Pulse Signal Patents (Class 607/72)
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Patent number: 8126530Abstract: An electrode including a non-conductive substrate having a top surface and at least one channel extending therethrough, an electrically conductive trace material positioned adjacent a portion of the top surface of the non-conductive substrate and extending through the channel, and adapted for electrically coupling to a power source, and second and third electrically conductive materials that are inert or more corrosion resistant than the trace material. The second material is positioned adjacent to and entirely covering a top surface of the trace material, and the third material is positioned adjacent to and entirely covering a top surface of the second electrically conductive material, and covers a portion of a top surface of the non-conductive substrate surrounding the second electrically conductive material. The electrode further includes a conductive hydrogel positioned adjacent to a portion of a top surface of the third electrically conductive material, but laterally offset from the trace material.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2009Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Rex O. Bare, Bradley Sargent
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Publication number: 20120041511Abstract: A control system for use with a neurostimulator comprises a user interface for receiving an input from a user and a controller. The user interface has a first control and a second control. The controller is configured for, in response to actuating the first control, operating the neurostimulation control system in a PNFS programming mode, and for, in response to actuating the second control, operating the neurostimulation control system in a PNS programming mode. A method of providing therapy to a patient comprises initially conveying pulsed electrical current at a pulse width into a peripheral tissue region of the patient to create a side effect via stimulation of one of a nerve ending and neural axon, and subsequently conveying pulsed electrical current at an adjusted pulse width into the peripheral tissue region to create a therapeutic effect via stimulation of the other one of the nerve ending and neural axon.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2011Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATIONInventor: Dongchul Lee
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Patent number: 8116878Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the present systems and methods, there is provided a multi-channel stimulator having a common supply voltage, the stimulator having an electrical circuit with a dual-range compliance voltage supply such that each channel of the multi-channel stimulator is configured to be selectable among two compliance voltages. Channels which can operate at half or less than half compliance voltage can operate in the lower voltage range and thereby achieve energy savings. The stimulator can be switched between a high and low compliance voltage in a bipolar or a monopolar electrode configuration.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Advanced BionicsInventor: Logan P. Palmer
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Publication number: 20120035684Abstract: Implantable stimulation devices are provided. Aspects of the devices include a multiplexed multi-electrode component configured for neural stimulation. The multiplexed multi-electrode component includes two or more individually addressable satellite electrode structures electrically coupled to a common conductor. The satellite structures include a hermetically sealed integrated control circuit operatively coupled to one or more electrodes. Also provided are methods of manufacturing wherein the application of laser welding is avoided in forming the satellite electrode structures and an integrated control circuit thereof is thereby shielded from mechanical stress during satellite manufacture. Additionally provided are systems that include the devices of the invention, as well as methods of using the systems and devices in a variety of different applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2010Publication date: February 9, 2012Inventors: Todd Thompson, Mark Zdeblick, Angela Strand, Marc Jensen
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Method and device for improving blood flow by a series of electrically-induced muscular contractions
Patent number: 8112156Abstract: A treatment method and device for promoting a localized increase in the flow of blood through a blood vessel in an area of the body, the method including the steps of: (a) providing a system including: (i) at least a first electrode operatively contacting a first portion of body tissue; (ii) at least a second electrode operatively contacting a second portion of body tissue; and (iii) a signal generator, operatively connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, for providing a plurality of electrical impulses to the electrodes; (b) applying the electrical impulses so as to subject the muscular tissue to at least one voltage differential, thereby inducing repeated, contracting, directional movement of muscular tissue associated within the blood vessel, so as to produce a localized increase in the flow of blood through the blood vessel.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Lifewave LtdInventor: Zvi Nachum -
Publication number: 20120029591Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: ElectroCore, LLC.Inventors: Bruce Simon, Joseph Errico, John T. Raffle
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Publication number: 20120029601Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: ElectroCore, LLC.Inventors: Bruce Simon, Joseph Errico, John T. Raffle
