Electrical Treatment Of Pain Patents (Class 607/46)
  • Patent number: 10213604
    Abstract: An example system includes a stimulation generator configured to deliver electrical stimulation therapy to tissue of a patient in accordance with a stimulation therapy program. The stimulation therapy program may include a set of stimulation therapy parameters. The system may include at least one sensor configured to detect a signal including an evoked compound muscle action potential (eCMAP) in response to the application of stimulation according to the stimulation therapy program. The system may also include a processor configured to adjust one or more or the stimulation therapy parameters based on the detected signal that includes the eCMAP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Dinsmoor, Peng Cong, Louis Vera-Portocarrero, Xin Su
  • Patent number: 10201708
    Abstract: Methods are provided to treat a neurological disorder in a patient by adjusting connectivity between network nodes in a brain of patient using electrical stimulation. Connectivity between network nodes may be increased by synchronous stimulation at multiple network nodes depending upon the neurological disorder. Also, connectivity may be decreased by asynchronous or randomized stimulation at multiple network nodes depending upon the neurological disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Inventor: Dirk De Ridder
  • Patent number: 10195433
    Abstract: Selective high-frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side affects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, a programmer has instructions that, in response to an input, select between at least first and second sets of therapy signal parameters, the first set including a frequency of less than 1.2 kHz and generating a paresthesia-inducing electrical therapy signal, and the second set including a frequency in a range from 1.5 kHz to 50 kHz and generating a non-paresthesia-inducing electrical therapy signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Nevro Corp.
    Inventors: Konstantinos Alataris, Andre B. Walker, Jon Parker, Yougandh Chitre, Sangsoo Wesley Park, James R. Thacker
  • Patent number: 10195440
    Abstract: A system for use with a neurostimulator coupled to one or more electrodes implanted adjacent neural tissue of a patient. The system comprises a user input device configured for allowing a user to select different nerve fiber diameters and to select a set of stimulation parameters. The system further comprises processing circuitry configured estimating regions of activation within the neural tissue of the patient based on the selected nerve fiber diameters and the selected stimulation parameter set. The system further comprises a display device configured for displaying the estimated regions of tissue activation. The user input device may further be configured for allowing the user to select different tissue regions of therapy, in which case, the display device may display the different tissue region on a human body map, and different indicia associating the displayed tissue regions for therapy to displayed estimated regions of tissue activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Dongchul Lee, Changfang Zhu
  • Patent number: 10188865
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for combining tonic deep brain stimulation (DBS) and random DBS. A system includes a stimulation lead including a plurality of contacts, and an implantable pulse generator (IPG) communicatively coupled to the stimulation lead and configured to cause tonic stimulation to be delivered using one contact of the plurality of contacts, and cause random stimulation to be delivered using a subset of the remaining contacts of the plurality of contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Filippo Agnesi, Lalit Venkatesan
  • Patent number: 10188861
    Abstract: A bone growth simulator system. A bioabsorbable electric circuit is encapsulated in a modified alginate known-time dissolving capsule having a rate of dissolving proportional to the thickness of the capsule. The electronic circuit is powered by a power source. The power source can be inside the capsule or outside the capsule, and can be bioabsorbable or at least biocompatible. An operational amplifier maintains constant current through the circuit. The current stimulates bone growth in bones adjacent to the circuit. The capsule and electric circuit dissolve after completion of the therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler S. Stevenson, Richard L. Brown, Todd A. Kallmyer, Matthew M. Morrison, Sneha Saikia, Randal Schulhauser
  • Patent number: 10159837
    Abstract: A method of providing therapy to a patient. The method comprises conveying pulsed electrical current at a defined pulse width and a defined pulse rate into spinal cord tissue. The defined pulse width is equal to or less than 200 ?s, and the defined pulse rate is less than 1500 Hz, such that neural elements in the dorsal horn are modulated and/or the patient does not perceive paresthesia during the conveyance of the pulsed electrical current into the spinal cord tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Dongchul Lee, Que T. Doan
  • Patent number: 10155107
    Abstract: This disclosure describes various modular electrode assemblies. For example, an implantable modular electrode assembly may include a hub including a plurality of electrical contacts configured to receive electrical signals from an implantable medical device, a first electrode module including a first substrate and a first plurality of electrodes on the first substrate, and a second electrode module including a second substrate and a second plurality of electrodes on the second substrate. The first and second electrode modules may be connectable to the hub, where the plurality of electrical contacts electrically communicate with the first and second plurality of electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Olson
  • Patent number: 10149978
    Abstract: Short pulse width spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, modulation signal has pulse widths in the range of from about 10 microseconds to about 50 microseconds may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region to address chronic pain without using paresthesia or tingling to mask or cover the patient's sensation of pain. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Nevro Corp.
