Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080214920 | Apparatus and Method For Coupling Implanted Electrodes to Nervous Tissue - An apparatus and method for improving electrical contact between an implanted device ( | 09-04-2008 |
20080242964 | MEDICAL LEAD DELIVERY DEVICE - The medical lead delivery device combines features of a guidewire and a stylet in order to more easily and quickly deliver a lead to or through the coronary vein of a patient's heart. The medical lead delivery device includes an elongated body, a controller, a first and second spring, and a sleeve. The elongated body includes a proximal end and a distal end. The controller is disposed at the proximal end and provides enhanced control of the distal tip of the elongated body. | 10-02-2008 |
20080319298 | CMOS Compatible Microneedle Structures - The present invention provides an electronic device for sensing and/or actuating, the electronic device comprising at least one microneedle ( | 12-25-2008 |
20090099441 | BRAIDED ELECTRODES - Electrodes for intracorporeal and other uses are provided. The invention features sterilizable, braided electrodes which are formed of or include conductive elements in electronic communication with a plurality of sites for electrical stimulation or sensing. Other active elements may be included in the braided electrodes. | 04-16-2009 |
20090270707 | Sensor Assemblies for Implantable Medical Electrical Leads - A sensor assembly, which may be incorporated by a medical electrical lead, includes an insulative body, formed from a biocompatible plastic, and a sensor mounted on a mounting surface of the insulative body. The mounting surface extends distally from a proximal portion of the insulative body in which first and second conductive inserts extend, being spaced apart and isolated from one another. The sensor is coupled to each of the first and second conductive inserts, and the first conductive insert includes a conductor-coupling end extending proximally from the proximal portion of the insulative body. The sensor assembly may further include an electrode extending around the sensor and the insulative body, wherein the electrode includes an aperture approximately aligned with an active surface of the sensor to expose the active surface. A mounting platform assembly for the sensor assembly may include the conductive inserts and the insulative body. | 10-29-2009 |
20090299164 | IMPLANTATION OF IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - In general, the invention is directed to strategies pertaining to implantation of an implantable medical device between a scalp and a skull of the patient. The invention pertains to collection of data such as data pertaining to the skull of the patient, the scalp of the patient, the vascular structure or neurological structures in the head of the patient, and the like. The data may be in the form of images, such as images generated by X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, CT-scan and fluoroscopy. A surgeon can use the collected data to determine, for example, whether the patient is a candidate for a cranial implantation, whether the patient's skull and scalp can support the implantation, what configuration of device should be implanted, where the device should be implanted, and how the surgical incisions should be made. | 12-03-2009 |
20090299165 | IMPLANTATION OF IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - In general, the invention is directed to strategies pertaining to implantation of an implantable medical device between a scalp and a skull of the patient. The invention pertains to collection of data such as data pertaining to the skull of the patient, the scalp of the patient, the vascular structure or neurological structures in the head of the patient, and the like. The data may be in the form of images, such as images generated by X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, CT-scan and fluoroscopy. A surgeon can use the collected data to determine, for example, whether the patient is a candidate for a cranial implantation, whether the patient's skull and scalp can support the implantation, what configuration of device should be implanted, where the device should be implanted, and how the surgical incisions should be made. | 12-03-2009 |
20100087725 | Novel Sheath and Electrical Lead - The invention describes a steerable sheath for percutaneous epicardial access. The invention also describes a novel lead to facilitate left ventricular pacing and efficient defibrillation. | 04-08-2010 |
20100217107 | MEDICAL IMPLANTABLE LEAD AND METHOD FOR MOUNTING THE SAME - In a medical implantable lead and method for monitoring and/or controlling of an organ inside a human or animal body, the lead has a helix in a distal end that is rotatable by an inner wire coil ( | 08-26-2010 |
20100268055 | Self-Anchoring MEMS Intrafascicular Neural Electrode - The present invention provides a self anchoring electrode for recording, measuring and/or stimulating nerve activity in nerves and/or nerve fascicles of the peripheral nervous system, and methods for using such a self anchoring electrode. | 10-21-2010 |
20100317955 | IMPLANTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES FOR DETECTING HYPOGLYCAEMIA USING EEG SIGNALS - Apparatus for capturing EEG signals comprising an implantable signal capture unit ( | 12-16-2010 |
20110118583 | DEVICE FOR DIAGNOSING TISSUE INJURY - The device for diagnosing tissue injury of the invention has a catheter insertable into the body and a radical sensor provided in the catheter, and is characterized in that the radical sensor has a sensor electrode capable of measuring superoxide anion radicals provided at a tip end of the catheter, a lead wire connector for a sensor provided at a basal portion of the catheter, and a lead wire for a sensor for connecting the sensor electrode portion to the lead wire connector for a sensor. With the device, in vivo free radicals typified by superoxide anions in systemic organ or tissue injury caused by cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury, severe infection or sepsis can be promptly and quantitatively monitored, and whether the in vivo tissue conditions are good or not can be accurately diagnosed. | 05-19-2011 |
20110144469 | Bacterial/Cellular Recognition Impedance Algorithm - A method for characterising cells or cell structures in a sample comprising: obtaining at least one normalized impedance response of the sample over at least one frequency range; and characterising at least one cell using at least one characteristic of the normalized impedance response. | 06-16-2011 |
20110160558 | IMPLANTABLE RADIOPAQUE MARKING - Specified information can be provided to a user, to a machine, or to an automated process using a specified configuration of a plurality of radiopaque rings about at least a portion of an implantable lead. | 06-30-2011 |
20110218416 | Needle Electrode Module - The invention is a needle electrode module, such as for use in neurodiagnostic monitoring, that helps minimize the risk of needle-stick injuries. As described, the needle electrode module includes a means for preventing the exposure of the distal end of a needle element until the module is placed against a surface. In an embodiment, the distal end of a needle element may be retracted into the needle electrode module when the needle electrode module is removed from the punctured surface and, once retracted, the distal end of the needle may be prevented from being accidentally re-exposed. Several embodiments use a mechanical mechanism to hold the distal end of the needle element in the retracted or exposed positions and a spring force to retract the distal end of the needle. Another embodiment uses suction to hold the distal end of the needle element in the exposed position and the force necessary to deform the body of the needle electrode module to retract the distal end of the needle element in the retracted position and maintain it in the retracted position. | 09-08-2011 |
20110230747 | IMPLANTABLE BIOMEDICAL DEVICES ON BIORESORBABLE SUBSTRATES - Provided herein are implantable biomedical devices and methods of administering implantable biomedical devices, making implantable biomedical devices, and using implantable biomedical devices to actuate a target tissue or sense a parameter associated with the target tissue in a biological environment. | 09-22-2011 |
20110237921 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FLEXIBLE ELECTRODES - Disclosed herein are systems and methods for producing and using electrodes, which may be flexible and/or stretchable, and interconnection structures that can be used both externally and/or implanted within the body. Electrodes according to various embodiments disclosed herein may be produced by depositing patterned layers of insulating and conductive polymers to form multi-layer circuits. The conductive materials and layers in the structure can be exposed on the surface of the structures for use as electrodes. A plurality of electrodes may be formed into an electrode array. In various embodiments, electrode arrays may be associated with telemetry modules configured to wirelessly transmit data collected by the electrode array to a receiver module. | 09-29-2011 |
20110257501 | Bio-Hybrid Implant for Connecting a Neural Interface With a Host Nervous System - A bio-hybrid implant suitable for recording and/or stimulating cells, the implant comprising (a) at least one closed insulated chamber ( | 10-20-2011 |