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Publication number: 20120029585Abstract: An implantable electrode, for an implantable tissue stimulator, has an electrically conductive porous material comprising metal carbide, metal nitride, metal carbonitride, metal oxide or metal oxynitride and one or more coating layers on a surface thereof. The coating layer or at least one of the coating layers, is for contact with body tissue when the electrode is implanted. Each coating layer is an electrically conductive layer of polymer having a polypyrrole polymeric backbone or polythiophene polymeric backbone. The coating layer or layers are formed in situ by electropolymerisation. The polypyrrole or polythiophene may be substituted. The coating layer or layers can provide high charge storage capacitance and a fast discharging profile, as well as biocompatibility.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: Biotectix, LLCInventor: Christopher John Pickett
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Publication number: 20120022617Abstract: A system including two neurostimulation leads can be used for stimulating a select region of a nerve within a nerve bundle. For example, two leads can be used to stimulate a select region of the vagus nerve located within a patient's carotid sheath. The first neurostimulation is positioned within the carotid sheath and the second neurostimulation lead is positioned external to the carotid sheath. Each of the first and second neurostimulation leads includes at least one electrode defining an electrode array about the select region of the nerve. The electrode array, and more particularly, the different possible electrode vector combinations provided by the first and second neurostimulation leads facilitate steering of stimulation current density fields as needed or desired between the electrodes to effectively and efficiently treat a particular medical, psychiatric, or neurological disorder.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventors: Bruce A. Tockman, Juan Gabriel Hincapie Ordonez, Lili Liu
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Publication number: 20120016448Abstract: A neurostimulation system and method of blocking a neural axon. Time-varying electrical energy is conveyed to a blocking site on the neural axon for an initial phase. The conveyed electrical energy has an amplitude and frequency during the initial phase sufficient to block action potentials from propagating along the neural axon from a location proximal to the blocking site to a location distal to the blocking site. The time-varying electrical energy is conveyed to the blocking site on the neural axon for a subsequent phase contiguous with the initial phase. The conveyed electrical energy has a decreased amplitude and a frequency during the subsequent phase sufficient to maintain blocking of the action potentials along the neural axon from the location proximal to the blocking site to the location distal to the blocking site.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATIONInventor: Dongchul Lee
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Publication number: 20120010680Abstract: In general, the disclosure describes techniques for providing conditional electrical stimulation to a patient for pelvic health. An implantable medical device (IMD) may adjust the delivery cycle of the electrical stimulation applied to a patient in response to receiving a delivery cycle parameter associated with one or more of the following: a time in a time schedule, a control device output from a control device, and physiological information from a physiological information sensing device. As an example, the IMD may monitor a status of one or more inputs of the IMD and adjust the delivery cycle of the electrical stimulation applied to the patient based on the status of the input(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Xuan K. Wei, Eric H. Bonde
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Publication number: 20110301658Abstract: By targeting on selected branches or fascicles of a vagus nerve using electrode placement and/or selection, one or more target branches of the vagus nerve are substantially activated by electrical stimulation pulses delivered to a branch without substantially activating one or more non-target branches. In one embodiment, vagus nerve stimulation is delivered through an electrode placed on a thoracic vagus nerve that is separated from a recurrent laryngeal nerve, such that the vagus nerve is stimulated without causing laryngeal muscle contractions. In another embodiment, vagus nerve stimulation is delivered through a multi-contact electrode with one or more contacts selected for delivering the electrical stimulation pulses to stimulate the vagus nerve without causing laryngeal muscle contractions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventors: Paul B. Yoo, Warren M. Grill, Juan Gabriel Hincapie Ordonez
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Publication number: 20110301659Abstract: One or more temporal stimulation parameters of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) are selected to substantially modulate one or more target physiological functions without substantially modulating one or more non-target physiological functions. In one embodiment, a stimulation duty cycle is selected such that VNS is delivered to the cervical vagus nerve trunk to modulate a cardiovascular function without causing laryngeal muscle contractions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventors: Paul B. Yoo, Warren M. Grill, Juan Gabriel Hincapie Ordonez
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Patent number: 8073544Abstract: This is a neurostimulator that is configured to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders using certain stimulation strategies, particularly changing various pulse parameters, during the imposition of a burst of those pulses. The invention includes the processes embodying those stimulation strategies.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2005Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: NeuroPace, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin D. Pless
