Directly Or Indirectly Stimulating Motor Muscles Patents (Class 607/48)
  • Patent number: 9968774
    Abstract: A method of using of a pair of prior art hand-held device known as the Dolphin Neurostim™ to supply minute, concentrated micro-current impulses to the perimeters of cranial sutures for the purpose of tissue diagnosis (through ohm resistance measurement), promotion pain management (through sympathetic deregulation of the Autonomic Nervous System. The micro-current stimulus (therapy) is delivered through a tiny metallic spring tip (probe) ideally suited for location (detection) of specific treatment points (which have the cellular characteristic of lowered skin resistance). The device concurrently detects, measures, and stimulates therapeutically active treatment points located beside sutures. Once detected, the device is activated to deliver a concentrated (DC) micro-current stimulus through the suture tissue to another identical device located (mirrored) on the opposing side of the suture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Center for Pain and Stress Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Bruce Hocking
  • Patent number: 9968773
    Abstract: A method using a prior art hand-held device known as the Dolphin Neurostim™ to supply minute, concentrated micro-current impulses to the (outside) perimeters of scar tissue for the purpose of tissue diagnosis (through ohm resistance measurement), promotion of scar tissue repair (through electrical repolarization), and pain management (through sympathetic deregulation of the Autonomic Nervous System. The micro-current stimulus (therapy) is delivered through a tiny metallic spring tip (probe) ideally suited for location (detection) of specific treatment points (which have the cellular characteristic and lowered skin resistance). The device is activated to deliver a concentrated (DC) micro-current stimulus through the scar/suture tissue to another identical device located (mirrored) on the opposing side of the scar/suture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Center for Pain and Stress Research, Ltd
    Inventor: Bruce Hocking
  • Patent number: 9958943
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for the modulation of an acoustic field for providing tactile sensations. A method of creating haptic feedback using ultrasound is provided. The method comprises the steps of generating a plurality of ultrasound waves with a common focal point using a phased array of ultrasound transducers, the common focal point being a haptic feedback point, and modulating the generation of the ultrasound waves using a waveform selected to produce little or no audible sound at the haptic feedback point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Ultrahaptics IP Ltd
    Inventors: Benjamin John Oliver Long, Thomas Andrew Carter, Sriram Subramanian
  • Patent number: 9955906
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for selecting an audio file using motion data from a mobile computing device connected to or held by a user, the mobile computing device comprising or coupled to motion sensors. The method comprising steps of moving the mobile computing device, obtaining motion data from the motion sensors, computing from the motion data step data based on a number of steps taken by the user in a specific period of time, computing a metronome beat based on the step data and generating a metronome beat file, selecting a stored audio file having a predefined beat parameter matching the metronome beat of the metronome beat file, and playing the audio file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Beats Medical Limited
    Inventors: Ciara Lourda Clancy, Cianan Colm Clancy, Wui Mei Chew
  • Patent number: 9950173
    Abstract: A neuromodulation system includes modulation output circuitry and control circuitry. The modulation output circuitry may be configured to deliver therapeutic electrical energy including therapeutic sub-threshold electrical energy and therapeutic a super-threshold electrical energy. The sub-threshold electrical energy is below a patient-perception threshold and the super-threshold electrical energy is above the patient-perception threshold. The patient-perception threshold is a boundary below which a patient does not sense delivery of the electrical energy and above which the patient does sense delivery of the electrical energy. The control circuitry is configured to control the modulation output circuitry to deliver the therapeutic electrical energy using alternating cycles of the sub-threshold electrical energy below the patient-perception threshold and the super-threshold electrical energy above the patient-perception-threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Que T. Doan
  • Patent number: 9937350
    Abstract: An embodiment relates to a method for delivering a vagal stimulation therapy to a vagus nerve, including delivering a neural stimulation signal to non-selectively stimulate both afferent axons and efferent axons in the vagus nerve according to a predetermined schedule for the vagal stimulation therapy, and selecting a value for at least one parameter for the predetermined schedule for the vagal stimulation therapy to control the neural stimulation therapy to avoid physiological habituation to the vagal stimulation therapy. The parameter(s) include at least one parameter selected from the group of parameters consisting of a predetermined therapy duration parameter for a predetermined therapy period, and a predetermined intermittent neural stimulation parameter associated with on/off timing for the intermittent neural stimulation parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Imad Libbus, Andrew P. Kramer
