CYBERONICS, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160089540 | OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A method of treating a patient, comprising: sensing a biological parameter indicative of respiration; analyzing the biological parameter to identify a respiratory cycle; identifying an inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle; and delivering stimulation to a hypoglossal nerve of the patient, wherein stimulation is delivered if a duration of the inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle is greater than a predetermined portion of a duration of the entire respiratory cycle. | 03-31-2016 |
20160081610 | ALGORITHM FOR DETECTING A SEIZURE FROM CARDIAC DATA - Methods, systems, and apparatus for detecting the seizure in a patient using a medical device. The determination is performed by collecting cardiac data; determining valid heart beats suitable for seizure detection from the cardiac data; calculating heart rate data of interest from the valid heart beats; and identifying a seizure event from the heart rate data. The medical device may then take a responsive action, such as warning, logging the time of the seizure, computing and storing one or more seizure severity indices, and/or treating the seizure. | 03-24-2016 |
20150335899 | DEVICE LONGEVITY PREDICTION FOR A DEVICE HAVING VARIABLE ENERGY CONSUMPTION - A system and method for estimating the longevity of an implantable medical device (IMD). In one embodiment of a method for estimating a life of a power source of an implantable medical device, a first life estimate of the power source is determined based on a first open-loop value corresponding to an open-loop parameter for open-loop therapy delivery, a first closed loop value corresponding to a closed-loop parameter for closed-loop therapy delivery, and prior usage data corresponding to prior therapy delivery. The first life estimate of the power source is displayed. The first life estimate displayed includes a first open-loop portion associated with open-loop therapy delivery and a first closed-loop portion associated with closed-loop therapy delivery. | 11-26-2015 |
20150306392 | CRANIAL NERVE STIMULATION TO TREAT DEPRESSION DURING SLEEP - A method includes determining sleep cycle information related to a sleep cycle of a patient based on body parameter data. The method also includes adjusting a cranial nerve stimulation parameter based on the sleep cycle information. The method further includes applying a cranial nerve stimulation therapy to treat depression based on the adjusted cranial nerve stimulation parameter. | 10-29-2015 |
20150305666 | DETECTING SEIZURES BASED ON HEARTBEAT DATA - A method includes receiving heartbeat data of a patient and receiving activity data of the patient. The activity data includes one or more activity values that are related to an activity level of the patient and that are measured independently of the heartbeat data. The method further includes determining a value of a weighting factor based on the activity data. The method also includes determining modified heartbeat data by applying the weighting factor to at least a portion of the heartbeat data. The method also includes detecting a seizure event based on the modified heartbeat data. | 10-29-2015 |
20150238761 | OPTIMIZATION OF CRANIAL NERVE STIMULATION TO TREAT SEIZURE DISORDERS DURING SLEEP - A method includes determining sleep cycle information related to a sleep cycle of a patient based on body parameter data. The method also includes adjusting a cranial nerve stimulation parameter based on the sleep cycle information. | 08-27-2015 |
20150224307 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF DETECTING AND TREATING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - A method of providing a sleep apnea nerve stimulation therapy to a subject may include detecting a respiratory waveform of the subject with a sensor. The sensor may be configured for coupling to the subject. The respiratory waveform may include a plurality of respiratory cycles each corresponding to at least one of a breath and an attempted breath of the subject. The method may also include identifying a breathing pattern within the respiratory waveform over a period of time. The breathing pattern may include a repeating pattern of a plurality of respiratory cycles followed by at least one respiratory cycle corresponding to a disordered breathing event. The method may also include generating a series of stimulation pulses with an implantable nerve stimulator configured for coupling to a hypoglossal nerve of the subject. The series of stimulation pulses may be coordinated with the breathing pattern. | 08-13-2015 |
20150174398 | IMPLANTABLE NERVE WRAP FOR NERVE STIMULATION CONFIGURED FOR FAR FIELD RADIATIVE POWERING - A particular implantable device may include an antenna configured to receive a far field radiative signal. The implantable device may also include a voltage rectifier configured to rectify the far field radiative signal received by the antenna to provide a rectified voltage signal. The implantable device may further include a charge storage element operative to receive the rectified voltage signal and to store charge responsive to the rectified voltage signal. The implantable device may also include a stimulation module powered by the charge storage element. The stimulation module may be operative to generate an electrical stimulation signal to stimulate a target nerve of a patient. The implantable medical device may further include a nerve wrap configured to house the voltage rectifier, the charge storage element, and the stimulation module. The nerve wrap may include one or more electrodes operative to deliver the electrical stimulation signal to the target nerve. | 06-25-2015 |
20150157252 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF LIMB-BASED ACCELEROMETER ASSESSMENTS OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS - A method of detecting a subject's physiological status, seizure state, or seizure type with limb-based accelerometers identifying a favored accelerometer or limb that provides a better sensitivity or false positive rate as compared to other accelerometers or limbs. The detection method may include determining whether the seizure conforms with an anticipated seizure type, and determining whether to base a seizure detection on data from the favored or un-favored accelerometers or limbs. The method may also include applying a weighing factor to base the detection on data obtained primarily from the favored accelerometer or limb or to not rely on data obtained primarily from un-favored accelerometers or limbs. The method may also include comparing data obtained from a favored accelerometer or limb with data obtained from other accelerometers or limbs or obtained from detection devices using ECG or EEG. An alert may be generated based on the detection of a seizure. | 06-11-2015 |
20150157242 | MOTION-BASED SEIZURE DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A motion monitoring system and a method of obtaining and analyzing motion data that uses an accelerometer or an image capture device to acquire subject motion data. The motion data may be obtained from an accelerometer applied to a chest of the subject, or from an image capture device configured to view the subject during the detected motion. The motion data is analyzed to distinguish between a seizure type of motion and a non-seizure type of motion, with the subject motion characterized by at least one of, and combinations of, motion amplitude or magnitude, motion period or frequency, motion bandwidth, subject position, and subject change in position over a time period of the detected motion. The system and method further includes the generation of an output in response to an identification of the seizure and non-seizure types of motion. | 06-11-2015 |
20150094962 | OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT SCREENING METHODS - Embodiments include a screening method for evaluating patient suitability for an implanted hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) device. The screening method evaluates blood oxygen data relating to respiratory events, with the blood oxygen data providing mean blood oxygen desaturation values for comparison to severity thresholds to identify patients who are likely or unlikely to benefit from the implantation of the HGNS device. | 04-02-2015 |
