Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080234785 | SLEEP CONTROLLING APPARATUS AND METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT THEREOF - A sleep controlling apparatus includes a measuring unit that measures biological information of a subject; a first detecting unit that detects a sleeping state of the subject selected from the group consisting of a falling asleep state, a REM sleep state, a light non-REM sleep state and a deep non-REM sleep state, based on the biological information measured by the measuring unit; a first stimulating unit that applies a first stimulus of an intensity lower than a predetermined threshold value to the subject when the light non-REM sleep state is detected by the first detecting unit; and a second stimulating unit that applies a second stimulus of an intensity higher than the first stimulus after the first stimulus is applied to the subject. | 09-25-2008 |
20080269842 | Implantable medical device for treating neurological conditions with an initially disabled cardiac therapy port and leadless ECG sensing - An implantable medical device such as an implantable pulse generator that includes EEG sensing for monitoring and treating neurological conditions, and leadless ECG sensing for monitoring cardiac signals. The device includes a connector block with provisions for cardiac leads which may be used/enabled when needed. If significant co-morbid cardiac events are observed in patients via the leadless ECG monitoring, then cardiac leads may be subsequently connected for therapeutic use. | 10-30-2008 |
20080269843 | Therapy adjustment - Systems and methods for adjusting a therapy delivered to a patient include detecting a value of at least one sensed patient parameter and adjusting a therapy program to accommodate different patient parameter values. A data structure including a plurality of patient parameter values and associated therapy programs may be stored within a medical device or a programming device. Upon detecting a patient parameter value, an associated therapy program from the data structure may be selected. If no therapy program is associated with the detected patient parameter value, an intermediate program that best suits the detected patient parameter value may be generated by interpolating between the most recently implemented therapy program and a stored therapy program. In some embodiments, the rate of shifting between parameters of two stored or interpolated therapy programs may be based on the rate of change of the patient parameter value over time. | 10-30-2008 |
20080275531 | IMPLANTABLE HIGH EFFICIENCY DIGITAL STIMULATION DEVICE - An implantable device provides artificial electrical stimulation of animal tissue using a plurality of electrodes. A sensing unit detects a physiological parameter at a stimulation site. A control unit governs the stimulation, in response to the detected physiological parameter, by selecting certain pairs of the electrodes and by defining the shape, duration, and duty cycle of a segmented stimulation waveform. A stimulation signal generator produces the segmented stimulation waveform that has a first segment and a second segment that with respect to the first segment is longer in duration lesser in magnitude and opposite in polarity. | 11-06-2008 |
20080281381 | Multi-location posture sensing - Techniques for controlling therapy delivery based on the relative orientation and/or motion of a device accelerometer and a lead accelerometer are described. In one embodiment, a therapy system includes an electrical stimulator and a lead. The electrical stimulator comprises a processor that controls delivery of a therapy to a target stimulation site in a patient and a device accelerometer coupled to the electrical stimulator. The lead is coupled to the electrical stimulator to deliver the therapy from the electrical stimulator to the target stimulation site in the patient, and includes a lead accelerometer. The processor compares signals from the accelerometers, and controls delivery of the therapy to the patient based on the comparison. In this manner, the processor may adjust stimulation to, for example, address movement of electrodes relative to target tissue when a patient changes postures. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281382 | Treatment Apparatus for Applying Electrical Impulses to the Body of a Patient - The present invention provides a treatment device for applying electrical impulses to a living body through the skin, for treating a variety of clinical conditions. The device comprises a pair of electrodes for contact with the skin, and a waveform generator for repeatedly generating an AC waveform for applying electrical impulses through the electrodes to the skin. A detector detects changes in the skin impedance and generates detector output signals representing the skin impedance. Means responsive to the detector output signals for monitor the responsivity of the skin, and indicator means activated by the monitoring means generate a first indication when a predetermined level of responsivity is reached and a second indication when a pre-determined treatment has been administered. | 11-13-2008 |
