Electrical Treatment Of Pain Patents (Class 607/46)
  • Patent number: 11654082
    Abstract: An auricular peripheral nerve field stimulator includes at least one therapy electrode configured for percutaneous insertion into an auricle of a human ear near at least one neurovascular bundle, and an electrical stimulation device electrically coupled to the at least one therapy electrode, the electrical stimulation device programmed to generate and deliver electrical stimulation signals, with defined stimulation parameters, to the percutaneously inserted at least one therapy electrode to stimulate at least one auricular peripheral nerve field within the auricle, the defined stimulation parameters including a defined signal amplitude, a defined pulse frequency, a defined pulse width, a defined duty cycle and a defined stimulation signal duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Neuraxis, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher R. Brown, Gary M. Peterson
  • Patent number: 11651705
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for tracking manipulation data. A wearable sensor array is capable of providing force data, motion data and location data. A body part of a person is covered with the wearable sensor array. The body part of the person is being manipulated through the wearable sensor array, and then a computer system obtains sensor data from the wearable sensor array. The computer system generates a force, motion and location map based on the obtained sensor data which is useful for a variety of purposes as detailed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventor: Carla Marie Pugh
  • Patent number: 11638549
    Abstract: A nerve integrity monitoring device includes a control module and a physical layer module. The control module is configured to generate a payload request. The payload request (i) requests a data payload from a sensor in a wireless nerve integrity monitoring network, and (ii) indicates whether a stimulation probe device is to generate a stimulation pulse. The physical layer module is configured to (i) wirelessly transmit the payload request to the sensor and the stimulation probe device, or (ii) transmit the payload request to a console interface module. The physical layer module is also configured to, in response to the payload request, (i) receive the data payload from the sensor, and (ii) receive stimulation pulse information from the stimulation probe device. The data payload includes data corresponding to an evoked response of a patient. The evoked response is generated based on the stimulation pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Brown, John G. Pollock, Kevin L. McFarlin, Randal C. Schulhauser
  • Patent number: 11638817
    Abstract: The present invention provides a single surgical method, procedure and/or system that creates open direct visual and/or physical access to an identified spinal treatment site that comprises both targeted vertebral and spinal levels to be treated, wherein the spinal levels comprise at least one dorsal root ganglion. A spinal treatment procedure may be performed generally in combination with implantation of a neuromodulation system that may comprise placement of electrical lead(s) on the at least one dorsal root ganglion, wherein each lead is in operative connection with a pulse generator that may also be implanted during the surgical method. Electrical stimulation may be generated with the pulse generator through the electrical leads to the at least one dorsal root ganglion during and/or after the closure of the identified spinal treatment site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: SynerFuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory F. Molnar, Christopher G. Frank, Justin D. Zenanko, Beth A. Lindborg, Nazmi Peyman, Kyle Grube, Michael Park, Matthew Hunt, Kathy Hill
  • Patent number: 11633151
    Abstract: A medical apparatus configured to neuromodulate tissue and/or record patient information is provided. The apparatus includes an external system to transmit transmission signal(s), each signal having at least power or data, and an implantable system to receive the transmission signal(s). The data transfer between the external and implantable systems is asynchronous. The external system includes external antenna(s) to transmit a transmission signal. The transmission signal is an amplitude modulated signal modulated by varying a load on the external antenna(s) that causes an impedance mismatch prior to amplifying the signal for transmission. An implantable device includes implantable antenna(s) to receive the transmission signal. The implantable system comprises a receiver to receive the transmission signal from the implantable antenna(s), implantable transmission module(s) to transmit data to the external system, and a variable load connected to the implantable antenna(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Nalu Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Pivonka, Anatoly Yakovlev
  • Patent number: 11633598
    Abstract: A system and method for treating pain without paresthesia by spinal cord stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dirk De Ridder
  • Patent number: 11633621
    Abstract: A novel photobiomodulation (PBM) system and method that comprehensively directs therapeutic light energy into the brain from a combination of transcranial (through the skull) and intranasal (via the nasal channels) locations. In a preferred embodiment, the PBM device works in combination with a diagnostic tool to provide enhanced treatment of abnormal brain function intelligently, automatically, and unrestricted by geographical distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Inventor: Lew Lim
  • Patent number: 11612746