20150094605 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VALIDATING MONITORING DEVICE PLACEMENT AND LOCATIONS - This disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for validating locational data for a monitoring device. The external monitoring device located on a patient may include one or more processors, one or more memory devices, one or more power devices, one or more heart rate detection devices, and one or more heart sound detection devices. Further, the method may include determining a plurality of status of an external monitoring device located on a patient via one or more processors based on obtained heart rate data and obtained heart sound data. The external monitoring device state may be generated via a validation module based on the heart rate data and the heart sound data. | 04-02-2015 |
20140371809 | STIMULATING CRANIAL NERVE TO TREAT PULMONARY DISORDER - Systems and methods to treat a pulmonary disorder are provided. A particular method includes positioning an electrode in a patient's body at a location proximate a branch of a vagus nerve. The branch of the vagus nerve includes at least one of a bronchial branch of the vagus nerve and a pulmonary plexus. The method also includes activating the electrode such that energy is delivered from the electrode to the branch of the vagus nerve so as to block intrinsic neural activity in the branch of the vagus nerve to treat the pulmonary disorder. | 12-18-2014 |
20140325287 | SYSTEM MONITOR FOR MONITORING FUNCTIONAL MODULES OF A SYSTEM - A method includes detecting a counter event at a system monitor of a system. The method also includes, in response to detecting the counter event, checking a state of each flag of a first set of flags. Each of the first set of flags is associated with a monitored module of the system, and the state of each of the first set of flags is indicated by a value at a memory location that is enabled. The method also includes, in response to determining that at least one flag of the first set of flags has a value indicating an error associated with a particular monitored module, causing an action to be performed at the system. | 10-30-2014 |
20140320074 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE CHARGING APPARATUS HAVING BOTH PARALLEL AND SERIES RESONATORS - An implantable medical device charging apparatus includes a charging circuit. The charging circuit includes a series resonator responsive to a signal applied to the charging circuit. During operation, the series resonator inductively couples to a secondary coil within an implantable medical device to transfer energy to the secondary coil. The charging circuit also includes a parallel resonator coupled to the series resonator. The parallel resonator filters a first component of the signal from propagating to the series resonator. | 10-30-2014 |
20140277255 | OPTIMIZATION OF CRANIAL NERVE STIMULATION TO TREAT SEIZURE DISORDERS DURING SLEEP - A method includes determining sleep cycle information related to a sleep cycle of a patient based on body parameter data. The method also includes adjusting a cranial nerve stimulation parameter based on the sleep cycle information. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277232 | IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATOR-IMPLEMENTED METHOD FOR MANAGING TACHYARRHYTHMIC RISK DURING SLEEP THROUGH VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION - A patient suffering from congestive heart failure is at increased risk of cardiac arrhythmogenesis during sleep, particularly if experiencing central sleep apnea as a co-morbidity. Low intensity peripheral neurostimulation therapies that target imbalance of the autonomic nervous system have been shown to improve clinical outcomes. Thus, bi-directional autonomic regulation therapy is delivered to the cervical vagus nerve at an intensity that is insufficient to elicit pathological or acute physiological side effects and without the requirement of an enabling physiological feature or triggering physiological marker. The patient's physiology is monitored to identify periods of sleep. In one embodiment, upon sensing a condition indicative of tachyarrhythmia following a period of bradycardia, as naturally occurs during sleep, an enhanced “boost” dose of bi-directional neural stimulation intended to “break” the tachyarrhythmic condition is delivered. In a further embodiment, the boost dose is delivered upon sensing a physiological pattern indicative of Cheyne-Stokes respiration. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266921 | ANTENNA COUPLED TO A COVER CLOSING AN OPENING IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An implantable medical device includes a housing. An opening is present in the housing. The implantable medical device includes communication circuitry in the housing. The implantable medical device includes a cover coupled to edges of the housing defining the opening to substantially close the opening. The implantable medical device also includes an antenna coupled to the cover. The antenna is electrically coupled to the communication circuitry. | 09-18-2014 |
20140257118 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR RECOMMENDING AN APPROPRIATE PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT TO A PATIENT FOR MANAGING EPILEPSY AND OTHER NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS - The present invention provides systems and methods for managing epilepsy. In one embodiment, a method of the present invention characterize a patient's propensity for a future epileptic seizure and communicates to the patient and/or a health care provider a therapy recommendation. The therapy recommendation is typically a function of the patient's propensity for the future epileptic seizure. | 09-11-2014 |
20140249602 | DEVICE LONGEVITY PREDICTION FOR A DEVICE HAVING VARIABLE ENERGY CONSUMPTION - A system and method for estimating the longevity of an implantable medical device (IMD). In one embodiment of a method for estimating a life of a power source of an implantable medical device, a first life estimate of the power source is determined based on a first open-loop value corresponding to an open-loop parameter for open-loop therapy delivery, a first closed loop value corresponding to a closed-loop parameter for closed-loop therapy delivery, and prior usage data corresponding to prior therapy delivery. The first life estimate of the power source is displayed. The first life estimate displayed includes a first open-loop portion associated with open-loop therapy delivery and a first closed-loop portion associated with closed-loop therapy delivery. | 09-04-2014 |
20140214132 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE CHARGING - A particular method of providing power to an implantable medical device includes providing a first signal to a primary coil that is inductively coupled to a secondary coil of an implantable medical device. The method also include determining a first alignment difference between a voltage corresponding to the first signal and at least one of a current corresponding to the first signal and a component voltage at a component of a primary coil circuit. The method further includes determining a frequency sweep range based on the first alignment difference. The method also includes performing a frequency sweep over the frequency sweep range. | 07-31-2014 |
20140206945 | CRANIAL NERVE STIMULATION TO TREAT DEPRESSION DISORDERS - A method includes receiving sensor data at a processor from sensors of an external medical device. The sensor data corresponds to at least a first body parameter value for a patient and a second body parameter value for the patient. The method includes determining a first depression-indicative value based on the first body parameter value, a second depression-indicative value based on the second body parameter value, a depression detection value as a function of a first weight applied to the first depression-indicative value and a second weight applied to the second depression-indicative value, and a depression state based at least in part on a comparison of the depression detection value to one or more threshold values. | 07-24-2014 |