  • Patent number: 9884195
    Abstract: The present invention relates a system that can configure a stimulus for functional electrical stimulation (“FES”) to maintain a constant muscle force while delaying the onset of muscle fatigue and a related method of use. The stimulus can be delivered to a nerve via a set of multiple electrode contacts according to a stimulation parameter that maximizes a joint moment associated with the stimulus and minimizes the overlap between pairs of contacts. The joint moment can be related to the muscle force, and the overlap can be related to the onset of muscle fatigue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Lee Fisher, Ronald Triolo, Dustin J. Tyler
  • Patent number: 9884191
    Abstract: An implantable neurostimulator system is disclosed, the neurostimulator system comprising a hollow cylindrical electronics enclosure having a top, a bottom, and a side; a coil extending from a first part of the electronics enclosure; and at least one electrode operatively connected to the electronics enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: ImThera Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Meadows, Marcelo G. Lima, Stanley R. Craig
  • Patent number: 9878167
    Abstract: Techniques provided herein are directed toward providing a selection protocol that can be used in such biological measurement and stimulation systems to select only a portion of the medical implants for reporting during a particular system cycle. In particular, the interrogator device can send the first message that defines a group to the medical implants, then send a second message with the identifier of the group to trigger communications with the medical implants of that group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Linhai He, Osvaldo Alcala, Stephen Jay Shellhammer, Adam Edward Newham
  • Patent number: 9861822
    Abstract: A method, device and/or system for generating arbitrary waveforms of a desired shape that can be used for generating a stimulation pulse for medical purposes such as for spinal cord stimulation therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Nuvectra Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen C. Trier, Jeffrey A. Weisgarber, Richard J. Polefko
  • Patent number: 9839786
    Abstract: A programmer is configured to effect communication with, and programming of, an implantable medical device configured to deliver neurostimulation therapy. The programmer comprises a display, such as touch screen display, and a processor comprising memory and coupled to the display. An interface is coupled to the processor and configured to receive therapy settings data indicative of current therapy settings operative in the implantable medical device and any modifications made to the therapy settings by a patient. The processor is configured to determine if one or more therapy settings have been modified since the last interaction with the patient, and coordinate displaying of the current therapy settings, the one or more therapy settings modified by the patient, and a previous state of the one or more therapy settings modified by the patient on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: INSPIRE MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: John Rondoni, Quan Ni
  • Patent number: 9837157
    Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor device capable of reducing its area, operating at a high speed, or reducing its power consumption. A circuit 50 is used as a memory circuit with a function of performing an arithmetic operation. One of a circuit 80 and a circuit 90 has a region overlapping with at least part of the other of the circuit 80 and the circuit 90. Accordingly, the circuit 50 can perform the arithmetic operation that is essentially performed in the circuit 60; thus, a burden of the arithmetic operation on the circuit 60 can be reduced. Moreover, the number of times of data transmission and reception between the circuits 50 and 60 can be reduced. Furthermore, the circuit 50 functioning as a memory circuit can have a function of performing an arithmetic operation while the increase in the area of the circuit 50 is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hikaru Tamura
  • Patent number: 9827418
    Abstract: A device for transcutaneous electrical stimulation is provided. The device comprises circuitry configured to generate transcutaneous stimulation signals. The device also comprises a first signal output component for electrically connecting to a first electrode connector to deliver generated transcutaneous stimulation signals. The first signal output component comprises a first four-pole electrical connector part. The device further comprises a second signal output component for electrically connecting to a second electrode connector to deliver generated transcutaneous stimulation signals. The second signal output component comprises a second four-pole electrical connector part. The device further comprises a controller to selectively control output of the stimulation signals to selected pairs of poles across the first and second four-pole electrical connector parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: GI Therapies Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Bridget Rae Southwell, Rod Wiebenga, David Fisher