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for the treatment of pain through activation of select neural fibers. The neural fibers may comprise one or more afferent neural fibers and/or one or more efferent neural fibers. If afferent fibers are stimulated, alone or in combination with efferent fibers, a therapeutically effective amount of electrical stimulation is applied to activate afferent pathways in a manner approximating natural afferent activity. The afferent fibers may be associated with primary receptors of muscle spindles, golgi tendon organs, secondary receptors of muscle spindles, joint receptors, touch receptors, and other types of mechanoreceptors and/or proprioceptors. If efferent fibers are stimulated, alone or in combination with afferent fibers, a therapeutically effective amount of electrical stimulation is applied to activate intrafusal and/or extrafusal muscle fibers, which results in an indirect activation of afferent fibers associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: SPR THERAPEUTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Maria E. Bennett, Joseph W. Boggs, Warren M. Grill, John Chae
  • Patent number: 11596576
    Abstract: An acupuncture robot and an intelligent acupuncture system and method are provided. The acupuncture robot includes an acupuncture treatment host, a treatment electrode and a palm fixing frame, wherein the palm fixing frame is used for fixing a palm, and the treatment electrode is used for carrying out acupuncture massage treatment on holographic acupuncture points of a second metacarpal bone of the palm of a patient; and the acupuncture treatment host is in communication connection with a server to acquire an operation instruction, instructs, according to the operation instruction, the patient to use the acupuncture robot, and controls, according to the operation instruction, the treatment electrode such that same carries out acupuncture massage treatment on the holographic acupuncture points of the second metacarpal bone of the patient. The intelligent acupuncture system includes the acupuncture robot and the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventor: Xibi Dong
  • Patent number: 11596796
    Abstract: A computer implemented method and system is provided for managing neural stimulation therapy. The method comprises under control of one or more processors configured with program instructions. The method delivers a series of candidate stimulation waveforms having varied stimulation intensities to at least one electrode located proximate to nervous tissue of interest. A parameter defines the candidate stimulation waveforms is changed to vary the stimulation intensity. The method identifies a first candidate stimulation waveform that induces a paresthesia-abatement effect, while continuing to induce a select analgesic effect. The method further identifies a second candidate stimulation waveform that does not induce the select analgesic effect. The method sets a stimulation therapy based on the first and second candidate stimulation waveforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoyi Min, Alexander Kent, Richard Williamson
  • Patent number: 11596527
    Abstract: An intervertebral cage with an outer frame, an open inner core region and a porosity gradient within the outer frame is provided. The outer frame includes a posterior wall, an anterior wall, a pair of side walls extending between the posterior wall and the anterior wall and the porosity gradient may comprise at least one of: a decreasing average pore diameter in a direction from an outer surface to an inner surface of at least one of the pair of side walls; an increasing average pore diameter in a direction from an outer surface to an inner surface of at least one of the pair of side walls; a decreasing average pore diameter in a direction from an upper surface to a lower surface of at least one of the side walls; and an increasing average pore diameter in a direction from an upper surface to a lower surface of at least one of the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Alphatec Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Sri Vishnubhotla, Scott Robinson, Steven Leong, Frank Chang
  • Patent number: 11571578
    Abstract: An example method includes delivering, by an implantable medical device and during a first period of time, high density electrical neurostimulation therapy to a patient using a first set of electrodes of a plurality of electrodes; and delivering, by the implantable medical device and during a second period of time, high density electrical neurostimulation therapy to the patient using a second set of electrodes of the plurality of electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian K. Acklin, Michael E. Newell
  • Patent number: 11571579
    Abstract: The types of electrode leads that are connected to an implantable medical device are determined based on electrical parameters that are measured at the electrodes that are positioned on the leads. The different types of known electrode leads have different physical electrode arrangements that impact the measured electrical parameters. Properties in the measured electrical parameters that are indicative of the physical arrangements of electrodes of known types of electrode leads are utilized to determine the types of leads that are connected to the implantable medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: G. Karl Steinke, Ara Sarian
  • Patent number: 11547316