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Publication number: 20110288616Abstract: The electrical nerve stimulation unit in accordance with the present invention generally includes a housing, an input panel, a display panel, a controller, a first channel output, a second channel output, and a power system. While the device is generally described in terms of use as a TENS unit, it must be noted that other nerve stimulation applications for the device are envisioned as well. The myriad of intelligent and proactive programmable software functions and features of the present invention are executed on the controller's microprocessor. For instance, open lead monitoring, soft recovery implementation, compliance monitoring, and enhanced power management are all controlled and monitored through the interfacing of the processor with the various devices and hardware on the unit's hardware platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Inventors: Gary L. Moore, John Czech, Bisrat Woldegiorges, Michael Karas
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Publication number: 20110276112Abstract: A non-invasive electrical stimulator 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 contact with the electrodes. The conducting medium is also in contact with an interface element that may conform to the contour of a target body surface of the patient when the interface element is applied to that surface. When the interface element is made of insulating (dielectric) material, and disclosed stimulation waveforms are used, the power source need not supply high voltage, in order to capacitively stimulate the target nerve.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: ElectroCore, LLC.Inventors: Bruce Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
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Publication number: 20110270363Abstract: A header for use in implantable pulse generator devices. The header is cart, of electrical connector assembly having one or more openings designed to receive the terminal pin of an electrical lead wire or electrode. The header is designed to provide and sustain long-term electrical and mechanical lead wire connections between the electrodes of a terminal pin and the implantable pulse generator device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: DONATELLE PLASTICS, INC.Inventors: Dana E. Schramm, Matthew L. Iwen, Nick J. Miller, Matthew R. Call
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Publication number: 20110270360Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for activating brown adipose tissue (BAT). Generally, the methods and devices can activate BAT to increase thermogenesis, e.g., increase heat production in the patient, which over time can lead to weight loss. In one embodiment, a medical device is provided that activates BAT by electrically stimulating nerves that activate the BAT and/or electrically stimulating brown adipocytes directly, thereby increasing thermogenesis in the BAT and inducing weight loss through energy expenditure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2010Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicants: The General Hospital Corporation D/B/A Massachusetts General Hospital, ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Nicholas Stylopoulos, Lee M. Kaplan, Tamara C. Baynham, Jeyakumar Subbaroyan, James W. Voegele, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Anthony Diubaldi, David N. Plescia, Mark S. Ortiz, Theodore L. Stephens
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Publication number: 20110264171Abstract: Techniques are described for generating electrical stimulation current pulses for delivery of electrical stimulation therapy via a current-controlled system that emulates voltage pulses generated via a voltage-controlled system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2010Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Nathan A. Torgerson
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Patent number: 8046083Abstract: Device for influencing brain functions of a human being by targeted stimulation of at least one region of the human body, comprising stimulating means that permit a stimulation of the region that is to be stimulated, characterized in that the stimulation is an electrical stimulation.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2007Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Inventors: Martin Tegenthoff, Hubert Dinse
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Publication number: 20110257711Abstract: Medical devices include stimulation and/or sensing circuitry that is interconnected to electrical components by a flexible circuit body having exposed portions of circuit traces that are attached to electrical contacts of the electrical components. Each circuit trace may span a separate window formed in an insulative body of the flexible circuit body, or a plurality of circuit traces may span a single window or may be freely extending from the insulative body. The exposed portion of the circuit trace may be plated with a conductive metal and then attached to the electrical contact of the electrical component. The flexible circuit body may be an extension from a flexible electrical circuit board containing the circuit. The circuit may be present on a circuit board that includes electrical contacts and where the flexible circuit body has exposed portions of circuit traces attached to the electrical contacts of the circuit board.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Gerald G. Lindner, William C. Phillips, Dominique Piguet, Daniel T. Pyne, Micah A. Litow, James Strom, Mark G. Wosmek
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Patent number: 8036754Abstract: A method, electrical tissue stimulation system, and programmer for providing therapy to a patient are provided. Electrodes are placed adjacent tissue (e.g., spinal cord tissue) of the patient, electrical stimulation energy is delivered from the electrodes to the tissue in accordance with a defined waveform, and a pulse shape of the defined waveform is modified, thereby changing the characteristics of the electrical stimulation energy delivered from the electrode(s) to the tissue. The pulse shape may be modified by selecting one of a plurality of different pulse shape types or by adjusting a time constant of the pulse shape.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2008Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Dongchul Lee, Michael Moffitt, Christopher Ewan Gillespie, Kerry Bradley