20110270067 | Biocompatible Bonding Method - The invention is a device and method for connecting a hermetic package to a flexible circuit such as for an electrode array in an implantable device. Attaching metal pads on a flexible circuit to metal pads on a hermetic device by conductive adhesive is known. A smooth metal, such as platinum, does not bond well to conductive epoxy. The invention provides a roughened surface, such as etching or applying high surface area platinum gray, to improve adhesion to platinum or other metal pads. | 11-03-2011 |
20120004527 | Communication System Using an Implantable Device - The system of the present invention includes an implantable device that can detect high and low frequency current signature. The implantable device can communicate with a communication device that includes a conductive element, an electronic component, and a partial power source in the form of dissimilar materials. Upon contact with a conducting fluid, the communication device is activated. | 01-05-2012 |
20120041293 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PROCESSING PULSE SIGNALS, AND IN PARTICULAR NEURAL ACTION POTENTIAL SIGNALS - A method for estimating a level of noise affecting a sampled and digitized pulse signal, such as a neural action potential signal; detecting signal pulses by thresholding, the threshold being determined by estimating a level of noise according to the method; and classifying thus-detected signals. An implantable device can carry out the methods. The method and device are applicable to the field of embedded signal processing for multiple electrode arrays implanted in a neural tissue such as a brain. | 02-16-2012 |
20120059238 | System for transcutaneous monitoring of intracranial pressure - A system for measuring and converting to an observer intelligible form an internal physiological parameter of a patient. The invention allows transcutaneous telemetry of intracranial pressure via a system which includes a patient implanted sensor module and an external processing module, optically coupled to the sensor module via an external coupling module. A sensor within the sensor module transduces the measured pressure and a near infrared emitter transmits the telemetry when interrogated by the external coupling module. A set of tuned inductor-crystal circuits comprised in part of a cylindrical crystal oscillator whose resonant frequency is sensed by a dipper circuit arrangement is provided. Power for the sensor module is derived inductively through rectification of a transcutaneously-applied high-frequency alternating electromagnetic field generated within the external coupling module. A computer within the processing module calculates the physiological parameter from the telemetry signal and represents this data in numerical, graphical, or analog format. | 03-08-2012 |
20120143031 | Deriving Patient Activity Information from Sensed Body Electrical Information - Electrodes of a subcutaneous monitoring system receive body electrical signals that indicate both cardiac and non-cardiac muscle activity. In general, non-cardiac muscle activity is often correlated with physical activity, and physical activity is typically a strong indicator of patient health. Exemplary systems and methods that detect non-cardiac muscle activity information in sensed body electrical waveforms may provide a diagnostic tool for monitoring physical activity level over time in patients that have subcutaneous monitoring systems. In an illustrative embodiment, systems and methods for presenting patient activity information in a graphical format over intervals of time include processing ECG waveform information to identify and to accumulate non-cardiac muscular activity information during each of the intervals of time. In various implementations, number, intensity, and/or duration of the events that are identified during a time interval may be accumulated and stored for subsequent recall. | 06-07-2012 |
20120157815 | Evoked Stapedius Reflex Threshold (ESRT) Tile Electrode - An electrode arrangement is described for sensing electrical activity in target tissue. An inner electrode has an elongate electrode body formed as a cylindrical section with an inner penetrating end for insertion into the stapedius muscle target tissue. An outer electrode fits over the inner electrode and an outer penetrating end for insertion into the target tissue. The two electrodes are joined together with their electrode bodies in parallel so that the penetrating ends of the electrodes penetrate in the same direction into the target tissue to sense electrical activity in the target tissue. | 06-21-2012 |
20120209100 | BIOCOMPATIBLE PACKAGING - A method is disclosed for packaging a device, e.g., for bio-medical applications. In one aspect, the method includes obtaining a component on a substrate and separating the component and a first part of the substrate from a second part of the substrate using at least one physical process inducing at least one sloped side wall on the first part of the substrate. The method also includes providing an encapsulation for the chip. The resulting packaged chip advantageously has a good step coverage resulting in a good hermeticity, less sharp edges resulting in a reduced risk of damaging or infection after implantation and has a relatively small packaged volume compared to conventional big box packaging techniques. | 08-16-2012 |
20120232373 | MEDICAL IMPLANATBLE LEAD WITH FIXATION DETECTION - The invention relates to a medical implantable lead of the kind being adapted to be implanted into a human or animal body for monitoring and/or controlling of an organ inside the body. The lead comprises in a distal end a tubular header ( | 09-13-2012 |
20120245449 | APPARATUS FOR STIMULATING AND/OR MONITORING ACTIVITY IN TISSUE - A prosthesis is provided comprising a substrate having a distal end and a proximal end; and a plurality of electrodes located at or adjacent the distal end of the substrate. The distal end of the substrate is configured for insertion, via an incision, between first and second tissue layers, such as the sclera and choroid in the eye. The prosthesis tapers in thickness towards the distal end and has a substantially curved provide profile at least on one surface so that the prosthesis can be inserted into position without needing a guide and without causing damage to the tissue or the prosthesis. The prosthesis can include an electrode interface unit located at or adjacent the proximal end of the substrate which locates between the tissue layers. An anchor portion can be provided that extends from the substrate into the incision. | 09-27-2012 |
20120283544 | IMPLANTABLE APPARATUS FOR DETECTION OF EXTERNAL NOISE USING MOTION SENSOR SIGNAL - Detects external noise using a motion sensor signal for example to increase the specificity of arrhythmia detections based on active muscle noise detection. Whenever a motion signal is present that is below or above a certain frequency, for example 5 Hz, or within a certain frequency range, for example 1 to 10 Hz, and/or above a certain amplitude, for example greater than 1 mg, or close to a known motion pattern, then the detection of fast ventricular arrhythmia is suspended. For the detection of slow arrhythmia, for example asystole or syncope, an episode is confirmed when a short lasting motion sensor signal occurs. Uses a motion sensor based signal, for example as obtained from an accelerometer on an implantable electrode lead and/or implantable device. | 11-08-2012 |
20120310067 | PROBES HAVING DEPLOYABLE SITES AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME - A probe for interfacing with biological tissue includes a shank. A site to receive a signal from or stimulate the biological tissue is deployably connected to the shank. An insulated interconnect is connected to the site to guide signals or a fluid between the site and the shank. An actuator displaces the site away from a protected position on the shank to a deployed position in the biological tissue to be monitored or stimulated by the site. | 12-06-2012 |
20120316417 | GUIDE TUBE FOR AN IMPLANTABLE DEVICE SYSTEM - An apparatus comprising an electrode subsystem configured to interface to biological tissue, an electronic subsystem electrically coupled to the electrode subsystem by a connector, and a guide tube disposed over at least a portion of the electrode subsystem and the connector. The guide tube includes material to provide stiffness to the electrode subsystem and the connector in an axial direction of the guide tube. The guide tube material is removable from the electrode subsystem and the connector over the electronic subsystem when the electrode subsystem is positioned to interface to the biological tissue and while the electronic subsystem remains electrically coupled to the electrode subsystem. | 12-13-2012 |
20120323102 | NEURAL PROBE ARRAY AND METHOD OF USE - A neural probe device includes a housing configured to receive a nerve fiber of a subject and an anchor disposed within the housing and configured to fix the nerve fiber relative to the housing. The device further includes a plurality of actuatable, moveable electrodes disposed in the housing along a length of the nerve fiber, each moveable electrode comprising a plurality of projections containing one or more electrodes thereon, wherein actuation of the moveable electrode causes the moveable electrode to move generally transverse to a long axis of the nerve fiber and penetrate the nerve fiber with the plurality of projections. The device is also optionally configured to inject a growth factor into the nerve fiber to maintain the viability of the nerve fiber. | 12-20-2012 |