    Inventor: Sangsoo Wesley Park
  • Patent number: 10143833
    Abstract: An apparatus is used in a therapeutic process to provide relief of pain and swelling by dynamic electric stimulation at very low power levels at frequencies between about 2 to 100 Hz. in which the stimulation frequency is constantly offset from the detected dominant frequency by between about 2 to 20 Hz. The pain relief benefits can last weeks, even though the treatment duration is generally well under a minute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: OCHSLABS LLC
    Inventors: Len Ochs, Catherine Wills
  • Patent number: 10141076
    Abstract: The present disclosure involves a medical system that includes one or more implantable medical devices configured to deliver a medical therapy to a patient. The medical system also includes a portable electronic device on which a touch-sensitive user interface is implemented. The user interface is configured to provide a visual representation of the medical therapy through a hierarchy. The hierarchy includes a lower level representation of the medical therapy that corresponds to a stimulation program that includes a plurality of configurable stimulation parameters. The hierarchy includes a middle level representation of the medical therapy that corresponds to a stimulation program-set that includes a plurality of different stimulation programs. The hierarchy includes an upper level representation of the medical therapy that corresponds to a scrollable collection of stimulation program-sets that are represented by a plurality of digital cards, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Nuvectra Corporation
    Inventors: Norbert Kaula, Yohannes Iyassu
  • Patent number: 10136936
    Abstract: A medical device may include a stimulation member configured to apply a stimulus to a nerve that is configured to control a contraction of an airway distal to the nerve, and a measurement member configured to measure an effect of the stimulus on the airway. The medical device also may include an energy delivery element configured to deliver energy to tissue defining the airway to reduce an effect of the stimulus on the airway. The energy delivery element may be disposed at or distally of the stimulation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Allen Clark, Aiden Flanagan, Michael Eppihimer, William Conrad Stoffregen, Juan Gabriel Hincapie Ordonez
  • Patent number: 10130815
    Abstract: A medical device detects a previously defined event, and controls delivery of therapy to a patient according to therapy information associated with the previously defined event. In exemplary embodiments, the medical device enters a learning mode in response to a command received from a user, e.g., the patient or a clinician. In such embodiments, the medical device defines the event, collects the therapy information, and associates the therapy information with the defined event while operating in the learning mode. In some embodiments, the medical device defines the event based on the output of a sensor that indicates a physiological parameter of the patient during the learning mode. The sensor may be an accelerometer, which generates an output that reflects motion and/or posture of the patient. The medical device may collect therapy information by recording therapy changes made by the user during the learning mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ruchika Singal, Steven L. Jensen, Robert M. Skime
  • Patent number: 10124166
    Abstract: In one example embodiment, a neuromodulation system for inducing locomotor activity in a mammal, in cooperation with a signal generator and an electrode, delivers a signal with an overlapping high frequency pulse to a mammal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Neuroenabling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Reggie Edgerton, Yury P. Gerasimenko, Nicholas A. Terrafranca, Daniel C. Lu
  • Patent number: 10111618
    Abstract: A dual purpose wearable patch includes a stretchable and permeable substrate, a sensing unit mounted in the stretchable and permeable substrate, wherein the sensing unit can conduct a measurement of a user to produce a measurement signal, one or more electrodes respectively attached to the stretchable and permeable substrate, a circuit substrate on the stretchable and permeable substrate, wherein the circuit substrate includes a circuit electrically connected with the one or more electrodes and the sensing unit, and a semiconductor chip mounted on the circuit substrate and in connection with the circuit. The semiconductor chip can receive the measurement signal from the sensing unit and can produce a treatment control signal to control the one or more electrodes to apply a voltage across the user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: VivaLnk, Inc.
