Pulse Signal Patents (Class 607/72)
  • Publication number: 20150018899
    Abstract: A medical lead is configured to be implanted into a patient's body and comprises a lead body, and an electrode coupled to the lead body. The electrode comprises a first section configured to contact the patient's body, and a second section capacitively coupled to the first section and configured to be electrically coupled to the patient's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: James M. Olsen, Gregory A. Hrdlicka, Carl D. Wahlstrand, Thomas Barry Hoegh
  • Publication number: 20150012071
    Abstract: The present disclosure involves a medical system. The medical system an implantable lead configured to deliver an electrical stimulation therapy for a patient. The lead includes an elongate lead body that is configured to be coupled to a pulse generator that generates electrical stimulations pulses as part of the electrical stimulation therapy. The lead also includes a paddle coupled to the lead body. The paddle contains a plurality of electrodes that are each configured to deliver the electrical stimulation pulses to the patient. The plurality of electrodes is arranged into at least three columns that each include a respective subset of the electrodes. The plurality of electrodes each includes a unique centerline, wherein the centerlines extend in directions transverse to the columns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Kerry Bradley, Leslie Halberg
  • Publication number: 20150005852
    Abstract: A method for treating a disorder of a patient. The method comprises transcutaneously delivering electrical energy to a targeted tissue site at a frequency of at least 50 KHz, thereby treating the disorder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Bradley L. Hershey, Tamara C. Baynham
  • Publication number: 20140371812
    Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Douglas Michael ACKERMANN, James Donald LOUDIN, John WARDLE, Jarren Armond BALDWIN, Daniel N. HAMILTON, Janusz KUZMA, Christopher William STIVERS, Manfred FRANKE
  • Publication number: 20140364919
    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: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Que T. Doan
  • Patent number: 8909343
    Abstract: Methods and systems for neurostimulation and/or neurotelemetry of electrically-excitable biological tissue. Embodiments include implanting single or multiple semiconductor diodes and applying a high frequency electrical volume current. Neurostimulation embodiments include local rectification of the volume current by the diode, which can provide a pulsating electrical waveform capable of locally stimulating neural tissue, hi neurotelemetry embodiments, semiconductor diodes can be placed in contact with excitable tissue and a low level electrical carrier wave can be passed through the tissue and implanted diode whereby low level tissue bioelectric events intermodulate with the carrier wave and encode bioelectrical effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventor: Bruce C. Towe
  • Patent number: 8903502
    Abstract: A method for modulating nerve tissue in a body of a patient includes implanting a wireless stimulation device in proximity to a dorsal root ganglion or an exiting nerve root such that an electrode, circuitry and a receiving antenna are positioned completely within the body of the patient. An input signal containing electrical energy and waveform parameters is transmitted to the receiving antenna(s) from a control device located outside of the patient's body via radiative coupling. The circuitry within the stimulation device generates one or more electrical impulses and applies the electrical impulses to the dorsal root ganglion or the exiting nerve roots through the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Devices LLC
    Inventors: Laura Tyler Perryman, Chad Andresen, Gary King, Anthony Yeung
  • Publication number: 20140350632
    Abstract: A system for designing a therapy or for treating a gastrointestinal disorder or a condition associated with excess weight in a subject comprising at least one electrode configured to be implanted within a body of the patient and placed at a vagus nerve, the electrode also configured to apply therapy to the vagus nerve upon application of a therapy cycle to the electrode; an implantable neuroregulator for placement in the body of the patient beneath the skin layer, the implantable neuroregulator being configured to generate a therapy cycle, wherein the therapy cycle comprises an on time during which an electrical signal is delivered, the electrical signal comprising: a) a set of pulses applied at a first selected frequency of about 150-10,000 Hz, wherein each pulse of the set of pulses has a pulse width of at least 0.01 milliseconds and less than the period of the first selected frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Katherine S. Tweden, Jonathan J. Waataja, Adrianus P. Donders, Mark B. Knudson
  • Publication number: 20140350327
    Abstract: Provided herein are a device and method for attenuating posttraumatic stress syndrome, menopause symptoms, dysautonomia and pain by interfering with sympathetic chain signaling, particularly by blocking stellate ganglion conduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Ada Shuk Yan Poon, Vijaykumar Rajasekhar, Kathryn Hammond Rosenbluth, Xiang Mackey Qian, Scott Delp, John Paderi, Tahel Altman
  • Publication number: 20140343630
    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: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Stephen C. Trier, Jeffrey A. Weisgarber, Richard J. Polefko
  • Publication number: 20140343624