20120323103 | MICROELECTRODE WITH LATERALLY EXTENDING PLATFORM FOR REDUCTION OF TISSUE ENCAPSULATION - In some embodiments, an implantable microelectrode is provided with a shank comprised of a laterally extending platform whose thickness and/or configuration contributes to reduced tissue encapsulation, with at least one electrode site disposed at least partially on or in the laterally extending platform. Novel methods of designing, making, and using an implantable microelectrode or biosensor resulting in reduced tissue encapsulation are also disclosed. | 12-20-2012 |
20120330123 | MEDICAL SENSOR SYSTEM - A medical sensor system which includes at least one sensor lead which can be implanted in the body of a human/animal, comprising two end sections, wherein the end sections are designed to be routed through two artificial openings in the surface of the body. The sensor lead includes, between the two end sections, at least one sensor for detecting a biological measured quantity. The sensor system furthermore includes at least one fastening element disposed on the surface of the body, which can be connected to the end sections guided through the body openings for affixing the implanted sensor lead, wherein the at least one fastening element comprises a device for processing sensor signals, and an energy source for supplying the sensor system with electrical energy. | 12-27-2012 |
20130006085 | Methods and Devices for Accurately Classifying Cardiac Activity - Methods, systems, and devices for signal analysis in an implanted cardiac monitoring and treatment device such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. In illustrative examples, captured data including detected events is analyzed to identify likely overdetection of cardiac events. In some illustrative examples, when overdetection is identified, data may be modified to correct for overdetection, to reduce the impact of overdetection, or to ignore overdetected data. New methods for organizing the use of morphology and rate analysis in an overall architecture for rhythm classification and cardiac signal analysis are also discussed. | 01-03-2013 |
20130012801 | Probe Element and Method of Forming a Probe Element - A probe element and a method of forming a probe element are provided. The probe element includes a carrier comprising biodegradable and/or bioactive material; and at least one electrode coupled to the carrier. | 01-10-2013 |
20130030274 | Integrated Optical Neural Probe - In certain embodiments, a neural probe comprises a substrate comprising elongated shanks for penetrating neural tissue, each comprising a proximal end and a distal end; at least one optical source integral to the neural probe for illuminating the neural tissue; and microelectrodes located proximate the distal end of the elongated shanks for monitoring neuronal activity. In certain embodiments, a method of monitoring neuronal activity comprises implanting the neural probe into a test subject such that the elongated shanks protrude into neural tissue of the test subject; illuminating the neural tissue with the at least one optical source; and measuring neuronal activity in response to illuminating the neural tissue. In certain embodiments, a device comprises a semiconductor chip; at least one optical source integral to the semiconductor chip; and sensor elements integral to the semiconductor chip for collecting data responsive to light emitted from the at least one optical source. | 01-31-2013 |
20130030275 | OPTO-ELECTRICAL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ARTIFACT REDUCTION - An optical electrode having a plurality of electrodes, including a recording electrode having a roughened surface and an optical light source configured to emit light, wherein at least a portion of the light impinges on the recording electrode. Also disclosed are methods of producing an optical electrode and an opto-electronic neural interface system. | 01-31-2013 |
20130035577 | System for Transcutaneous Monitoring of Intracranial Pressure - A system for measuring and converting to an observer intelligible form an internal physiological parameter of a patient. The invention allows transcutaneous telemetry of intracranial pressure via a system which includes a patient implanted sensor module and an external processing module, optically coupled to the sensor module via an external coupling module. A sensor within the sensor module transduces the measured pressure and a near infrared emitter transmits the telemetry when interrogated by the external coupling module. A set of tuned inductor-crystal circuits comprised in part of a cylindrical crystal oscillator whose resonant frequency is sensed by a dipper circuit arrangement is provided. Power for the sensor module is derived inductively through rectification of a transcutaneously-applied high-frequency alternating electromagnetic field generated within the external coupling module. A computer within the processing module calculates the physiological parameter from the telemetry signal and represents this data in numerical, graphical, or analog format. | 02-07-2013 |
20130053670 | PRETERM LABOR MONITOR - A system, method and apparatus for monitoring uterine and/or cervical activity indicative of labor in a patient. The system includes a medical device and a data processor in communication with the medical device. The medical device includes a structural component, a first electrode attached to the structural component, and a second electrode attached to the structural component. The structural component is structured to be in contact with a cervical surface and a vaginal surface of the patient, such that said first electrode is in electrical contact with said cervical surface and said second electrode is in electrical contact with said vaginal surface. The first electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the cervical surface and the second electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the uterus through the vaginal surface. The data processor is adapted to process the electrical activity of the electrodes to detect contractions on a surface of the patient indicative of labor. | 02-28-2013 |
20130053671 | SPACE-EFFICIENT CONTAINMENT DEVICES AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - Containment devices and methods of manufacture and assembly are provided. In an embodiment, the device includes at least one microchip element, which includes a containment reservoir that can be electrically activated to open, and a first electronic printed circuit board (PCB) which comprises a biocompatible substrate. The first PCB may have a first side on which one or more electronic components are fixed and an opposed second side on which the microchip element is fixed in electrical connection to the one or more electronic components. The device may further include a second PCB and a housing ring securing the first PCB together with the second PCB. The microchip element may include a plurality of containment reservoirs, which may be microreservoirs, and/or which may contain a drug formulation or a sensor element. | 02-28-2013 |
20130066182 | Methods for Forming an Electrode Device with Reduced Impedance - Improved low-cost, highly reliable methods for increasing the electrochemical surface area of neural electrodes are described. A mono-layer of polymeric nanospheres is first deposited on a metallization supported on a dielectric substrate. The nanospheres self-assemble into generally repeating lattice forms with interstitial space between them. Then, the geometric surface area of the metallization material is increased by either selectively etching part-way into its depth at the interstitial space between adjacent nanospheres. Another technique is to deposit addition metallization material into the interstitial space. The result is undulation surface features provided on the exposed surface of the metallization. This helps improve the electrochemical surface area when the treated metallizations are fabricated into electrodes. | 03-14-2013 |
20130079615 | NEURAL PROBE WITH OPTICAL STIMULATION CAPABILITY - A neural probe is disclosed for optically stimulating or silencing neurons and recording electrical responses to the stimulus. Using patterning techniques, an integral optical waveguide may be fabricated on the probe for transmitting neuron-affecting light from a light source to a probe tip. The probe tip may include one or more electrodes to receive electrical responses from stimulated neurons for recording or further processing. According to various embodiments, the disclosed neural probes may utilize multiple light sources simultaneously, switch between multiple light sources, or utilize a single light source to stimulate or silence multiple neuron locations simultaneously via multiple probe tips or via multiple light-emitting sites located along the length of the probe. Neural probes are thereby provided that have sufficient spatial resolution to accurately target, stimulate, and record the reaction of neurons, or as few as a single neuron, utilizing a slim, compact structure. | 03-28-2013 |
20130085361 | DEVICE FOR INTERACTING WITH NEUROLOGICAL TISSUE AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - Described herein are microelectrode array devices, and methods of fabrication, assembly and use of the same, to provide highly localized neural recording and/or neural stimulation to a neurological target. The device includes multiple microelectrode elements arranged protruding shafts. The protruding shafts are enclosed within an elongated probe shaft, and can be expanded from their enclosure. The microelectrode elements, and elongated probe shafts, are dimensioned in order to target small volumes of neurons located within the nervous system, such as in the deep brain region. Beneficially, the probe can be used to quickly identify the location of a neurological target, and remain implanted for long-term monitoring and/or stimulation. | 04-04-2013 |
