nerve channel and along an entire length of the sleeve. A width of the slit retains the target nerve within the nerve channel when the sleeve is closed and releases the target nerve when open. A plurality of electrodes are disposed on the inner surface of the sleeve. A flexible transition element electrically couples a lead body to the plurality of electrodes. Upper and lower sections of the sleeve rotates about a common hinge line (e.g., like a clam shell) located directly opposite the longitudinal slit. The material along the common hinge line remains “elastic” when the sleeve is moved from closed to open, and vice-versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ranjan Krishna Mukhari Nageri, Tiffany Shen
  • Patent number: 10734119
    Abstract: An implantable device coupled with an integrated circuitry, is operable to receive signals representing a human body action. The implantable device may be further operable to authenticate the signals. Responsive to authenticating the signals, the implantable device may be further operable to perform a device action associated with the implantable device. The implantable device may include a medical device that detects physical conditions of a body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Kozloski, Michael S. Gordon, Clifford A. Pickover
  • Patent number: 10724030
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for delivering a time-varying stimulation field to a subject. In the system, a power source, a control component and a transmission component operate as a stimulation field generator to provide a predetermined time-varying stimulation field to up-regulate or down-regulate an expression level of human genes. The present invention also provides a wearable apparatus for delivering the time-varying magnetic field to mammalian cells associated with bone formation in a subject. The wearable apparatus contains the stimulation field generator in a housing. The resulted modification on gene regulation of these genes and mammalian cells promotes the retention, repair of and reduction of compromised mammalian cartilage, bone, and associated tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Thomas J. Goodwin, Linda C. Shackelford
  • Patent number: 10702698
    Abstract: According to various method embodiments, a person is indicated for a therapy to treat a cardiovascular disease, and the therapy is delivered to the person to treat the cardiovascular disease. Delivering the therapy includes delivering a vagal stimulation therapy (VST) to a vagus nerve of the person at a therapeutically-effective intensity for the cardiovascular disease that is below an upper boundary at which upper boundary the VST would lower an intrinsic heart rate during the VST.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Weiying Zhao, Quan Ni, Stephen B. Ruble, Jason J. Hamann
  • Patent number: 10675463
    Abstract: Provided is a urination disorder treatment device which easily confirms with high accuracy whether it is appropriately used or not. In the urination disorder treatment device, a control portion compares a stimulation pulse 58 by a pair of body-surface electrode pads with a detection pulse 60 of a toe to judge whether a nerve passing through the sacral bone or the vicinity of the sacral bone is appropriately stimulated by the stimulation pulse 58 or not. Further, the detection pulse 60 is generated by reactions of the tibial nerve and/or the peroneal nerve extended up to the tiptoe which are connected to the nerve passing through the sacral bone or the vicinity of the sacral bone by way of the ischiadic nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: OTSUKA TECHNO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsuya Masuda, Nobuo Tsukui
  • Patent number: 10631781
    Abstract: Methods of evaluating homeostatic capacity of a subject are provided. Aspects of the methods include obtaining dynamic biometric data from the subject and evaluating the homoeostatic capacity of the subject from the obtained dynamic biometric data. Also provided are devices configured for use in practicing the methods. The methods and devices described herein find use in a variety of applications, e.g., health monitoring applications, treatment applications, dynamic diagnostic applications, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Palo Alto Investors
    Inventors: Anthony Joonkyoo Yun, Conrad Minkyoo Yun
  • Patent number: 10610685
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for electrically stimulating a smooth muscle. The method includes generating a continuous pulse train signal having pulses and pulse intervals between the pulses, the pulses and the pulse intervals being generated at a pulse frequency. The method also includes modulating the continuous pulse train signal at a modulation frequency to match dynamics of intracellular calcium ion oscillations in the smooth muscle. The method also includes entraining a group of cells of the smooth muscle by applying the modulated continuous pulse train signal to the group of cells of the smooth muscle to increase an oscillation frequency of the calcium ion oscillations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
    Inventor: Stan Yamashiro
  • Patent number: 10603490
    Abstract: GI tract treatment and monitoring devices configured for temporary implantation in the GI tract and non-invasive removal via natural body processes are disclosed. Methods of implantation, treatment and monitoring with disclosed devices are also disclosed. Devices include bio-active fixation that allows removal from the body by natural processes after a time that may be engineered in the fixation elements. In some embodiments, devices are configured to be implanted on GI tract tissue and transmurally migrate into the GI tract to be passed from the body. In other embodiments, devices are configured for placement within the GI tract via a delivery tube such as an NJ/NG tube. Embodiments include stimulation devices for treating conditions such as ileus and sensors for monitoring GI leaks and/or biological or chemical markers for various GI tract conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: The Foundry LLC
