Control Signal Storage (e.g., Programming) Patents (Class 607/59)
  • Publication number: 20130296972
    Abstract: A stimulation system, such as a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system, having an automated search to establish a program to treat a patient with electrical stimulation. The stimulation system includes an electrical stimulation generator, a medical lead coupled to the electrical stimulation generator, and a programmer with a communication interface, a display screen, and a user interface. The display screen displays an image of a spinal column and a position of the medical lead relative to the spinal column. The system includes an automated search that stimulates a series of regions and receives patient feedback via the user interface. The system then stimulates a series of subregions within a subset of the regions based on the feedback, receives additional feedback, and identifies a subset of the subregions location for stimulation based on the additional feedback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Richard J. Polefko, Steven E. Wilder
  • Patent number: 8578118
    Abstract: An implantable medical device and associated method store physiological data in response to detecting a physiological event. The medical device includes multiple first memory locations allocated to each of a number of physiological event types and a second single memory location allocated for storing entries of physiological signal data corresponding to each of the plurality of physiological event types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen J. Kleckner, Paul G. Krause, Traci K. Washburn, Melinda A. Kolstad
  • Publication number: 20130289660
    Abstract: A visualization of an area or volume of tissue activated during stimulation according to a set of stimulation parameters is generated. The area or volume of activation is modeled based on a non-uniform grid of model neurons. Select portions of the grid have the model neurons more closely spaced, resulting in finer resolution graphical representation, while less closely spaced model neurons in other portions of the grid may avoid additional computation time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Gabriela C. Molnar, Maciej T. Lazarewicz
  • Publication number: 20130289661
    Abstract: Timing channel circuitry for controlling stimulation circuitry in an implantable stimulator is disclosed. The timing channel circuitry comprises a addressable memory. Data for the various phases of a desired pulse are stored in the memory using different numbers of words, including a command indicative of the number of words in the phase, a next address for the next phase stored in the memory, and a pulse width or duration of the current phase, control data for the stimulation circuitry, pulse amplitude, and electrode data. The command data is used to address through the words in the current phase via the address bus, which words are sent to a control register for the stimulation circuitry. After the duration of the pulse width for the current phase has passed, the stored next address is used to access the data for the next phase stored in the memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Griffith, Goran N. Marnfeldt, Jordi Parramon
  • Publication number: 20130289658
    Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for generating stimulation current pulses that have differing pulse shapes in a medical device. A circuit architecture is described that is configured to charge a capacitor to an initial amount of charge, modulate the amount of charge stored in the capacitor based on a control signal, and generate a stimulation current pulse that has an amplitude based on the amount charge stored in the capacitor. The circuit architecture may be configured to generate complex pulse shapes, such as, e.g., steps, ramps, bursts, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Denison, Robert W. Hocken, JR., Gabriela C. Molnar, Wesley A. Santa, Jalpa S. Shah, Larry E. Tyler
  • Publication number: 20130289657
    Abstract: A method includes receiving identification data at a medical device programmer from a personal medical device via an electronic communication link between the medical device programmer and the personal medical device. The method includes receiving missing programming code at the medical device programmer, via the electronic communication link, from the personal medical device identified in the identification data. The medical device programmer is upgraded using the received missing programming code. The upgraded medical device programmer includes the missing programming code configured to program the identified personal medical device. The medical device programmer may be an IMD programmer including processing circuitry configured to receive identification data from an IMD. The processing circuitry is also configured to receive a missing programming module from the identified IMD for a module manager of the IMD programmer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: CYBERONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Alberto A. RODRIGUEZ
  • Publication number: 20130289659
    Abstract: Electrical stimulation therapy may be delivered to a patient to selectively and independently address different conditions of a pelvic floor disorder of the patient. The conditions of a pelvic floor disorder may include, for example, a lower urinary tract dysfunction (e.g., urinary or fecal incontinence) and sexual dysfunction (e.g., an impaired sexual reflex response to a sexual stimulus). In some examples, a system is configured to selectively deliver a first electrical stimulation therapy that is configured to elicit an inhibitory physiological response from the patient related to voiding, a second electrical stimulation therapy that is configured to improve a sexual reflex response of the patient to a sexual stimulus, and a third electrical stimulation therapy that is configured to both elicit the inhibitory physiological response from the patient related to voiding and increase a sexual response of the patient to a sexual stimulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Dwight E. Nelson, Xin Su, Thaddeus S. Brink, Blake A. Hedstrom