    Inventor: Jiang Li
  • Patent number: 10105541
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for targeted treatment of a variety of conditions, particularly conditions that are associated with or influenced by the nervous system, such as pain. Targeted treatment of such conditions is provided with minimal deleterious side effects, such as undesired motor responses or undesired stimulation of unaffected body regions. This is achieved by directly neuromodulating a target anatomy associated with the condition while minimizing or excluding undesired neuromodulation of other anatomies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings SMI S.A.R.L. (“SJM LUX SMI”)
    Inventors: Eyad Kishawi, Mir A. Imran, Brian J. Mossop, Jeffery M. Kramer, Richard W. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 10076663
    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 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: SPR THERAPEUTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Maria E. Bennett, Joseph W. Boggs, II, Warren M. Grill, John Chae
  • Patent number: 10076667
    Abstract: A non-zero starting value for ramping up a stimulation parameter for an electrical stimulation to be delivered to a patient is determined. The non-zero starting value is customized to the patient. A pulse generator is caused to generate the electrical stimulation, which is delivered to the patient via an implanted lead. The pulse generator is caused to ramp up, from the determined non-zero starting value and toward a predefined maximum limit value, the stimulation parameter for a plurality of electrode contacts on the lead. Feedback is received from the patient in response to the ramping up. The feedback is received via an electronic patient feedback device. Based on the ramping up and the received feedback from the patient, a perception threshold is determined for each of the plurality of electrode contacts. The perception threshold is a value of the stimulation parameter that corresponds to the patient feeling the electrical stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Nuvectra Corporation
    Inventors: Norbert Kaula, Yohannes Iyassu
  • Patent number: 10052490
    Abstract: The present disclosure involves systems and methods of programming electrical stimulation therapy for a patient. A communications link is established with a pulse generator that is configured to generate electrical stimulation pulses. An intermittent electrical coupling between the pulse generator and a diagnostic tool is simulated. This simulation is performed by instructing, for a plurality of cycles, the pulse generator to automatically turn on and off the generation of electrical stimulation pulses. Each cycle includes a first time period and a second time period following the first time period. The simulating includes: instructing the pulse generator to generate the electrical stimulation pulses during the first time period; and instructing the pulse generator to stop generating the electrical stimulation pulses during the second time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Nuvectra Corporation
    Inventors: Norbert Kaula, Yohannes Iyassu
  • Patent number: 10039923
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for delivering a neural stimulation pulse. A neural implant device can include an energy harvesting circuit configured to receive an input signal and generate an electrical signal based on the received input signal. A diode rectifier in series with the energy harvesting circuit can rectify the electrical signal. The energy harvesting circuit and the diode rectifier can be encapsulated within a biocompatible electrically insulating material. A neural electrode can be exposed through the biocompatible electrically insulating material. The neural electrode can be configured to deliver a neural stimulation pulse. The neural implant device can have a volume that is less than about 1.0 cubic millimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Bernstein, Daniel Freeman, Reed Irion, Brett Ingersoll, Amy Duwel, Andrew Czarnecki, Brian Daniels, Anilkumar Harapanahalli Achyuta, Bryan McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 10035021
    Abstract: The method and system described herein relate to stimulating nerve tissue using a pulse generator. A stimulus is created that comprises a signal that is produced from a frequency spectrum having a power spectral density per unit of bandwidth proportional to 1/f?, wherein ? is excludes 0. The stimulus is provided from the pulse generator to at least one stimulation lead; and applied to nerve tissue via one or several electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Inventor: Dirk De Ridder
  • Patent number: 10034997
    Abstract: In an example embodiment of the disclosed technology, a system can comprise a pain stimulator such as a thermal probe and a device for evaluating biological and/or neurological feedback that can provide data relating to a patient's physiological and/or neurological state. Embodiments of the disclosed technology may further comprise a computing device for implementing various aspects of the technology. Aspects of the disclosed technology can be used to reduce a patient's pain-related anxiety, thus reducing a patient's pain sensitization and pain perception, which can help a patient eliminate or lessen chronic pain symptoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Inventor: Alan Gordon
  • Patent number: 10019078
    Abstract: A device, a method, and a system recognize a motion using a gripped object. The motion recognition device may estimate a state of a wrist of a user according to a writing action using the gripped object and may estimate a joint motion of a body part related to the wrist according to the writing action. The device may then estimate a state of the gripped object according to the state of the wrist and the joint motion. Additionally, the motion recognition device may control an external device by using a control signal generated by continuously tracking the state of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Joon Kim, Seung Keun Yoon, Chang Mok Choi