20130090542 | IMPLANTABLE MICRO-COMPONENT ELECTRODES - The present disclosure provides robust implantable micro-component electrodes that can be used in a variety of medical devices. The medical device may be a neural probe that can monitor or stimulate neural activity in an organism's brain, spine, nerves, or organs, for example. The micro-component electrode has a small physical profile, with ultra-thin dimensions, while having high strength and flexibility. The micro-electrode has an electrically conductive core material, e.g., carbon. The surface of the core material includes one or more electrically conductive regions coated with an electrically conductive material and one or more non-conductive regions having an electrically non-conductive biocompatible polymeric coating. Implantable devices having such micro-components are capable of implantation in an organism for very long durations. | 04-11-2013 |
20130144145 | IMPLANTABLE NEURAL TISSUE REPORTING PROBE AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING AND IMPLANTING SAME - A method of manufacturing an implantable neural tissue reporting probe may include affixing multiple electrodes to polymeric material; heating the polymeric material to a temperature that is above its glass transition temperature, but below its melting temperature; applying force to the polymeric material while heated so as to cause the polymeric material to change into a shape that is suitable for implanting in neural tissue, the shape including a compartment having at least one opening therein sized to permit dendritic growth to occur through the opening from outside of the compartment to within the compartment after the probe is implanted; and allowing the polymeric material to cool down below its glass transition temperature while maintaining the shape of the compartment, including while maintaining the shape of the opening therein. Related probes and methods of implanting them into neural tissue are also disclosed. | 06-06-2013 |
20130184551 | NEUROMONITORING DILATOR - A neuromonitoring dilator including a dilator portion and a probe portion. Each of the dilator portion and the probe portion may be provided with at least one electrode for nerve surveillance. The electrodes may be electrically connectable to a control unit in such a way as to be electrically insulated from each other. | 07-18-2013 |
20130197338 | PAIN SIGNAL MEASUREMENT DEVICE AND PAIN SIGNAL MEASURING AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF - Provided is a pain signal measurement device including a microprobe array inserted into a skin to measure a pain signal. The microprobe array includes a guard electrode disposed on a substrate; a plurality of microprobes penetrating the substrate and the guard electrode, electrically insulated from the guard electrode, and measuring a voltage or current of the skin into which the microprobe array is inserted; and an insulating layer disposed between the guard electrode and a guarded electrode of each of the microprobes to reduce a noise between the microprobes. A surface of the insulating layer of each of the microprobes is grounded to the guard electrode. | 08-01-2013 |
20130211222 | SENSING PROBE COMPRISING MULTIPLE, SPATIALLY SEPARATE, SENSING SITES - A single sensing probe comprising multiple, spatially separate, sensing sites is utilized to sense neural activity. The sensing probe includes multiple conductors each with multiple sensing sites in a fixed geometric arrangement. The sensing probe is configured to comprise multiple combined sensing sites in polytrode configuration. By appropriately combining the wire groupings at each combined sensing site, activity sensed from a single wire with multiple sensing sites, can be coupled with other wires to unmix signals from the spatially separate sites and leverage the power of combinatorics to maximize total recording bandwidth and single neuron/unit yield per wire and per probe. | 08-15-2013 |
20130225964 | ELECTRODE FOR INTRAOPERATIVE NERVE STIMULATION - An electrode for intraoperative nerve stimulation of the vagus nerve, which electrode is suitable for continuous neuromonitoring during an operation and has an electrode holder with a strip-shaped design and made of an elastic material, and at least one electrically conductive contact surface, the latter being connectable via a signal-transmission medium to a signal transmitter and/or signal receiver and touching the vagus nerve on part of its circumference during the application. The electrode includes a first portion with a plastically deformable material such that, during the application, the electrode holder can be formed onto a vessel wall of a first blood vessel extending parallel to the vagus nerve and encompasses this blood vessel in order to affix the electrode in a hook-shaped fashion and by a second portion which, with an opposing curvature to that of the first portion can be placed around the vagus nerve in a loop-like fashion. | 08-29-2013 |
20130253299 | MONITORING AND REGULATING PHYSIOLOGICAL STATES AND FUNCTIONS VIA SENSORY NEURAL INPUTS TO THE SPINAL CORD - Methods and apparatuses for monitoring and regulating physiological states and functions are disclosed. Several embodiments include application of one or more microelectrode arrays to a dorsal root ganglion for measurement of sensory neuron activity, or stimulation of sensory reflex circuits. The methods and apparatuses can be used, for example, for monitoring or controlling bladder function in a patient. | 09-26-2013 |
20130267816 | SYSTEM FOR RECORDING ELECTRONEUROGRAPHIC ACTIVITY - A system for recording electroneurographic activity comprising at least three neurosense electrodes capable of sensing a nerve signal from a peripheral nerve and means for receiving and processing the sensed nerve signal to identify a signal indicative of a specific action being a movement of a body part performed by the patient and for producing a control signal in response thereto featuring means for rejection of signals originating from biological interference sources without affecting the electroneurographic activity measured. | 10-10-2013 |
20130289380 | VISUALIZING TISSUE ACTIVATED BY ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - A visualization of an area or volume of tissue activated during stimulation according to a set of stimulation parameters is generated. The area or volume of activation is modeled based on a non-uniform grid of model neurons. Select portions of the grid have the model neurons more closely spaced, resulting in finer resolution graphical representation, while less closely spaced model neurons in other portions of the grid may avoid additional computation time. | 10-31-2013 |
20130303873 | PDMS-Based Stretchable Multi-Electrode and Chemotrode Array for Epidural and Subdural Neuronal Recording, Electrical Stimulation and Drug Delivery - A hopper having a passage through which a medicine can be passed downward is provided. A part of a lower portion of the hopper is a deformable portion having flexibility, and the deformable portion is deformable so as to open and close the passage. According to this configuration, the deformable portion that is a part of the hopper is deformed to open and close the passage. Thus, there is no portion such as an opening and closing plate on which the medicine remains, thereby preventing a gap in which the medicine remains from being formed in the hopper, and preventing the medicine from easily remaining in the hopper. | 11-14-2013 |
20140012121 | CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR GENERATING CURRENTS AND THE APPLICATION THEREOF - Electronic circuit arrangements for generating at least two different constant currents at a load resistor, including a bridge circuit (especially an H bridge=H bridge circuit) having at least (in the case of an H bridge, precisely) four legs, and switching elements and a bridge branch between the legs, in which the load resistor is inserted, and at least two current sources which are connected to the legs of the bridge circuit in such a manner that it provides for current via one of the legs through the bridge branch and through a leg, connected to the other end of the bridge branch, with a corresponding switch position, the at least two current sources being adjustable if desired. The use of the circuit arrangement for generating such stimulation currents and corresponding procedures currents and methods. | 01-09-2014 |
20140012122 | IMPLANTABLE VASCULAR SYSTEM BIOSENSOR WITH GROWN CAPILLARY BEDS AND USES THEREOF - An implantable biocompatible biosensor is described herein. The biosensor includes a chip layer including a plurality of holes fabricated vertically there through, a power source, one or more sensors on the chip layer and coupled to the power source and a hydrogel matrix including one or more angiogenesis stimulating factors in contact with the chip layer. The stimulating factors stimulate growth of organic material through the plurality of holes when the biosensor is implanted in a subject. | 01-09-2014 |
20140018657 | Device and Implantation System for Electrical Stimulation of Biological Systems - An implantable stimulation device for use in stimulation based treatments for diseases such as GERD or obesity is described. The device is provided with an anchoring unit which upon deployment assumes a shape optimized for the site of deployment. Sensing electrodes and stimulating electrodes in the device are also designed to assume a suitable shape upon deployment. A novel catheter is also provided for easy and expeditious deployment of the device. | 01-16-2014 |