20140203823 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE DEPTH ESTIMATION - A method includes applying a signal to a primary coil of an external charging device. The signal causes the primary coil to inductively couple to a secondary coil of an implantable medical device that is implanted within tissue of a patient. The method also includes measuring a current at the primary coil. The method further includes estimating a depth of the implantable medical device within the tissue of the patient based on the measured current. | 07-24-2014 |
20140202905 | RADIOFREQUENCY SHIELDED CONTAINER - A system includes a first sterile medical device container. The first sterile medical device container is transparent to radiofrequency (RF) signals in a particular frequency range. The system also includes a sterile medical device within the first sterile medical device container. The sterile medical device is capable of radiofrequency communication through the first sterile medical device container using the particular frequency range. The system further includes a second container fully enclosing the first sterile medical device container and the sterile medical device, the second container including RF shielding material that is substantially opaque to the RF signals in the particular frequency range. | 07-24-2014 |
20140200638 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE SWITCH MATRIX - A particular implantable device includes one or more electrode connectors and multiple circuit elements within a housing. The implantable medical device may also include one or more switches, where each switch of the one or more switches is coupled between one or more of the multiple circuit elements and at least one electrode connector of the one or more electrode connectors. | 07-17-2014 |
20140188191 | IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATOR FOR PROVIDING ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF CERVICAL VAGUS NERVES FOR TREATMENT OF CHRONIC CARDIAC DYSFUNCTION WITH BOUNDED TITRATION - A system for providing electrical stimulation of cervical vagus nerves for treatment of chronic cardiac dysfunction with bounded titration is provided. The system includes a patient-operable external controller to transmit a plurality of unique signals. The system further includes an implantable neurostimulator, which includes a pulse generator to deliver electrical therapeutic stimulation tuned to restore autonomic balance through continuously-cycling, intermittent and periodic electrical pulses that result in creation and propagation (in both afferent and efferent directions) of action potentials within the cervical vagus nerve of a patient through a pair of helical electrodes via an electrically coupled nerve stimulation therapy lead. The neurostimulator also includes a recordable memory storing an autotitration operating mode that includes a maximum stimulation intensity and is configured to increase an intensity of the delivered electrical therapeutic stimulation up to a level not exceeding the maximum stimulation intensity upon receipt of one of the unique signals. | 07-03-2014 |
20140180364 | VARIABLE OUTPUT RAMPING FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A method, system, and apparatus for providing a stimulation signal comprising a variable ramping portion using an implantable medical device (IMD). The first electrical comprises a first ramping portion. The first ramping portion comprises a first parameter and having a first value. The first electrical signal is applied to a target location of the patient's body. A second electrical signal comprising a second ramping portion is generated. The second ramping portion comprises the first parameter having a second value that is different from the first value. The second electrical signal is applied to a target location of the patient's body. | 06-26-2014 |
20140155949 | IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATOR-IMPLEMENTED METHOD FOR MANAGING BRADYCARDIA THROUGH VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION - A method for managing bradycardia through vagus nerve stimulation is provided. An implantable neurostimulator configured to deliver electrical therapeutic stimulation in both afferent and efferent directions of a patient's cervical vagus nerve is provided. An operating mode is stored, which includes parametrically defining a maintenance dose of the electrical therapeutic stimulation tuned to restore cardiac autonomic balance through continuously-cycling, intermittent and periodic electrical pulses. The maintenance dose is delivered via a pulse generator through a pair of helical electrodes via an electrically coupled nerve stimulation therapy lead independent of cardiac cycle. The patient's physiology is monitored, and upon sensing a condition indicative of bradycardia, the delivery of the maintenance dose is suspended. A progressively increasing amount of time is spent waiting via a controller and, upon sensing a condition indicative of an absence or termination of the bradycardia, a progressively increasing partial maintenance dose is delivered via the pulse generator. | 06-05-2014 |
20140135864 | IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATOR-IMPLEMENTED METHOD FOR ENHANCING HEART FAILURE PATIENT AWAKENING THROUGH VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION - An implantable neurostimulator-implemented method for managing tachyarrhythmias upon a patient's awakening from sleep through vagus nerve stimulation is provided. An implantable neurostimulator, including a pulse generator, is configured to deliver electrical therapeutic stimulation in a manner that results in creation and propagation (in both afferent and efferent directions) of action potentials within neuronal fibers comprising the cervical vagus nerve of a patient. Operating modes of the pulse generator are stored. An enhanced dose of the electrical therapeutic stimulation is parametrically defined and tuned to prevent initiation of or disrupt tachyarrhythmia upon the patient's awakening from a sleep state through at least one of continuously-cycling, intermittent and periodic ON-OFF cycles of electrical pulses. Other operating modes, including a maintenance dose and a restorative dose are defined. The patient's physiological state is monitored via at least one sensor to detect the patient's awakening, which activates the delivery of the enhanced dose. | 05-15-2014 |
20140135863 | IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATOR-IMPLEMENTED METHOD FOR ENHANCING POST-EXERCISE RECOVERY THROUGH VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION - An implantable neurostimulator-implemented method for enhancing post-exercise recovery through vagus nerve stimulation is provided. An implantable neurostimulator, including a pulse generator configured to deliver electrical therapeutic stimulation in a manner that results in creation and propagation (in both afferent and efferent directions) of action potentials within neuronal fibers including a patient's cervical vagus nerve. An operating mode is stored in the pulse generator. An enhanced dose of the electrical therapeutic stimulation is parametrically defined and tuned to prevent or disrupt tachyarrhythmia through continuously-cycling, intermittent and periodic electrical pulses. The patient's physiological state is monitored during physical exercise via at least one sensor included in the implantable neurostimulator, and upon sensing a condition indicative of cessation of the physical exercise, the enhanced dose is delivered for a period of time the enhanced dose to the vagus nerve. | 05-15-2014 |