    Inventors: Hanson S. Gifford, III, Mark Deem
  • Patent number: 10589093
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus, systems and methods for facilitating introduction of a urinary drainage catheter (UDC) into the urinary tract (UT). One embodiment provides a UDC including electrodes for delivering high frequency current to a patient's pudendal nerves to relax the urinary sphincter (US) before passing the UDC therethrough so as reduce the resistance force on the UDC and discomfort to the patient. The electrodes can comprise at least one pair of bipolar electrodes and may be flexible so as to bend and flex within the urethra. The UDC includes one or more lumens including a drainage lumen and an inflation lumen for inflating an anchoring device on the UDC. The UDC can include a pressure sensor to assess relaxation of the US. The UDC may include a second set of electrodes and irrigation lumen for relaxing the US and flushing the urethra with the UDC in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Incube Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Mir Imran
  • Patent number: 10583300
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for a leadless implantable medical device (LIMD) comprising a housing. An electrode is disposed on the housing. An electronics circuit is disposed in the housing and is configured to sense cardiac signals, and/or generate and deliver pacing signals to the electrode. A transceiver circuit is disposed in the housing, and is configured to communicate wirelessly with an external device. A fixation antenna electrically separate from the electrode is disposed on a distal portion of the housing and is electrically coupled to the transceiver circuit, and configured to operate as an antenna for communication between the transceiver circuit and the external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Perry Li, Brett Villavicencio
  • Patent number: 10556107
    Abstract: Nerve stimulation systems and methods are disclosed for providing modulation of nerve targets in the lower limbs typically at or below the knee. For example, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), percutaneous nerve stimulation, and implantable stimulation systems and methods are disclosed for providing stimulation to the saphenous nerve (SAFN). Additionally, systems and methods are provided for co-stimulating the posterior tibial nerve (PTN) and SAFN in combination with unique stimulation, and with control and display of OAB therapy protocols for multiple sites. Systems and methods of treatment can provide for management of usage and compliance monitoring, obtain and operating upon patient input responses to queries and management of payments and permissions related to provision of therapies for various disorders. Monitoring of usage and compliance can be managed both locally and remotely from a user. Stimulation provided in combination with a passive implantable component is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: EBT Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul B. Yoo, Michael Sasha John
  • Patent number: 10471255
    Abstract: A system for controlling urination in a patient includes an implantable controller and an external device. The implantable controller includes circuitry and electrodes for stimulating the pudenal nerves in order to control urination. In addition, the implantable controller includes sensors for determining information on bladder fullness and for transmitting such information to an external device which is used for controlling the implanted controller. The external device will display when bladder filling exceeds a safe threshold level, allowing the patient and a caregiver to take appropriate steps to allow the patient to urinate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Incube Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Mir Imran
  • Patent number: 10467780
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described that provide a dynamic reporting functionality that can identify important information and dynamically present a report about the important information that highlights important findings to the user. The described systems and methods are generally described in the field of diabetes management, but are applicable to other medical reports as well. In one implementation, the dynamic reports are based on available data and devices. For example, useless sections of the report, such as those with no populated data, may be removed, minimized in importance, assigned a lower priority, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Georgios Zamanakos, Daniel Justin Wiedeback, Jeffrey Grant Stewart, Eli Reihman, David Price, Lauren C. Miller, Keri Leone, Dan Kraemer, Katherine Eng Kirby, Greg Kida, Apurv Ullas Kamath, Adam R. Greene, Rebecca Gimenez, Sarah Paige Elli, Rian Draeger, Shane Philip Delmore, Leif N. Bowman
  • Patent number: 10441785
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the treatment of bladder conditions using direct electrical pacing are provided. The systems and methods generally apply high-frequency pacing stimuli directly to the bladder wall, from one or more of the inner and outer bladder surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Harrah, Ding He, Sandra Nagale, Bryan Clark
  • Patent number: 10441502
    Abstract: A method for inducing a cellular or hormonal response includes using a wave-generating device to emit sound waves through an individual's skin and onto a target organ, and vibrating the target organ or a portion thereof at a frequency in resonance with the sound waves. The sound waves have a frequency of less than 200 Megahertz (MHz).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Amos Cahan