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for the targeted treatment of abnormal sensory conditions. In such conditions, physical stimuli is transduced into neuronal impulses that are subsequently transmitted to the central nervous system for processing. Such transduction is achieved by primary sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglions. Subcellular structures on primary sensory neurons can significantly modulate the function of these neurons, thereby affecting the transduction and reducing the abnormal sensory experiences. Thus, devices, systems and methods are provided for neuromodulating subcellular structures on primary sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffery M. Kramer
  • Publication number: 20140336726
    Abstract: A method for configuring stimulation pulses in an implantable stimulator device having a plurality of electrodes is disclosed, which method is particularly useful in adjusting the electrodes by current steering during initialization of the device. In one aspect, a set of ideal pulses for patient therapy is determined, in which at least two of the ideal pulses are of the same polarity and are intended to be simultaneous applied to corresponding electrodes on the implantable stimulator device during an initial duration. These pulses are reconstructed into fractionalized pulses, each comprised of pulse portions. The fractionalized pulses are applied to the corresponding electrodes on the device during a final duration, but the pulse portions of the fractionalized pulses are not simultaneously applied during the final duration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Jordi Parramon, Rafael Carbunaru, Matt I. Haller
  • Publication number: 20140336731
    Abstract: A patient treatment unit for analyzing and treating abnormality of human or animal tissues, includes a display; a pulse generator circuit that outputs a sequence of electrical pulses at a pulse frequency, the electrical pulses having a pulse width, the pulse generator controlling the pulse frequency and the pulse width of the electrical pulses; a pair of probes for contacting a body of a patient and electrically coupled to the pulse generator; and a voltage and current sensing circuit that senses a voltage or a current via the probes when contacting the body of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald J. Weinstock
  • Publication number: 20140336730
    Abstract: A non-invasive electrical stimulation device shapes an elongated electric field of effect that can be oriented parallel to a long nerve, such as a vagus nerve in a patient's neck, producing a desired physiological response in the patient. The stimulator comprises a source of electrical power, at least one electrode and a continuous electrically conducting medium in which the electrode(s) are in contact. The stimulation device is configured to produce a peak pulse voltage that is sufficient to produce a physiologically effective electric field in the vicinity of a target nerve, but not to substantially stimulate other nerves and muscles that lie between the vicinity of the target nerve and patient's skin. Current is passed through the electrodes in bursts of preferably five sinusoidal pulses, wherein each pulse within a burst has a duration of preferably 200 microseconds, and bursts repeat at preferably at 15-50 bursts per second.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Bruce J. Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Publication number: 20140330349
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for applying extremely low duty-cycle stimulation sufficient to treat chronic inflammation with progressively longer delays (off periods) from an initial stimulation. In particular, described herein are supra-threshold pulses of electrical stimulation sufficient to result in a long-lasting (e.g., >48 hours) inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and/or effects of chronic inflammation; the delay between initial doses (which may be single-pulse doses) may be extended for subsequent doses, potentially dramatically enhancing battery and device longevity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Jacob A. LEVINE, Michael A. FALTYS
  • Publication number: 20140324131
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and circuitry for monitoring and adjusting a compliance voltage in an implantable stimulator devices to an optimal value that is sufficiently high to allow for proper circuit performance (i.e., sufficient current output), but low enough that power is not needlessly wasted via excessive voltage drops across the current output circuitry. The algorithm measures output voltages across the current source and sink circuitry during at least periods of actual stimulation when both the current sources and sinks are operable, and adjusts the compliance voltage so as to reduce these output voltages to within guard band values preferably indicative for operation in transistor saturation. The output voltages can additionally be monitored during periods between stimulation pulses to improve the accuracy of the measurement, and is further beneficial in that such additional measurements are not perceptible to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Jess W. Shi, Yuping He, Que T. Doan, David K.L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8874229
    Abstract: A method comprises applying a first open-loop electrical signal to a neural structure at a first rate. The method also comprises applying a closed-loop electrical signal to the neural structure in response to an event detection, thus causing an overall rate at which electrical stimulation is applied to the neural structure to exceed the first rate. The method further comprises applying a second open-loop electrical signal to a neural structure at a second rate that is lower than the first rate, thus causing the overall rate to be reduced to the first rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Cyberonics, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Colborn