  • Patent number: 8571677
    Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques that support delivering electrical stimulation via an electrode on a housing of an implantable medical device (IMD) while substantially simultaneously delivering electrical stimulation via one or more electrodes, having the same polarity as the electrode on the housing, on one or more leads engaged to the IMD. The stimulation may be constant current-based or constant voltage-based stimulation in the form of pulses or continuous waveforms. Delivery of stimulation via both a housing anode and one or more lead anodes, for example, may allow a user to control current paths between the housing electrode and the lead electrode(s) in a relative manner to achieve different electric or stimulation field shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan A. Torgerson, Steven M. Goetz
  • Patent number: 8571678
    Abstract: External instruments and implantable medical devices communicate using modulation parameter settings that may be adapted during communication sessions based on a quality of the wireless communications link. An analysis of the quality of the link is performed and a request to change modulation parameters is sent to one of the devices by the other. The analysis may be based on measuring noise and interference during idle communication frames. The devices may then change the modulation parameter settings, for the uplink, downlink, or both. The devices may also employ a recovery operation to revert back to the previous modulation parameter settings if the transmissions are not properly received using the changed modulation parameter settings. The modulation parameter settings may include modulation type, modulation symbol rate, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Yu Wang
  • Publication number: 20130282078
    Abstract: A system may include a therapy delivery module configured to deliver electrical stimulation therapy to a tissue of a patient in accordance with a first stimulation therapy program. The first stimulation therapy program may define a first stimulation intensity below a perception threshold stimulation intensity of the patient. The therapy delivery module also may be configured to deliver electrical stimulation therapy to the tissue of the patient in accordance with a second stimulation therapy program. The second stimulation therapy program may define a second stimulation intensity at or above the perception threshold stimulation intensity. The system also may include a processor configured to determine stimulation parameter values for the first stimulation therapy program that result in a first volume of effect and determine stimulation parameter values for the second stimulation therapy program that result in a second volume of effect substantially the same as the first volume of effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventor: Paul W. Wacnik
  • Patent number: 8565889
    Abstract: An audio prostheses having a set of operating parameters is fit to an implanted patient. An audio stimulation pattern is initiated to the audio prosthesis. A fit adjustment process is performed during the audio stimulation pattern, which includes: changing a set of selected operating parameter values. Patient feedback is received that indicates a subjective performance evaluation of operation of the audio prosthesis. The process is repeated (e.g., continuously) to collect performance evaluation data related to the operating parameter values. Then the operating parameters are set based on the performance evaluation data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Med-El Elektromedizinische Gereate GmbH
    Inventor: Philipp Spitzer
  • Patent number: 8560080
    Abstract: Techniques are described, for medical devices that deliver electrical stimulation therapy, for controlling a transition from an initial stimulation location or initial stimulation shape to a user-specified target stimulation location or target stimulation shape in order to limit the rate of change of stimulation. One example method includes receiving, via a programmer for an electrical stimulator, user input indicating a target stimulation zone, and controlling the electrical stimulator to transition electrical stimulation from an initial stimulation zone to the target stimulation zone via one or more intermediate stimulation zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Rajeev M. Sahasrabudhe, Jon P. Davis, Brent A. Huhta, Ashish Singal
  • Publication number: 20130268025
    Abstract: Monitoring circuitry for an implantable stimulator device is disclosed. A switching matrix allows current from a current source to be distributed to any of a plurality of electrodes. A voltage drop across the active switches in the switch matrix is monitored and is compared to an expected voltage based upon the amplitude of the current and the known on resistance of the switch. If the monitored and expected voltages differ significantly, then a failure condition can be inferred, and an appropriate action can be taken, such shutting down stimulation. Using the already-existing switches in the switching matrix in this fashion is beneficial because it allows the current through the electrodes to be monitored without providing additional structures in the therapeutic current path, which would increase complexity and add unwanted resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventor: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130268026
