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Gastrointestinal electrical stimulation

Patent Number: 8467884
Publication Date: 2013-06-18
Inventor:

The present invention is directed to a method of stimulating the vagus nerve of a ...

Spring passive lead anchor and methods and devices using the anchor

Patent Number: 8467883
Publication Date: 2013-06-18
Inventors: ;

A lead anchor includes a body defining at least one first portion of a lead lumen, the body having a first opening and a second opening. An obstructing member is disposed within the body. The obstructing member defines a second portion of the lead lumen. A spring is disposed in the body and configured and arranged to operate on the obstructing member so that the second portion of the lead lumen is coterminous with the at least one first portion of the lead lumen and forms a continuous lead ...

Magnetic field detection using magnetohydrodynamic effect

Patent Number: 8467882
Publication Date: 2013-06-18
Inventors: ; ;

An IMD may transition to an MRI mode automatically in response to detecting one or more conditions indicative of the presence of a strong magnetic field. Large static magnetic fields, such as those produced by an MRI device, may interact with the blood of a patient as it flows through the magnetic field to produce a voltage, a phenomenon referred to as the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effect. The voltage produced by the MHD effect is proportional to the strength of the magnetic field. As such, ...

Methods and systems for representing different spectral components of an audio signal presented to a cochlear implant patient

Patent Number: 8467881
Publication Date: 2013-06-18
Inventors: ;

An exemplary method of representing different spectral components of an audio signal presented to a cochlear implant patient includes identifying one or more spectral peaks of an audio signal presented to a cochlear implant patient, applying electrical stimulation representative of the one or more spectral peaks to at least one stimulation site within the cochlear implant patient using a partial multipolar stimulation configuration, and applying electrical stimulation representative of one ...

System for transmitting electrical current to a bodily tissue

Patent Number: 8467880
Publication Date: 2013-06-18
Inventors: ; ; ;

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a substrate, a power source, a connector, electrical circuitry, and an electrode assembly. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface different than the first surface. The power source has a positive terminal and a negative terminal Each of the positive terminal and the negative terminal are coupled to the substrate. The power source is configured to provide power to an external stimulator coupled to the apparatus. The connector is ...

Treatment of pain by brain stimulation

Patent Number: 8467879
Publication Date: 2013-06-18
Inventors: ; ;

Systems and methods for introducing one or more stimulating drugs and/or applying electrical stimulation to the brain to alleviate pain use at least one implantable system control unit (SCU), producing electrical pulses delivered via electrodes implanted in the brain and/or producing drug infusion pulses, wherein the stimulation is delivered to targeted areas in the brain. In some embodiments, one or more sensed conditions are used to adjust stimulation ...

Method of treating depression, mood disorders and anxiety disorders using neuromodulation

Patent Number: 8467878
Publication Date: 2013-06-18
Inventor:

The present application involves a method and a system for using electrical stimulation and/or chemical stimulation to treat depression. More particularly, the method comprises surgically implanting an electrical stimulation lead and/or catheter that is in communication with a predetermined site which is coupled to a signal generator and/or infusion pump that release either an electrical signal and/or a pharmaceutical resulting in stimulation of the predetermined site thereby treating the ...

Method for the detection and treatment of aberrant neural-electric activity

Patent Number: 8467877
Publication Date: 2013-06-18
Inventor:

An apparatus for detection of ANEA comprising an introducer having at least one lumen. The introducer is introduced into brain tissue through an opening in the skull. A reference electrode is positioned at an introducer distal portion. A plurality of electrode members are advanceable within the at least one lumen with each member having an insulated portion and an exposed distal portion. The members have a non-deployed state in the introducer and a deployed state when outwardly advanced out ...

Breathing disorder detection and therapy delivery device and method

Patent Number: 8467876
Publication Date: 2013-06-18
Inventor:

A device and method are provided for managing the treatment of a patient with respiratory disorders or symptoms. Respiratory parameters are sensed and recorded and communicated to an external device to provide information to a patient and/or provider for further treatment or diagnosis. Also respiratory disorders such as apnea or hypoventilation may be treated by electrically stimulating the diaphragm muscle or phrenic nerve in response to a sensed respiratory parameter or ...

Stimulation of dorsal genital nerves to treat urologic dysfunctions

Patent Number: 8467875
Publication Date: 2013-06-18
Inventors: ; ; ; ; ; ; ;

Systems and methods treat urologic dysfunctions by implanting a lead and electrode in a tissue region affecting urologic function, and implanting a pulse generator in an anterior pelvic region remote from the electrode. Bilateral stimulation of the left and/or right branches of the dorsal genital nerves using a single lead implanted in adipose or other tissue in the region at or near the pubic symphysis is able to treat urinary ...