  • Patent number: 10413731
    Abstract: An example of a system may include a stimulator and at least one controller. The stimulator may be configured to deliver nerve stimulation to capture a first set of axons in a nerve and to deliver depletion block stimulation to capture a second set of axons in the nerve, where the second set is a subset of the first. The depletion block stimulation may include a series of pulses at a depletion pulse frequency within a range between about 100 Hz to about 1 kHz, and the nerve stimulation may include a series of pulses at a stimulation pulse frequency within a range of about 0.25 Hz to about 50 Hz. At least a portion of the nerve stimulation and at least a portion of the depletion block stimulation may be delivered to be effective in providing a nerve block while delivering nerve stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Manfred Franke, David J. Ternes, Juan Gabriel Hincapie Ordonez, Stephen B. Ruble, Jason J. Hamann
  • Patent number: 10376694
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating a gastrointestinal condition. In some embodiments, the method generally includes administering a chemical or electrical stimulus to an artery of the gastrointestinal vasculature of the subject, a vein of the gastrointestinal vasculature of the subject, a nerve supplying an artery of the gastrointestinal vasculature of the subject, and/or a nerve supplying a vein of the gastrointestinal vasculature of the subject, wherein the chemical or electrical stimulus is effective for treating a gastrointestinal condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Virender K. Sharma
  • Patent number: 10286210
    Abstract: Methods for providing therapy related to urological disorders. Particular embodiments of this technology relate to stimulation of lumbar spinal targets either alone or in combination with a sacral target or targets. In embodiments spinal roots are stimulated by partially or fully implanted stimulators to treat symptoms by producing bladder inhibition relative to that which occurs prior to stimulation. Embodiments also disclose improving nerve stimulation, including lumbar nerve root stimulation, using methods termed enhanced transcutaneous electrical stimulation (eTENS) since these enhance the inhibition or excitation of neural tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: EBT Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul B. Yoo, Michael Sasha John
  • Patent number: 10272242
    Abstract: The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of GERD. Individuals with GERD may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow, have improved energy storage requirements, enable improved LES function while concurrently delivering additional health benefits, and enable improved LES function post stimulation termination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: EndoStim, Inc.
    Inventors: Virender K. Sharma, Edy Sofer, Paul V. Goode, Bevil Hogg, Shai Policker, Matthew Joseph Gani, Jay Miazga, Kaila Raby
  • Patent number: 10213599
    Abstract: In one aspect, wireless gastrointestinal stimulations are described herein. In some embodiments, a system described herein comprises at least one transmitter and at least one stimulation device. The transmitter can include a signal generator operable to generate an electromagnetic signal, a first antenna operable to broadcast the electromagnetic signal, and an energy source. The at least one stimulation device is operable to deliver a pattern of electrical pulses to a gastrointestinal tissue comprising a muscle, and the stimulation device includes a circuit board having a circumference, at least one second antenna wrapped around the circumference of the circuit board, the at least one second antenna being configured to receive the electromagnetic signal and to generate an electrical current from the electromagnetic signal, and at least one electrode operable to deliver the electrical current to the muscle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventor: Jung-chih Chiao
  • Patent number: 10201695
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for activating brown adipose tissue (BAT). Generally, the methods and devices can activate BAT to increase thermogenesis, e.g., increase heat production in the patient, which over time can lead to weight loss. In one embodiment, a medical device is provided that activates BAT by electrically stimulating nerves that activate the BAT and/or electrically stimulating brown adipocytes directly, thereby increasing thermogenesis in the BAT and inducing weight loss through energy expenditure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignees: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Nicholas Stylopoulos, Lee M. Kaplan, Tamara C. Baynham, Taylor W. Aronhalt
  • Patent number: 10143840
    Abstract: A wearable device for suppressing appetite or hunger in a patient includes a microprocessor, electrical stimulator and at least one electrode configured to deliver electrical stimulation to the epidermis, through a range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm or a range of 0.1 mm to 20 mm of the dermis, of a T2 frontal thoracic dermatome to a T12 frontal thoracic dermatome or meridian of the patient and/or front or back, C5-T1 dermatome across the hand and/or arm, and/or the upper chest regions. The device includes a pad, in which the electrode is disposed, for secure placement of the device on a skin surface of a patient. The device is adapted to provide electrical stimulation as per stimulation protocols and to communicate wirelessly with a companion control device configured to monitor and record appetite patterns of the patient. The control device is also configured to monitor, record, and modify stimulation parameters of the stimulation protocols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Elira, Inc.