    Abstract: A device for use with a stimulation system comprises a user interface for receiving input from a user, displaying graphical parameter objects respectively corresponding to stimulation parameter sets, and displaying graphical program objects corresponding to stimulation programs. The device further comprises a controller/processor for selecting a graphical parameter object, dragging the graphical parameter object, dropping the graphical parameter object into a graphical program object, and storing the stimulation parameter set corresponding to the graphical parameter object in association with the stimulation program corresponding to the graphical program object. The user interface may further display graphical program objects corresponding to stimulation programs, and a graphical schedule object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventor: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130268027
    Abstract: An aspect relates to a system for providing baroreflex stimulation. An embodiment of the system comprises a cardiac activity monitor to sense cardiac activity and provide a signal indicative of the cardiac activity, and a baroreflex stimulator. The stimulator includes a pulse generator and a modulator. The pulse generator provides a baroreflex stimulation signal adapted to provide a baroreflex therapy. The modulator receives the signal indicative of the cardiac activity and modulates the baroreflex stimulation signal based on the signal indicative of the cardiac activity to change the baroreflex therapy from a first baroreflex therapy to a second baroreflex therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Imad Libbus
  • Patent number: 8554331
    Abstract: A therapy program may be generated based on an algorithmic model of a baseline therapy field, which may represent a therapy field resulting from therapy delivery via the first therapy system based on a first therapy program. A second therapy program that controls therapy delivery by a second therapy system may be generated based on the baseline therapy field model. For example, therapy parameter values of the second therapy program may be selected to maintain at least one field characteristic of the baseline therapy field model. In some examples, the second therapy system may result from a hardware modification to the first therapy system. In other examples, the first and second therapy systems may be associated with different patients. For example, the baseline therapy field model may be an efficacious therapy field for a patient class, and a second therapy program may be generated for a patient in the class.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin T. Gerber, John C. Rondoni
  • Patent number: 8554332
    Abstract: Methods and systems for constructing a comprehensive history for an IMD are disclosed. The method includes interrogating an implantable medical device (IMD) with an interrogating external programmer device (EPD), and comparing a unique signature associated with the interrogating EPD to a stored signature, associated with a particular programmer device that most immediately previously programmed the IMD, in memory of the IMD. If the unique signature of the interrogating programmer device is not the same as the stored signature, the method includes recording the stored signature in the interrogating EPD. The method may optionally include replacing the stored signature in the IMD memory with the unique signature of the interrogating EPD if the interrogating EPD programs the IMD. A comprehensive history for the IMD may be constructed by tracing the values in the IMD and the programmer databases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Cyberonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Randolph Armstrong
  • Patent number: 8554318
    Abstract: An active implantable medical device for one of cardiac stimulation, resynchronization, and defibrillation is shown and described. The device includes means for placing an electronic circuit in a safekeeping operating mode in response to detecting a first magnetic field associated with a permanent magnet and detecting a second magnetic field associated with an MRI imager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sorin CRM S.A.S.
    Inventor: Thierry Legay
  • Publication number: 20130261702
    Abstract: Systems and methods for applying stimulating current to a patient for treating insufficient uterine contractions are provided. The system includes stimulation electrodes of a balloon electrode array device, a ring electrode array device, an electrode probe device, or a mesh electrode array device. Some aspects of the invention also provide a connector and cable device for coupling the stimulation electrodes to electronics for generating and providing the stimulating current to the stimulation electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Robert E. Garfield, Harvey Carp, William L. Maner
  • Patent number: 8548596
    Abstract: A therapy program is modified to decompose an electrical stimulation signal defined by the therapy program into a plurality of sub-signals based on a comparison between an energy associated with the stimulation signal and a threshold value. An electrical stimulation signal defined by a therapy program may be decomposed into a plurality of subsignals when an electrical stimulation energy of the stimulation signal exceeds the maximum energy output of the medical device or of a channel of the medical device. The energy associated with each one of the subsignals may be less than the energy threshold value of the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin T. Gerber, John C. Rondoni
  • Publication number: 20130253610
    Abstract: A system and method using a plurality of electrodes. An immediate virtual multipole is defined, an immediate electrode configuration emulating the immediate virtual multipole is defined, electrical energy is conveyed to the electrodes in accordance with the immediate electrode configuration, a new virtual multipole is defined by changing a parameter of the immediate virtual multipole by a step size, a new electrode configuration that emulates the new virtual multipole is defined, a difference value as a function of the immediate virtual multipole and the new virtual multipole is computed, the different value is compared to a limit value, electrical energy is conveyed to the electrodes in accordance with the new electrode configuration if the difference value does not exceed the limit value, and the absolute value of the step size is decreased to create a new step size if the difference value does exceed the limit value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventor: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130253611