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Publication number: 20110245894Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of fabricating an implantable pulse generator for generating electrical pulses for application to tissue of a patient, the method comprises: providing one or more housing components adapted to house at least pulse generating and switching circuitry of the implantable pulse generator; providing a feedthrough assembly adapted to be coupled with the one or more housing components, the feedthrough assembly comprising an array of feedthrough pins for providing respective electrical connections from a hermetically sealed enclosure formed within the one or more housing components to a location exterior to the enclosure; providing a plurality of welding components with each welding component comprising a first portion adapted to engage a respective feedthrough pin and a second portion for engaging a conductor wire; performing one or more weld operations for each welding component to connect each welding component with a respective feedthrough pin and a respective conductor wire by applyingType: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventor: KEN MCGIBONEY
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Publication number: 20110245893Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of fabricating an implantable pulse generator, comprises: providing a lead body including a plurality of conductors, the plurality of conductors being enclosed in insulative material along a first length of the conductors, a second length of the conductors being exposed from the insulative material; providing a tubular structure over the lead body with the plurality of conductors extending through the tubular structure; providing a feedthrough assembly including a plurality of feedthrough pins surrounded by insulator material, the feedthrough assembly further comprising a ferrule extending about an outer surface of the feedthrough assembly; attaching the plurality of conductors to the plurality of feedthrough pins; welding the ferrule of the feedthrough assembly to the tubular structure to form an intermediate assembly; welding the intermediate assembly to one or more housing components of the implantable pulse generator to hermetically seal the implantable pulse generator; and proType: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventors: Ken McGiboney, Galen L. Smith, Michael Gaines, Jerome Boogaard
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Publication number: 20110245645Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for implanting in a human or animal body, comprising a carrier device which provides a receiving means and which is made from a synthetic mesh or fabric material, and an electronic element which is fixed to the carrier device in the region of the receiving means. Also provided is a method for implanting the arrangement in a human or animal body.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2009Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventors: Hannes Goetz Kenngott, Carsten Nils Gutt
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Publication number: 20110245895Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of fabricating an implantable pulse generator, comprises: providing a lead body including a plurality of conductors, the plurality of conductors being enclosed in insulative material along a first length of the conductors, a second length of the conductors being exposed from the insulative material; providing a feedthrough component comprising a plurality of feedthrough pins; electrically coupling pulse generating circuitry through switching circuitry with the plurality of feedthrough pins; hermetically enclosing the 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 notch along a surface of the respective feedthrough pin; placing a respective conductor of the plurality of conductors in the 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 pType: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventors: Ken McGiboney, Galen L. Smith, Michael Gaines, Jerome Boogaard
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Method and device for improving blood flow by a series of electrically-induced muscular contractions
Patent number: 8032225Abstract: A treatment method and device for promoting a localized increase in the flow of blood through a blood vessel in an area of the body, the method including the steps of: (a) providing a system including: (i) at least a first electrode operatively contacting a first portion of body tissue; (ii) at least a second electrode operatively contacting a second portion of body tissue; and (iii) a signal generator, operatively connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, for providing a plurality of electrical impulses to the electrodes; (b) applying the electrical impulses so as to subject the muscular tissue to at least one voltage differential, thereby inducing repeated, contracting, directional movement of muscular tissue associated within the blood vessel, so as to produce a localized increase in the flow of blood through the blood vessel.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2008Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Lifewave Ltd.Inventor: Zvi Nachum -
Patent number: 8031559Abstract: The present invention relates to a pulse alarm clock consisting of a main body of the alarm clock and two quick-fastening straps, wherein it has a high-voltage pulse generator installed inside the main body of the alarm clock, which is controlled by a timing device therefrom, and in addition, both its positive and negative pulse electrodes, which are controlled by a transfer switch, are extending outward along with an output-end and then combining all together at two quick-fastening straps, and thereat, it is able to fasten the alarm clock at a high sensitive portion of a human body with the utilization of these two quick-fastening straps, thereby, when it is reaching the preset alarm time on the alarm clock, it will activate the high-voltage pulse generator to creating the vibration effect that will be transferred to a high sensitive portion of the human body through these two quick-fastening straps and thus achieving the objective of wakening the user from sleep consequently.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Inventor: Tsung Chieh Lee