20140031661 | TEMPORARY IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION LEAD - A temporary implantable medical device lead includes a connector configured to connect the lead to an external control module. A helically coiled conductor includes a proximal end that is mechanically and electrically connected to the connector. The conductor includes a plurality of insulated filars. An insulative layer is removed from an uninsulated portion of each of the filars near a distal end of the conductor. The uninsulated portion of each of the filars is exposed at an outer surface of the conductor such that the exposed uninsulated portions of the filars define a plurality of electrodes at longitudinally spaced sections near the distal end of the conductor. | 01-30-2014 |
20140039290 | Systems, Methods and Devices Having Stretchable Integrated Circuitry for Sensing and Delivering Therapy - System, devices and methods are presented that integrate stretchable or flexible circuitry, including arrays of active devices for enhanced sensing, diagnostic, and therapeutic capabilities. The invention enables conformal sensing contact with tissues of interest, such as the inner wall of a lumen, a the brain, or the surface of the heart. Such direct, conformal contact increases accuracy of measurement and delivery of therapy. Further, the invention enables the incorporation of both sensing and therapeutic devices on the same substrate allowing for faster treatment of diseased tissue and fewer devices to perform the same procedure. | 02-06-2014 |
20140046163 | FIBER OPTIC ASSISTED MEDICAL LEAD - A medical device for placing a medical lead in the human body using minimally invasive techniques is described. One lead includes a lead body connected to a lead head having an aperture for providing fiber optic access to the interior of a helical electrode. The fiber optic shaft may be disposed within or along-side a drive shaft releasably coupled to the lead head to rotate the head. The drive shaft and lead body may be delivered using a delivery catheter. The delivery catheter can be advanced though a small incision to the target tissue site, and the site remotely visualized through the fiber optic scope extending through the lead head aperture. The lead head can be rotated, rotating the helical electrode into the tissue, and the catheter, drive shaft, and fiber optic probe removed. | 02-13-2014 |
20140066739 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR QUANTIFYING OR IMAGING PAIN USING ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENTS - A method for computing a quantitative metric indicative of pain experienced by a subject using an electrophysiological signal detection system is provided. Electrophysiological data are acquired from a subject with the electrophysiological signal detection system. Modulations in the acquired electrophysiological data that are associated with pain experienced by the subject during the acquisition of the electrophysiological data are identified. A quantitative metric indicative of the pain experienced by the subject is computed by processing the identified modulations in the acquired electrophysiological data. | 03-06-2014 |
20140114162 | NERVE INTERFACE ELECTRODE WITH FIBERS FOR INSERTION BETWEEN NERVE FASCICLES - A nerve interface electrode has a plurality of conductive fibers. The fibers have a nonconductive sheath ( | 04-24-2014 |
20140114163 | NERVE SIGNAL DIFFERENTIATION IN CARDIAC THERAPY - Methods of nerve signal differentiation, methods of delivering therapy using such nerve signal differentiation, and to systems and devices for performing such methods. Nerve signal differentiation may include locating two electrodes proximate nerve tissue and differentiating between efferent and afferent components of nerve signals monitored using the two electrodes. | 04-24-2014 |
20140114164 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTRICALLY SHIELDING A MICROELECTRODE ARRAY IN A PHYSIOLOGICAL PATHWAY FROM ELECTRICAL NOISE - A system and method for electrically shielding a physiological pathway from electrical noise is disclosed. The method includes the operation of implanting at least one signal microelectrode into a patient such that the signal microelectrode is proximate to the physiological pathway. An additional operation includes substantially enclosing the microelectrode and a section of the physiological pathway with an electrical shielding wrap. The electrical shielding wrap includes a plurality of holes that enable fluid communication of physiological fluids between an inside and outside of the wrap. | 04-24-2014 |
20140148676 | Orthopedic Screw For Measuring A Parameter Of The Muscular-Skeletal System - A dual-mode closed-loop measurement system for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a medium is disclosed. A first module comprises an inductor drive circuit, an inductor, a transducer, and a filter. A second module housed in a screw comprises an inductor and a transducer. The screw is bio-compatible and allows an accurate delivery of the circuit into the muscular-skeletal system. The inductor can be attached and interconnected on a flexible substrate that fits into a cavity in the screw. The first and second modules are operatively coupled together. The first module provides energy to power the second module. The second module emits an energy wave into the medium that propagates to the first module. The transit time of energy waves is measured and correlated to the parameter by known relationship. | 05-29-2014 |
20140163348 | NEURAL TUBE FOR RECOVERING FUNCTION OF INJURED NERVE - A neural tube capable of complexly playing roles of a support for regenerating a nerve and a nerve electrode has a support connected to a terminal of an injured nerve, and a sieve electrode having an electrode hole formed in a body thereof and a circular electrode formed around the electrode hole, wherein the body of the sieve electrode is buried in the support, wherein a cavity-type channel is formed at the support to extend to the inside of the support, wherein the electrode hole is aligned with the channel, and wherein a nerve cell growing along the channel at the terminal of the injured nerve is capable of contacting the circular electrode. | 06-12-2014 |
20140171774 | BIOMOLECULAR ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND PROCESS OF USE - Provided is a biological membrane including at least one ring-like polypeptide, where the at least one of the ring-like polypeptide is not a membrane protein, a surface being associated with at least one ring-like polypeptide capable of integration into a cell membrane, an electrode including said surface and electronically and biomedical devices including the electrodes for recording and stimulating cell activity. | 06-19-2014 |
20140180052 | NEURAL RECORDING SYSTEM - A neuron recording system was provided. By using the gain-boosted topology, the amplifier input impedance can be increased while simultaneously reducing the noise. The system can be configured to record local field potentials (LFPs) and neuron spikes, respectively, with low-power consumption. With the flexible digital controller module (DCM), any subset of the recording channels can be activated for recording with independent sampling rate at each channel. A wireless interface to transmit recorded neuron data and an on-chip neuron processor to perform real-time signal processing can be incorporated in the system. | 06-26-2014 |
20140194719 | Long-Term Implantable Silicon Carbide Neural Interface Device Using the Electrical Field Effect - Field effect devices, such as capacitors and field effect transistors, are used to interact with neurons. Cubic silicon carbide is biocompatible with the neuronal environment and has the chemical and physical resilience required to withstand the body environment and does not produce toxic byproducts. It is used as a basis for generating a biocompatible semiconductor field effect device that interacts with the brain for long periods of time. The device signals capacitively and receives signals using field effect transistors. These signals can be used to drive very complicated systems such as multiple degree of freedom limb prosthetics, sensory replacements, and may additionally assist in therapies for diseases like Parkinson's disease. | 07-10-2014 |
20140213873 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOCATING AND IDENTIFYING THE FUNCTIONAL NERVES INNERVATING THE WALL OF ARTERIES AND CATHETERS FOR SAME - System and method for and identifying nerves innervating the wall of arteries such as the renal artery are disclosed. The present invention identifies areas on vessel walls that are innervated with nerves; provides indication on whether energy is delivered accurately to a targeted nerve; and provides immediate post-procedural assessment of the effect of energy delivered to the nerve. The method includes at least the steps to evaluate a change in physiological parameters after energy is delivered to an arterial wall; and to determine the type of nerve that the energy was directed to (none, sympathetic or parasympathetic) based on the evaluated results. The system includes at least a device for delivering energy to the wall of blood vessel; sensors for detecting physiological signals from a subject; and indicators to display results obtained using said method. Also provided are catheters for performing the mapping and ablating functions. | 07-31-2014 |