    Inventors: Raul E. Perez, Paul V. Goode, Peter I. Hong, Steven Diianni, Luis Jose Malave, Brad Stengel, John L. Faul
  • Patent number: 10143848
    Abstract: A method may include, using an electrode lead(s) having a proximal end and a distal end and comprising spaced apart electrodes carried by the distal end, positioning the electrodes adjacent nerves in a patient; using a subcutaneous lead connector plug comprising a housing electrically connected to the proximal end of the electrode lead(s) and defining a lead connection port(s) and an anchor point(s), positioning the housing along with the proximal end of the electrode lead(s) inside the patient; connecting the anchor point(s) to tissue beneath the patient's skin and, using a first generator lead having a distal end and a proximal end, plugging the distal end of the first generator lead into the lead connector port(s); and connecting the proximal end of the first generator lead to a first neural stimulation generator, and operating the first neural stimulation generator to provide electrical stimulation to the nerves via the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Inventor: Devin Datta
  • Patent number: 10130810
    Abstract: Apparatus for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in a user, the apparatus comprising: a housing; stimulation means carried by the housing for electrically stimulating at least one nerve; a pair of electrodes releasably mounted to the housing and connectable to the stimulation means for electrical stimulation of the at least one nerve; monitoring means for monitoring user gesture, electrode-skin contact integrity and transient motion; analysis means for analyzing the output of the monitoring means for determining user gesture, electrode-skin contact integrity and transient motion; and control means for controlling the output of the stimulation means in response to the determined user gesture, electrode-skin contact integrity and transient motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Neurometrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Ferree, Xuan Kong, Andres Aguirre, Michael Williams, Shai N. Gozani
  • Patent number: 10124177
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for programming an implanted device when a patient is remote from a clinician. A system includes a patient programmer configured to be operated by the patient, a clinician programmer configured to be operated by the clinician, and a remote diagnostic server configured to facilitate secure communication between the patient programmer and the clinician programmer, wherein the remote diagnostic server is configured to initiate a secure programming session between the patient programmer and the clinician programmer, receive a proposed stimulation program from the clinician programmer, transmit the proposed stimulation program to the patient programmer, receive an indication from the patient programmer that the patient has accepted the proposed stimulation program, and transmit an alert to the clinician programmer, the alert indicating that the patient has accepted the proposed stimulation program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventor: Prasanna Kumar
  • Patent number: 10058283
    Abstract: Devices, methods, computer-readable media, and systems for determining an identity of a food are disclosed. For example, a method may receive at least one property of at least one component in a sample of a food from an intra-oral device including a spectrometer, the at least one property obtained via the spectrometer, compares the at least one property to a plurality of food signatures, and determines the identity of the food based upon the comparing. In another example, a system may include an intra-oral device and a wireless device. The intra-oral device may include a spectrometer for measuring at least one property of at least one component in a sample of a food. The wireless device may include a processor for receiving the at least one property, comparing the at least one property to a plurality of food signatures, and determining the identity of the food based upon the comparing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Juliette Zerick, Eugene Rascle, William Cottrill
  • Patent number: 10058703
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) includes minimally invasively implanting a stimulating device in a patient's esophagus in the region proximate the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The patient is provided with a questionnaire related to his disease via an online service. The questionnaire is accessed on a mobile device, such as a cell phone, or on a computer with network access. The data from the sensors and the answers from the questionnaire are analyzed together by a health care provider using the online service. The data and answers are used to program the stimulating device, via the mobile device or computer, to optimize treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: EndoStim, Inc.