  • Patent number: 8874205
    Abstract: A non-invasive electrical stimulation device shapes an elongated electric field of effect that can be oriented parallel to a long nerve, such as a vagus nerve in a patient's neck, producing a desired physiological response in the patient. The stimulator comprises a source of electrical power, at least one electrode and a continuous electrically conducting medium in which the electrode(s) are in contact. The stimulation device is configured to produce a peak pulse voltage that is sufficient to produce a physiologically effective electric field in the vicinity of a target nerve, but not to substantially stimulate other nerves and muscles that lie between the vicinity of the target nerve and patient's skin. Current is passed through the electrodes in bursts of preferably five sinusoidal pulses, wherein each pulse within a burst has a duration of preferably 200 microseconds, and bursts repeat at preferably at 15-50 bursts per second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Electrocore, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Publication number: 20140309716
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of reducing an expected length of hospital stay of a patient during a recovery period after surgery, comprising repeated sessions of applying electrical stimulation (W, I) through one or more pairs of electrodes contacting a skin surface in the vicinity of the surgical site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Joe Di Santo
  • Publication number: 20140303679
    Abstract: A multi-modal electrotherapy apparatus including circuitry for administering defibrillation therapy and for administering medium voltage therapy (MVT). A combined-use capacitor bank of at least one capacitor stores energy to be administered as defibrillation therapy and MVT. Combined-use discharge circuitry electrically is coupled between the combined-use capacitor bank and patient terminals for selectively administering energy from the capacitor bank according to a plurality of controllable waveforms as either defibrillation therapy or MVT. A controller is configured to cause the discharge circuitry to apply the MVT from the capacitor bank while the capacitor bank undergoes charging in preparation for administration of the defibrillation therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Galvani, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mark W. Kroll
  • Publication number: 20140303691
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a device for controlling delivery of stimulation signals, comprising: a stimulation delivery circuit; a monitoring component to monitor voltage supplied in at least one current-driven charge pulse via the stimulation delivery circuit; and a stimulation control component to control voltage supplied in at least one subsequent charge pulse based on the charge of the at least one charge pulse delivered by the stimulation delivery circuit. The device may further comprise a model generation component to generate an impedance model of stimulation electrodes in the stimulation delivery circuit, wherein the stimulation control component is configured to control the stimulation delivery circuit to deliver charge according to the impedance model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: The Bionics Institute of Australia
    Inventor: Hugh Joseph McDermott
  • Publication number: 20140296942
    Abstract: A method and neurostimulation system of providing therapy to a patient is provided. At least one electrode is place in contact with tissue of a patient. A sub-threshold, hyperpolarizing, conditioning pre-pulse (e.g., an anodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to render a first region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal root fibers) less excitable to stimulation, and a depolarizing stimulation pulse (e.g., a cathodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to stimulate a second different region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal column fibers). The conditioning pre-pulse has a relatively short duration (e.g., less than 200 ?s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Michael A. Moffitt, David K.L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8843188
    Abstract: Example adjustable electrodes are described. One example adjustable electrode includes two or more contacts configured to selectively deliver high frequency alternating current (HFAC) to a nerve in an amount sufficient to produce an HFAC nerve conduction block in the nerve. The example adjustable electrode also includes a logic configured to selectively control which of the two or more contacts deliver HFAC to the nerve to control whether the nerve electrode is in a first (e.g., onset response mitigating) configuration or in a second (e.g., HFAC nerve conduction block maintenance) configuration. The electrode may be used in applications including, but not limited to, nerve block applications, and nerve stimulation applications. The electrode may be adjusted by changing attributes including, but not limited to, the number, length, orientation, distance between, surface area, and distance from a nerve of contacts to be used to deliver the HFAC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Kevin Kilgore, Douglas Michael Ackermann, Jr., Niloy Bhadra, Narendra Bhadra, Joe Payer
  • Patent number: 8843211