    Abstract: A system and method using a plurality of electrodes. An immediate electrode configuration is defined, electrical energy is conveyed to the electrodes in accordance with the immediate electrode configuration, a final electrode configuration is defined, a series of intermediate electrode configurations is defined using a heuristic set of rules based on the immediate electrode configuration and the final electrode configuration, electrical energy is conveyed to the electrodes in accordance with the series of intermediate electrode configurations, and electrical energy is conveyed to the electrodes in accordance with the subsequent electrode configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventor: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8543217
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a method and system that generates stimulation parameters by selecting one or more stimulation parameters according to a stimulation field defined by a user. The system includes a memory that stores a plurality of stimulation templates for multiple electrode configurations of an electrical lead. A processor selects one or more volumetric stimulation templates that best match, e.g., fill, the three-dimensional stimulation field defined by the clinician. Each stimulation template is associated with a set of stimulation parameters that can be used to deliver stimulation therapy to a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Stone, Warren W. Ball, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Steven M. Goetz, Lynn M. Otten
  • Publication number: 20130245718
    Abstract: Various implantable device embodiments may comprise a neural stimulator configured to deliver a neurostimulation therapy with stimulation ON times and stimulation OFF times where a dose of the neurostimulation therapy is provided by a number of neurostimulation pulses over a period of time. The neural stimulator may be configured to monitor the dose of the delivered neurostimulation therapy against dosing parameters. The neural stimulator may be configured to declare a fault if the monitored dose does not favorably compare to a desired dose for the neurostimulation therapy, or may be configured to record data for the monitored dose of the delivered neurostimulation therapy, or may be configured to both record data for the monitored dose of the delivered neurostimulation therapy and declare a fault if the monitored dose does not favorably compare to a desired dose for the neurostimulation therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug M. Birkholz, Douglas J. Brandner, Douglas J. Gifford, David J. Ternes, William J. Linder
  • Publication number: 20130245719
    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: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventor: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8538543
    Abstract: A computer-assisted method can include defining a target volume of tissue activation to achieve a desired therapeutic effect for an identified anatomic region. At least one parameter can be computed for an electrode design as a function of the defined target volume of tissue activation. The computed at least one parameter can be stored in memory for the electrode design, which parameter can be utilized to construct an electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventors: Cameron C. McIntyre, Christopher R. Butson
  • Patent number: 8538549
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to programming implantable stimulators to deliver stimulation energy via one or more implantable leads having complex electrode array geometries. The disclosure also contemplates guided programming to select electrode combinations and parameter values to support efficacy. The techniques may be applied to a programming interface associated with a clinician programmer, a patient programmer, or both. A user interface permits a user to view electrodes from different perspectives relative to the lead. For example, the user interface provides a side view of a lead and a cross-sectional view of the lead. The user interface may include an axial control medium to select and/or view electrodes at different axial positions along the length of a lead, and a rotational control medium to select and/or view electrodes at different angular positions around a circumference of the lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Richard T. Stone, Warren W. Ball, Carl D. Wahlstrand
  • Patent number: 8538542
    Abstract: Systems and methods of using a system for treating a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by dysmotility of a gastrointestinal organ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: EnteroMedics Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Knudson, Richard R. Wilson, Katherine S. Tweden, Timothy R. Conrad
  • Publication number: 20130237948
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a condition associated with impaired blood pressure and/or heart rate in a subject comprising applying an electrical treatment signal, wherein the electrical treatment signal is selected to at least partially block nerve impulses, or in some embodiments, to augment nerve impulses. In embodiments, the apparatus provides a first therapy program to provide a downregulating signal to one or more nerves including renal artery, renal nerve, vagus nerve, celiac plexus, a splanchnic nerve, cardiac sympathetic nerves, spinal nerves originating between T10 to L5. In embodiments, the apparatus provides a third therapy program to provide an upregulating signal to one or more nerves including a glossopharyngeal nerve and/or a tissue containing baroreceptors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Adrianus P. Donders, Katherine S. Tweden, Mark B. Knudson, Arnold W. Thornton