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Method and device for improving blood flow by a series of electrically-induced muscular contractions
Patent number: 8027731Abstract: A treatment method and device for promoting a localized increase in the flow of blood through a blood vessel in an area of the body, the method including the steps of: (a) providing a system including: (i) at least a first electrode operatively contacting a first portion of body tissue; (ii) at least a second electrode operatively contacting a second portion of body tissue; and (iii) a signal generator, operatively connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, for providing a plurality of electrical impulses to the electrodes; (b) applying the electrical impulses so as to subject the muscular tissue to at least one voltage differential, thereby inducing repeated, contracting, directional movement of muscular tissue associated within the blood vessel, so as to produce a localized increase in the flow of blood through the blood vessel.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2008Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Lifewave Ltd.Inventor: Zvi Nachum -
Patent number: 8024048Abstract: A method for the electrical treatment of malignant tumors and neoplasms by applying a voltage to affected tissue. Devices and various adaptations therein are described for use in electrical therapy. Additionally, various chemotherapeutic agent and radiation therapies are described which may be advantageously used in conjunction with electrical therapy to ameliorate cancer.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2004Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Ionix Medical Inc.Inventors: Edward Schroeppel, Mark Kroll, Kai Kroll
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Publication number: 20110224578Abstract: This invention relates to the electric field method to reduce fibrous capsule formation adjacent to the surface of implanted medical devices and associated apparatus for generating electrical currents to reduce fibrous capsule formation. The invention has utility with medical devices or systems such as those providing long term parenteral drug delivery, fluid infusion or analyte sampling/measurement. The apparatus of the invention may be constructed as a part of the medical device or may be constructed of separate elements while providing the benefit of the electric fields to the medical device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2010Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: PhiloMetron, IncInventors: Carl Frederick Edman, Darrel Dean Drinan
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Publication number: 20110213445Abstract: In one embodiment, a stimulation lead for delivering electrical pulses from a pulse generator to tissue of a patient, comprises: a plurality of electrodes; a plurality of terminals; a plurality of conductors electrically coupling the plurality of electrodes with the plurality of terminals; a lead body of insulative material for enclosing the plurality of conductors; and at least one magnetic-field actuated switch for limiting MRI-induced current between the plurality of electrodes and the plurality of terminals, wherein the magnetic-field actuated switch is actuated by magnetostrictive material.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventor: Brian Blischak
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Publication number: 20110213439Abstract: Methods of neuromodulation in a live mammalian subject, such as a human patient. The method comprises applying electromagnetic energy to a target site in the nervous system of the subject using a signal comprising a series of pulses, wherein the inter-pulse intervals are varied using the output of a deterministic, non-linear, dynamical system comprising one or more system control parameters. In certain embodiments, the target site may be a site in the brain involved in generalized CNS (central nervous system) arousal. The dynamical system may be capable of exhibiting chaotic behavior. Also provided are apparatuses for neuromodulation and software for operating such apparatuses.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2010Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicants: THE ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY, INTELECT MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Scott KOKONES, Bradford Curtis FOWLER, Donald PFAFF, Amy Wells QUINKERT
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Publication number: 20110208271Abstract: Described are apparatus and methods for electrically modulating a nerve in a mammal. An electrical signal that includes a signal intensity pattern and a signal frequency pattern is delivered to a nerve. The combination of the signal intensity pattern and the signal frequency pattern is effective to result in weight loss, fat loss, and/or lean-mass gain, in a mammal. In some embodiments the nerve is modulated in response to a physiological parameter. In some embodiments, the physiological parameter is measured by a sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventor: John D. Dobak
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Publication number: 20110202098Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for pulsed electric field neuromodulation via an intra-to-extravascular approach, e.g., to effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, changes in cytokine upregulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, the ITEV PEF system comprises an intravascular catheter having one or more electrodes configured for intra-to-extravascular placement across a wall of patient's vessel into proximity with target neural fibers. With the electrode(s) passing from an intravascular position to an extravascular position prior to delivery of the PEF, a magnitude of applied voltage or energy delivered via the electrode(s) and necessary to achieve desired neuromodulation may be reduced relative to an intravascular PEF system having one or more electrodes positioned solely intravascularly.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2011Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: Ardian, Inc.Inventors: Denise Demarais, Benjamin J. Clark, Nicolas Zadno, Erik Thai, Hanson Gifford, III