  • Patent number: 10010479
    Abstract: An auricular peripheral nerve field stimulator system includes an electrical stimulation device for generating electrical stimulation signals and a plurality of therapy electrodes electrically coupled thereto, each of the therapy electrodes including at least one needle for percutaneous insertion into an auricle of a human ear near at least one neurovascular bundle located therein. At least one of the therapy electrodes includes a plurality of such needles for percutaneous insertion into the auricle near the at least one neurovascular bundle. In some embodiments, at least one reference electrode electrically is coupled to the electrical stimulation device and includes at least one needle for percutaneous insertion into or adjacent the auricle to provide a ground reference for the electrical stimulation device. The generated electrical stimulation signals are, in any case, delivered by the percutaneously inserted needles to stimulate at least one auricular peripheral nerve field within the auricle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Innovative Health Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher R. Brown, Gary M. Peterson
  • Patent number: 9999767
    Abstract: System for generating a distally traveling synthetic esophageal motion within a subject's esophagus. Includes: elongated member sized and configured for nasal or oral placement into the esophagus; series of stimulators mounted/mountable on and distributed along a length of elongated member, for stimulating portions along an esophageal length spanning between esophagus LES and UES, and include at least two longitudinally spaced electrodes, chargeable to opposite polarities; and signal generator for generating and sending sequences of stimulating signals to stimulators, to evoke a plurality of local esophageal contractions as distally traveling synthetic esophageal motion along the esophageal length. Also disclosed is an implant suitable for use in generating a distally traveling synthetic esophageal motion within a subject's esophagus, for example, suitable for use in the disclosed system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: E-MOTION MEDICAL, LTD.
    Inventors: Michael Gabriel Tal, Dvir Keren, Amichay Haim Gross
  • Patent number: 9993645
    Abstract: Selective high-frequency spinal chord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side affects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal chord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side affects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications. In particular embodiments, aspects of the foregoing modulation therapies may be implemented by systems and devices that have simplified functionalities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Nevro Corp.
    Inventors: Andre B. Walker, Jon Parker, Konstantinos Alataris, James R. Thacker
  • Patent number: 9993642
    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: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Yury Gerasimenko, Victor Reggie Edgerton, Roland R. Roy, Daniel C. Lu
  • Patent number: 9968797
    Abstract: A portable, non-invasive device for providing therapeutic treatment to a joint to promote healing of the joint includes a cuff positionable around the joint. The cuff includes an electromagnetic stimulator configured to provide an electromagnetic field within the joint and at least one thermal therapy component including an activation circuit configured to activate the electromagnetic stimulator circuit, the thermal therapy component coupleable to the cuff, the thermal therapy component comprising at least two substances in separate compartments separated by a breakable barrier, wherein the at least two substances are configured to react upon mixing to produce thermal energy exchangeable with the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: OrthoCor Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Kin-Joe Sham, Jared J. Savela, Kristopher M. Siverhus, John F. Dinusson
  • Patent number: 9962547
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for managing pain uses separate varying electromagnetic fields, with a variety of temporal and amplitude characteristics, which are applied to a particular neural structure to modulate glial and neuronal interactions as a mechanism for relieving chronic pain. In another embodiment, a single composite modulation/stimulation signal which has rhythmically varying characteristics is used to achieve the same results as separate varying electromagnetic fields. Also, disclosed is an apparatus and method for modulating the expression of genes involved in diverse pathways including inflammatory/immune system mediators, ion channels and neurotransmitters, in both the Spinal Cord (SC) and Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) where such expression modulation is caused by spinal cord stimulation or peripheral nerve stimulation using the disclosed apparatus and techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Stimgenics, LLC
    Inventors: Ricardo Vallejo, David Leonardo Cedeno, Ramsin M. Benyamin
  • Patent number: 9956405
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatuses for the application of transdermal electrical stimulation (TES) in order to modulate a user's cognitive state to induce a state of calm or relaxation. The apparatuses described herein include neck-worn devices having electrodes (or configured to connect to electrodes, including automatically self-connecting to electrodes) adapted to couple to the midline of the back of user's neck. A neck-worn controller may be configured as a cord, band, wire, torc, necklace, loop, strap, or the like, and may be rigid or semi-rigid and may be worn at least partially around the subject's neck. The controller may controllably apply one or more waveforms to the electrodes of the electrode pad (e.g., patch) to deliver TES adapted to induce or enhance a relaxed cognitive state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Thyne Global, Inc.