  • Publication number: 20130238048
    Abstract: A therapy system for applying an electrical signal to an internal anatomical feature of a patient includes an implantable component and an external component. The medical device can be checked for safety issues by periodically initiating a sequence of tests of an H-bridge circuit, and, during each test, monitoring a current flow through a sensing resistor electrically connected between a sensing connection of the H-bridge circuit and a ground. Current flow through the sensing resistor indicates that both series electrical switches within at least one of the two pairs of series electrical switches are active during that test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: EnteroMedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Al Almendinger, Gregory Pat Spar, Koen Jacob Weijand, Randy Maas, Steve Ellsworth
  • Publication number: 20130238055
    Abstract: An improved implantable pulse generator (IPG) containing graceful shutdown circuitry is disclosed. A magnet sensor senses the presence of an emergency shutdown magnet. Output of the magnet sensor is conditioned by a signal conditioning circuit. Output of the signal conditioning circuit is delayed by a delay element before being fed to a power cut-off switch, which cuts-off power to the IPG circuitry. An interrupt signal is routed from before the delay element to the IPG processor as an indicator of imminent shutdown. The processor launches shutdown routine that carries out shutdown operations such as logging the emergency shutdown event, saving and closing open files, saving data from volatile memory to non-volatile memory, etc., before the power cut-off switch is activated upon elapsing of delay provided by the delay element. The magnet sensor, signal conditioning circuit, and delay element are powered separately from the rest of the circuitry of the IPG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Goran N. Marnfeldt, Jordi Parramon
  • Patent number: 8532784
    Abstract: An implantable stimulation system (e.g., an implantable neurostimulation system (INS)) comprises memory including a first table and a second table. The first table stores blocks of stimulation event data corresponding to stimulation events that are to be performed during a period of time (e.g., a 0.5 sec. or 1 sec. period of time). The second table stores blocks of next stimulation event time data corresponding to the period of time. The implantable stimulation system also includes a direct memory access (DMA) controller including a first DMA channel and a second DMA channel. The first DMA channel selectively transfers one of the blocks stimulation event data from the first table to one or more registers that are used to control stimulation events. The second DMA channel selectively transfers one of the blocks of next stimulation event time data from the second table to a timer that is used to control timing associated with the stimulation events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Spinal Modulation, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil S. Sherman
  • Patent number: 8532785
    Abstract: Recent advancements in power electronics technology have provided opportunities for enhancements to circuits of implantable medical devices. The enhancements have contributed to increasing circuit miniaturization and an increased efficiency in the operation of the implantable medical devices. The therapy delivery circuits and techniques of the disclosure facilitate generation of a therapy stimulation waveform that may be shaped based on the patient's physiological response to the stimulation waveform. The generated therapy stimulation waveforms include a stepped leading-edge that may be shaped having a varying slope and varying amplitudes associated with each of the segments of the slope. Unlike the truncated exponential waveform delivered by the conventional therapy delivery circuit which is based on the behavior of the output capacitors (i.e., i=C(dV/dt)), the stimulation waveform of the present disclosure may be dynamically shaped as a function of an individual patient's response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Randolph E. Crutchfield, Lonny V. Cabelka, Mark R. Boone, Marshall J. Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20130231716
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed towards posture-responsive therapy. To avoid interruptions in effective therapy, an implantable medical device may include a posture state module that detects the posture state of the patient and automatically adjusts therapy parameter values according to the detected posture state. A system may include a posture state module that records a current posture of a patient, a user interface that receives a therapy adjustment, a processor that associates a posture that the posture state module recorded when the user interface received the therapy adjustment with the therapy adjustment, determines whether the posture falls within a defined posture state, compares the therapy adjustment to therapy information associated with the defined posture state, and updates the set of posture state definitions based on the determination and comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Skelton, Jon P. Davis
  • Publication number: 20130231715
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue generate stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide a lower average frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: NDI MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, JR., David T. Brocker
  • Patent number: 8527059