20140135862 | IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATOR-IMPLEMENTED METHOD FOR MANAGING TACHYARRHYTHMIA THROUGH VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION - An implantable neurostimulator-implemented method for managing tachyarrhythmias through vagus nerve stimulation is provided. An implantable neurostimulator, including a pulse generator, is configured to deliver electrical therapeutic stimulation in a manner that results in creation and propagation (in both afferent and efferent directions) of action potentials within neuronal fibers of a patient's cervical vagus nerve. Operating modes of the pulse generator are stored. A maintenance dose of the electrical therapeutic stimulation is delivered to the vagus nerve via the pulse generator to restore cardiac autonomic balance through continuously-cycling, intermittent and periodic electrical pulses. A restorative dose of the electrical therapeutic stimulation is delivered to prevent initiation of or disrupt tachyarrhythmia through periodic electrical pulses delivered at higher intensity than the maintenance dose. The patient's normative physiology is monitored via a physiological sensor, and upon sensing a condition indicative of tachyarrhythmia, is switched to delivering the restorative dose to the vagus nerve. | 05-15-2014 |
20140121723 | SEIZURE DETECTION USING COORDINATE DATA - A seizure detection device includes a coordinate data interface configured to receive coordinate data for a human, a memory to store coordinate data for a defined location of the human, and a seizure detector configured to identify a seizure event responsive to the coordinate data. | 05-01-2014 |
20140107457 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DIAGNOSING AN ELECTROCARDIOGRAM (ECG) SENSING SYSTEM - An electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor system is disclosed that includes one or more interface connectors configured to be coupled to one or more electrodes. The ECG sensor system includes a processor configured to receive an ECG signal via the one or more interface connectors. The processor may be configured to determine one or more noise values associated with the ECG signal. Each of the one or more noise values may be indicative of a measurement of a component of the ECG signal that is potentially related to a non-heart beat source. The processor may be configured to send one or more noise values to an automated troubleshooting system. | 04-17-2014 |
20140084855 | COMMUNICATION EFFICIENCY WITH AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE USING A CIRCULATOR AND A BACKSCATTER SIGNAL - A device includes a primary antenna configured to communicate a signal to an antenna of an implantable medical device (IMD). A circulator is coupled to the primary antenna. The circulator enables the signal to pass from a transmitter to the primary antenna. The circulator also enables a backscatter signal from the IMD to pass from the primary antenna to a receiver. A processor coupled to the receiver. The processor configured to determine, based on the backscatter signal, an improved impedance value for a component of the IMD and/or an improved frequency for the signal communicated to the IMD, to improve communication efficiency of the signal to the IMD. | 03-27-2014 |
20140074212 | MEDICAL LEAD TERMINATION SLEEVE FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - A wire and electrode combination suitable for use with implanted medical devices, and a method for coupling the wire and electrode to achieve a robust electrical connection suitable for use with such medical devices are disclosed. The apparatus employs a wire that is optimized for strength, an electrode optimized for biocompatibility, and a termination sleeve with a closed distal end for coupling the wire to the electrode, while eliminating the potential for galvanic corrosion, enhancing weld quality, and facilitating manufacture of the apparatus. The method involves compressing the sleeve to engage the wire at two locations, where contact between the sleeve and wire at the first location seals the interior of the sleeve, and contact between the sleeve and wire at the second location electrically couples the wire to the sleeve. The sleeve, which is easier to manipulate than the wire, is then spot welded to the electrode. | 03-13-2014 |
20140074188 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE ELECTRODE/SENSOR CAPABILITY AND STIMULATION BASED ON SENSED INTRINSIC ACTIVITY - In one embodiment, an implantable neurostimulator comprises a pulse generator that generates an electrical pulse signal to stimulate a neural structure in a patient, a stimulation lead assembly coupled to the pulse generator for delivering the electrical pulse signal to the neural structure, a plurality of sensors coupled to the pulse generator, and sensor select logic. Each sensor is individually selectable and the sensor select logic selects any two or more of the plurality of sensors for sensing a voltage difference between the selected sensors. In other embodiments, two or more physiologic parameters are sensed. In yet another embodiment, a method comprises sensing intrinsic electrical activity on a person's nerve and stimulating the nerve based on the sensed intrinsic electrical activity of the nerve. | 03-13-2014 |
20140055088 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH BACKSCATTER SIGNAL BASED COMMUNICATION - An implantable medical device is disclosed that includes a charging coil configured to inductively couple to a first external coil to receive a charging signal to charge a charge storage element of the implantable medical device. The implantable medical device also includes a circuit coupled to the charging coil. The circuit includes a circuit component that, in response to the charging signal, generates a backscatter signal. The implantable medical device also includes a communication coil orthogonal to the charging coil and coupled to the circuit component. The communication coil is configured to inductively couple to a second external coil to communicate the backscatter signal to the second external coil. | 02-27-2014 |
20140046404 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE CHARGING - A particular method of providing power to an implantable medical device includes providing a first signal to a primary coil that is inductively coupled to a secondary coil of an implantable medical device. The method also include determining a first alignment difference between a voltage corresponding to the first signal and at least one of a current corresponding to the first signal and a component voltage at a component of a primary coil circuit. The method further includes determining a frequency sweep range based on the first alignment difference. The method also includes performing a frequency sweep over the frequency sweep range. | 02-13-2014 |
20140031635 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND APPARATUSES FOR DETECTING SEIZURE AND NON-SEIZURE STATES - Methods, systems, and apparatuses for detecting seizure events are disclosed, having at least one accelerometer to be positioned on a patient and configured to collect acceleration data and a processor in communication with the at least one accelerometer and configured to receive acceleration data from the at least one accelerometer. The processor may apply at least one non-linear operator to the acceleration data to determine whether the acceleration data indicates an event, such application including calculation of a non-linear energy of the acceleration data and performance of at least one secondary analysis to determine whether the event is a seizure. | 01-30-2014 |
20140025132 | IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATOR-IMPLEMENTED METHOD FOR MANAGING BRADYCARDIA THROUGH VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION - A method for managing bradycardia through vagus nerve stimulation is provided. An implantable neurostimulator configured to deliver electrical therapeutic stimulation in both afferent and efferent directions of a patient's cervical vagus nerve is provided. An operating mode is stored, which includes parametrically defining a maintenance dose of the electrical therapeutic stimulation tuned to restore cardiac autonomic balance through continuously-cycling, intermittent and periodic electrical pulses. The maintenance dose is delivered via a pulse generator through a pair of helical electrodes via an electrically coupled nerve stimulation therapy lead independent of cardiac cycle. The patient's physiology is monitored, and upon sensing a condition indicative of bradycardia, the delivery of the maintenance dose is suspended. A progressively increasing amount of time is spent waiting via a controller and, upon sensing a condition indicative of an absence or termination of the bradycardia, a progressively increasing partial maintenance dose is delivered via the pulse generator. | 01-23-2014 |