    Inventors: Isy Goldwasser, Douglas Jeffery, Sumon K. Pal, Wing Law
  • Patent number: 9956418
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a system that displays graphical representations of posture zones associated with posture states of a patient, on a display device communicatively coupled to a medical device. The medical device is configured to deliver therapy to the patient based on detected posture states of the patient, where the detected posture state is based on the posture zones. The display device may allow a user to manipulate the graphical representations of the posture zones, including changing the size of the posture zones. Additionally, the display device may allow a user to change transition times associated with transitions between posture states, and displaying an indication of the changed transition time by highlighting the two graphical representations of the posture zones corresponding to the posture states associated with the changed transition time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon P. Davis, Rajeev M. Sahasrabudhe, David Simons
  • Patent number: 9950170
    Abstract: A system embodiment comprises an implantable device including controller circuitry, memory, a transceiver, and a generator configured to generate electrical stimulation to modulate the neural activity. The controller circuitry and the transceiver configured to cooperate to receive, from another device, data corresponding to a user-programmable stimulation pattern and store the data in the memory. The user-programmable pattern includes a programmable pattern of bursts with multiple burst durations and multiple burst interval sequences, and the bursts include pulses with a user-programmable wave morphology. The controller circuitry is operably connected to the memory and the generator to use the data stored in the memory to control generation of the electrical stimulation to provide the user-programmable stimulation pattern that includes the pulses with the user-programmable wave morphology and that includes the multiple burst durations and the multiple burst interval sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Imad Libbus, Andrew P. Kramer
  • Patent number: 9943691
    Abstract: A stimulation system, such as a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system, having a programmer for establishing a program to treat a patient. The programmer uses a discretized, interrupted, and safe spatial electrode migration process for establishing the stimulation program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Nuvectra Corporation
    Inventors: Norbert Kaula, Paul Landers, Yohannes Iyassu
  • Patent number: 9937342
    Abstract: The disclosure provides techniques for parameter-directed shifting of electrical stimulation electrode combinations. An external programmer permits a user to shift electrode combinations, e.g., along the length of a lead or leads. The external programmer accepts shift input and causes an electrical stimulator to shift electrode combinations as indicated by the input. Different sets of electrodes may have different electrode counts. For example, an array of electrodes carried by one lead may have a greater number of electrodes than an array of electrodes carried on another lead. The disclosure provides techniques for shifting electrode combinations among leads with different electrode counts. For example, an external programmer may execute shifts in a series of shift operations, where the number of shift operations along the length of a lead having a greater electrode count is greater than the number of shift steps along the length of a lead having a lesser electrode count.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Skelton, Joseph J. Nolan, Nathan A. Torgerson, Wende L. Dewing, Todd V. Smith, Shyam Gokaldas, Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher
  • Patent number: 9937064
    Abstract: An osseointegrated neural interface (ONI) is provided for control of a prosthetic. The ONI includes an elongated, hollow rod having a first end receivable in an intramedullary cavity of a bone, a second end operatively connected to the prosthetic and an inner surface defining a cavity. An electrode is receiveable on a terminal end of a peripheral nerve and positionable within the cavity of the rod. The electrode being capable of sensing the neural signals generated by the peripheral nerve and stimulating the peripheral nerve. A recording/stimulation unit, receiveable within the cavity of the rod, records the neural signals from the peripheral nerve sensed by the electrode and transmits the signals to a controller operatively connected thereto. The controller controls operation of the prosthetic in response to the neural signals recorded by the recording unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Samuel O. Poore, Justin C. Williams, Sarah K. Brodnick, Thomas J. Richner, Sahil K. Kapur
  • Patent number: 9931511