20080288030 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REGULATING BLOOD VOLUME USING VOLUME RECEPTOR STIMULATION - A system delivers stimulation to volume receptors in the cardiovascular system to induce diuresis in a patient suffering volume overload. The system senses a volume signal indicative of a level of fluid retention in the patient's body and controls the delivery of the stimulation using the volume signal. In various embodiments, the stimulation includes one or more of electrical stimulation, which delivers electrical pulses to the volume receptors, and mechanical stimulation, which physically stretches the volume receptors. | 11-20-2008 |
20080288031 | ACTIVITY SENSING FOR STIMULATOR CONTROL - The disclosure describes a system that measures the distance between one or more electrodes and tissue of a patient, and controls one or more parameters of the stimulation delivered to the tissue by the electrodes based on the measured distance. The system controls the measurement of the distance between the electrodes and the tissue as a function of activity of the patient. The system uses, for example, a piezoelectric transducer to sense activity of the patient, and may determine whether or how frequently to measure the distance between electrodes and tissue based on the sensed physical activity. A piezoelectric transducer may be used both to sense activity and to measure the distance between the electrodes and the tissue. | 11-20-2008 |
20080319513 | NEURAL STIMULATION WITH RESPIRATORY RHYTHM MANAGEMENT - A system embodiment comprises at least one respiration sensor, a neural stimulation therapy delivery module, and a controller. The respiration sensor is adapted for use in monitoring respiration of the patient. The neural stimulation therapy delivery module is adapted to generate a neural stimulation signal for use in stimulating the autonomic neural target of the patient for the chronic neural stimulation therapy. The controller is adapted to receive a respiration signal from the at least one respiration sensor indicative of the patient's respiration, and adapted to control the neural stimulation therapy delivery module using a respiratory variability measurement derived using the respiration signal. | 12-25-2008 |
20080319514 | Techniques for Sensing and Adjusting a Compliance Voltage in an Implantable Stimulator Device - Disclosed herein are methods and circuitry for monitoring and adjusting a compliance voltage in an implantable stimulator devices to an optimal value that is sufficiently high to allow for proper circuit performance (i.e., sufficient current output), but low enough that power is not needlessly wasted via excessive voltage drops across the current output circuitry. The algorithm measures output voltages across the current source and sink circuitry during at least periods of actual stimulation when both the current sources and sinks are operable, and adjusts the compliance voltage so as to reduce these output voltages to within guard band values preferably indicative for operation in transistor saturation. The output voltages can additionally be monitored during periods between stimulation pulses to improve the accuracy of the measurement, and is further beneficial in that such additional measurements are not perceptible to the patient. | 12-25-2008 |
20090048647 | Oral Device - The invention is a removal plastic oral appliance which includes sensors for detecting the position of a patients tongue and mandible. Pressure sensors in the appliance itself detect tongue contact and pressure against the palate or the lower teeth against the upper teeth. The sensors are connected electronically to an electronic processor which interprets the information against one or more contra-indicated tongue or jaw positions or activities, and selects an appropriate response from a pre-selected range of responses. The electronic processor sends a signal to a stimulus electrode to cause the patient to stop the contra indicated tongue position, jaw position, or activity. | 02-19-2009 |
20090099627 | THERAPY CONTROL BASED ON A PATIENT MOVEMENT STATE - A movement state of a patient is detected based on brain signals, such as an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal. In some examples, a brain signal within a dorsal-lateral prefrontal cortex of a brain of the patient indicative of prospective movement of the patient may be sensed in order to detect the movement state. The movement state may include the brain state that indicates the patient is intending on initiating movement, initiating movement, attempting to initiate movement or is actually moving. In some examples, upon detecting the movement state, a movement disorder therapy is delivered to the patient. In some examples, the therapy delivery is deactivated upon detecting the patient is no longer in a movement state or that the patient has successfully initiated movement. In addition, in some examples, the movement state detected based on the brain signals may be confirmed based on a signal from a motion sensor. | 04-16-2009 |
20090105788 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE NERVE MONITORING DEVICE AND METHOD - A device includes a mechanical sensor configured to monitor at least one muscle for a response to a stimulus, and an indicator configured to provide feedback to a user based on at least a portion of an output of the mechanical sensor. | 04-23-2009 |
20090118797 | MONITORING, ANALYSIS, AND REGULATION OF EATING HABITS - Gastric apparatus ( | 05-07-2009 |