  • Patent number: 9827430
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes aspects of injected conductive tattoos for powering implants. In some aspects, a system comprises a conductive tattoo used to efficiently transfer power wirelessly received from a transmitter outside a body to an electronic device in the body. The conductive tattoo is formed from a conductive material injected into an outermost permanent layer of the body. The conductive tattoo is configured to wirelessly receive and relay the power from the transmitter to the electronic device. In particular, the conductive tattoo may transfer the power to the electronic device over a coupling between the conductive tattoo and the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: William Henry Von Novak, III, Virginia Walker Keating, Francesco Carobolante
  • Patent number: 9820668
    Abstract: An elongated device adapted for insertion, including self-insertion, through the body, especially the skull is disclosed. The device has at least one effector or sensor and is configured to permit implantation of multiple functional components through a single entry site into the skull by directing the components at different angles. The device may be used to provide electrical, magnetic, and other stimulation therapy to a patient's brain. The lengths of the effectors, sensors, and other components may completely traverse skull thickness (at a diagonal angle) to barely protrude through to the brain's cortex. The components may directly contact the brain's cortex, but from there their signals can be directed to targets deeper within the brain. Effector lengths are directly proportional to their battery size and ability to store charge. Therefore, longer angled electrode effectors not limited by skull thickness permit longer-lasting batteries which expand treatment options.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Inventor: Sherwin Hua
  • Patent number: 9820671
    Abstract: Described herein are methods of detecting the presence or progression of neuromuscular disorders (including ALS) based at least in part on diaphragm EMG signals taken at different points in time from the same implanted electrode(s). Signals may be used to diagnose or to monitor progression of a disorder or to track a treatment. Thus, diaphragm EMG signal may be used as a marker (e.g., a “biomarker”) for the detection or progression of a neurological disorder such as ALS. The characteristics or parameters of diaphragm EMG signals may be used to create an activity index, which may be output or compared and further analyzed. These signals may also be analyzed to show a difference between the left and right sides of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: SYNAPSE BIOMEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony R. Ignagni, Raymond P. Onders
  • Patent number: 9814878
    Abstract: A self-sustaining piezoelectric assembly is disclosed herein for providing electrical stimulation to nerves near the surface of the skin. The assembly comprises a non-conductive mat having an aperture and a piezoelectric device positioned to fill at least a portion of the aperture. A flexible conductive material is position to be in electrical contact with a first and a second primary surface of the piezoelectric device, and with the surface of the skin, providing an electric current to the skin when the piezoelectric is mechanically compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventor: Gabriel Mesa
  • Patent number: 9808620
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed that may be used to treat one or more restless leg syndrome (RLS) symptoms of a patient. One example method may include generating first and second stimulation waveforms using a waveform generator; electrically stimulating at least a portion of a sacral region of the patient, based on the first and second stimulation waveforms, using a number of electrodes; damping or interfering with electrical signals transmitted from the patient's brain to the patient's legs via a femoral nerve of the patient using the electrical stimulation; and reducing the one or more symptoms of RLS based on damping or interfering with the electrical signals transmitted from the patient's brain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: INVICTA MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Steven Thomas Kent
  • Patent number: 9795793
    Abstract: Architectures for an implantable neurostimulator system having a plurality of electrode-driver integrated circuits (ICs) in provided. Electrodes from either or both ICs can be chosen to provide stimulation, and one of the IC acts as the master while the other acts as the slave. A parallel bus operating in accordance with a communication protocol couples the ICs, and certain functional blocks not needed in the slave are disabled. Stimulation parameters are loaded via the bus into each IC, and a stimulation enable command is issued on the bus to ensure simultaneous stimulation from the electrodes on both ICs. Clocking strategies are also disclosed to allow clocking of the master and slave ICs to be independently controlled, and to ensure that relevant internal and bus clocks used in the system are synchronized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Jordi Parramon, Emanuel Feldman, Paul J. Griffith, Jess W. Shi