Gastrointestinal electrical stimulation

Patent Number: 8467874
Publication Date: 2013-06-18
Inventors: ;

The disclosure provides a method of treatment for obesity, in an individual in need thereof, by administering electrical stimulation at dual sites in the gastrointestinal tract. The electrical stimulations are administered by positioning bipolar stimulatory electrodes in contact with the gastric and dudenol cavities, along afferent vagal neural pathways, in the gastrointestinal tract. The electrical stimulations thus administered, activate the vagal afferents associated with the gastric and ...

Synchronization methods and devices in telemetry system

Patent Number: 8467873
Publication Date: 2013-06-18
Inventors: ;

In a medical telemetry system for synchronizing an implantable medical device to a base station of the telemetry system, a communication channel is selected for communication between the implantable medical device and the base station, and the implantable medical device is synchronized to the base station by selecting a synchronizing word associated with the selected channel, wherein at least two different communication channels within the medical telemetry system are associated with ...

Fault-tolerant high voltage delivery in an implantable medical device

Patent Number: 8467872
Publication Date: 2013-06-18
Inventor:

A medical device includes an energy storage device, a plurality of electrodes, a memory, a switching circuit, and a processing module. The energy storage device stores electrical energy for delivery of defibrillation therapy to a heart. The memory stores N therapy configurations, each of the N therapy configurations defining which of the plurality of electrodes are used to deliver defibrillation therapy and further defining a waveform to be applied during delivery of defibrillation therapy. ...

Methods and apparatuses for cardiac resynchronization therapy mode selection based on intrinsic conduction

Patent Number: 8467871
Publication Date: 2013-06-18
Inventor:

Systems and methods for selecting a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) mode involve sensing electrocardiogram (ECG) data for a patient, identifying a PR interval from the sensed ECG data, comparing the PR interval to a threshold, and selecting a CRT mode by selecting between a synchrony optimization mode and a preload optimization mode, the selection based on the comparison of the PR interval to the threshold. A synchrony optimization mode may be selected if the parameter is less than ...

Techniques for modifying breathing rate using cardiac pacing

Patent Number: 8467870
Publication Date: 2013-06-18
Inventors: ; ;

A method includes controlling a cardiac pacing rate of an implantable medical device (IMD) to control a heart rate of a patient and determining that the patient is in a resting state. The method further includes modifying the pacing rate of the IMD for N cardiac cycles in response to determining that the patient is in the resting state. N is an integer greater than 1. Modifying the pacing rate includes incrementally increasing the pacing rate for a first portion of the N cardiac cycles, and ...

Method and system for modulating eating behavior by means of neuro-electrical coded signals

Patent Number: 8467869
Publication Date: 2013-06-18
Inventor:

A method for modulating eating behavior comprising (i) generating at least one confounding neuro-electrical signal that is adapted to modulate the sense of taste in the body, (ii) generating at least one confounding neuro-electrical signal that is adapted to modulate the sense of smell in the body, and (iii) transmitting at least one of the confounding neuro-electrical signals to a subject to modulate the subject's sense of taste or smell. In a preferred embodiment, both confounding ...

Portable apparatus and method for the administration of heat exchange in the lungs of a mammal

Patent Number: 8465535
Publication Date: 2013-06-18
Inventors: ; ;

An apparatus and method for the delivery and removal of a biocompatible liquid to and from the lungs of a mammal, comprising an ice water container adapted for containing ice water; a biocompatible liquid tank disposed within the ice water container, with the tank adapted for containing a biocompatible liquid; and a biocompatible liquid infusion reservoir disposed within the biocompatible liquid tank. The apparatus also comprises a pump assembly and tube assembly that are in operable ...

Radio-frequency tissue welder with polymer reinforcement

Patent Number: 8465534
Publication Date: 2013-06-18
Inventor:

There are disclosed methods and apparatus for attachment and welding of tissue. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes an energy applicator configured to apply energy to generate heat within a target tissue to evaporate water to create dried tissue, and a thermally conductive material disposed adjacent the first tissue contacting surface or the second tissue contacting surface. The thermally conductive material may be configured for direct contact with the target tissue heated by the ...

Treating cancer using electromagnetic fields in combination with photodynamic therapy

Patent Number: 8465533
Publication Date: 2013-06-18
Inventor:

A light generating circuit is implanted in a subject's body and aimed at a target region such as a tumor. A photosensitizer is introduced into the target region, and an AC electric field is induced in the region. The field causes the light generating circuit to generate light, which activates the photosensitizer; and at certain field strengths and frequencies, the field itself has a beneficial effect. The beneficial effects of the field and the activated photosensitizer are thereby obtained ...