20090149919 | Method for thermal modulation of neural activity - Methods and related systems for modulating neural activity by blocking conduction in peripheral neural structures with thermal stimuli are disclosed. Methods and systems for reversing effects of thermal blocking stimuli and/or for producing substantially permanent conduction block are also disclosed. | 06-11-2009 |
20090177252 | SYNCHRONIZATION OF VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION WITH THE CARDIAC CYCLE OF A PATIENT - Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and apparatus for treating a medical condition of a patient, involving detecting a physiological cycle or cycles of the patient and applying an electrical signal to a portion of the patient's vagus nerve through an electrode at a selected point in the physiological cycle(s). The physiological cycle can be the cardiac and/or respiratory cycle. The selected point can be a point in the cardiac cycle correlated with increased afferent conduction on the vagus nerve, such as a point from about 10 msec to about 800 msec after an R-wave of the patient's ECG, optionally during inspiration by the patient. The selected point can be a point in the cardiac cycle when said applying increases heart rate variability, such as a point from about 10 msec to about 800 msec after an R-wave of the patient's ECG, optionally during expiration by the patient. | 07-09-2009 |
20090204181 | CAPSULE TYPE MEDICAL DEVICE SYSTEM, AND CAPSULE TYPE MEDICAL DEVICE - A capsule type medical device, including: a capsule shaped casing which can be ingested to within the living body; an electrical stimulation device which comprises a plurality of electrodes which are used for applying electrical stimuli to living body tissue; an electrode selection device which selects an electrode from among the plurality of electrodes, to apply an electrical stimulus; a contact detection device which electrically detects the electrode which is in contact with the living body tissue; and a control section which controls the various devices. | 08-13-2009 |
20090248119 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING AUTONOMIC BALANCE USING NEURAL STIMULATION - A neural stimulation system senses autonomic activities and applies neural stimulation to sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves to control autonomic balance. The neural stimulation system is capable of delivering neural stimulation pulses for sympathetic excitation, sympathetic inhibition, parasympathetic excitation, and parasympathetic inhibition. | 10-01-2009 |
20090264967 | TIMING THERAPY EVALUATION TRIALS - A characteristic of a washout period following the delivery of therapy to a patient according to a therapy program may be determined based on a physiological parameter of the patient. A washout period includes the period of time during which a carryover effect from the therapy delivery dissipates. Monitoring a washout period may be useful for timing the delivery of therapy according to different therapy programs during a therapy evaluation period. For example, at least one physiological signal of the patient may be monitored to automatically determine when a washout period has ended, e.g., when stimulation and carryover effects of therapy delivery according to a first therapy program have substantially dissipated, in order to determine when therapy delivery according to a second therapy program can be initiated. | 10-22-2009 |
20090326612 | Electronic biofeedback stimulation device - A Biofeedback treatment device providing electrical stimulation to a patients skin. A microprocessor generates a control signal out to the patients skin. The return signal from the patients feeds into the microprocessor. Circuitry within the biofeedback stimulation device analyzes the condition of said patients inflammation. | 12-31-2009 |
20100010583 | POSTURE STATE CLASSIFICATION FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE - Techniques for posture classification of a patient in a coordinate system of a sensor. According to one aspect, a defined vector is obtained from a sensor disposed in a substantially fixed manner relative to the patient. The defined vector is described in a coordinate system of the sensor and without regard to an orientation in which the sensor is disposed in relation to the patient. A detected vector is obtained from the sensor that is described using the coordinate system of the sensor. The detected vector and the defined vector to are used to classify the posture state of the patient without regard to the orientation in which the sensor is disposed in relation to the patient. A response may be initiated by a medical device, which may include adjusting therapy delivery. | 01-14-2010 |
20100010584 | POSTURE STATE DISPLAY ON MEDICAL DEVICE USER INTERFACE - The disclosure provides a system that displays a posture state indication to a user. A posture state indication represents the current posture state of the patient, which may be a combination of patient posture and activity. As a patient changes posture and activity throughout a daily routine, a posture state detector may generate a posture state value that may be used to categorize the patient's posture or posture and activity level as one of multiple posture states used to adjust therapy. The posture state may be associated with one of multiple posture state indications that may be presented to the patient. The posture state indication shows the patient the posture state currently detected by the posture state detector. The posture state indication may help the patient to effectively monitor therapy changes due to automatic, semi-automatic or patient-directed therapy adjustments made as a function of posture state. | 01-14-2010 |