20140275923 | INTRAOCULAR PHYSIOLOGICAL SENSOR - An implantable intraocular physiological sensor for measuring a physiological characteristic, such as intraocular pressure. The implantable intraocular physiological sensor may include a tubular main body configured to house one or more electrical components. The implantable intraocular physiological sensor may also include a sensor cap configured to be inserted into a first end of the tubular main body with a moisture barrier seal. The implantable intraocular physiological sensor may wirelessly transmit measurements to an external device. | 09-18-2014 |
20140275924 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND APPARATUS FOR NEURAL SIGNAL DETECTION - Methods, systems, and apparatus for signal detection are described. In one example, a detection assembly includes a signal detector. The signal detector is configured to receive a sensor signal having a peak magnitude and a first frequency and generate an output signal having a magnitude proportional to the peak magnitude of the sensor signal and having a second frequency less than the first frequency of the sensor signal. | 09-18-2014 |
20140275925 | DETERMINING SYSTOLIC TIME INTERVALS USING HEART SOUNDS - Systems and methods are provided for using information from a subject heart sound signal and information from a subject physiological pulsatile signal to identify subject systolic time intervals. An example system for identifying systolic time intervals includes a heart sound detector circuit, configured to detect a subject heart sound signal using an acoustic signal. The system can include a physiological signal sensing circuit configured to detect a physiological pulsatile signal, including at least one of a pulsatile cervical impedance signal or a pulsatile pulmonary artery pressure signal. A timing circuit can be configured to calculate a systolic time interval between a feature on the heart sound signal and a feature on the pulsatile signal. A subject physiologic diagnostic indication can be provided using information from the timing circuit about the systolic time interval. | 09-18-2014 |
20140275926 | NEUROMONITORING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems, devices and methods are provided for neuromonitoring, particularly neuromonitoring to reduce the risks of contacting or damaging nerves or causing patient discomfort during and after surgical procedures, including spinal surgeries. The neuromonitoring procedures include monitoring for the presence of or damage to sensory nerves, and optionally includes additional monitoring for motor nerves. In some systems, including systems that monitor for both sensory and motor nerves, components of the monitoring systems (e.g., stimulating electrodes and response sensors), may be combined with one or more surgical instruments. The systems, devices, and methods provide for pre-surgical assessment of neural anatomy and surgical planning, intraoperative monitoring of nerve condition, and post-operative assessment of nerve position and health. | 09-18-2014 |
20140303470 | CONDUCTIVE POLYMER FIBERS, METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRODUCING CONDUCTIVE POLYMER FIBERS, BIOLOGICAL ELECTRODE, DEVICE FOR MEASURING BIOLOGICAL SIGNALS, IMPLANTABLE ELECTRODE, AND DEVICE FOR MEASURING BIOLOGICAL SIGNALS - Conductive polymer fibers | 10-09-2014 |
20140330102 | LOW NOISE ANALOG ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT DESIGN FOR RECORDING PERIPHERAL NERVE ACTIVITY - Circuits and circuit systems to record activity (e.g., peripheral nerve activity) are provided. The circuits advantageously have good noise characteristics (e.g., low noise), as well as low power consumption and low area. A circuit can be implantable (e.g., in a human subject). Methods of designing, manufacturing, and using such circuits and circuit systems are also provided. | 11-06-2014 |
20140336489 | INTRACORTICAL-DETECTION DEVICE AND CORRESPONDING CONTROL METHOD - An intracortical-detection device including: at least one electrode ( | 11-13-2014 |
20140350375 | INTEGRATED THIN-FILM OPTRODE - An optrode may provide a cylindrical substrate two or more electrodes deposited said cylindrical substrate. The cylindrical substrate and electrodes may be coated by an insulating layer with openings or vias over certain portions of the electrodes that may provide a contact for the neural probe or may be utilized to connect lead lines. Manufacturing of an optrode may utilize a jig that secures a cylindrical substrate coated by a conductive material and a resist. A first mask may be positioned in an opening provided by the jig, and the cylindrical substrate may be exposed ions or neutral particles to define one or more electrode patterns. After regions of the resist and conductive material are removed to form the electrodes, a second mask may be utilized to define vias regions in which portions of the electrodes are exposed and uncoated by an insulating layer. | 11-27-2014 |
20140357974 | NANO-PILLAR TRANSISTOR FABRICATION AND USE - A field effect nano-pillar transistor has a pillar shaped gate element incorporating a biomimitec portion that provides various advantages over prior art devices. The small size of the nano-pillar transistor allows for advantageous insertion into cellular membranes, and the biomimitec character of the gate element operates as an advantageous interface for sensing small amplitude voltages such as transmembrane cell potentials. The nano-pillar transistor can be used in various embodiments to stimulate cells, to measure cell response, or to perform a combination of both actions. | 12-04-2014 |
20140371564 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR STIMULATING AND RECORDING NEURAL ACTIVITY - Thermal drawing processes can be used to make multifunctional, high-resolution neural probes for neural recording and stimulation. An exemplary neural probe may include one or more conductive fibers or microelectrodes coated with two or more layers of insulating material, at least one of which is partially etched to expose a tip at the neural probe's distal end. The conductive fibers conduct electrical signals (e.g., neural spikes or electrical stimulation) between the tip and the neural probe's proximal end. Optional optical and fluidic waveguides may guide light and fluid, respectively, between the tip and the proximal end. A neural probe may be flexible enough for long-term (chronic) implantation in neural tissue (e.g., the brain) without excessive tissue damage, even during movement of the brain in the skull. The probe may be made from biocompatible materials, such as insulating and conductive polymers, that have negligible (insignificant) interaction with the surrounding tissue. | 12-18-2014 |
20150031977 | PERFUSION CANNULA WITH INTEGRATED SENSOR TECHNOLOGY - The present invention relates to a perfusion cannula for placement of an access, having a cannula wall and a perfusion lumen which is surrounded by the cannula wall and in which a fluid flow can flow through the perfusion cannula, wherein the perfusion cannula furthermore comprises at least one sensor lumen and at least one sensor device, in particular an ECG sensor, which is arranged at least partially in the sensor lumen. As a result, it is possible to provide a particularly reliable perfusion cannula with improved functionality and for reliable handling, in particular in conjunction with an extracorporeal lung support system. | 01-29-2015 |
20150038819 | MEDICAL IMPLANTABLE LEAD WITH FIXATION DETECTION - A lead has a helix at a distal end of a rotatable shaft. Prior to implantation of the lead, the helix has a first configuration comprising an electrically active surface coated with an electrically insulative layer of a biologically dissolvable material to render the helix electrically inactive. Upon fixation of the helix into an organ, the helix has the first configuration and a pin is in electrical contact with the organ to detect proper fixation of the helix into the organ. Subsequent to fixation of the helix into the organ, the helix has a second configuration comprising an electrically active surface exposed upon dissolving of the electrically insulative layer of the biologically dissolvable material to render the helix electrically active. | 02-05-2015 |
20150038820 | MEDICAL IMPLANTABLE LEAD WITH FIXATION DETECTION - A lead has an electrically controlled switch at a proximal end of a rotatable shaft. The electrically controlled switch has a first configuration to electrically connect a first electric conductor to a second electric conductor for electrically activating the pin and has a second configuration to electrically connect the first electric conductor to the rotatable shaft for electrically activating the helix. Proper fixation of the helix to an organ is determined by switching the electrically controlled switch to the first configuration to render the pin electrically active and to electrically deactivate the helix. Upon determination of proper fixation of the helix to the organ, the electrically controlled switch is switched to the second configuration to render the helix electrically active and to electrically deactivate the pin. | 02-05-2015 |
20150038821 | MEDICAL IMPLANTABLE LEAD WITH FIXATION DETECTION - A lead comprises a mechanical switch at a proximal end of a rotatable shaft. The mechanical switch has a first position to electrically connect a first electric conductor to a second electric conductor for electrically activating a pin and has a second position to electrically connect the first electric conductor to the rotatable shaft for electrically activating a helix. Proper fixation of the helix to an organ is determined by inserting a stylet into the mechanical switch to render the pin electrically active and the helix electrically inactive. Upon determination of proper fixation of the helix to the organ, the stylet is removed from the mechanical switch to render the helix electrically active and the pin electrically inactive. | 02-05-2015 |