Fluorescent handpiece

Patent Number: 8465532
Publication Date: 2013-06-18
Inventor:

A handpiece can treat biological tissue using electromagnetic radiation, which can be substantially fluorescent light. The handpiece includes a source of electromagnetic radiation and a waveguide. The waveguide is adjacent the source, receives electromagnetic radiation from the source, and delivers the electromagnetic radiation to the biological tissue. The handpiece also includes a system for moving a fluorescent substance through the waveguide. The fluorescent substance includes a fluid ...

Light therapy modality

Patent Number: 8465531
Publication Date: 2013-06-18
Inventors: ;

A method of light therapy includes non-invasive, intra-cranial administration of bright light via the ear canal of a subject by using a light intensity of 0.7-12 lumens, and a treatment time of 1-15 minutes. A medical device including radiation elements for directing the light via the ear canal for use in the light therapy is ...

MRI compatible implanted lead-electrode interface

Patent Number: 8463407
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventors: ;

An electrical lead for implantation into an animal includes a cable to which a stimulation electrode is connected. The cable has a helical electrical conductor enclosed within an insulating sheath. The stimulation electrode has a tubular first contact band with a threaded lumen into which a portion of the helical electrical conductor is screwed. A second contact band has a threaded aperture and a helical electrode coil is screwed into both the threaded lumen and the threaded aperture. The ...

Probe electrode pad and probe electrode pad storage box

Patent Number: 8463406
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventors: ;

The present invention is directed to a unique, user-friendly, disposable electrode to be used on metallic probes which are used in electromedical devices, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators (TENS) and microcurrent electrical therapy (MET) devices and other electrical simulators for applying electricity through the skin to the human or animal body. Additionally, the present invention describes a box for the storage and retrieval of the ...

Electric- or magnetic-field based detection of when electrode pads have been handled or removed from their package

Patent Number: 8463405
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventors: ;

Handling or removal of a pair of defibrillator electrode pads from their package is detected in order to effectively time the issuance of prompts to guide the user. One plate of a capacitor is embedded in the package, the electrode pads and lead wires serving as the other plate. Impedance across the capacitor in an alternating current circuit is monitored to detect an increase in the distance between the pads and the package. The impedance level is determined, in a low-cost hardware ...

Electrode assemblies, tools, and methods for gastric wall implantation

Patent Number: 8463404
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventors: ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;

Apparatus (450) is provided including an electrode (460) and an implantation tool (458) configured to be passed into an abdominal cavity of a patient, and to insert the electrode into a gastric wall of the patient, generally in parallel to the gastric wall. Other embodiments are also ...

Spinal cord stimulation paddle lead and method of making the same

Patent Number: 8463403
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventor:

In one embodiment, a method of fabricating an implantable stimulation paddle comprises: providing a sheet of conductive material coupled to a first insulative layer; laser removing portions of the conductive material to form a pattern of conductive material, the pattern of conductive material including a plurality of isolated metal traces; providing a second insulative layer over the pattern of conductive material so that the pattern of conductive material is interposed between the first ...

Method and apparatus for determining relative positioning between neurostimulation leads

Patent Number: 8463402
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventor:

A method and neurostimulation control system for operating two leads disposed adjacent tissue of a patient are provided. A plurality of cross-lead electrical parameters are measured to generate a measured electrical profile of the electrode leads. A plurality of cross-lead electrical parameters are estimated to generate a first reference electrical profile for the electrode leads in a first known staggered configuration. The first reference electrical profile is spatially shifted to ...

Apparatus for implanting an electrical stimulation lead

Patent Number: 8463401
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventors: ; ; ;

In one embodiment, an introducer is provided for implanting an electrical stimulation lead to enable electrical stimulation of nerve tissue. The introducer includes an outer sheath and an inner penetrator. The outer sheath may accommodate insertion of the electrical stimulation lead and may be inserted into a human body near the nerve tissue. The inner penetrator is removably housed within the outer sheath and includes an inner channel configured to accommodate a guide wire, a tip end ...

System and method for programming an implantable spinal cord stimulation system

Patent Number: 8463400
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventors: ;

In one embodiment, a method for facilitating programming of an implantable pulse generator (IPG) by an external programming device, the method comprises: receiving input from a user by the external programming device to calibrate electrode combinations at a plurality of locations along one or more stimulation leads implanted within the epidural space of a patient; controlling the IPG by the external programmer to apply stimulation to the patient via the electrode combinations; receiving ...