20100010585 | PROGRAMMING POSTURE RESPONSIVE THERAPY - A programming session for an implantable medical device that includes a posture responsive therapy mode includes at least two phases. In a first phase, a first set of therapy parameter values are modified while the posture responsive therapy mode is deactivated. In the posture responsive therapy mode, the medical device automatically selects one or more therapy parameter values that define therapy delivered to a patient based on a detected posture state. In a second phase, the posture responsive therapy mode is activated and a second set of therapy parameter values are adjusted after observing a patient response to the posture responsive therapy delivered with the first set of therapy parameter values selected during the first phase. The second set of therapy parameter values may, for example, define the patient posture states or the modification profiles with which the medical device adjusts therapy upon detecting a posture state transition. | 01-14-2010 |
20100010586 | OBJECTIFICATION OF POSTURE STATE-RESPONSIVE THERAPY BASED ON PATIENT THERAPY ADJUSTMENTS - The disclosure describes techniques for objectification of posture state-responsive therapy based on patient therapy adjustments. The techniques may include sensing posture states of a patient, delivering posture-state responsive electrical stimulation therapy to the patient based on the sensed posture states, receiving patient adjustments to the electrical stimulation therapy delivered to the patient, determining a number of the patient adjustments received over a time interval, and presenting a representation of the number of the patient adjustments received over the time interval to a user. | 01-14-2010 |
20100010587 | GUIDED PROGRAMMING FOR POSTURE-STATE RESPONSIVE THERAPY - The disclosure describes guided programming for posture state-responsive therapy. The guided programming may include receiving therapy adjustment information that includes therapy adjustments made by a patient to at least one parameter of one or more stimulation therapy programs for one or more patient posture states, generating one or more suggested therapy parameters for one or more of the stimulation therapy programs based on the therapy adjustment information, presenting the suggested therapy parameters to a user. | 01-14-2010 |
20100010588 | ASSOCIATING THERAPY ADJUSTMENTS WITH PATIENT POSTURE STATES - The disclosure provides a method for associating a detected therapy adjustment to a posture state and storing the association with a plurality of associations for the posture state. In a record mode, an implantable medical device is configured to store therapy adjustments for each posture state and allow a user to find efficacious therapy based upon review of the associations made during therapy. The system may determine the associations through implementation of a posture search timer and a posture stability timer. These timers allow the system to correctly associate therapy adjustments to posture states when the patient anticipates the posture change by adjusting therapy before engaging in the desired posture state. An external programmer may present a range of the therapy adjustments for each posture state to allow a user to review the therapy adjustments that have been made during the therapy. | 01-14-2010 |
20100010589 | PROGRAMMING POSTURE STATE-RESPONSIVE THERAPY WITH NOMINAL THERAPY PARAMETERS - The disclosure describes techniques for programming posture state-responsive therapy with nominal therapy parameters. The techniques may include presenting therapy adjustment information to a user via a user interface, wherein the therapy adjustment information includes one or more therapy adjustments made by a patient to at least one stimulation parameter of one or more stimulation therapy programs for one or more patient posture states, receiving input from the user that selects one or more nominal therapy parameters for each of the therapy programs and for each of the posture states based on the therapy adjustment information, and setting the selected nominal therapy parameters for each of the therapy programs and posture states for use in delivering stimulation therapy to the patient. | 01-14-2010 |
20100010590 | ASSOCIATING THERAPY ADJUSTMENTS WITH POSTURE STATES USING STABILITY TIMERS - The disclosure describes techniques for associating therapy adjustments with posture states using statiblity timers. The techniques may include detecting a patient adjustment to electrical stimulation therapy delivered to the patient, sensing a posture state of the patient, and associating the detected adjustment with the sensed posture state if the sensed posture state is sensed within a first period following the detection of the adjustment and if the sensed posture state does not change during a second period following the sensing of the sensed posture state. | 01-14-2010 |