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Publication number: 20110184497Abstract: Disclosed is a neural stimulator for neural prosthesis: including a power receiver which receives power from outside and supplies the received power to a circuitry including an electrical signal generator; the electrical signal generator which generates a neural stimulating electrical signal; and a casing which protects the power receiver and the electrical signal generator from bodily fluid, wherein the power supplied by the power receiver to the circuitry including the electrical signal generator is AC logic power. In accordance with this disclosure, a neural stimulator with reduced production cost, simplified production process and reduced size, as compared with those of the related art, while being safe, may be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2009Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicants: SNU R&DB FOUNDATION, NURO BIO-SYSTEMS CORP.Inventors: Sung June Kim, Choong Jae Lee, Tae Ho Jeon, Soon Kwan An, William J. Heetderks
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Publication number: 20110178570Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for multi-vessel neuromodulation, e.g., via a pulsed electric field. Such multi-vessel neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, the multi-vessel neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. Such multi-vessel neuromodulation optionally may be performed bilaterally.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2010Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: Ardian, Inc.Inventor: Denise Demarais
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Patent number: 7983761Abstract: An electro-acupuncture device for controlling nausea. The device includes a wristwatch like housing, circuitry for generating electro-acupuncture stimulus disposed within the housing, and a strap for securing the housing to the wrist. The device also includes a pair of D-shaped electrodes disposed on the bottom outer surface of the housing. A gasket made of an electrically non-conductive material is applied to the bottom outer surface of the housing. The gasket has apertures which are sized and shaped to receive the D-shaped electrodes. When the device is strapped to a patient's wrist, the electrodes contact the wrist and provide electric stimulation to the wrist.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Relief Band Medical Technologies LLCInventors: David M. Giuntoli, Gregory J. Gruzdowich, Thomas L. Grey
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Publication number: 20110160810Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATIONInventor: Paul James Griffith
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Publication number: 20110160812Abstract: One example includes a configurable power source system for an implantable device having a predetermined power requirement, the system comprising a housing for a battery and a capacitor, the housing including a distance D between a first internal face and a second internal face, the housing adapted to fit within dimensions of the implantable device, a plurality of batteries of different thicknesses, each battery adapted to fit within a perimeter of the housing, a plurality of capacitors of different thicknesses, each capacitor adapted to fit within the housing and adjacent the battery and a pick and place system adapted to assemble a selected battery from the plurality of batteries and a selected capacitor from the plurality of capacitors with the housing to form a configurable power source at least meeting the predetermined power requirement for the implantable device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2011Publication date: June 30, 2011Inventor: Nick A. Youker
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Publication number: 20110160811Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for providing non-transcranial electrical stimuli to a biological subject may employ a support structure, at least one waveform generator, and at least a first electrode and a second electrode. The system can be sized and dimensioned to be worn on a head of the biological subject and operable to deliver non-transcranial electrical stimuli to at least one of the temporomandibular joints of the biological subject.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2009Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: MEDRELIEF INC.Inventor: Christian Walker
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Publication number: 20110144722Abstract: An implantable lead is provided that comprises a lead body extending along a longitudinal axis. The lead body includes a distal end and a proximal end and a lumen within the lead body. The lead also includes a header assembly provided at the distal end of the lead body. The header assembly includes a tissue engaging end. The lead also includes an electrode provided on the header assembly. The electrode is configured to deliver stimulating pulses. The lead also includes an electrode conductor provided within the lumen of the lead body and extending from the electrode to the proximal end of the lead body. An LC resonant component is provided in at least one of the lead body and the header assembly. The LC resonant component comprises a capacitor having an elongated shape that extends along the longitudinal axis of the lead body. The capacitor has a core that is located about the longitudinal axis of the lead body.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: PACESETTER, INC.Inventors: Xiaoyi Min, Ingmar Viohl