20140019164 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTEGRATING IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE DATA - Methods and systems for constructing a comprehensive history for an IMD are disclosed. The method includes interrogating an implantable medical device (IMD) with an interrogating external programmer device (EPD), and comparing a unique signature associated with the interrogating EPD to a stored signature, associated with a particular programmer device that most immediately previously programmed the IMD, in memory of the IMD. If the unique signature of the interrogating programmer device is not the same as the stored signature, the method includes recording the stored signature in the interrogating EPD. The method may optionally include replacing the stored signature in the IMD memory with the unique signature of the interrogating EPD if the interrogating EPD programs the IMD. A comprehensive history for the IMD may be constructed by tracing the values in the IMD and the programmer databases. | 01-16-2014 |
20140012111 | IMPLANTABLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING A CONTRA-ICTAL CONDITION IN A SUBJECT - Systems and methods of monitoring a subject's neurological condition are provided. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of analyzing a physiological signal (such as an EEG) from a subject to determine if the subject is in a contra-ictal condition; and if the subject is in a contra-ictal condition, providing an indication (e.g., to the subject and/or to a caregiver) that the subject is in the contra-ictal condition. The systems and methods may utilize a minimally invasive, leadless device to monitor the subject's condition. In some embodiments, if the subject is in a pro-ictal condition, the method includes the step of providing an indication (such as a red light) that the subject is in the pro-ictal condition. | 01-09-2014 |
20130289657 | PROGRAMMER UPGRADING METHODS, IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE PROGRAMMERS, AND ARTICLES OF MANUFACTURE - A method includes receiving identification data at a medical device programmer from a personal medical device via an electronic communication link between the medical device programmer and the personal medical device. The method includes receiving missing programming code at the medical device programmer, via the electronic communication link, from the personal medical device identified in the identification data. The medical device programmer is upgraded using the received missing programming code. The upgraded medical device programmer includes the missing programming code configured to program the identified personal medical device. The medical device programmer may be an IMD programmer including processing circuitry configured to receive identification data from an IMD. The processing circuitry is also configured to receive a missing programming module from the identified IMD for a module manager of the IMD programmer. | 10-31-2013 |
20130281797 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND APPARATUSES FOR DETECTING INCREASED RISK OF SUDDEN DEATH - Methods, systems, and apparatuses for detecting seizure events are disclosed, including a system for identification of an increased risk of a severe neurological event. The system may include an electroencephalogram (“EEG”) monitoring unit configured to collect EEG data from the patient during at least a postictal phase of one or more seizures and a processing unit configured to receive the EEG data from the EEG monitoring unit. The processing unit is configured to detect postictal EEG suppression from the EEG data and to identify the increased risk of the severe neurological event based on the detected postictal EEG suppression. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 10-24-2013 |
20130261703 | POWERING MULTIPLE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL THERAPY DELIVERY DEVICES USING FAR FIELD RADIATIVE POWERING AT MULTIPLE FREQUENCIES - A system includes a first implantable medical device configured to receive a first far field radiative signal at a first frequency from an external transmitter to charge a first charge storage device. The first implantable medical device includes a first therapy delivery unit powered by the first charge storage device. The first therapy delivery unit delivers a first therapy to a first target tissue of a patient. The system also includes a second implantable medical device configured to receive a second far field radiative signal at a second frequency from the external transmitter to charge a second charge storage device. The second implantable medical device includes a second therapy delivery unit powered by the second charge storage device. The second therapy delivery unit delivers a second therapy to a second target tissue of the patient. | 10-03-2013 |
20130253612 | CIRCUIT, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FAR-FIELD RADIATIVE POWERING OF AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An isolated circuit including a RF input configured to receive a far field radiative powering signal and a rectified voltage output configured to provide a rectified voltage based on the received far field radiative powering signal. The isolated circuit also includes a first power assembly comprising a first impedance coupled to the RF input where the first impedance is provided, at least in part, by activating a first switch in response to the rectified voltage satisfying a first voltage threshold. The isolated circuit also includes a second power assembly comprising a second impedance coupled to the RF input where the second impedance is provided, at least in part, by activating the first switch and a second switch in response to the rectified voltage satisfying the first voltage threshold and a second voltage threshold, respectively. | 09-26-2013 |
20130253604 | CRANIAL NERVE STIMULATION FOR TREATMENT OF SUBSTANCE ADDICTION - A method of treating a patient with at least one substance addiction, which comprises directly stimulating a cranial nerve, such as the vagus nerve, of a patient with an electrical pulse signal defined by a plurality of parameters to provide a therapy regimen for alleviating a symptom associated with the substance addiction. | 09-26-2013 |
20130245464 | DYNAMIC CRANIAL NERVE STIMULATION BASED ON BRAIN STATE DETERMINATION FROM CARDIAC DATA - A method of treating a medical condition in a patient using an implantable medical device, comprising providing an electrical signal generator; providing at least a first electrode operatively coupled to the electrical signal generator and to a vagus nerve of the patient; sensing cardiac data of the patient; determining at least a first cardiac parameter based upon said cardiac data; setting at least a first value; declaring an unstable brain state of a patient from said at least a first cardiac parameter and said at least a first value; and adjusting the at least a first value. Also, a computer readable program storage device encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computer, performs the method. In addition, the implantable medical device used in the method. | 09-19-2013 |
20130238058 | NEUROSTIMULATION WITH SIGNAL DURATION DETERMINED BY A CARDIAC CYCLE - We disclose a method of providing an electrical signal to a cranial nerve of a patient for treating a medical condition, comprising providing an electrical signal generator, coupling at least a first electrode to a cranial nerve of the patient and to the electrical signal generator, generating an electrical signal with the electrical signal generator, and applying the electrical signal to the cranial nerve, using the at least a first electrode, for a duration less than a cardiac period of the patient and during the cardiac period of the patient. We also disclose an implantable medical device capable of implementing the method. | 09-12-2013 |