    Inventors: Virender K. Sharma, Shai Policker
  • Patent number: 10029099
    Abstract: Various aspects of the present subject matter provide a device. In various embodiments, the device comprises a port adapted to connect a lead, a pulse generator connected to the port and adapted to provide a neural stimulation signal to the lead, and a signal processing module connected to the port and adapted to receive and process a nerve traffic signal from the lead into a signal indicative of the nerve traffic. The device includes a controller connected to the pulse generator and the signal processing module. The controller is adapted to implement a stimulation protocol to provide the neural stimulation signal with desired neural stimulation parameters based on the signal indicative of the nerve traffic. Other aspects are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Imad Libbus, Andrew P. Kramer, Julia Moffitt
  • Patent number: 10022541
    Abstract: A non-user controllable electro-therapy device has a housing for a microprocessor, power source, status indicator, activation switch, and one or more channels for electrode contact. Only the activation switch is user-accessible. The microprocessor generates a non-user controllable frequency dependent mixed electrical signal through the electrodes, wherein the mixed electrical signal is a combination of at least two different frequencies, a first frequency having a first minimum and maximum microamp range and a second frequency having a different second minimum and maximum microamp range. The higher of the two frequencies is superimposed on the lower frequency, creating a current intensity window as an envelope along a profile of the lower frequency. The mixed electrical signal is automatically applied for a pre-determined period of time, and amplitude and/or duration and/or frequencies is varied according to a pre-set schedule programmed into a controller coupled to the one or more electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: FAST TRACK TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Geoffrey Pfeifer
  • Patent number: 10022057
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for monitoring heart rate variability (HRV) are presented. The HRV monitoring systems and devices are adapted to give immediate feedback to the subject concerning their current condition and any pertinent changes in their condition. The HRV monitoring systems and devices detect, analyze, and assess HRV against a pre-determined application or user need. They also have the ability to provide real time notifications based on the system's assessment of a user's heart HRV and changes in the HRV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Blake, Rodney Kugizaki
  • Patent number: 9999532
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed that provide therapeutic benefit and treatment for a variety of neurologic and physiologic conditions that include obesity, urinary incontinence, and sensory system disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Hans Mische
  • Patent number: 9965583
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods including a contact lens that facilitates collection and/or processing of information associated with sensed features are provided. In one aspect, a system can include a contact lens and an analysis component external to the contact lens. The contact lens can include: a substrate; and a circuit, disposed on or within the substrate. The circuit can include: a plurality of sensors configured to sense respective features associated with a wearer of the contact lens; and a communication component configured to communicate information indicative of sensed features. The analysis component can be configured to: receive the information indicative of the sensed features; and generate statistical information based, at least, on the information indicative of the sensed features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences, LLC
    Inventors: Ehsan Saeedi, Babak Amirparviz
  • Patent number: 9956401
    Abstract: A seed assembly for delivery to an interior of a heart includes an electrical stimulation circuit for delivering an electrical stimulus to cardiac tissue. A first electrode assembly is mechanically and electrically coupled to the seed assembly via a micro lead, the first electrode assembly configured to deliver the electrical stimulus generated by the electrical stimulation circuit to the cardiac tissue. The seed assembly and the first electrode assembly are sized and shaped to fit entirely within the heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Roger Hastings, Daniel M. Lafontaine, Michael J. Pikus, Martin R. Willard
  • Patent number: 9956104