    Abstract: A patient treatment unit and method analyzes and treats pain in tissues by applying an electrical pulse train to the affected tissue. The impedance of the affected tissue is measured, and the measured impedance is correlated to a level of pain in the patient. The pulse train is further applied in response to the measured impedance to reduce the patient's pain. The patient treatment unit includes a probe stimulus generator that outputs the pulse train. The treatment unit also includes a pair of probes for contacting the patient's body and receiving the pulse train. The pulse has improved shaping based on isolation of high voltage from a low voltage control. The unit further includes a body impedance analysis circuit that senses voltage and current via the probes when the probes are contacting the patient and observe the impedance. A monitor is electrically coupled to the body impedance analysis circuit and provides an indication of the measured impedance indicative of the patient's level of pain in real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: TrueRelief, LLC
    Inventors: John Crosson, David Weinkle
  • Patent number: 11541237
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, compositions and kits for inhibiting a disorder in a human patient, including non-cerebral neurovascular disorder or muscular headache pain, or loss of motor or sensory function, sympathetic tone or range or fluidity of motion that affect a nerve pathway at more than one locus associated with the disorder to inhibit the disorder. Alternatively or in addition, neuropathy associated with a disorder is treatable by palpating to determine a Keystone nerve essential to the neuropathy, applying pressure to determine a point of maximum discomfort or trigger of increased symptoms to identify a Levin Sign as a locus of initial intervention, and intervening to treat the neuropathy at the location of the Levin Sign by administering a pharmaceutically active agent, internal implanted or external neuro stimulation affecting the nerve pathway to inhibit the neuropathy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: BHL PATENT HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventor: Bruce H Levin
  • Patent number: 11540973
    Abstract: A system and method of using a lead introduced to a subject proximate to a region of pain is contemplated to deliver pain relief without the need for multiple needle insertions or electrical stimulation. The three-dimensional lead may include spring-like characteristics and/or coils to translate mechanical energy into the therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: SPR Therapeutics, LLC
    Inventors: Meredith McGee, Nathan Crosby, John Chae, Joseph W. Boggs
  • Patent number: 11534611
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a patient having a blood glucose abnormality, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), using an electrical signal are disclosed. A representative method for treating a patient includes, based at least in part on a patient indication of a blood glucose abnormality, positioning at least one implantable signal delivery device proximate to a target location at the patient's spinal cord within a vertebral range of from about C8 to about T12. The method further includes directing an electrical signal to the target location via the implantable signal delivery device, wherein the electrical signal has a frequency in a frequency range of from 1.2 kHz to 100 kHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Nevro Corp.
    Inventors: Daniel Baldoni, Satinderpall Singh Pannu
  • Patent number: 11524158
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods provide forms of asymptomatic diaphragmatic stimulation (ADS) therapy that affect pressures within the intrathoracic cavity, including: 1) dual-pulse ADS therapy, during which a first ADS pulse is delivered during a diastolic phase of a cardiac cycle and a second ADS pulse is delivered during a systolic phase, 2) paired-pulse ADS therapy, during which a first ADS pulse is delivered, closely followed by a second ADS pulse, with the second ADS pulse functioning to extend or enhance a phase of a transient, partial contraction of the diaphragm, and 3) multiple-pulse ADS therapy, during which a stream of ADS pulses is delivered, wherein the time between pulses is based on heart rate. Devices, systems and methods also monitor electromyography (EMG) activity of the diaphragm relative to baseline activity to assess the health of a diaphragm subject to ADS therapy and to adjust ADS therapy parameters or sensing parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: VisCardia, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter T. Bauer, Timothy Wheeler
  • Patent number: 11497909
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a computer-implemented method requiring loading, via a processor, a meridian tool into an electrical device having an input screen. The method causes, via the processor, the meridian tool to display a human body image on the input screen. The method receives, via the processor, input signals from the input screen to indicate pain points on the human body image and displays, via the processor, a pain level input display on the input screen. The method receives, via the processor, pain level input from the pain level input display screen and causes, via the processor, the electrical device to provide controlling electrical pulses to a meridian acupuncture sleeve, wherein the controlling electrical pulses controls the application of current being applied to electrical pads within the meridian acupuncture sleeve to provide pain relief for the pain points on the human body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Inventor: Steven Ehrlich
  • Patent number: 11491325