20130238047 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICE FOR PROVIDING ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF CERVICAL VAGUS NERVES FOR TREATMENT OF CHRONIC CARDIAC DYSFUNCTION WITH LEADLESS HEART RATE MONITORING - An implantable device for providing electrical stimulation of cervical vagus nerves for treatment of chronic cardiac dysfunction with leadless heart rate monitoring is provided. A stimulation therapy lead includes helical electrodes configured to conform to an outer diameter of a cervical vagus nerve sheath, and a set of connector pins electrically connected to the helical electrodes. A neurostimulator includes an electrical receptacle into which the connector pins are securely and electrically coupled. The neurostimulator also includes a pulse generator configured to therapeutically stimulate the vagus nerve through the helical electrodes in alternating cycles of stimuli application and stimuli inhibition that are tuned to both efferently activate the heart's intrinsic nervous system and afferently activate the patient's central reflexes by triggering bi-directional action potentials. Finally, the neurostimulator includes an integrated leadless heart rate sensor configured to sense heart rate and to record the sensed heart rate as data into a memory. | 09-12-2013 |
20130207863 | ANTENNA SHIELD FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An implantable medical device includes a housing. An opening is present in the housing. The implantable medical device includes an antenna in the housing, where the antenna is located below the opening. The implantable medical device includes a cover coupled to edges of the housing defining the opening to close the opening. The cover enables passage of radio frequency signals at one or more communication frequencies to and from the antenna. The implantable medical device also includes an antenna shield positioned above the cover. The antenna shield reduces passage of radio frequency signals to and from at least a portion of the antenna during use. | 08-15-2013 |
20130204144 | DYNAMIC CRANIAL NERVE STIMULATION BASED ON BRAIN STATE DETERMINATION FROM CARDIAC DATA - A method of treating a medical condition in a patient using an implantable medical device, comprising providing an electrical signal generator; providing at least a first electrode operatively coupled to the electrical signal generator and to a vagus nerve of the patient; sensing cardiac data of the patient; determining at least a first cardiac parameter based upon said cardiac data; setting at least a first value; declaring an unstable brain state of a patient from said at least a first cardiac parameter and said at least a first value; and adjusting the at least a first value. Also, a computer readable program storage device encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computer, performs the method. In addition, the implantable medical device used in the method. | 08-08-2013 |
20130018440 | POWERING OF AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL THERAPY DELIVERY DEVICE USING FAR FIELD RADIATIVE POWERING AT MULTIPLE FREQUENCIES - A particular implantable device may include one or more antennas configured to receive a first far field radiative signal and a second far field radiative signal. The one or more antennas may be configured to receive the first far field radiative signal in a first frequency band and to receive the second far field radiative signal in a second frequency band. The implantable device may include a voltage rectifier configured to rectify the received first far field radiative signal and the received second far field radiative signal to provide a rectified voltage signal. The implantable device may further include a charge storage element operative to receive the rectified voltage signal and to store charge responsive to the rectified voltage signal. The implantable device may also include a therapy delivery unit powered by the charge storage element. The therapy delivery unit may be operative to deliver a therapy to a patient. | 01-17-2013 |
20130018439 | IMPLANTABLE NERVE WRAP FOR NERVE STIMULATION CONFIGURED FOR FAR FIELD RADIATIVE POWERING - A particular implantable device may include an antenna configured to receive a far field radiative signal. The implantable device may also include a voltage rectifier configured to rectify the far field radiative signal received by the antenna to provide a rectified voltage signal. The implantable device may further include a charge storage element operative to receive the rectified voltage signal and to store charge responsive to the rectified voltage signal. The implantable device may also include a stimulation module powered by the charge storage element. The stimulation module may be operative to generate an electrical stimulation signal to stimulate a target nerve of a patient. The implantable medical device may further include a nerve wrap configured to house the voltage rectifier, the charge storage element, and the stimulation module. The nerve wrap may include one or more electrodes operative to deliver the electrical stimulation signal to the target nerve. | 01-17-2013 |
20130018438 | FAR FIELD RADIATIVE POWERING OF IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL THERAPY DELIVERY DEVICES - A particular implantable device may include an antenna configured to receive a far field radiative signal. The implantable device may also include a voltage rectifier configured to rectify the far field radiative signal received by the antenna to provide a rectified voltage signal. The implantable device may further include a charge storage element operative to receive the rectified voltage signal and to store charge responsive to the rectified voltage signal. The implantable device may also include a therapy delivery unit powered by the charge storage element. The therapy delivery unit is operative to deliver a therapy to a patient. | 01-17-2013 |
20120330369 | CONTINGENT CARDIO-PROTECTION FOR EPILEPSY PATIENTS - Disclosed are methods and systems for treating epilepsy by stimulating a main trunk of a vagus nerve, or a left vagus nerve, when the patient has had no seizure or a seizure that is not characterized by cardiac changes such as an increase in heart rate, and stimulating a cardiac branch of a vagus nerve, or a right vagus nerve, when the patient has had a seizure characterized by cardiac changes such as a heart rate increase. | 12-27-2012 |
20120287004 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITHOUT ANTENNA FEEDTHROUGH - An implantable medical device includes a case having a conductive housing defining an opening. A dielectric material is coupled to the conductive housing to hermetically seal the opening. A header block is coupled to the case over the dielectric material. An antenna is within the case under the dielectric material and there is no antenna feedthrough extending through the case into the header block. | 11-15-2012 |
20120277831 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE CHARGING - A particular method of providing power to an implantable medical device includes providing a first signal to a primary coil that is inductively coupled to a secondary coil of an implantable medical device. The method also include determining a first alignment difference between a voltage corresponding to the first signal and at least one of a current corresponding to the first signal and a component voltage at a component of a primary coil circuit. The method further includes determining a frequency sweep range based on the first alignment difference. The method also includes performing a frequency sweep over the frequency sweep range. | 11-01-2012 |
20120277829 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CHARGING A POWER CELL IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Apparatus and methods for charging a power cell in an implantable medical device (“IMD”) are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes providing an electrical pulse to an inductor external to the IMD. A frequency of an oscillation signal induced in the inductor by the current pulse is measured. The inductor is driven with an oscillating signal having a frequency based on the measured frequency of the oscillation signal. The power cell is charged using current induced in the IMD by the driving of the inductor. | 11-01-2012 |