  • Patent number: 9789324
    Abstract: User interface for external power source, recharger, for an implantable medical device. At least some of patient controls and display icons of an energy transfer unit are common with at least some of the patient controls and the display icons of a patient control unit. An energy transfer unit is operable by the patient with less than three operative controls to control energy transfer from the external energy transfer unit to the implantable medical device. An external antenna having a primary coil can inductively transfer energy to a secondary coil of the implantable medical device when the external antenna is externally placed in proximity of the secondary coil. An energy transfer unit has an external telemetry coil allowing the energy transfer unit to communicate with the implantable medical device through the internal telemetry coil in order to at least partially control the therapeutic output of the implantable medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Ruth E. Bauhahn, Mark E. Schommer
  • Patent number: 9782321
    Abstract: A lower body electrical muscle stimulation exercise system for exercising the legs of a paralyzed user which incorporates electrical stimulation of leg muscles. The device is portable, light-weight and functional. The device is placed in front of a user who is sitting in a chair. The user's legs may be placed on moveable leg supports. An electric motor rotates a bicycle crank assembly which moves the legs of a user in a back and forth bending motion. Electrical stimulation is then activated which contracts or relaxes the leg muscles. The stimulation is sequentially activated by a Master Processor and a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS) unit. The present invention is designed to stop the deterioration of the leg muscles and restore the functionality of the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas Semmens
  • Patent number: 9782084
    Abstract: An exercise and communications system includes an interactive device, a remote device, and an external device, wherein the interactive device is configured to gather data relating to a user of the system and transmit the same to the remote device, and the remote device is configured to provide analyze the data and transmit a response to the interactive device, which in turn communicates the response to the user and additionally communication with an external device for retrieval of instructions, programs, and data, inter alia. An exercise and communications system facilitates communication between a plurality of users, each having an interactive device and a remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventor: Richard J. Maertz
  • Patent number: 9776002
    Abstract: Communication and charging assemblies for medical devices are disclosed herein. A communication and charging assembly in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a support element, with a communication antenna and a charging coil coupled to the support element. The charging coil can include wire loops having a plurality of wires and the support element can include a mounting surface shaped to match the charging coil and the communication antenna. In one embodiment, the communication and charging assembly are mounted in a header of an implantable signal generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Nevro Corp.
    Inventors: Jon Parker, Yougandh Chitre, Andre B. Walker
  • Patent number: 9775763
    Abstract: Exoskeleton technology is described herein. Such technology includes but is not limited to exoskeletons, exoskeleton controllers, methods for controlling an exoskeleton, and combinations thereof. The exoskeleton technology may facilitate, enhance, and/or supplant the natural mobility of a user via a combination of sensor elements, processing/control elements, and actuating elements. User movement may be elicited by electrical stimulation of the user's muscles, actuation of one or more mechanical components, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the exoskeleton technology may adjust in response to measured inputs, such as motions or electrical signals produced by a user. In this way, the exoskeleton technology may interpret known inputs and learn new inputs, which may lead to a more seamless user experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Aleksandar Aleksov, Brian S. Doyle, Ravindranath V. Mahajan
  • Patent number: 9770587
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods employing wide pulse width, high frequency, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (“WPHF-NMES”) for the rehabilitation, treatment or recovery of a subject afflicted with a neuromuscular injury, disease or disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignees: Kessler Foundation, Inc., The Governors of the University, University of Louisville
    Inventors: Gail Florence Forrest, Susan Jill Harkema, David Frederic Collins
  • Patent number: 9764141