    Abstract: A method and neurostimulation system for providing therapy to a patient is provided. A plurality of electrodes is placed adjacent to tissue of the patient. A plurality of first electrical pulses is delivered to a first set of the electrodes, at least a second electrical pulse is delivered to a second set of the electrodes during the deliverance of each of the first electrical pulses, and at least a third electrical pulse is delivered to a third set of the electrodes during the deliverance of each of the first electrical pulses. The first electrical pulses have a first polarity, and each of the second electrical pulse(s) and third electrical pulses(s) has a second a second polarity opposite to the first polarity. The second and third electrical pulses are temporarily offset from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Dongchul Lee
  • Patent number: 8843210
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that are primarily or at least partially driven by an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain, such as asthma, COPD, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and the like. The invention involves the use of an energy source comprising magnetic and/or electrical energy that is transmitted non-invasively to, or in close proximity to, a selected nerve to temporarily stimulate, block and/or modulate the signals in the selected nerve such that neural pathways are activated to release inhibitory neurotransmitters in the patient's brain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Electrocore, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Patent number: 8843209
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and techniques for ramping one or more parameter values of electrical stimulation are disclosed. An implantable medical device may increase or decrease a parameter value, e.g., amplitude or pulse width, over time to reach a target value of the parameter. In one example, a memory may be configured to store a plurality of amplitude ramp schedules. At least one processor may be configured to obtain a stimulation parameter set that at least partially defines an electrical stimulation therapy, select one of the plurality of amplitude ramp schedules based on a signal frequency of the stimulation parameter set, and increase an amplitude of the electrical stimulation therapy during a ramp period defined by the selected amplitude ramp schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Wacnik, Lisa M. Johanek
  • Publication number: 20140257437
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that are primarily or at least partially driven by an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain, such as asthma, COPD, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and the like. The invention involves the use of an energy source comprising magnetic and/or electrical energy that is transmitted non-invasively to, or in close proximity to, a selected nerve to temporarily stimulate, block and/or modulate the signals in the selected nerve such that neural pathways are activated to release inhibitory neurotransmitters in the patient's brain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: ElectroCore, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Publication number: 20140257438
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve to treat or prevent disorders in a patient. The devices comprise a handheld device having one or more electrode interfaces for contacting the outer skin surface of a patient, a power source and a signal generator coupled to the electrode/interfaces for applying one or more electrical impulses to a deep nerve within the patient, such as the vagus nerve. The device further comprises a filter situated in series between the signal generator and the electrode/interfaces for filtering out undesired high frequency components of the electrical impulses to create a cleaner, smoother signal. The filter may comprise an electrically conductive medium and/or a low-pass filter between the signal generator and the electrode/interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: ElectroCore, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Patent number: 8831738
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording, storing and reprogramming the natural electrical signals of cancer cells as found in tumors of humans and animals. A confounding signal is created for retransmission into the cells of a malignant tumor to damage the cell and cause apoptosis. The invention uses ultra low voltage and current to cause apoptosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Neuro Code Tech Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Eleanor L. Schuler, Donald E. Nash, James K. Poliner
  • Publication number: 20140236040
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-frequency stimulator using music, and a weight-loss assisting system having a low-frequency stimulator. The low-frequency stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a beat extracting unit extracting a beat through a sound pressure magnitude comparison between one or more acoustic signals having different frequencies generated when music is played on a music player; a pulse generator generating a pulse having the same magnitude as that of the extracted beat; and a pair of electrode pads attached to a user's body and applying an electrical stimulus having an intensity corresponding to the magnitude of the generated pulse to the user's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Chan Gon Moon
  • Publication number: 20140228911
    Abstract: The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (tLESRs). Individuals with tLESRs may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow and have improved energy storage requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: EndoStim, Inc.