    Abstract: An example system for exciting a selected set of motor neurons of a patient comprises one or more signal generators configured for generating a first electrical signal and a second electrical signal; a first set of wires configured to provide the first electrical signal to a first set of electrodes, wherein the first set of electrodes are configured for being secured to a first set of positions on the patient; a second set of wires configured to provide the second electrical signal to a second set of electrodes, wherein the second set of electrodes are configured for being secured to a second set of positions on the patient; and a controller configured to control operation of the one or more signal generators. The first electrical signal is a periodic signal of a first frequency. The second electrical signal is a periodic signal of a second frequency. The first frequency and the second frequency differ by a non-zero frequency difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: David D. Fuller, Kevin Otto, Michael D. Sunshine
  • Patent number: 11458317
    Abstract: Variable amplitude signals for neurological therapy, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative method includes activating automatic delivery of an electrical therapy signal to a patient's spinal cord region at a frequency in a frequency range between 1.5 kHz and 100 kHz, via at least one signal delivery contact carried by an implanted signal delivery device. The delivery can include repeatedly and automatically delivering the electrical therapy signal at each of multiple therapy signal amplitudes to the at least one signal delivery contact, without the therapy signal generating paresthesia in the patient. The foregoing process can be used as a screening tool to screen responders from non-responders in the context of a non-paresthesia-generating therapy, and/or can be used during long-term treatment, for example, for chronic pain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Nevro Corp.
    Inventor: Chris Dawson
  • Patent number: 11446499
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing pain in patient are described. A system may include sensors configured to sense physiological or functional signals, and a pain analyzer to generate signal metrics from the physiological or functional signals. The pain analyzer also generates weight factors corresponding to the signal metrics. The weight factors may indicate the signal metrics reliability in representing an intensity of the pain. The pain analyzer generates a pain score using a plurality of signal metrics and a plurality of weight factors. The pain score may be output to a user or a process. The system may additionally include an electrostimulator to generate and deliver closed-loop pain therapy according to the pain score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Pramodsingh Hirasingh Thakur, Jianwen Gu, Bryan Allen Clark, David J. Ternes, David L. Perschbacher, James John Kleinedler, Elizabeth Mary Annoni
  • Patent number: 11439820
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for treating migraine headaches and other conditions by non-invasive electrical stimulation of nerves and other tissue. A hand-held device includes a housing with a controller having a signal generator, an electrode for delivering electrical signals, and a conductive surface configured as a return path for the electrical signals. In certain implementations, the electrode is repositionable with respect to the housing. The patient can self-apply the hand-held device by pressing it against areas in need of pain relief. The device may include a pressure-sensitive gating switch to control delivery of the stimulation therapy. In certain embodiments, the electrode is a rollerball electrode. The device may include a chamber for retaining and dispensing conductive gel to the therapy site. In certain approaches, the device includes an electrode support for coupling an electrical stimulation system to the head for hands-free electrical stimulation therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: DJO, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Jerome Bachinski, Dain Silvola, Michael Moore, Jay Dave, Joseph Winn
  • Patent number: 11433238
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of reducing phantom limb pain or diabetic neuropathy pain, and increasing prosthetic control, by stimulating dorsal spinal rootlets and/or lateral spinal cord adjacent to the dorsal rootlets, of sensory neurons innervating the limb with the phantom limb pain or diabetic neuropathy pain, or the prosthetic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Lee Erik Bartholomew Fisher, Robert A. Gaunt, Douglas J. Weber
  • Patent number: 11426584
    Abstract: Some implementations provide a method for treating craniofacial pain in a patient, the method including: placing a wirelessly powered passive device through an opening into a target site in a head or neck region of the patient's body, the wirelessly powered passive device configured to receive an input signal non-inductively from an external antenna; positioning the wirelessly powered passive device adjacent to or near a nerve at the target site; and causing neural modulation to the nerve through one or more electrodes on the wirelessly powered passive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Stimwave Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Laura Tyler Perryman, Chad Andresen
  • Patent number: 11426588
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for generating waveforms for an implantable pulse generator of a neurostimulation system. A waveform generation system includes a computing device, at least one buffer memory, and at least one programmable current regulator. The at least one buffer memory is coupled between the computing device and the at least one programmable current regulator. The computing device is configured to load a string of output current values into the at least one buffer memory, and the at least one buffer memory is configured to sequentially feed each output current value to the at least one programmable current regulator. Further, the at least one programmable current regulator is configured to control current supplied to a plurality of electrodes based on the received output current values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: ADVANCED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Gavin Rade, Daran DeShazo