    Abstract: An example of a system may include electrodes on at least one lead configured to be operationally positioned for use in modulating neural tissue where the neural tissue including dorsal horn tissue or nerve root tissue, a neural modulation generator, and a controller. The neural modulation generator may be configured to use at least some electrodes to generate a modulation field. The neural modulation generator maybe configured to use a programmed modulation parameter set to promote uniformity of the modulation field in the dorsal horn tissue. The controller may be configured to control the neural modulation generator to generate the modulation field in pulse trains of at least two pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Moffitt, Changfang Zhu
  • Patent number: 9763582
    Abstract: A system for mapping and marking baroreceptors of a patient. The system includes a mapping device, a marker, and a stimulator. The mapping device includes a plurality of electrodes to be situated on the patient. The marker is to be attached to the patient and mark a location of at least one of the plurality of electrodes based on an analysis of patient physiological responses to stimulation of the plurality of electrodes. The stimulator is to divide the plurality of electrodes into a first electrode zone and a second electrode zone and stimulate electrodes in the first electrode zone and the second electrode zone to obtain first patient physiological responses, where one of the first electrode zone and the second electrode zone is selected based on the first patient physiological responses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew L. De Kock, Eric A. Mokelke, Brian Soltis, Doug E. Giwoyna, James E. Blood
  • Patent number: 9757564
    Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus. This may be accomplished, for example, but shortening or stiffening the palatoglossal arch. Improved coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus may be beneficial to a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as a stand-alone procedure, or in combination procedures and devices that cause anterior displacement of the tongue such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation, genioglossus advancement surgery, mandibular advancement surgery, mandibular advancement (oral) appliances, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: CYBERONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Bolea, Wondimeneh Tesfayesus, John Beck, Thomas Hoegh, Robert Atkinson, Sidney Hauschild
  • Patent number: 9757561
    Abstract: A method for providing electrical stimulation to a user as a user performs a set of tasks during a time window, the method comprising: providing an electrical stimulation treatment, characterized by a stimulation parameter and a set of portions, to a brain region of the user in association with the time window; for each task of the set of tasks: receiving a signal stream characterizing a neurological state of the user; from the signal stream, identifying a neurological signature characterizing the neurological state associated with the task; and modulating the electrical stimulation treatment provided to the brain region of the user based upon the neurological signature, wherein modulating comprises delivering a portion of the set of portions of the electrical stimulation treatment to the brain region of the user, while maintaining an aggregate amount of the stimulation parameter of the treatment provided during the time window below a maximum limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Halo Neuro, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Wingeier, Daniel S. Chao, Lee Von Kraus, Amol Sarva, Sophia Sanchez
  • Patent number: 9744356
    Abstract: Techniques for automatically analyzing neural activity within a target neural region. In one example, electrical stimulation is applied to the target neural region at an initial current level that approximates a typical threshold-Neural Response Telemetry (NRT) level. An NRT measurement of neural activity within the target neural region in response to the stimulation is recorded. A machine-learned expert system, which is configured with a decision tree that includes at least two levels of nodes which consider parameters relating to the NRT measurement, respectively, is utilized to predict, based on one or more features of the neural activity, whether the NRT measurement includes a neural response or does not include a neural response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Botros, Matthijs Killian, Bastiaan van Dijk
  • Patent number: 9737714
    Abstract: An example of a neurostimulation system may include a storage device to store a stimulation waveform, a programming control circuit to generate a plurality of stimulation parameters controlling delivery of neurostimulation pulses according to the stimulation waveform, and waveform definition circuit configured to create and adjust the stimulation waveform. The waveform definition circuit includes a charge recovery module that may include a stimulation to receive the stimulation waveform including charge injection phases, a charge recovery scheme input to receive a charge recovery scheme, and a waveform adjuster configured to identify a need for recovering charges injected during the charge injection phases and adjust the received stimulation waveform by automatically inserting charge recovery phases into the received stimulation waveform based on the identified need for recovering the injected charges and the received charge recovery scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis Zottola