    Abstract: Example techniques involve generating test stimulation programs based upon specific patient feedback to guide the programming process for stimulation therapy. The patient describes positive effects and adverse effects of the test stimulation by listing and/or rating specific types of effects, both positive and adverse, and the location of each effect. In this manner, a programming device, i.e. a programmer, uses the feedback to generate subsequent test stimulation programs. Initially, programs with unipolar electrode configurations are tested, but the programmer may generate bipolar electrode configurations to test if the patient rates the unipolar electrode combinations poorly. After the stimulation programs are tested and rated, the programmer sorts the tested programs based upon the feedback and presents the tested programs to the user. The user selects the best tested program to use for chronic stimulation therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Delight D. DeMulling, Debbie A. McConnell, Steven M. Goetz, Cari Herman, Wende L. Dewing
  • Publication number: 20130226264
    Abstract: A neurostimulation system senses a signal indicative of a patient's physical state such as posture and/or activity level. In various embodiments, a stored value for each of stimulation parameters controlling delivery of neurostimulation is selected according to the patient's physical state. In various embodiments, values of the stimulation parameters are approximately optimized for each of a number of different physical states, and are stored for later selection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Abhi V. Chavan, Keith R. Maile, David J. Ternes, Juan Gabriel Hincapie Ordonez, Stephen Ruble, Jason J. Hamann
  • Publication number: 20130226263
    Abstract: The current technology is relevant to a system having a programming device in communication with an implantable medical device, an implantable sensor, and electronic medical records. A user interface is in communication with the programming device, and the user interface is configured to receive an override parameter and override rationale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC.
    Inventor: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8521288
    Abstract: A system for providing temporary therapy, such as cardiac resynchronization therapy, to a patient suffering a decompensation event. The system can include a device having an external module for generating electrical stimuli, a first lead coupled to the module and implanted into an atrial region of a patient's heart, and a second lead coupled to the module and implanted into a ventricular region of the patient's heart. The device can also include a storage module coupled to the external module to store data associated with physiological data measured by the device. The external module is configured to temporarily generate electrical stimuli that are delivered by at least one of the first and second leads to provide therapy cardiac resynchronization therapy to the heart. A network can be coupled to the device to allow data stored in the device to be downloaded through the network to a central repository.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Pastore, Qingsheng Zhu
  • Patent number: 8521299
    Abstract: A treatment system includes a regulator implanted within a patient, a computing device storing at least one patient database associated with the patient in whom the regulator is implanted, and a data transfer device. The data transfer device provides bi-directional communication (e.g., voice communication) and a data exchange (e.g., a treatment history, a patient database, and operational instructions) between the regulator and the computing device. A programmer can obtain patient reports and/or default treatment values from the computing device based on the data exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: EnteroMedics Inc.
    Inventors: Vineel Vallapureddy, Adrianus P. Donders, Satish Ramadhyani, Wu Wang, Hang Chan
  • Patent number: 8515546
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for the controlling of the stimulation pulses being delivered via electrodes to a patient during the programming of a pulse generator using a controller device and selecting of a minimum amplitude that corresponds to the minimum amplitude for which the patient can detect stimulation; selecting an electrode combination defined in the controller device; setting the stimulation amplitude; making a determination of the amplitude for the stimulation pulses is greater than the perception amplitude, and if so, changing the amplitude of the stimulation pulses to be less than or equal to the perception amplitude; and if not or subsequent to the changing of the amplitude, changing the selected one of a plurality of electrode combinations to a different combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Crystal Goddard, Jason Pounds, Tom Younker, Karen Overton, Jonathan Avedikian
  • Patent number: 8515533
    Abstract: A system includes bio-medical units and an electromagnetic signal generating unit. A bio-medical unit includes a power harvesting module, a wireless communication module, a processing module, and a functional module that performs physical therapy function and generates physical therapy data. The electromagnetic signal generating unit that includes at least one signal generating module and a plurality of near field communication (NFC) modules. The signal generating module generates one or more signals and an NFC module converts the one or more signals into a component of electromagnetic signal, which the power harvesting module converts into a supply voltage that powers the other modules of the bio-medical unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmadreza (Reza) Rofougaran, Jeyhan Karaoguz, Pieter Vorenkamp
  • Patent number: 8515545
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a medical device that includes a neurostimulator. The neurostimulator includes one or more channels. Each channel includes a digitally-controlled switch coupled to a voltage source. The switch is in one of an “on” state and an “off” state in response to a first control signal. Each channel also includes a digitally-controlled current sink coupled to the switch. The current sink is coupled between the switch and the voltage source. The current sink draws a variable amount of electrical current in response to a second control signal. Each channel further includes a conductor coupled to the switch and the current sink. The conductor is configured to be coupled to an electrode that is operable to deliver the electrical current drawn by the current sink to a target tissue area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventor: Stephen C. Trier