  • Patent number: 11419515
    Abstract: A patient treatment unit and method analyzes and treats pain in tissues by applying an electrical pulse train to the affected tissue. The impedance of the affected tissue is measured, and the measured impedance is correlated to a level of pain in the patient. The pulse train is further applied in response to the measured impedance to reduce the patient's pain. The patient treatment unit includes a probe stimulus generator that outputs the pulse train. The treatment unit also includes a pair of probes for contacting the patient's body and receiving the pulse train. The pulse has improved shaping based on isolation of high voltage from a low voltage control. The unit further includes a body impedance analysis circuit that senses voltage and current via the probes when the probes are contacting the patient and observe the impedance. A monitor is electrically coupled to the body impedance analysis circuit and provides an indication of the measured impedance indicative of the patient's level of pain in real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: TrueRelief, LLC
    Inventors: John Crosson, David Weinkle
  • Patent number: 11420057
    Abstract: Systems and methods make possible the placement of one or more electrode leads in a tissue region for providing functional and/or therapeutic stimulation to tissue. The systems and methods are adapted to provide the relief of pain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: SPR Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph W. Boggs, II
  • Patent number: 11420070
    Abstract: In a high voltage, variable frequency radiation generation system, a carrier signal supplied to a primary coil of a transformer is varied, e.g., turned ON and OFF at variable frequencies. The ON duration and/or the average amplitude of the carrier signal may also be varied. Moreover, the carrier signal may be modulated using an audio signal. The parameters to control the variation of the carrier can be provided as a recipe via a software application. A server can provide different types of apps providing different control features. The server may also collect user characteristic data and recipe usage data, and may facilitate exchange of these data and may recommend recipes based on a particular user characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Advanced Biotechnologies, LLC
    Inventors: James William Law, James David Girard, Colin Bester
  • Patent number: 11420047
    Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering drug particles to a target site are disclosed. An example method for implementing the subject matter described herein includes applying a drug delivery patch to a target site. The drug delivery patch can include a substrate, an electrode integrated with the substrate, and a fluid in the substrate having drug particles suspended in the fluid. The method further includes transmitting a signal to the drug delivery patch to power the drug delivery patch by inductive coupling. Powering the drug delivery patch causes the electrode in the drug delivery patch to motivate the drug particles towards a target site of the drug delivery patch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Inventor: Athena E. Ivanoff
  • Patent number: 11413457
    Abstract: A fitting algorithm for a spinal cord stimulator is disclosed, which is preferably implemented in a clinician programmer having a graphical user interface. In one example, coupling parameters indicative of coupling to neural structures are determined for each electrode in an implanted electrode array. The user interface associates different pole configurations with different anatomical targets and with different measurement techniques (subjective or objective) to gauge the effectiveness of the pole configuration at different positions in the electrode array. The pole configuration, perhaps as modified by the coupling parameters, is then steered in the array, and effectiveness is measured along with a paresthesia threshold at each position. Using at least this data, the fitting algorithm can determine one or more candidate positions in the electrode array at which a therapeutic stimulation program can be centered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Tianhe Zhang, Que Doan
  • Patent number: 11413451
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for reducing migration of leads, catheters and similar devices are provided. In particular, devices, systems and methods are provided for creating a slack anchor which assists in maintaining the lead or catheter in a desired position. In some embodiments, the slack anchor is created within the epidural space. When targeting nerve anatomy within the spinal column or in the vicinity of the epidural space, anchoring within the epidural space allows the associated lead or catheter to be anchored as close to the target therapy site as desired or possible. By anchoring close to the target therapy site, the risk of movement or migration is significantly reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings SMI S.A.R.L. (“SJM LUX SMI”)
    Inventors: Eric J. Grigsby, Daniel M. Brounstein, Fred I Linker
  • Patent number: 11406827