Overmolded components for implantable medical leads and related methods

Patent Number: 8463399
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventors: ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;

The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to medical electrical leads. More specifically, certain embodiments relate to leads having one or more drug-eluting components that are overmolded or otherwise positioned on the lead. Other embodiments relate to leads having one or more patterned surfaces, including some leads with one or more patterned surfaces over which one or more drug-eluting components are positioned. Further implementations relate to leads having one or more overmolded ...

Electrode surface modification for imparting current density directionality in lead electrodes

Patent Number: 8463398
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventors: ;

An implantable medical lead having a modified electrode surface for imparting current density directionality within an electrode is disclosed. An implantable medical lead includes a lead body having a proximal section and a distal section having a pre-biased shape configured to secure the lead to an inner wall of a blood vessel. An electrode coupled to the distal section of the lead body includes a number of surface features on an inactive portion of the electrode that impart a current ...

Hyperthermia devices and their uses with nanoparticles

Patent Number: 8463397
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventor:

A hyperthermia device comprising a generator of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields, an amplifier of this signal, a transmitter of the electromagnetic field generated, and a direct temperature measurement system is disclosed for use with one or more nanoparticles capable of dissipating the energy of the applied electromagnetic field in the form of heat and it being possible to directly control the temperature of said ...

Power-stage antenna integrated system with high-strength shaft

Patent Number: 8463396
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventor:

Disclosed is a microwave antenna assembly that includes proximal and distal radiating sections and a junction member. The proximal radiating section includes inner and outer conductors and DC power and neutral conductors. The inner conductor is disposed within the outer conductor and the DC power and neutral conductors are disposed radially outward therefrom. The junction member mates the distal and proximal radiating sections such that the distal and proximal radiating sections are ...

Method and apparatus for supplying energy to a medical device

Patent Number: 8463395
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventor:

In a method and apparatus for supplying wireless energy to a medical device (100) implanted in a patient, wireless energy is transmitted from an external energy source (104) located outside a patient and is received by an internal energy receiver (102) located inside the patient, for directly or indirectly supplying received energy to the medical device. An energy balance is determined between the energy received by the internal energy receiver and the energy used for ...

Method and apparatus for supplying energy to a medical device

Patent Number: 8463394
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventor:

In a method and apparatus for supplying wireless energy to a medical device (100) implanted in a patient, wireless energy is transmitted from an external energy source (104) located outside a patient and is received by an internal energy receiver (102) located inside the patient, for directly or indirectly supplying received energy to the medical device. An energy balance is determined between the energy sent by the external energy source and energy received by the ...

Implantable medical devices having a liquid crystal polymer housing

Patent Number: 8463393
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventors: ;

An implantable medical device having a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) housing. Circuitry is positioned within the housing to perform a predefined function, such as generate a stimulation waveform, or pump a fluid, or turn on a motor, for example. The circuitry may include a power source, and the power source may be a rechargeable power ...

External controller/charger system for an implantable medical device capable of automatically providing data telemetry through a charging coil during a charging session

Patent Number: 8463392
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventor:

An external controller/charger system for an implantable medical device is disclosed, in which the external controller/charger system provides automatic switching between telemetry and charging without any manual intervention by the patient. The external controller/charger system includes an external controller which houses a telemetry coil and an external charging coil coupled to the external controller. Normally, a charging session is carried out using the external charging coil, and a ...

Systems configured to deliver energy out of a living subject, and related appartuses and methods

Patent Number: 8463391
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventors: ; ; ; ;

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems configured to deliver energy out of a living subject to power at least one external device, and related apparatuses, and methods of ...

Electrostimulator capable of outputting stable electric stimulus

Patent Number: 8463390
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventor:

An electrostimulator includes a boost circuit supplying a stimulus signal, first and second electrodes disposed on a skin surface, detecting a voluntary myoelectric signal and giving the stimulus signal, an amplification circuit amplifying the voluntary myoelectric signal, a controller controlling the stimulus signal in accordance with the voluntary myoelectric signal, an H-bridge circuit including first and third switches connected in series and connected to the second electrode, and ...

Multi-sensory system and method for providing neuromuscular stimulation

Patent Number: 8463389
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventor:

A system for delivering dynamic electrical impulses to a recipient includes an audio input source, a user interface, and a control device. The audio input source provides an audio signal representing a pre-recorded audio composition and high-frequency audio marks mixed therewith. The device includes an audio circuit branch which receives the audio signal and provides a commensurate audio output. A cadence timing circuit also receives the audio signal, filters sequences of audio marks from ...