20150051466 | IMPLANTABLE BIOCOMPATIBLE SiC SENSORS - In one embodiment, an implantable biosensor includes a sense antenna comprising a silicon carbide substrate and a radiating electrode formed on the substrate. | 02-19-2015 |
20150080694 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - An implantable medical device including at least one elongate electrical line with a first electrical component as a functional conductor, and at least one second electrical component with an electrical length. The first electrical component includes a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal side is in electrical contact with tissue or blood. The first electrical component is in electrical contact with the at least one second electrical component, and wherein the electrical length of the at least one second component corresponds to at least a tenth of a wavelength (λ/10) of electromagnetic waves in a radiofrequency range. | 03-19-2015 |
20150099959 | IMPLANTABLE ELECTRODE SYSTEM - An electrode array ( | 04-09-2015 |
20150112179 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE THAT IS CONFIGURED FOR MOVABLE CONNECTION TO AN IMPLANTED TRUNK AND THAT IS ABLE TO INDUCTIVE EXCHANGE SIGNALS WITH THE TRUNK - An implantable medical device for performing therapy or monitoring a physiological condition. The device includes components for connecting the device to a trunk line. These components connect the device to the trunk line in such way that the components move over the trunk line. Internal to these components are conductors, including a coil, that are arranged to complementary inductively exchange signals with conductors internal to the trunk line. As a result of this inductive signal exchange the implantable medical device at least one of: receives power signals; receives signals that regulate the operation of the device; or transmits signal representative of the physiological state monitored by the device. | 04-23-2015 |
20150112180 | MESOPOROUS NEURONAL ELECTRODE USING SURFACTANT AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A mesoporous neuronal electrode using a surfactant and a method of making the same are disclosed. A mesoporous neuronal electrode according to an exemplary embodiment includes a first metal nanoparticle, a second metal nanoparticle or both of the first and second metal nanoparticles on a surface of the electrode. | 04-23-2015 |
20150119673 | NEURAL ELECTRODE SYSTEM WITH A CARRIER HAVING A TAPE SPRING-TYPE SHAPE - A neural probe comprising an array of stimulation and/or recording electrodes supported on a tape spring-type carrier is described. The neural probe comprising the tape spring-type carrier is used to insert flexible electrode arrays straight into tissue, or to insert them off-axis from the initial penetration of a guide tube. Importantly, the neural probe is not rigid, but has a degree of stiffness provided by the tape spring-type carrier that maintains a desired trajectory into body tissue, but will subsequently allow the probe to flex and move in unison with movement of the body tissue. | 04-30-2015 |
20150126842 | NEEDLE ELECTRODE SAFETY DEVICE - A needle electrode is provided incorporating a protective flap and optionally a retraction chamber. By providing an impenetrable barrier covering the area of skin over the needle's tip, the protective flap protects against needle sticks that can occur when the tip of a needle electrode is pushed back out through the skin. An adhesive layer on the skin-side of the protective flap secures the needle in place without the use of a separate piece of adhesive tape. Other types of needles can incorporate flaps for protection or for securing the needle to the patient. | 05-07-2015 |
20150126843 | MULTIELECTRODE ARRAY AND METHOD OF FABRICATION - A multielectrode array with a fluidic channel and its method of fabrication are presented here. In accordance with various embodiments, the present invention allows for scalability, reproducibility, and precision dimension control by utilizing a lithography dependent process. In one embodiment, the present invention provides for a microelectrode that is a neural implant, with the microelectrode configured for connection to a fluidic channel. In another embodiment, the fluidic channel may deliver growth factors and/or drugs. | 05-07-2015 |
20150141786 | Interfacing With The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) Using Targeted Fascicular Interface Device - A stealthy conductor that may be placed inside a fascicle in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is described. The conductor is placed using a targeted-fascicle or targeted-axon approach to improve specificity and signal to noise ratio (SNR). The conductor is part of a targeted fascicular interface device and is placed using an insertion tool in a manner that reduces nerve damage as compared to conventional systems. The conductor is so small (e.g., <10 μm diameter) and so flexible (e.g., approximates flexibility of surrounding neuronal material) that biological reactions (e.g., recruitment of macrophages, edema) to the presence of the conductor may be reduced. The targeted fascicular interface device has an insulated portion and a non-insulated portion that may act as an electrode. The insulated portion may include materials that promote healing at the entry/exit site and that adhere to the perineurium. | 05-21-2015 |
20150141787 | MULTI-ELECTRODE PERIPHERAL NERVE EVALUATION LEAD AND RELATED SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - A system for applying an electrical stimulation includes a lead and a stylet slidably disposed within a lumen of the lead body and extending proximally therefrom. The lead includes a plurality of insulated conductor wires electrically isolated from one another and each having a distal segment terminating at distal end, an intermediate segment, and a proximal segment terminating at a proximal end, wherein the distal ends are electrically coupled to a respective one of the stimulating electrodes and the intermediate segments extend proximal the lead body and are characterized as having a non-coiled configuration. | 05-21-2015 |
20150148643 | INTEGRATED MEDICAL DEVICE - There is herein described light emitting medical devices and a method of manufacturing said medical devices. More particularly, there is described integrated light emitting medical devices (e.g. neural devices) capable of being used in optogenetics and a method of manufacturing said medical devices. | 05-28-2015 |
20150148644 | NEURO-PROBE DEVICE, IMPLANTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF FORMING A NEURO-PROBE DEVICE - A neuro-probe device is provided. The neuro-probe device includes a carrier including bio-resorbable glass, and a neuro-probe mounted on the carrier. | 05-28-2015 |
20150297104 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NON-INVASIVE AUTONOMIC NERVE ACTIVITY MONITORING - A system and method for monitoring nerve activity in a subject. The system includes a plurality of electrodes placed in proximity to skin of the subject, an amplifier electrically connected to the electrodes and configured to generate a plurality of amplified signals corresponding to electrical signals received from the subject through the electrodes, and a signal processor. The signal processor applies a high-pass filter to the amplified signals to generate filtered signals from the amplified signals, identifies autonomic nerve activity in the plurality of filtered signals; and generates an output signal corresponding to the filtered signals. The high-pass filter attenuates a plurality of the amplified signals having frequencies that correspond to heart muscle activity during a heartbeat. | 10-22-2015 |
20150306393 | An electrical multichannel system, particularly for neural stimulation - The invention relates to an electrical multichannel system ( | 10-29-2015 |
20150320329 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A NERVE - A nerve monitoring system facilitates monitoring an integrity of a nerve. | 11-12-2015 |
20150335883 | NEURAL INTERFACE DEVICE AND INSERTION TOOLS - An implanted neural micro interface device is provided. The device comprises microfilaments of various materials and forms embedded within a body. The microfilaments form interaction sites with surrounding neural tissue at their exit points from the implantable body. The body and filaments are configurable in a multitude of positions to provide increased engagement of a given neural tissue section as well as interaction and closed loop feedback between the microfilament sites. Such configurations allow for a range of recording, stimulating, and treatment modalities for the device within research and clinical settings. | 11-26-2015 |
20150351654 | ELECTRODE AND LEAKAGE CURRENT TESTING IN AN EEG MONITOR WITH AN IMPLANTABLE PART - A personal wearable EEG monitor comprising an implantable electrode part with at least two electrodes ( | 12-10-2015 |