    Abstract: A device for treating obesity of a patient, the device comprising: at least one operable stretching device implantable in the patient and adapted to stretch a portion of the patient's stomach wall, and an implantable control unit for automatically controlling the operable stretching device, when the control unit and stretching device are implanted, to stretch the stomach wall portion in connection with the patient eating such that satiety is created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Peter Forsell
  • Patent number: 9950165
    Abstract: This invention provides a new technology for management of back pain by stimulating the spinal cord in a manner that renders it refractory to transmission of deleterious or undesirable sensory input. The electrical stimulus comprises high frequency pulses in a regular or complex pattern or that are stochastically produced under microprocessor control. The stimulus is applied directly to the surface of the spinal cord from within the spinal canal, which provides important benefits over previous technology. The stimulus alleviates symptoms and signs of back pain, while minimizing the risk of side effects such as paresthesia, and potentially minimizing the effects on motor neuron transmission and proprioception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventor: Matthew A. Howard
  • Patent number: 9950160
    Abstract: A system and method for treating anorectal dysfunction includes implanting, in a minimally invasive manner, an electro-medical device for stimulation of two or more separate and distinct anatomical or histological structures of the anorectal region. Electrodes operably connected to the device are positioned proximate the target anatomical or histological structures. The device provides either the same or different stimulation algorithms to each anatomical or histological structure. Smooth muscle, such as the internal anal sphincter, is provided with a continuous stimulation algorithm, while skeletal muscle, such as the external anal sphincter, is provided with an on demand stimulation algorithm. Varying stimulation algorithms applied to multiple structures results in improved anorectal function without developing muscle fatigue and tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Virender K. Sharma
  • Patent number: 9925375
    Abstract: A non-invasive device for facilitating therapy of patient suffering from the gastrointestinal system diseases or symptoms, and in particular suffering Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The device is positioned by the patient on the skin of the patient abdomen and electrically stimulates the abdomen muscles. This treating results in dynamic motions of the digestive system, which causes the treatment of various digestive symptoms or diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventors: Mordechay Esh, Giora Arbel
  • Patent number: 9872988
    Abstract: A pulse generator is programmed to generate electrical stimulation to target a sacral nerve or a pudendal nerve of the patient. The electrical stimulation being delivered at least in part via a lead. The electrical stimulation is applied by ramping up a stimulation parameter over time. A first, a second, and a third physiological response are detected from the patient as a result of the electrical stimulation. A first value, a second value, and a third value of the stimulation parameter associated with the first, second, and third physiological response are measured, respectively. A placement of the lead inside the patient is evaluated based on at least one of: a chronological sequence in which the first, second, and third physiological responses occurred, a comparison of the first value with a predetermined threshold, or respective deviations of the second value or the third value from the first value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: NUVECTRA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norbert Kaula, Yohannes Iyassu
  • Patent number: 9872985
    Abstract: An example method for causing a perturbation of blood glucose level in a subject is described herein. The method can include selectively inhibiting neural activity of at least one of a hepatic branch of the subject's vagus nerve or the subject's greater splanchnic nerve using electrical stimulation having a frequency greater than about 5 kHz. The selective inhibition of neural activity causes the subject's blood glucose level to increase or decrease as compared to a baseline level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Butera, Yogi Anil Patel
  • Patent number: 9789309
    Abstract: The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (tLESRs). Individuals with tLESRs may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow and have improved energy storage requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: EndoStim, Inc.