    Inventors: Virender K. Sharma, Matt Joseph Gani, Paul V. Goode, Bevil Hogg, Jay Miazga, Shai Policker, Kaila Raby
  • Publication number: 20140222106
    Abstract: The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of GERD. Individuals with GERD may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow and have improved energy storage requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: EndoStim, Inc.
    Inventors: Virender K. Sharma, Matt Joseph Gani, Paul V. Goode, Bevil Hogg, Jay Miazga, Shai Policker, Kaila Raby
  • Patent number: 8798755
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue and generation stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. The features of the stimulation trains may be selected and arranged algorithmically to by clinical trial. These stimulation trains are generated to target a specific neurological disorder, by arranging sets of features which reduce symptoms of that neurological disorder into a pattern which is effective at reducing those symptoms while maintaining or reducing power consumption versus regular stimulation signals. 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 increased efficacy and/or a lower than average frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Warren M Grill, David T Brocker, Merrill J Birdno
  • Publication number: 20140214128
    Abstract: An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats a disease or medical condition of a patient through application of stimulation pulses applied at a specified acupoint or other target tissue location. In a preferred implementation, the IEAD is an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4, is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: VALENCIA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Valencia Technologies Corporation
  • Publication number: 20140214126
    Abstract: An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats obese conditions of a patient through application of stimulation pulses applied at acupoints SP4, LR8 or ST40, or their underlying nerves saphenous and peroneal. The IEAD comprises an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4, is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: VALENCIA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Valencia Technologies Corporation
  • Publication number: 20140214116
    Abstract: A coin-sized implantable electroacupuncture (EA) device defines a stimulation paradigm, or stimulation regimen, that controls when EA stimulation pulses are applied to a selected acupoint, or other specified tissue location, to treat hypertension or nondipping. The stimulation regimen is applied when the patient is sleeping in order to minimize or mitigate the occurrence of nondipping or reverse dipping of the patient's blood pressure. In one embodiment, medical personnel, set a timing reference marker at the time of implant that defines how much time should elapse before a nighttime stimulation window opens that allows an EA stimulation session to be applied to the patient. In another embodiment, the patient sets the time when the nighttime stimulation window opens or when the EA stimulation session begins. Typically, an EA stimulation session is applied to the patient at a low duty cycle, e.g., only once a week during the nighttime.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Valencia Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Valencia Technologies Corporation
  • Patent number: 8788059
    Abstract: A method and neurostimulation system of providing therapy to a patient is provided. At least one electrode is place in contact with tissue of a patient. A sub-threshold, hyperpolarizing, conditioning pre-pulse (e.g., an anodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to render a first region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal root fibers) less excitable to stimulation, and a depolarizing stimulation pulse (e.g., a cathodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to stimulate a second different region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal column fibers). The conditioning pre-pulse has a relatively short duration (e.g., less than 200 ?s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Moffitt, David K. L. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20140194790
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating facial soft tissues of a patient in a healthcare or cosmetic treatment environment such as, for example, a spa, clinic, or a medical practitioner's office are presented herein. The facial treatment system includes a facial stimulator instrument and/or an acoustic oscillator to deliver therapeutic stimulation to the facial tissues of a patient including percussive massage, electrical stimulation, and acoustic stimulation. A facial treatment application executing on a processor of a computing device identifies a treatment protocol and operates the facial stimulator instrument and/or acoustic oscillator to implement the facial tissue treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Sigma Instruments Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: John Crunick, Tamas Becse, Louis L. Laskey, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140194953
    Abstract: An implantable medical device including a first generator. The first generator includes a first power source coupled to a first controller. The first header is removably coupled to the first generator and includes a first lead configuration. The device includes a first lead with a lead body having first terminals and at least one electrode on an end opposite the first terminals. The first terminals are removably received and secured by the first lead configuration of the first header and configured to communicate with the first generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: KONSTANTIN V. SLAVIN
  • Publication number: 20140172047
    Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable pulse generator (100), IPG, for stimulation of a neurological cellular mass comprising a casing (2) that at least partially encloses the pulse generating module (PGM) (4) and that is transparent to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields, or wherein the pulse generating module (4) includes a controller circuit (18) provided as two or more circuit boards (20, 22), co-operatively connected, one such circuit board being an interface circuit board, where at least one component of the controller circuit (8) is located on the interface circuit board (20), and feed through wires for connector block (6) are connected thereto (20), and one of the opposing surfaces of the interface circuit board (20) is aligned over apertures (48, 50, 52) in the PGM housing for the feed through wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: SYNAPTIX N.V.