    Abstract: An example method for spinal cord stimulation treatment includes positioning eight implantable electrodes to a dura matter in an epidural space proximate to a subject's spinal cord so that (i) a first circuit is created between a first and second electrode on a first channel, (ii) a second circuit is created between a third and fourth electrode on a second channel, (iii) a third circuit is created between a fifth and sixth electrode on a third channel, and (iv) a fourth circuit is created between a seventh and eighth electrode on a fourth channel, transmitting signals through the first and second circuits that interfere to produce a first beat signal, transmitting signals through the third and fourth circuits that interfere to produce a second beat signal, and interaction of the first and second beat signals results in a combined beat signal proximate to the subject's spinal cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Meagan Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Carroll
  • Patent number: 11400284
    Abstract: In various embodiments, non-invasive methods to induce motor control in a mammal subject to spinal cord or other neurological injuries are provided. In some embodiments the methods involve administering transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) to the mammal at a frequency and intensity that induces locomotor activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Yury P. Gerasimenko, Victor Reggie Edgerton, Roland R. Roy, Daniel C. Lu
  • Patent number: 11395625
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for managing pain of a subject. A system may include a motion sensor configured to sense at least one functional signal indicative a physical state of the subject. The at least one functional signal may include at least one motor activity signal or at least one sleep state signal. A pain analyzer circuit may extract, from the functional signal, signal metrics indicative of subject motor control or kinetics, and generate a pain score using the signal metrics. The pain score may be output to a user or a process. The system may additionally include an electrostimulator to generate and deliver a closed-loop pain therapy according to the pain score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Bryan Allen Clark, Elizabeth Mary Annoni, Jianwen Gu, Kyle Harish Srivastava, Pramodsingh Hirasingh Thakur, James John Kleinedler, David J. Ternes
  • Patent number: 11389373
    Abstract: The method of treating a patient addicted to pain medication or opioids has the step administering acoustic shock waves or pressure pulses to the patient. A second embodiment includes a treatment to reduce a patient's pain caused by a medical condition and/or medical procedure to reduce or eliminate the taking of addictive pain medication. The treatment has the step of administering acoustic shock waves or pressure pulses directed to an area near a source of the pain or to one or more reflexology zones or to one or more reflexology zones and to an area near the source of the pain or both to treat the medical condition or prior to the medical procedure or during the medical procedure or after the medical procedure or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Softwave Tissue Regeneration Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John F. Warlick, John Patrick Finney
  • Patent number: 11383088
    Abstract: An example of a system for delivering neurostimulation energy may include a stimulation control circuit to control the delivery of the neurostimulation energy according to each of stimulation test patterns. The stimulation control circuit may include a sensing input configured to receive an electrospinogram (ESG) signal recording electrical activity from the spinal cord, a measurement circuit configured to determine one or more response parameters for each test pattern using the received ESG signal, and a selection circuit configured to select a neurostimulation therapy pattern from the stimulation test patterns based on the response parameter(s) and one or more selection criteria. The electrical activity includes responses to the delivered neurostimulation energy, and the response parameter(s) are each indicative of one or more characteristics of the responses. The selection may include selecting a type of stimulation waveform from multiple types of stimulation waveform in the stimulation test patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Rosana Esteller
  • Patent number: 11383086
    Abstract: In some examples, a medical device is configured to automatically determine a paresthesia threshold or a perception threshold of a patient in a second posture based on the paresthesia threshold or perception threshold of that patient in a first posture. The medical device may deliver an electrical stimulation signal to a patient and determine the paresthesia threshold or perception threshold for the patient in the first posture. The medical device may change the intensity of the electrical signal and receive an indication from the patient that they are experiencing paresthesia or perceiving the electrical stimulation signal. The medical device may then automatically determine a predicted paresthesia threshold or predicted perception threshold for a second posture based on the paresthesia threshold or perception threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Lachlan Davies, Sheryl McCammon, Andrew J. Cleland, Melanie D Goodman Keiser, Ye Tan, Lisa M. Johanek, Nathan A. Torgerson
  • Patent number: 11369796
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods relating to neuromodulation. In particular, the present disclosure provides systems and methods for identifying optimized waveforms for blocking neural conduction. The systems and methods of neuromodulation disclosed herein facilitate the treatment of various diseases associated with pathological neural activity. The optimized waveforms for blocking neural conduction are identified through use of a global optimization algorithm based on predetermined performance criteria. A plurality of waveforms are generated and evaluated for neuronal conduction block using a computational model of extracellular neuronal stimulation, and at least on candidate waveform having an optimized shape capable of blocking neural conduction is identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Warren Grill, Nikki Pelot, Timothy Hoer