    Abstract: A method of visualizing a sensation experienced by a patient is disclosed. A graphical user interface is provided. The graphical user interface is configured to receive an input from a user and display a visual output to the user. A virtual control mechanism is displayed on the graphical user interface. One or more engagements of the virtual control mechanism are detected through the graphical user interface. In response to the engagement of the virtual control mechanism, a sensation map history is displayed on the graphical user interface. The sensation map history graphically depicts a migration of a sensation map over time on a virtual human body model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: NUVECTRA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norbert Kaula, Yohannes Iyassu
  • Patent number: 9931508
    Abstract: Neurostimulator devices are described comprising: a stimulation assembly connectable to a plurality of electrodes, wherein the plurality of electrodes are configured to stimulate a spinal cord; one or more sensors; and at least one processor configured to modify at least one complex stimulation pattern deliverable by the plurality of electrodes by integrating data from the one or more sensors and performing a machine learning method implementing a Gaussian Process Optimization on the at least one complex stimulation pattern. Methods of use are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignees: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC., THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, NEURORECOVERY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Joel W. Burdick, Yu-Chong Tai, John F. Naber, Robert S. Keynton, Victor Reggie Edgerton, Roland R. Roy, Yury Gerasimenko, Susan J. Harkema, Jonathan Hodes, Claudia A Angeli, Mandheerej S. Nandra, Thomas Anthony Desautels, Steven L. Upchurch, Douglas J. Jackson, Nicholas A. Terrafranca, Yangsheng Chen
  • Patent number: 9931510
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling non-paresthesia stimulation of neural tissue of a patient. The method delivers a non-paresthesia stimulation waveform, senses sensory action potential (SAP) signals from the neural tissue of interest, and analyzes the SAP signals to obtain SAP activity data for at least one of an SAP C-fiber component or an SAP A-delta fiber component. The method determines whether the SAP activity data satisfies a criteria of interest and adjusts at least one of the therapy parameters to change the non-paresthesia stimulation waveform when the SAP activity data does not satisfy the criteria of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Paceetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenbo Hou, Melanie Goodman Keiser, Xiaoyi Min, Bruce A. Morley
  • Patent number: 9919148
    Abstract: An implantable electrical stimulation lead including a lead body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal length, wherein the distal end of the lead body is formed into a hook or coil shape; a plurality of electrodes disposed along the hook or coil at the distal end of the lead body; a plurality of terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead body; and a plurality of conductors, each conductor electrically coupling at least one of the electrodes to at least one of the terminals. The lead can be used to stimulate, for example, a dorsal root ganglion with the hook-shaped or coil-shaped distal end disposed around a portion of the dorsal root ganglion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua Dale Howard, Jacob B. Leven
  • Patent number: 9913987
    Abstract: A method of providing therapy to a patient using at least one electrode is provided. The patient has a neural tissue region that is relatively close to the at least one electrode, and a neural tissue region that is relatively far from the at least one electrode. The method comprises conveying time-varying electrical energy from the electrode(s) into the relatively close and far neural tissue regions, wherein the electrical energy has a frequency and amplitude that blocks stimulation of the relatively close neural tissue region, while stimulating the relatively far neural tissue region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Dongchul Lee, Bradley Lawrence Hershey, Kerry Bradley
  • Patent number: 9895538
    Abstract: Methods for identifying responders to paresthesia-free stimulation therapy, and associated systems are disclosed. A representative method comprises implanting a pair of spinal cord signal delivery devices and connecting an external signal generator thereto. A plurality of the electrical contacts are simultaneously activated with a high frequency signal without causing paresthesia in the patient, wherein the electrical contacts would cause paresthesia in the patient if activated with a low frequency signal. The high frequency signal is in a range of from about 3 kHz to about 20 kHz and an amplitude of less than 4 mA. If the patient responds favorably, a signal generator is implanted in the patient. A second high frequency signal is then applied to fewer than the plurality of electrical contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Nevro Corp.