  • Patent number: 8515070
    Abstract: Enhanced security is provided in a system comprising a medical device and a monitoring device. The medical device is configured for implantation into a living organism, and comprises processing circuitry and an interface for communicating with the monitoring device. Access to the medical device by the monitoring device is controlled based on measurement of one or more physiological values of the living organism by at least one of the two devices. In an illustrative embodiment, the medical device and the monitoring device are configured to include respective physiological value sensors for measuring respective dynamic physiological values of the living organism. The medical device is further configured to determine if the dynamic physiological values are sufficiently similar to one another and to grant or deny the monitoring device access to the medical device based on the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Ari Juels, Daniel Vernon Bailey
  • Publication number: 20130211477
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for defining a stimulation program for electrical stimulation of a patient, the method comprising: providing a single screen user interface that comprises a first plurality of controls and a second plurality of controls, the first plurality of controls allowing selection of multiple stimulation parameters for a plurality of stimulation sets, the second plurality of controls allowing selection of multiple stimulation parameters defining burst stimulation and tonic stimulation; receiving user input in one or more of the second plurality of controls; and automatically modifying parameters for one or more stimulation sets in response to receiving the user input in one or more of the second plurality of controls and modifying values displayed in one or more controls of the first plurality of controls according to the modified parameters, the modified parameters reflecting a stimulation program that includes an interleaved pattern of burst stimulation and tonic stimulation for delivery t
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: ADVANCED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Advanced Neuromojulation Systems, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130211478
    Abstract: Controller, system and method for an implantable medical device having a plurality of electrodes, said implantable device being capable of delivering a therapeutic stimulation to a patient. An electrode interface is operatively coupled between a plurality of electrodes and a control module. The control module uses an electrode interface to obtain a plurality of measurements of impedance values for a plurality of selected pairs of individual ones of the plurality of electrodes. A user interface displays an indicia, indicative of operability of a group of at least one of said plurality of electrodes, based on a comparison of said plurality of measurements to a predetermined range, said indicia being a qualitative representation of operability of said group of at least one of said plurality of electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventor: Medtronic, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130211476
    Abstract: Detecting patterns in sensed implantable medical device (IMC) data is described. One implementation involves an IMD that includes a data-driven pattern detection network embodied on the IMD to detect a pattern from sensed patient data. The IMD also includes one or more algorithms embodied on the IMD to utilize the pattern to effect patient therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Paul Higham, Atila Amiri
  • Patent number: 8509908
    Abstract: A device including a first integrated circuit (IC), a second IC configured to provide instructions to the first IC based on received data, wherein the first IC is a high-voltage IC and the second IC is a low-voltage IC, and a communication interface between the first and second ICs including a data bus of parallel data lines. The second IC is configured to select, based on the received data, one of a plurality of different communication modes for providing the instructions to the first IC via the communication interface, wherein each mode is defined by a quantity of address data and a quantity of configuration data used to provide the instructions to the first IC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Tom Van Assche, Mark Janssens, Geert Carron
  • Publication number: 20130204327
    Abstract: A remote control device communicatively coupled to an implanted stimulation device displays representations of modifications to stimulation settings of the implanted stimulation device according to setting change instructions input by a user, without the instructed change being implemented at the implanted stimulation device. The remote control includes an input component(s) for input of patient condition information correlated to settings of the implanted stimulation device. The implanted stimulation device cycles through stimulation programs without the remote control device indicating the changes and while the remote control device receives input of patient condition information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keith CARLTON, Stephen CARCIERI
  • Publication number: 20130197607
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods incorporate the most-used functions of a electrical stimulator's controller into a small, thin pocket controller that is not only comfortable to carry in a pocket, but can also be attached to a key ring, lanyard, or other such carrying device for ease of daily use. A separate patient controller charger is used to charge and control the implanted medical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: GREATBATCH LTD.
    Inventor: Greatbatch Ltd.