  • Patent number: 9731115
    Abstract: A method for treating a patient requiring conditioning of one or more muscle groups comprises applying electrical stimulation to a ventral epidural space of the patient, thereby activating the muscles. The method includes conveying the stimulation energy to one or more motor efferents associated with the muscles through respective one or more electrodes implanted within the ventral epidural space, and thus activating the muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kerry Bradley
  • Patent number: 9734296
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes (a) modeling a first internal force applied to a model of a user's joint based on a first external force externally applied to the joint at a first position; (b) modeling a second internal force applied to the model based on a second external force externally applied to the joint at a second position unequal to the first position; (c) comparing the first and second modeled internal forces; and (d) simulating the user based on the comparison. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Articulate Labs, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry J. Kirn
  • Patent number: 9707404
    Abstract: An external control device, a neurostimulation system, and a method for providing therapy to a patient are provided. A plurality of stimulation parameter sets are defined, electrical stimulation energy is serially conveyed to tissue of the patient in accordance with the plurality of stimulation parameter sets, a historical log file is stored, and the plurality of stimulation parameter sets are logged in the historical log file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Prakash Rao, Anita Yip, Sridhar Kothandaraman
  • Patent number: 9707397
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue apply a stimulation waveform that is derived by a developed genetic algorithm (GA), which may be coupled to a computational model of extracellular stimulation of a mammalian myelinated axon. The waveform is optimized for energy efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: DUKE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, Amorn Wongsarnpigoon
  • Patent number: 9707387
    Abstract: Methods and devices are described for preventing diastolic flow reversal and/or reducing peripheral vascular resistance in a patient. Also described are methods of cosmetic treatment, and methods of promoting delivery of therapeutic agents or contrast agents to bones and related tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Sky Medical Technology Limited
    Inventors: Duncan Bain, Arthur Tucker, Bernard Ross
  • Patent number: 9694178
    Abstract: A system and a method for optimizing the configuration of multisite transcranial current stimulation, including providing an electric field characteristic target map on the brain's cortex, the target map including multiple cortical targets, the multiple cortical targets are localized and/or continuously varying and spatially extended, providing a weight map on the cortical surface prioritizing the important of areas in the target map for the purposes of optimization; and calculating, based on the target and weight maps, optimal currents and optimal locations for a plurality of electrodes intended for providing transcranial current stimulation to globally stimulate at once the multiple cortical targets with excitatory, inhibitory or neutral stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignees: NEUROELECTRONICS BARCELONA S.L., BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER
    Inventors: Giulio Ruffini, Oscar Ripolles Mateu, Alvaro Pascual-Leone, Michael D. Fox, Pedro Michael Cavaleiro Miranda
  • Patent number: 9694181
    Abstract: Described herein are methods of treating various neurological disorders using electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB) without causing electrochemical damage. Examples of the various neurological disorders can include pain, muscle spasticity, hyperhidrosis, vertigo, sialorrhea, or the like. The methods can include placing an electrode contact in electrical communication with a nerve that transmits a signal related to the neurological disorder. The method also includes applying an ENCB to the nerve through the electrode contact. The electrode contact can include a high charge capacity material that prevents formation of damaging electrochemical reaction products at a charge delivered by the ENCB. The method also includes blocking transmission of the signal related to the neurological disorder through the nerve with the ENCB to treat the neurological disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Niloy Bhadra, Narendra Bhadra, Kevin L. Kilgore, Scott Lempka, Jesse Wainright, Tina Vrabec, Manfred Franke
  • Patent number: 9687653