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Publication number: 20110137365Abstract: Apparatus is provided including an electrode device and a control unit. The electrode device is configured to be coupled to a site of a subject selected from the group consisting of: a vagus nerve, an epicardial fat pad, a pulmonary vein, a carotid artery, a carotid sinus, a coronary sinus, a vena cava vein, a right ventricle, a right atrium, and a jugular vein.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2011Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: BIO CONTROL MEDICAL (B.C.M.) LTD.Inventors: Omry BEN-EZRA, Tamir BEN-DAVID, Ehud COHEN
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Publication number: 20110137383Abstract: An implantable lead assembly includes a lead body extending from a proximal end to a distal end having an intermediate portion therebetween, where the lead body includes an insulating layer. A conductor is disposed within the insulating layer and the insulating layer surrounds the conductor. An electrode is coupled to the lead body, and the electrode is in electrical communication with the conductor. At least one conductive sleeve is disposed within the insulating layer. The at least one conductive sleeve surrounds the conductor and is electrically isolated from the electrode. The at least one conductive sleeve has a first impedance value in a first condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2011Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventors: Eric Hammill, Yongxing Zhang, Jeffrey P. Bodner, Paul E. Zarembo, Mohan Krishnan
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Publication number: 20110137382Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of fabricating a stimulation lead for stimulation of tissue of a patient, the method comprises: providing a plurality of cables, wherein each of the cables comprises a plurality of wires twisted about a core support and disposed within an outer sheath, wherein each of the plurality of wires comprises a coating of insulative material to electrically isolate each wire from each other wire within the respective cable, each of the plurality of wires being disposed in a single layer circumferentially about a central axis of the respective cable; wrapping the plurality of cables about a central core in a helical manner to form a cable assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2010Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventor: John Swanson
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Patent number: 7949406Abstract: Quantity and time for medical operation are measured after starting the medical operation (step S1). Parameters in a parameter protection mode and parameters in a standard mode are compared so as to determine whether or not contents in the parameters coincide and whether or not five minutes passes (step S2). If five minutes do not pass, it is detected whether or not a power supply switch is turned off (step S4). If it is not turned off, the operation returns to the step S1 so as to determine whether or not the power supply is turned off within five minutes in steps S3 and S4 while measuring the quantity and the time for the medical operation. If five minutes passes without turning off the power supply, data for the quantity and the time for the medical operation are loaded in a memory (step S5). After that, the operation is completed.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2008Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignees: Ito Co., Ltd., Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshimasa Sakagami, Hirotsugu Sato, Takashi Nemoto
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Patent number: 7949403Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 27, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Accelerated Care Plus Corp.Inventors: Francis X. Palermo, J. Chris Castel
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Publication number: 20110118811Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the delivery of electric pulses any organic or inorganic conductive material and/or any biological material and/or to cells in vivo, ex vivo or in vitro, for example for the electroporation of the cells, for the electrically mediated transfer gene transfer of nucleic acids into tissue cell using a pulsed electric field and/or for the electromanipulation, in general, of the cell membrane or of the cell inside. The electric pulse applicator for the treatment of a conductive material such as biological material allowing an electric field to be applied to said conductive material in such a way as to modify it properties, includes at least one electrode including a conductive main body and an electrically insulating coating intended to be introduced into and/or at the vicinity of the conductive material to be treated, and a pulse generator sending pulses to the electrodes having a slope (dE/dt) greater than 1015 V/m/s.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventors: Julien VillemeJane, Bruno Le Pioufle, Luis Maria Mir
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Publication number: 20110118812Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of providing electrical stimulation to a liver of a subject which includes providing one or more stimulatory electrodes to the liver of the subject and providing electrical stimulation to the liver of the subject. The invention further relates to methods of reducing risk factors of metabolic syndrome, treating diabetes, treating a subject having eating disorders and reducing glucose levels of a subject using methods of the present invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2011Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventors: Pankaj Jay Pasricha, Jiande Chen
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Patent number: RE43009Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive treatment of deep subcutaneous fat deposits in lieu of cosmetic surgery is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a high voltage pulse generator connected to two or more needle electrodes at least one of which is configured for placement deeply under the skin in a treatment site of the patient's body. High voltage pulses, delivered to the electrodes, create an electric field that kills subcutaneous fat cells.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: AngioDynamics, Inc.Inventors: Victor I. Chornenky, Ali Jaafar