    Inventors: James R. Thacker, Andre B. Walker, Jon Parker, Bradford Evan Gliner, Heinz Moeri
  • Patent number: 9895530
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for applying electrical stimulation to a body by an electrode spaced from a target nerve of passage. It has been discovered that pain felt, or perceived to be felt, in a given region of the body can be treated by stimulating muscle close to a “nerve of passage” in a region that is superior (i.e., cranial or upstream toward the spinal column) to the region where pain is felt, such as in a case of post-amputation residual limb pain, or purportedly felt in the case of post-amputation phantom limb pain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: SPR THERAPEUTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Boggs, II, Rosemary H. Zang
  • Patent number: 9884190
    Abstract: A method for subcutaneously treating pain in a patient includes first providing a neurostimulator with an IPG body and at least a primary integral lead with electrodes disposed thereon. A primary incision is opened to expose the subcutaneous region below the dermis in a selected portion of the body. A pocket is then opened for the IPG through the primary incision and the primary integral lead is inserted through the primary incision and routed subcutaneously to a first desired nerve region along a first desired path. The IPG is disposed in the pocket through the primary incision. The primary incision is then closed and the IPG and the electrodes activated to provide localized stimulation to the desired nerve region and at least one of the nerves associated therewith to achieve a desired pain reduction response from the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Syntilla Medical LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth Lyle Reed, Robert Raymond Bulger, Michael Steven Colvin, Claire Denault
  • Patent number: 9878158
    Abstract: An electrical neuromodulation system and method of meeting a therapeutic goal for a patient using a neuromodulation device. A modulation parameter value is varied by a step size. The neurostimulation device instructs the neuromodulation device to deliver electrical energy to at least one electrode in accordance with the varied modulation parameter value. A therapeutic feedback indicator is compared to a threshold in response to the delivery of the electrical energy. Whether the therapeutic goal has been met is determined based on the comparison, and the previous steps are repeated to determine the modulation parameter value at the resolution of the step size that minimizes energy consumption of the neuromodulation device required to meet the therapeutic goal when delivering the electrical energy to the electrode(s) in accordance with the varied modulation parameter value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley Lawrence Hershey, Kerry Bradley
  • Patent number: 9872992
    Abstract: A method and external control device for performing a medical procedure on a patient in which at least one stimulation lead is implanted. An electrical signal is conveyed from the stimulation lead into tissue of the patient. An electrical parameter indicative of tissue impedance is measured in response to the conveyance of the electrical signal. One of a plurality of different anatomical regions in which the stimulation lead is implanted is selected and/or a depth in which the stimulation is implanted is determined based on the measured electrical parameter. A stimulation parameter is defined based on the selected one anatomical region and/or implantation depth. Electrical stimulation energy from the stimulation lead is conveyed into the one determined anatomical region in accordance with the defined stimulation parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Changfang Zhu, Kerry Bradley
  • Patent number: 9861818
    Abstract: A device for providing electrical current treatment includes an enclosure body with an upper surface and a lower surface located opposite to the upper surface. The device further includes a first electrode and a second electrode on the lower surface for delivering an electric current through an object in contact with the first electrode and the second electrode. The device further includes an electric motor for vibrating the apparatus and a light emitter. The device further includes a processor for controlling the electric current delivered by the first electrode and the second electrode to have a specific waveform, where the processor is configured to receive programmable instructions to control the electric current and the electric motor. The device further includes a power button for powering on or off the apparatus and a battery configured to supply power to the first electrode, the second electrode, the processor, and the light emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Ziip, LLC
    Inventors: David Mason, Melanie Simon, Ron Lisiecki
  • Patent number: 9861547
    Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing, managing and/or treating peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease in a patient. The systems and methods include measuring, optimizing transmissibility and coordinating the delivery of pressure (e.g., sound) waves that are delivered using higher frequency RF band energy in a pulsed manner to carry the energy to larger areas of the patient's tissue. The pressure wave may be delivered at generally the same time a heart pulse beat of the patient is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Sigma Instruments Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: John Crunick, Tamas Becse, Louis L. Laskey, Jr., James S. Sergi
  • Patent number: 9855427
    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: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: SPR THERAPEUTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Maria E. Bennett, Joseph W. Boggs, Warren M. Grill, John Chae
  • Patent number: 9844668
    Abstract: Improved neuromodulation control of neurological abnormalities associated with effector organs in vertebrate beings using direct current stimulation for modulating spinal cord excitability, having a peripheral-current supplying component for providing direct current peripheral nerve stimulation and a spinal-current supplying component providing direct current for spinal stimulation, and a controller managing such functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: The Research Foundation of the City University of New York
    Inventor: Zaghloul Ahmed
  • Patent number: 9833276
    Abstract: Headache treatment methods are described and include providing, an energy delivery device; locating a secondary or higher-order branch of a postganglionic nerve that provides innervation for a patient's head, by identifying a target region of the patient's head that includes the nerve branch; positioning, within the target region, a portion of the energy delivery device; and applying, from the positioned portion of the energy delivery device to the target region, an amount of energy effective to result in a stimulation activity of the nerve branch; and, after observing the stimulated nerve branch activity, delivering, from the energy delivery device to the nerve branch, energy in an amount effective to reduce a headache severity in the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Serene Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Newman