    Abstract: A programming system for selecting an electrode configuration for use in a medical electrical stimulator coupled to an electrode array. A programmer is configured for providing a set of electrode configurations for the electrode array, automatically testing a first portion of the set of electrode configurations in a first order, allowing the selection of one or more of the tested electrode configurations, determining whether a suitable number of electrode configurations from among the first portion have been selected within a predefined interval, and automatically testing a second portion of the set of electrode configurations in a second order if the suitable number of electrode configurations from among the first portion are not selected within the predefined interval. The programmer may further allow the selection of the tested electrode configurations, and adjusting parameters during the testing, wherein the adjusting is controllably shared in parallel between a clinician and a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Carla M. Woods, James R. Thacker, David K. Peterson, Holly A. Segel, Susan E. Ford, Margaret E. Theriot, Kerry Bradley
  • Patent number: 9675270
    Abstract: A method and medical monitoring device for determining the occurrence of a premature ventricular contraction that includes sensing a cardiac signal and determining R-waves in response to the sensed cardiac signal, determining RR intervals between the determined R-waves, determining whether a first interval criteria is satisfied in response to the determined intervals, determining a correlation between the determined R-waves, determining whether a first correlation criteria is satisfied in response to the determined correlation, and determining the premature ventricular contraction is occurring in response to the first interval criteria and the first correlation criteria being satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Shantanu Sarkar
  • Patent number: 9662491
    Abstract: A stimulation therapy device provides an electrical stimulation therapy to branches of the tibial nerve of a patient. The device comprises a support member configured to be worn around the ankle or foot of the patient, first and second pairs of electrodes attached to the support member, and a stimulation circuit attached to the support member. The stimulation circuit is configured to deliver electrical stimulation pulses through the first and second pairs of electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventors: David J. Yonce, John Jason Buysman, Richard A. Lundeen, Jeffrey John Childs
  • Patent number: 9636501
    Abstract: Multiple designs, systems, methods and processes for control using electrical signals recorded from clinically paralyzed muscles and nerves are presented. The discomplete neural prosthesis system and method for clinically paralyzed humans utilizes a controller. The controller is adapted to receive a volitional electrical signal generated by the human that is manifest below the lesion that causes the clinical paralysis. The controller uses at least the volitional electrical signal to generate a control signal that is output back to a plant to change the state of the plant, which in one aspect is one or more of the user's paralyzed muscles to achieve a functional result or to devices in the environment around the user that are adapted to receive commands from the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Christa Wheeler Moss, Paul Hunter Peckham
  • Patent number: 9630013
    Abstract: Methods and devices for providing noninvasive electrotherapy and electrical stimulation are described herein. In one aspect, a device for noninvasive electrotherapy includes wireless communication circuitry configured to receive pulse generation control signals wirelessly transmitted from a computing device. The device can include pulse generation circuitry configured to deliver electrical waveforms according to instructions encoded in the pulse generation control signals. The computing device can include a cellular telephone device, a portable media player, a personal digital assistant, a tablet computer, or an internet access device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: EMPI, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Jerome Bachinski, Michael Moore, Joseph Winn, Jay Dave, David Orr, Dain Silvola
  • Patent number: 9623237
    Abstract: Various examples are directed to systems and methods comprising receiving a control signal at a control circuit of a surgical device. The control circuit may comprise a first circuit portion coupled to at least one switch operable between an open state and a closed state. The first circuit portion may be configured to communicate with a surgical generator over a conductor pair to receive the control signal and may comprise at least one resistor coupled to the at least one switch. Methods may also comprise determining the state of the at least one switch based on the value of the resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas J. Turner, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Vincent P. Battaglia, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9610036