  • Patent number: 11364381
    Abstract: A method of managing pain related to a peripheral nerve injury of a subject comprises delivering stimulation energy of a first frequency to the target nerve via at least one electrode assembly during a regenerative phase and delivering stimulation energy of a second frequency for a predetermined period via the at least one electrode assembly during at least one neuropathic pain management phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Epineuron Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Patrick Willand, Sergio David Aguirre
  • Patent number: 11364378
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are circuits and methods for a multi-electrode implantable stimulator device incorporating one decoupling capacitor in the current path established via at least one cathode electrode and at least one anode electrode. In one embodiment, the decoupling capacitor may be hard-wired to a dedicated anode on the device. The cathodes are selectively activatable via stimulation switches. In another embodiment, any of the electrodes on the devices can be selectively activatable as an anode or cathode. In this embodiment, the decoupling capacitor is placed into the current path via selectable anode and cathode stimulation switches. Regardless of the implementation, the techniques allow for the benefits of capacitive decoupling without the need to associate decoupling capacitors with every electrode on the multi-electrode device, which saves space in the body of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Jordi Parramon, Kiran Nimmagadda, Emanuel Feldman, Yuping He
  • Patent number: 11351447
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for interacting with a person by rendering images with a display; capturing a vision and transmit a vision to the display; detecting with sensors one or more biometric and physical conditions, the sensor having a wireless transceiver adapted to communicate with a remote processor; and providing sexual stimulation with explicit augmented or virtual reality views of sex organ body part based on the biometric and physical conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Inventor: Naveen Kumar
  • Patent number: 11351375
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include systems and method for spinal cord stimulation. A spinal cord stimulator may comprise a pulse generator comprising electronic circuitry configured to generate output current; at least one lead in communication with the generator and configured to extend into the epidural space of a patient's spinal column; at least one electrode contact located proximate to a distal end of the at least one lead and configured to provide electric stimulation to a portion of a patient's spinal cord; and at least one sensor located along the at least one lead configured to determine a distance between the at least one lead and a surface of the patient's spinal cord, wherein the generator receives the determined distance, and wherein the generator is configured to adjust the stimulation provided by the at least one electrode contact based on the determined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Inventor: John Mansell
  • Patent number: 11338127
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for programming a patient's stimulator device using an external device. The method provides a Graphical User Interface (GUI) on the external device that allows the patient to select from a plurality of displayed stimulation modes to program stimulation provided by one or more electrodes of the stimulator device. The external device stores a model derived for the patient, which model comprises information indicative of a plurality of frequency/pulse width/amplitude coordinates predicted to provide optimal stimulation for the patient. Each stimulation mode corresponds with a subset of coordinates defined in accordance with the plurality of coordinates in the model. Selection of one of the stimulation modes limits programming the stimulator device with coordinates that are within the corresponding subset of coordinates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Ismael Huertas Fernandez, Que T. Doan, Changfang Zhu, Rosana Esteller, Michael A. Moffitt
  • Patent number: 11331481
    Abstract: An apparatus for relieving pain in a region of the body of a user by contacting electrodes to a surface of the body of the user at the region and providing a series of electrical impulses to the region, the apparatus including: (a) at least two electrodes adapted to contact a surface of a body of the user; (b) a control unit; and (c) a signal generator, associated with the control unit and responsive thereto, the signal generator and the control unit adapted to operative connect to a power supply, the signal generator adapted, in an operative mode, to provide a series of electrical impulses to the surface of the body, via the electrodes, the series including a plurality of cycles, each of the cycles having a positive voltage pulse and a negative voltage pulse, wherein a frequency of the plurality of cycles is optionally within a range of 60-150 cycles per second, wherein a time-averaged voltage amplitude (Vap) of the positive voltage pulse, over an entire duration (Tppositive) thereof, is 20-90 Volts, and whe
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: IPULSE MEDICAL LTD.