    Inventors: Hartmut Spitaels, Koenraad F. Van Schuylenbergh, Thomas Kaiser
  • Patent number: 8750984
    Abstract: A device for stimulation via electric and magnetic fields is provided. The autonomic/vegetative nervous system can be controlled by signals in the frequency ranges of 0.05 to 0.15 Hz and 0.15 to 0.30 Hz, respectively. By addition of characteristic sinusoidal oscillations between the head and a peripheral area with the corresponding low-frequency sympathetic or parasympathetic control frequency as base oscillation and with application-typical EEG frequencies and higher-frequency sinusoidal oscillations in the range of ca. 250 to 1500 Hz, characteristic stimulation programs are established. These are applied by field applicators in the upper body area and in the lower body. The associated mat applicators distribute field energy. The field applicator is equipped with a combination of a magnetic-field-generating coil arrangement and an electrode arrangement generating the electric field. The electrode generating the electric field can at the same time be designed as a magnetic-field-generating coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Actegy Ltd.
    Inventors: Stewart Penny, Manfred Krauss, Roland Fischer, Werner Schmidt, Mario Mobius
  • Publication number: 20140155960
    Abstract: The method and system described herein relate to stimulating nerve tissue using a pulse generator. A stimulus is created that comprises a signal that is produced from a frequency spectrum having a power spectral density per unit of bandwidth proportional to 1/f?, wherein ? is excludes 0. The stimulus is provided from the pulse generator to at least one stimulation lead; and applied to nerve tissue via one or several electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Dirk De Ridder
  • Patent number: 8738142
    Abstract: An electrical stimulation system and method for the treatment of neurological disorders is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the electrical stimulation system includes channels of electrodes positioned in electrical contact with tissue of a neuromuscular target body region of a patient to provide pattered neuromuscular stimulation to the patient's musculature. In addition, at least one electrode from a channel is positioned in electrical contact with a tissue of the motor control region of the brain. A series of patterned electrical pulses are then applied to the patient through the channels to provide peripheral neuromuscular stimulation, and a direct current is applied transcranially to the brain. Various exemplary embodiments of the invention are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Accelerated Care Plus Corp.
    Inventors: Francis X. Palermo, J. Chris Castel
  • Patent number: 8726499
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of fabricating an implantable pulse generator, comprises: providing a lead body including a plurality of conductors; providing a feedthrough component comprising a plurality of feedthrough pins; hermetically enclosing pulse generating circuitry and switching circuitry within a housing, the feedthrough component being welded to the housing; laser machining each of the plurality of feedthrough pins to comprise a slot along a surface of the respective feedthrough pin; placing a respective conductor from the lead body in the respective slot of each of the plurality of feedthrough pins; and performing welding operations to connect the plurality of conductors of the lead body with the plurality of feedthrough pins of the feedthrough component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken McGiboney, Galen L. Smith, Michael Gaines, Jerome Boogaard
  • Publication number: 20140135858
    Abstract: A system and method to treat neural communication impairment is provided. The neural communication impairment is present in a neural pathway, which can be a cortico-neuromuscular pathway, an intra-brain neural pathway, or in a sensory-cortico pathway. A synchronized external stimulation is applied to a first point in proximity to a first neural component at one end of the neural pathway and to a second point in proximity to a second neural component at the other end of the neural pathway. Two induced neural handshake signals contemporaneously arrive at a neural communication impairment point in the neural pathway, triggering and stimulating a rehabilitation process by which the neural connection is permanently improved. The synchronized applied electrical signals applied to the first and second points may have an opposite polarity in dipolar neural stimulation, or may have identical polarity and waveform in in-phase neural stimulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Zaghloul Ahmed, Andrzej Wieraszko
  • Patent number: 8706257