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring musculoskeletal performance. A person repeatedly performing a physical task is monitored using a sensor system to generate task performance data. A simulation of the person performing the physical task over a number of cycles is run using a musculoskeletal model for the person and at least one of the task performance data and task description data. Muscle activation data and tendon force data are generated based on the simulation. Muscle fatigue and tendon fatigue resulting from performing the physical task are simulated for each cycle using a fatigue model system, the muscle activation data, and the tendon force data. The musculoskeletal model is adjusted to account for the muscle fatigue and the tendon fatigue after each cycle and prior to a next cycle. A prediction is made as to when a predetermined risk threshold for the person is reached based on the simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Vincent De Sapio, Michael Dickson Howard, Rush Frederick Green
  • Patent number: 9597509
    Abstract: This disclosure describes, among other embodiments, systems and related methods for selecting electrode combinations to be used during nerve pacing procedures. A first set of electrode combinations of a nerve pacing system, such as a phrenic nerve pacing system for diaphragm activation, may be mapped (or tested) to determine the location of the electrode combinations relative to a target nerve. Once the general location of the target nerve is known, a more localized second set of electrode combinations may be tested to determine the most suitable electrode combinations for nerve stimulation. At various stages of the mapping process, electrode combinations that are non-optimal may be discarded as candidates for use in a nerve pacing procedure. The systems and methods described herein may allow for the selection of electrode combinations that are most suitable for stimulation of the left and right phrenic nerves during diaphragm pacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventors: Joaquin Andres Hoffer, Gautam Sadarangani, Marc-Andre Nolette, Viral Thakkar, Bao Dung Tran
  • Patent number: 9592380
    Abstract: An electrical stimulation system to provide pulse stimulation to an area of a living body by way of one or more electrode leads applied to the area, the area including an associated resistance element and an associated capacitance element. The system may include a pulse generating circuit having a controllable output voltage to generate constant voltage pulses to the one or more electrode leads, wherein the corresponding current signal of each constant voltage pulse includes an exponential decay to a steady state current value. The system may include a controller configured to estimate the associated resistance element of the area, determine a specified target steady state current value to be applied to the area, and control the pulse generating circuit to generate a constant voltage pulse to the one or more electrode leads at a calculated voltage level which achieves the specified target steady state current value to the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: MyndTec Inc.
    Inventors: Milos Radomir Popovic, Arkadiusz Biel, Harold Max Wodlinger, Richard Fine
  • Patent number: 9566436
    Abstract: Electrode structures for transvascular nerve stimulation combine electrodes with an electrically-insulating backing layer. The backing layer increases the electrical impedance of electrical paths through blood in a lumen of a blood vessel and consequently increases the flow of electrical current through surrounding tissues. The electrode structures may be applied to stimulate nerves such as the phrenic, vagus, trigeminal, obturator or other nerves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventor: Joaquin Andres Hoffer
  • Patent number: 9561372
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for positioning of an implantable lead in a patient with an integrated EMG and stimulation clinician programmer. The integrated clinician programmer is coupled to the implantable lead, wherein the implantable lead comprises at least four electrodes, and to at least one EMG sensing electrode minimally invasively positioned on a skin surface or within the patient. The method comprises delivering a test stimulation at a stimulation amplitude level from the integrated clinician programmer to a nerve tissue of the patient with a principal electrode of the implantable lead. Test stimulations are delivered at a same stimulation amplitude level for a same period of time sequentially to each of the four electrodes of the implantable lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: AXONICS MODULATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Guangqiang Jiang, John Woock, Dennis Schroeder, Eric Schmid
  • Patent number: 9550059
    Abstract: A respiration implant system for a patient with impaired breathing includes one or more temperature sensors configured for placement into an inner wall tissue along an airway passage of the patient and configured to measure temperature in the inner wall tissue in order to produce a temperature signal based on the measured temperature. The system further includes a pacing processor configured to receive the temperature signal from the temperature sensor and to generate a respiration pacing signal based on the temperature signal that is synchronized with a breathing cycle of the patient and a stimulating electrode configured to deliver the respiration pacing signal from the pacing processor to respiration neural tissue of the patient to facilitate breathing in the patient. The respiration implant system may be used as a laryngeal pacemaker system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Denk, Birthe Rubehn