    Inventors: Zvi Nachum, Shalom Lampert
  • Patent number: 11311726
    Abstract: An external control device, neuromodulation system, and method of providing therapy to a patient using an implantable neuromodulator implanted within the patient. Electrical modulation energy is delivered from the neuromodulator to the patient in accordance with the pre-existing modulation program when in one of the super-threshold delivery mode and the sub-threshold delivery mode. Operation of the neuromodulator is switched to the other of the super-threshold delivery mode and the sub-threshold delivery mode. A new modulation program may be derived from a pre-existing modulation program, and the neuromodulator may deliver the electrical modulation energy to the patient in accordance with the pre-existing modulation program during the other of the super-threshold delivery mode and the sub-threshold delivery mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis Allen Vansickle, Dongchul Lee, Sridhar Kothandaraman, Que T. Doan, Changfang Zhu, Jordi Parramon, Justin Holley, Bradley L. Hershey, Christopher E. Gillespie, Rafael Carbunaru, Nazim Wahab
  • Patent number: 11298549
    Abstract: A medical device control unit is provided. The control unit may include at least one processing device, a circuit electrically coupled to the at least one processing device, and a flexible housing configured to contain the at least one processing device and the circuit. The flexible housing may include at least one connection portion configured to engage a connector protruding from a flexible carrier, and at least one electrical contact electrically coupled to the circuit and configured to establish an electrical connection with an exposed electrical contact on the flexible carrier when the connection portion is engaged with the at least one connection portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: NYXOAH SA
    Inventors: Adi Mashiach, Itzik Mashiach, Guy Siman
  • Patent number: 11266834
    Abstract: An electro-acupuncture (EA) system and method for performing EA on a patient are provided. The EA system comprises a wearable neurostimulator device, at least a first pair of electrically-conductive acupuncture needles and a system controller. The wearable neurostimulator device comprises a casing, an EA circuit mechanically coupled to the casing, and an attachment device mechanically coupled to the casing and adapted to removably secure the wearable neurostimulator device to the patient. The first pair of electrically-conductive acupuncture needles is mechanically coupled to the casing and electrically coupled to the EA circuit. The system controller is in communication with the EA circuit of the wearable neurostimulator device via a communication link and controls the EA circuit to cause the EA circuit to output an output voltage selected by the system controller at a frequency selected by the system controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
    Inventors: Jin-Woo Choi, Jose Aquiles Parodi Amaya, Ronald Koh
  • Patent number: 11260230
    Abstract: An implantable pulse generator (IPG) that generates spinal cord stimulation signals for a human body has a programmable signal generator that can generate the signals based on stored signal parameters without any intervention from a processor that controls the overall operation of the IPG. While the signal generator is generating the signals the processor can be in a standby mode to substantially save battery power. The IPG also contains circuity to indicate to a patient that proper alignment exists between the IPG and an external charger to charge a battery in the IPG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Cirtec Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Saif Khalil, Raghavendra Angara, Miles Curtis, Christopher Biele, Daniel Fellmeth, Hrishikesh Gadagkar
  • Patent number: 11253705
    Abstract: Stimulation treatments for various medical disorders, such as neurological disorders, comprise novel systems, strategies, and methods for providing TMS, electrical, magnetic, optical and other stimulation modalities. Some stimulation methods comprise varying the stimulation parameters to improve the therapeutic efficacy of stimulation, and decrease risk of habituation and side-effects such as interference with normal brain, sensory, motor, and cognitive processes. The creation, and subsequent variation, of stimulation parameters can use sensed data in order to match, adjust, or avoid matching characteristics of the stimulation therapy relative to certain endogenous brain activities. Improvements for the treatment of pain are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Inventor: Michael Sasha John