20150366467 | BARORECEPTOR MAPPING SYSTEM - A system including a mapping device, a stimulator, and a marker. The mapping device includes a plurality of electrodes to be situated on a baroreceptor region of a patient to map baroreceptors in the baroreceptor region. The stimulator is to stimulate selected electrodes of the plurality of electrodes to obtain physiological responses from the patient in response to stimulation of the selected electrodes. The marker is to be attached to the patient to mark a location of at least one of the selected electrodes based on an analysis of the physiological responses from the patient, where the marker is to maintain its location on the patient as the mapping device is removed from the patient. | 12-24-2015 |
20150374295 | PERMITTIVITY SHIELDING - Techniques for shielding permittivity-sensitive devices are disclosed. | 12-31-2015 |
20150374296 | NERVE CUFF STIMULATION ELECTRODE, CONTROL DEVICE FOR A VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION SYSTEM, AND VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION SYSTEM - A nerve cuff stimulation electrode for cervical VNS is provided and configured to be arranged so as to at least partially surround or enclose one of the vagus nerves. The cuff stimulation electrode has at least two contacts configured to deliver electric stimulation pulses to a vagus nerve. The cuff stimulation electrode further has or may be attached or connected to a tilt sensor, a kinematic sensor, and/or a pulsation sensor configured to generate a signal representative of arterial and venous pressures. The implantable tilt sensor is configured to output a posture signal indicating a patient's posture, thus allowing discrimination between supine and semi-recumbent or erect postures. | 12-31-2015 |
20160015285 | OPTOELECTRONIC REMOTELY POWERED SILICON BASED HYBRID NEURAL ELECTRODE - One aspect of the invention provides an optically powered, integrated wireless neural electrode-telemetry module comprising (a) porous silicon wafer; (b) at least one neural electrode; (c) a low noise pre-amplifier; (d) an optical power converter; (e) a signal processor; and (f) a radio-frequency (RF) transmitter microchip. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of chronically recording electrical activity from a single neuron in vivo. The method comprises implanting an optically powered, integrated wireless neural electrode-telemetry module into the brain or spinal cord of a subject. | 01-21-2016 |
20160015291 | Method and Device for Intracochlea Impedance Measurement - This method of determining an intracochlea tissue impedance comprises using at least two stimulating electrodes to apply an electrical stimulus to intracochlea tissue. A voltage caused by the stimulus is measured between two measuring electrodes distinct from the stimulating electrodes. From the voltage a stimulus-response characteristic of tissue between the two measuring electrodes is determined This allows the tissue/electrode interface impedance and potential and the tissue impedance and potential to be uniquely determined. In turn, modiolus currents can be estimated in monopolar stimulation mode. Also provided is automated initiation of re-mapping of the device when tissue characteristics change | 01-21-2016 |
20160045134 | ECG MONITOR WITH AN IMPLANTABLE PART - An ECG monitor comprising an electrode part | 02-18-2016 |
20160051194 | IMPLANT AND INSERTION DEVICE FOR AN IMPLANT - Embodiments include an implant for insertion into a human and/or animal body and an insertion device for the implant. The implant includes a housing, at least one negative pressure unit and at least one adhesive application unit to temporarily and/or permanently fix the implant to a bodily tissue. | 02-25-2016 |
20160073887 | OPTOELECTRONIC DEVICE TO WRITE-IN AND READ-OUT ACTIVITY IN BRAIN CIRCUITS - Systems, apparatus and methods for a neural implant are provided. In one embodiment, a neural implant that can both optically stimulate neurons and record electrical signals from neurons is provided, including a wide band gap semiconductor opto electronic microarray, such optoelectronic microarray including a plurality of needles, each providing both optical transparency and electrical conductivity; a flexible optical conduit from the optoelectronic microarray to an optical signal source; a flexible electrical conduit from the optoelectronic microarray to an electrical signal sensor; integration of the optical and electrical conduits to a single monolithic optical cable; a circuit assembly coupled to the electrical signal source and the optical signal source; and a processor for providing control of at least one of the electrical signal sensor and the optical signal source. Further embodiments are described herein. | 03-17-2016 |
20160081569 | NERVE INTERFACE ELECTRODE WITH FIBERS FOR INSERTION BETWEEN NERVE FASCICLES - A nerve interface electrode has a plurality of conductive fibers. The fibers have a nonconductive sheath ( | 03-24-2016 |
20160120423 | MULTI-LAYERED STRUCTURE - One aspect relates to a layered structure with a substrate, a first layer over the substrate, and a second layer over the first layer. The substrate and the second layer are an electrically conductive material and the first layer is an insulating material or the substrate and the second layer are insulating material and the first layer is electrically conductive material. At least one of the first and second layers comprises an electrically conductive polymer. | 05-05-2016 |
20160120424 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL ELECTRODE AND A BIOLOGICAL PROBE COMPRISING THE SAME - The present invention provides a three-dimensional electrode having high cell affinity and capacitive coupling, comprising a pillar portion and a spherical portion, wherein the diameter of the spherical portion is larger than that of the pillar portion, and the carbon nanotubes are coated on the spherical portion, and pillar portion and the spherical portion are made of material selected from metal materials. The present invention may be used for developing biological probes having high cell affinity and capacitive coupling so as to provide high accuracy for measurement of neural cells or electrocardiograms and prevent from distortion. | 05-05-2016 |
20160120472 | Low Dissolution Rate Device and Method - An implantable device includes a circuit protected with a low dissolution rate layer, wherein the circuit is either (a) fully encapsulated by the low dissolution rate layer and configured for non-electrical conduction contact sensing (e.g., capacitive sensing) or (b) partially encapsulated by the low dissolution rate layer with an electrode at least partially exposed outside the layer; wherein the implantable device is suitable for implantation inside the body of a living animal; and wherein the low dissolution rate layer comprises an element selected from the group consisting of gallium, boron, nitrogen, oxygen, zirconium, aluminum, and titanium. Such devices can be made by lithographic and other means, with coating layers applied by atomic layer deposition. | 05-05-2016 |
20160143555 | LEAD AND A SYSTEM FOR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS - In one example, a medical device system for at least one of delivery of electrical stimulation pulses or sensing of physiological signals, the system including an elongated carrier; and a thin film wound around the elongated carrier, wherein the thin film includes a plurality of electrical contacts, a plurality of electrodes located distal to the plurality of electrical contacts, and a plurality of conducting tracks, each of the plurality of conducting tracks providing an electrical connection between at least one of the plurality of electrodes and one of the plurality of electrical contacts, and wherein the thin film is wound around the elongated carrier from the distal end of the elongated film to the proximal end of the elongated thin film. | 05-26-2016 |
20160144166 | MEDICAL LEAD WITH THIN FILM - A medical lead includes an elongated carrier, a thin film attached to the elongated carrier, the thin film including a plurality of electrodes, a plurality of electrical contacts, and a plurality of conducting tracks, each of the plurality of conducting tracks providing an electrical connection between at least one of the plurality of electrodes and one of the plurality of electrical contacts; and a frame element including a fixation zone for the plurality of electrical contacts of the thin film. | 05-26-2016 |
20160158533 | Tissue Penetrating Electrode - A tissue penetrating electrode for interfacing with a nerve includes an electrode carrier having an electrically conductive core and an electrically insulative layer disposed on the conductive core, an electrically insulative tip at its proximal end configured to penetrate into tissue, and at least one electrical contact formed from the conductive core and positioned along a radial surface of the electrode. A method of making a tissue penetrating electrode includes providing an electrode carrier having an electrically conductive core and an electrically insulative layer disposed on the conductive core. The electrode carrier has an electrically insulative tip at its proximal end configured to penetrate into tissue. The method further includes removing a portion of the insulative layer on a radial surface of the electrode carrier in order to expose the conductive core and form at least one electrical contact. A hearing device including a tissue penetrating electrode is also disclosed. | 06-09-2016 |
20160166164 | Method and Apparatus for Detecting Neural Injury | 06-16-2016 |
20160166803 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING CHEMICAL AND ELECTRICAL STIMULATION ACROSS ONE OR MORE NEURAL CIRCUITS | 06-16-2016 |
20160174860 | SURFACE MODIFIED ELECTRODES | 06-23-2016 |
20180020944 | Stapedius Muscle Reflex Recording Electrode with a Sacrificial Part | 01-25-2018 |