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a stimulation system for generating and delivering electrical stimulation pulse to tissue of a patient, comprises: a pulse generator for generating electrical pulses, the pulse generator comprising a housing portion and a header portion with feedthroughs extending from the housing portion into the header portion; and a stimulation lead comprising a flex film component enclosed in a lead body of insulative material, the flex film component including a plurality of electrically isolated conductors extending along a substantial length of the stimulation lead, the stimulation lead further comprising a plurality of electrodes electrically coupled to the conductors, the flex film component comprising a proximal portion that is exposed out of the insulative material of the lead body and includes a plurality of terminal bond bands, the terminal bond bands being electrically coupled to the conductors; and wherein the header portion of the pulse generator comprises a lid component to compress the ter
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John Swanson
  • Publication number: 20140100638
    Abstract: A functional electrical stimulation system having a boost module to raise an output voltage of a primary power to a first preset voltage, an energy storage module, connected to the boost module, configured to store electrical energy of the first preset voltage, a central control unit configured to generate data packets of electrical stimulation parameters, and an electrical stimulation output channel, connected to the energy storage module, configured to receive the data packets of electrical stimulation parameters, analyze the electrical stimulation parameters from the data packets, convert electrical energy stored in the energy storage module to an electrical stimulation pulse corresponding to the electrical stimulation parameters and apply the electrical stimulation pulse to a part of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventors: Zengguang Hou, Yixiong Chen, Pengfeng Li, Min Tan, Long Cheng, Qingling Li, Feng Zhang, Jin Hu, Long Peng, Xinchao Zhang
  • Patent number: 8694122
    Abstract: A method and system of providing therapy to a patient using electrodes implanted adjacent tissue. The method comprises regulating a first voltage at an anode of the electrodes relative to the tissue, regulating a second voltage at a cathode of the electrodes relative to the tissue, and conveying electrical stimulation energy between the anode at the first voltage and the cathode at the second voltage, thereby stimulating the neural tissue. The system comprises a grounding electrode configured for being placed in contact with the tissue, electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to the electrodes, a first regulator configured for being electrically coupled between an anode of the electrodes and the grounding electrode, a second regulator configured for being electrically coupled between an anode of the electrodes and the grounding electrode, and control circuitry configured for controlling the regulators to convey electrical stimulation energy between the anode and cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: David K. L. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20140074190
    Abstract: A multi-channel neurostimulation system comprises a plurality of electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to a plurality of electrodes, stimulation output circuitry including electrical source circuitry of the same polarity configured for generating a plurality of pulsed electrical waveforms in a plurality of timing channels, and control circuitry configured for instructing the stimulation output circuitry to serially couple the electrical source circuitry to different sets of the electrodes when pulses of the respective pulsed electrical waveforms do not temporally overlap each other, and for instructing the stimulation output circuitry to couple the electrical source circuitry to a union of the different electrode sets when pulses of the respective pulsed electrical waveforms temporally overlap each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Paul James Griffith
  • Publication number: 20140046407
    Abstract: An electrode device is configured to be coupled to a parasympathetic site of a subject. A control unit is configured to drive the electrode device to apply a current in bursts of one or more pulses, during “on” periods that alternate with low stimulation periods, wherein at least one of the low stimulation periods immediately following the at least one of the “on” periods has a low stimulation duration equal to at least 50% of the “on” duration; set the current applied on average during the low stimulation periods to be less than 20% of the current applied on average during the “on” periods; and ramp a number of pulses per burst during a commencement of the at least one of the “on” periods and/or a conclusion of the at least one of the “on” periods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: BIO CONTROL MEDICAL (B.C.M.) LTD.
    Inventors: Omry BEN-EZRA, Tamir BEN-DAVID, Ehud COHEN, Shai AYAL