Electronic low-frequency pulse patch of a one-piece structure and method for manufacturing the same

Patent Number: 8463388
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventor:

An electronic low-frequency pulse patch of a one-piece structure comprises a flexible top cover body, a hollow supporting enclosure, a circuit control unit, a power supply unit, a base and a coupling output conductive flexible film. Flexible top cover body is coupled to the coupling output conductive flexible film with hollow supporting enclosure located therebetween. Circuit control unit and the power supply unit are coupled to the base for providing respective low-frequency electric ...

Stimulation of the amygdalohippocampal complex to treat neurological conditions

Patent Number: 8463387
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventor:

A system and/or method treating for a neurological disorder by brain region stimulation. The system and/or method comprises a probe and a device to provide stimulation. The probe has a stimulation portion implanted in communication with a predetermined brain region site. The stimulation portion of the probe may be implanted in contact with a predetermined brain ...

Device for the desynchronization of neuronal brain activity

Patent Number: 8463386
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventor:

A device for desynchronizing neuronal brain activity involving a neuron population firing in a synchronized manner at a pathological frequency. The device includes an electrode configured to generate stimuli that stimulate the neuron population; and a control unit configured to control the electrode to generate the stimuli in sequence, wherein the stimuli succeed each other with a predetermined frequency f. The predetermined frequency f is substantially equal to g×n/m, where g is the ...

Method of using spinal cord stimulation to treat gastrointestinal and/or eating disorders or conditions

Patent Number: 8463385
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventor:

The present invention involves a method and a system for using electrical stimulation to treat gastrointestinal and/or eating disorders. More particularly, the method comprises surgically implanting an electrical stimulation lead that is in communication with predetermined thoracic vertebral segments to cause spinal nervous tissue stimulation, thus treating a wide variety of gastrointestinal ...

Isolated lead conductor measurements for fault detection

Patent Number: 8463384
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventors: ; ;

This disclosure relates to a medical electrical lead having fault detection and fault isolation. The lead may include a first conductor coupled to a first electrode and a second conductor coupled to a second electrode. A capacitor is disposed within the lead and selectively coupled to the first and second conductors of the lead. The capacitor is charged in a test mode of operation after the first and second electrodes have been isolated from the conductors via an isolation mechanism and the ...

Portable assemblies, systems, and methods for providing functional or therapeutic neurostimulation

Patent Number: 8463383
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventors: ; ; ; ; ; ;

Neurostimulation assemblies, systems, and methods make possible the providing of short-term therapy or diagnostic testing by providing electrical connections between muscles and/or nerves inside the body and stimulus generators and/or recording instruments mounted on the surface of the skin or carried outside the body. Neurostimulation assemblies, systems, and methods may include a carrier and an electronics pod, the electronics pod including stimulation generation circuitry and user ...

Implantable lead functional status monitor and method

Patent Number: 8463382
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventors: ; ; ; ;

A system for monitoring trends in lead impedance includes collecting data from various sources in an implantable medical device system. Lead impedance, non-physiologic sensed events percentage of time in mode switch, results of capture management operation, sensed events, adversion pace counts, refractory sense counts and similar data are used to determine the status of a lead. A set of weighted sum rules are implemented by a software system to process the data and provide displayable ...

Methods and devices for responding to premature ventricular contractions while in AAI(R) mode

Patent Number: 8463381
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventor:

While a cardiac device is in AAI(R) mode, a ventricular channel is monitored for a premature ventricular contraction (PVC). In response to detecting a PVC while the device is in AAI(R) mode, a refractory period is started in an atrial channel to prevent a retrograde atrial event that may occur due to the PVC from resetting an atrial escape interval (AEI). Additionally, during such a relative refractory period in the atrial channel, the atrial channel is monitored for a retrograde atrial ...

Automatic adaptation of A-V delay and HR for heart failure using beat to beat measures

Patent Number: 8463380
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventors: ; ; ; ; ;

Methods and systems to modulate timing intervals for pacing therapy are described. For each cardiac cycle, one or both of an atrioventricular (A-V) timing interval and an atrial (A-A) timing interval are modulated to oppose beat-to-beat ventricular (V-V) timing variability. Pacing therapy is delivered using the modulated timing ...

Lead wire and pacemaker using the same

Patent Number: 8463379
Publication Date: 2013-06-11
Inventor:

A lead wire and a pacemaker using the lead wire are disclosed. The lead wire, comprising: a lead body and a lead electrode at an end of the lead body, the lead electrode being electrically connected with the lead body, the lead electrode comprising a carbon nanotube structure, the carbon nanotube structure comprising at least one carbon nanotube film, the carbon nanotube structure having an electrode tip away from the lead body, and the electrode tip being in linear contact with an organ, ...