20120277816 | ADJUSTING NEIGHBORHOOD WIDTHS OF CANDIDATE HEART BEATS ACCORDING TO PREVIOUS HEART BEAT STATISTICS - Methods and systems for adjusting neighborhood widths of candidate heart beats, including being provided with a plurality of candidate heart beats, the candidate heart beats being associated with neighborhood widths in the time domain, and scaling the neighborhood widths, an amount of scaling being determined according to one or more previous heart rate statistics. | 11-01-2012 |
20120276856 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE ANTENNA - An implantable medical device includes a case having a conductive housing defining an opening. A dielectric material is coupled to the conductive housing to hermetically seal the opening. An antenna is within the case under the dielectric material. A header block is coupled to the case over the dielectric material. | 11-01-2012 |
20120276854 | Slot Antenna For An Implantable Device - An implantable medical device may include a case which houses components of the implantable medical device. The implantable medical device may include an inductive coil coupled to a rechargeable battery. The inductive coil may be operative to inductively couple to an external coil and to transfer energy from the external coil to the rechargeable battery to recharge the rechargeable battery. The implantable medical device may include a cutout formed in the case of the implantable medical device and filled with a dielectric material. The cutout may be operative to reduce eddy currents in the case during recharge of the rechargeable battery. The implantable medical device may include a slot antenna disposed within the case. The slot antenna may be operative to communicate with an external device through the cutout in the case. | 11-01-2012 |
20120274271 | INDUCTIVELY RECHARGEABLE IMPLANTABLE DEVICE WITH REDUCED EDDY CURRENTS - A case for an implantable medical device includes a metal case portion, having an inside and an outside, configured to attach to at least one other case portion to define a biocompatible case for the implantable medical device. The metal case portion has a plurality of grooves disposed on at least one of the inside and the outside, the grooves being oriented substantially perpendicular to an expected direction of eddy currents produced by an inductive recharging coil in proximity thereto. | 11-01-2012 |
20120271182 | Identifying Seizures Using Heart Data from Two of More Windows - Methods and systems for characterizing a seizure event in a patient, including determining a time of beat sequence of the patient's heart, determining a first HR measure for a first window, determining a second HR measure for a second window, wherein at least a portion of the first window occurs after the second window, determining at least one HR parameter based upon said first HR measure and said second HR measure, identifying an onset of the seizure event in response to determining that at least one HR parameter crosses an onset threshold, identifying an end of the seizure event in response to determining that at least one HR parameter crosses an offset threshold. | 10-25-2012 |
20120271181 | IDENTIFYING SEIZURES USING HEART RATE DECREASE - Methods and systems for detecting a seizure event, including receiving heart beat data versus time for a patient, detecting an increase in the heart rate of a patient from a baseline heart rate to an elevated heart rate, detecting a decrease in heart rate from the elevated heart rate, for a time interval occurring during said decrease in heart rate, determining at least one of a) a rate of decrease in heart rate and b) a rate of change in a rate of decrease in heart rate, and detecting a seizure event in response to determining at least one of a) a rate of decrease in heart rate greater than a threshold rate of decrease, and b) a rate of change in the rate of decrease less than a threshold rate of change in a rate of decrease. | 10-25-2012 |
20120265266 | DEVICE LONGEVITY PREDICTION FOR A DEVICE HAVING VARIABLE ENERGY CONSUMPTION - A system and method for estimating the longevity of an implantable medical device (IMD). In one embodiment of a method for estimating a life of a power source of an implantable medical device, a first life estimate of the power source is determined based on a first open-loop value corresponding to an open-loop parameter for open-loop therapy delivery, a first closed loop value corresponding to a closed-loop parameter for closed-loop therapy delivery, and prior usage data corresponding to prior therapy delivery. The first life estimate of the power source is displayed. The first life estimate displayed includes a first open-loop portion associated with open-loop therapy delivery and a first closed-loop portion associated with closed-loop therapy delivery. | 10-18-2012 |
20120221065 | LEAD CONDITION ASSESSMENT FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A method, system, and apparatus for performing a lead condition assessment and/or a lead orientation determination associated with an implantable medical device (IMD). A first impedance is determined. The first impedance relates to the impedance relative to a first electrode and a portion of the IMD. A second impedance is determined. The second impedance relates to the impedance relative to a second electrode and the portion of the IMD. The first impedance is compared with the second impedance to determine an impedance difference. A determination is made whether the impedance difference is outside a predetermined tolerance range. Furthermore, artifact measured during impedance measurements or test pulses may be compared to assess lead orientation. An indication of a lead condition error is provided in response to determining that the impedance difference is outside the predetermined tolerance range. | 08-30-2012 |
20120130452 | SAFE-MODE OPERATION OF AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An implantable medical device (IMD) may include a lead circuit including a first node configured to be coupled to a first lead that may be coupled to a first target tissue and including a second node configured to be coupled to a second lead that may be coupled to a second target tissue. The IMD may include an impedance unit that may determine at least one characteristic of coupled energy associated with the lead circuit, where the coupled energy may be produced by a source external to the IMD. The impedance unit may provide an impedance between the first node and the second node, where the impedance is selected based at least in part on a characteristic of the coupled energy. The impedance is selected to reduce the coupled energy or a negative effect associated with functionality of the IMD induced by the coupled energy. | 05-24-2012 |
20120035953 | Method and Apparatus for Integrating Implantable Medical Device Data - Methods and systems for constructing a comprehensive history for an IMD are disclosed. The method includes interrogating an implantable medical device (IMD) with an interrogating external programmer device (EPD), and comparing a unique signature associated with the interrogating EPD to a stored signature, associated with a particular programmer device that most immediately previously programmed the IMD, in memory of the IMD. If the unique signature of the interrogating programmer device is not the same as the stored signature, the method includes recording the stored signature in the interrogating EPD. The method may optionally include replacing the stored signature in the IMD memory with the unique signature of the interrogating EPD if the interrogating EPD programs the IMD. A comprehensive history for the IMD may be constructed by tracing the values in the IMD and the programmer databases. | 02-09-2012 |
20110270359 | DELIVERING SCHEDULED AND UNSCHEDULED THERAPY WITHOUT DETRIMENT TO BATTERY LIFE OR ACCURACY OF LONGEVITY PREDICTIONS - 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. | 11-03-2011 |