    Inventors: Virender K. Sharma, Matt Joseph Gani, Paul V. Goode, Bevil Hogg, Jay Miazga, Shai Policker, Kaila Raby
  • Patent number: 9782583
    Abstract: A system and method for treating anorectal and/or genitourinary dysfunction includes implanting, in a minimally invasive manner, an electro-medical device for stimulation of two or more anatomical or histological structures of the anorectal region and/or genitourinary region. Electrodes operably connected to the device are positioned proximate the target anatomical or histological structures. The device provides either the same or different stimulation algorithms to each anatomical or histological structure, which may be the same or different. The varied stimulation parameters, such as pulse width, pulse amplitude, and pulse frequency, are defined such that after an application of the electrical pulses, an abdominal leak pressure, an abdominal leak volume, or a urine volume increases or a number of incontinent episodes or a mean incontinence volume per episode decreases relative to said parameters prior to the application of the electrical pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventor: Virender K. Sharma
  • Patent number: 9757575
    Abstract: A system for transferring power to, and communicating with, at least one body-implantable active device includes an external power transfer system associated with an external device disposed outside of a body, operable to transfer power through a dermis layer to each body-implantable active device, and communicate data to and from each body-implantable active device, and also includes a power receiving system associated with each body-implantable active device, operable to receive power transferred from the external power transfer system, and communicate data to and from the external power transfer system. The body-implantable active device may include an implantable neurostimulation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Syntilla Medical LLC
    Inventors: Harry Dellamano, Paul Griffith, Francis M. Menezes
  • Patent number: 9724036
    Abstract: For measuring functionality of an orifice (16, 20) in the human pelvic region an elongated probe (4; 54) for insertion in the orifice (16, 20) is provided. The probe (4; 54) comprises one or more electrodes (5a-6a, 5b-6b, 6a-7a, 6b-7b; 55a-56a, 55b-56b, 56a-57a, 56b-57b, 57a-92a, 57b-92b) for stimulating receptors (23, 25) in tissue bounding the orifice (16, 20) and one or more muscle activity sensors (8a, 8b, 8c, 9a, 9b, 9c, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 11a, 11b, 11e, 12a, 12b, 12c; 58a, 58b, 58c, 59a, 59b, 59c, 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d, 61a, 61b, 61c, 62) for sensing muscle activity causing pressure to be exerted by tissue bounding the orifice (16, 20). A control system (I) connected to the probe (4; 54) is arranged for outputting a neurostimulation signal (35) to the electrode or electrodes and for registering a pressure signal or signals from the pressure sensor or sensors during a time interval directly subsequent to the outputting of the neurostimulation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Academisch Ziekenhuis Groningen
    Inventor: Paulus Maria Antonius Broens
  • Patent number: 9707392
    Abstract: Neural Gastric Electrical Stimulation (NGES) is a new method for invoking gastric contractions under microprocessor control. However, optimization of this technique using feedback mechanisms to minimize power consumption and maximize effectiveness has been lacking. An apparatus and method are provided for inducing controlled gastro paresis. The apparatus comprises a contraction sensor, a stomach contraction generator, and a controller. The contraction sensor is responsive to circumferential contractions of the stomach, and outputs a signal indicative of a circumferential contraction. The stomach contraction generator induces a circumferential contraction upon receipt of an electrical signal from the controller. The controller sends the electrical signal to the generator upon receipt of the output signal from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: UTI Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Martin P. Mintchev
  • Patent number: 9693708
    Abstract: The invention relates to wireless biotelemetry of low level bioelectric and biosensor signals by directly modulating the backscatter of a resonant circuit. Low level electrical analog or digital signals are directly applied to a resonant circuit containing a voltage-variable capacitor such as a varactor diode, that proportionally shifts the resonant frequency and so amplitude of radiofrequency backscatter in a way that represents analog bioelectric or biosensor waveform data. By strongly driving the resonant circuit with a radiofrequency source, a voltage variable capacitance can be caused to amplify the bio-signal level by a parametric process and so provide sufficient sensitivity to telemeter for low millivolt and microvolt level signals without additional amplification. A feature of the device is its simplicity and that it accomplishes both modulation and preamplification of low level sensor signals by the same variable capacitance circuit which reduces the device size and power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents for and on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventor: Bruce C. Towe
  • Patent number: 9656080
    Abstract: Methods for treatment of hyperhidrosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, cerebral ischemia and asthma and hypertension by nerve stimulation are disclosed. In particular, the invention relates to the improvement of these conditions by stimulating at least one ganglion selected from the group consisting of T-1 through T-4 ganglia, cervical ganglia, renal nerve or combinations thereof with an implantable, wireless, battery-less and lead-less stimulator. Stimulations of the ganglion may be carried out with pulsed radiofrequency, thermal energy or optical irradiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Inventors: Hung Wei Chiu, Ming Chien Kao, Mu Lien Lin
  • Patent number: 9656068
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating a gastrointestinal condition. In some embodiments, the method generally includes administering a chemical or electrical stimulus to an artery of the gastrointestinal vasculature of the subject, a vein of the gastrointestinal vasculature of the subject, a nerve supplying an artery of the gastrointestinal vasculature of the subject, and/or a nerve supplying a vein of the gastrointestinal vasculature of the subject, wherein the chemical or electrical stimulus is effective for treating a gastrointestinal condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Inventor: Virender K. Sharma