20110224767 | ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY WITH FIBERS FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE - An electrode assembly includes an electrode adapted to at least partially surround a first longitudinal portion of a target nerve or nerve bundle. The electrode includes an inner surface adapted to contact an outer surface of the target nerve or nerve bundle. The electrode also includes a plurality of fiber elements each having a proximal end and a distal end. The fiber elements are coupled at the proximal ends to the inner surface of the electrode and the distal ends of the fiber elements are operative to penetrate the outer surface of the target nerve or nerve bundle. | 09-15-2011 |
20110224758 | Dosing Limitation For An Implantable Medical Device - An implantable medical device (IMD) including an input interface that operates to receive an external input and a stimulation mode controller coupled to the input interface. The stimulation mode controller operates to temporarily interrupt a normal stimulation mode of the IMD in response to the external input. The IMD also includes an alternative stimulation selection module coupled to the stimulation mode controller, the alternative stimulation selection module operating to determine whether to implement an alternative mode of electrical signal therapy based on the external input and a threshold. The alternative mode differs in at least one stimulation parameter from the normal stimulation mode. The stimulation mode controller further operates to implement the alternative mode of the electrical signal therapy based on the determination of the alternative stimulation selection module. | 09-15-2011 |
20110178569 | STIMULATING CRANIAL NERVE TO TREAT PULMONARY DISORDER - Systems and methods to treat a pulmonary disorder are provided. A particular method includes positioning an electrode in a patient's body at a location proximate a branch of a vagus nerve. The branch of the vagus nerve includes at least one of a bronchial branch of the vagus nerve and a pulmonary plexus. The method also includes activating the electrode such that energy is delivered from the electrode to the branch of the vagus nerve so as to block intrinsic neural activity in the branch of the vagus nerve to treat the pulmonary disorder. | 07-21-2011 |
20110172732 | USING PHYSIOLOGICAL SENSOR DATA WITH AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An implantable medical system includes an implantable medical device (IMD) and an electrode coupleable to the IMD. The electrode is operative to deliver a first electrical signal from the IMD to a neural structure. The system includes a sensor coupleable to the IMD. The sensor is operative to sense a physiological parameter. The physiological parameter may include at least one of a neurotransmitter parameter, a neurotransmitter breakdown product parameter, a neuropeptide parameter, a norepinephrine parameter, a glucocorticoid (GC) parameter, a neuromodulator parameter, a neuromodulator breakdown product parameter, an amino acid parameter, and a hormone parameter. The IMD includes a controller operative to change a parameter of the first electrical signal based upon at least one sensed physiological parameter to generate a second electrical signal and to apply the second electrical signal to the neural structure. | 07-14-2011 |
20100268495 | POWER SUPPLY MONITORING FOR AN IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - A method and an apparatus for projecting an end of service (EOS) and/or an elective replacement indication (ERI) of a component in an implantable device is provided. The method comprises measuring the measured voltage of the energy storage device, and determining whether the measured voltage is less than a transition voltage. When the measured voltage is less than the transition voltage, determining a time period remaining until an end of service of the energy storage device is based upon a function of the measured voltage. When the measured voltage is greater than or equal to the transition voltage, determining a time period remaining until an end of service of the energy storage device is based upon a function of the total charge depleted. The transition voltage is a voltage associated with the transition point of non-linearity in the battery voltage depletion curve. | 10-21-2010 |
20100198313 | POWER SUPPLY MONITORING FOR AN IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - A method and an apparatus for determining a time period remaining in a useful life of an energy storage device in an implantable medical device. The method may include measuring a voltage of the energy storage device to produce a measured voltage, and comparing the measured voltage to a transition voltage. While the measured voltage is greater than or equal to the transition voltage, the time period remaining in the energy storage device's useful life is approximated based upon a function of charge depleted. While the measured voltage is less than the transition voltage, the time period remaining in the energy storage device's useful life is approximated based upon a higher order polynomial function of the measured voltage. The transition voltage corresponds to a predetermined point on a energy storage device voltage depletion curve representing the voltage across the energy storage device over time. | 08-05-2010 |
20100192374 | Multi-Electrode Assembly for an Implantable Medical Device - A method, system, and apparatus are provided for an electrode assembly comprising a plurality of electrodes for use with an implantable medical device for conducting an electrical signal between the implantable medical device and a target tissue. The electrode assembly includes a helical member and first and second electrodes formed upon the helical member. The first and second electrodes are adapted to deliver the electrical signal. The electrode assembly also includes a first conductive element formed upon the helical member and operatively coupled to the first electrode. The electrode assembly also includes a second conductive element formed upon the helical member and operatively coupled to the second electrode. | 08-05-2010 |
20100101944 | VACUUM MANDREL FOR USE IN FABRICATING AN IMPLANTABLE ELECTRODE - A vacuum mandrel for use in fabricating an implantable electrode comprises a hollow body member and a first groove provided radially on an outer surface of the hollow body member. The first groove is adapted to receive an implantable electrode and retain the electrode in place with a vacuum pressure during an elastomeric encapsulation of the electrode. The vacuum mandrel further comprises a vacuum port provided in the first groove. | 04-29-2010 |
20090030492 | NERVE LEAD TIE DOWN WITH BEARING - A lead tie-down for limiting movement of an electrical lead from an implantable medical device is disclosed. Some system embodiments include a lead assembly having an electrical lead and a stimulating electrode and a lead tie-down coupled to the electrical lead and configured for coupling to surrounding tissue. The lead tie-down permits rotational movement of the electrical lead relative to the lead tie-down. In some embodiments, the lead tie-down includes a clamping member having a bore therethrough. The bore is configured to receive an electrical lead extending from an implantable medical device and to permit rotation of the lead within the clamping member. | 01-29-2009 |
20090012590 | Neural Conductor - Methods and devices for reducing current spread in nerve stimulation therapy are described herein. The disclosed methods and devices utilize a novel neural conductor placed between electrodes in an implantable medical device. The neural conductor provides a path for the current to pass through rather than allowing current to spread to neighboring tissues. In an embodiment, an electrode assembly for reducing current spread in nerve stimulation therapy comprises a first and a second electrode adapted to be coupled to a target nerve. In addition, the electrode assembly comprises a neural conductor which is spaced apart from the first and second electrodes. | 01-08-2009 |