20100016926 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DIAGNOSING AND TREATING NEURAL DYSFUNCTION - A method and apparatus for diagnosing and treating neural dysfunction is disclosed. This device has the capability of delivering the therapeutic electrical energy to more than one treatment electrode simultaneously. In another exemplary embodiment, this device can perform EMG testing both before and after the therapeutic energy has been delivered, to assess whether the target nerve was successfully treated. In another embodiment, the device has the capability to record and store sensory stimulation thresholds both before and after treatment is described, which allows the clinician to accurately determine whether the target nerve has been desensitized. Energy control may achieved by simultaneously comparing the tip temperature of each treatment electrode to a set temperature selected by the operator, and regulating the therapeutic energy output to maintain the set temperature. In another embodiment, EMG, stimulation thresholds, and graphs of temperature versus time can be conveniently displayed on a two-dimensional graphics display. | 01-21-2010 |
20100016927 | TRANSVASCULAR RESHAPING LEAD SYSTEM - A system for selective activation of a nerve trunk using a transvascular reshaping lead is provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to a system for spreading nerve bundles in a nerve trunk. The system includes a lead adapted to be chronically implanted in a blood vessel proximate a nerve trunk, and having an expandable portion adapted to be expanded to reshape the blood vessel to an elongated shape and to reshape the nerve trunk into an elongated shape to spread nerve bundles of the nerve trunk. The system also includes a plurality of electrodes and an implantable device coupled to the lead, where an electrical signal is delivered from the implanted medical device to one of the plurality of electrodes to transvascularly deliver neural stimulation from the electrode to at least one of the nerve bundles of the nerve trunk. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 01-21-2010 |
20100023094 | System for the Management of Arousal Levels of a Subject - An interactive system ( | 01-28-2010 |
20100042186 | Electrode devices for nerve stimulation and cardiac sensing - Apparatus is provided for application to a nerve of a subject, the apparatus comprising an electrode device, which comprises a housing, which is configured to be placed at least partially around the nerve, so as to define an outer surface of the electrode device and an inner surface that faces the nerve. The electrode device further comprises one or more first electrode contact surfaces, fixed to the inner surface of the housing, and one or more second electrode contact surfaces, fixed to the outer surface of the housing. Other embodiments are also described. | 02-18-2010 |
20100049281 | SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING NEURAL MARKERS FOR SENSED AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM ACTIVITY - In various method embodiments, a neural activity signal is sensed, a feature from the sensed neural activity signal is extracted, and a neural marker for the extracted feature is created. The neural marker includes information regarding the extracted feature. Various device embodiments comprise a port to receive a neural activity signal, and a feature extractor adapted to receive and process the neural activity signal to produce a neural marker that includes information for the neural activity signal. Various device embodiments comprise a display, a memory adapted to store a neural marker associated with a sensed neural activity signal, and a controller adapted to communicate with the memory and the display to provide a representation of the neural marker on the display. | 02-25-2010 |
20100063564 | PHYSICAL CONDITIONING SYSTEM, DEVICE AND METHOD - Various system embodiments comprise a neural stimulator and a controller. The neural stimulator is adapted to generate a stimulation signal adapted to elicit sympathetic activity at a neural target. The controller is adapted to control the neural stimulator to provide a physical conditioning therapy. The controller is adapted to control the neural stimulator to intermittently elicit sympathetic activity at the neural target. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 03-11-2010 |
20100070004 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING DYSPNEA, INCLUDING VIA ELECTRICAL AFFERENT SIGNAL BLOCKING - Systems and methods for treating a patient with dyspnea are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes identifying the patient as suffering from dyspnea, and, based at least in part on identifying the patient as suffering from dyspnea, implanting an electrical signal delivery element within the patient in signal communication with an afferent neural pathway of a carotid body chemoreceptor. The method can further include at least reducing dyspneic sensations in the patient by directing an electrical signal from the electrical signal delivery element to the neural pathway to at least partially block afferent signals from the chemoreceptor. | 03-18-2010 |
20100087896 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - The present invention describes an apparatus, a system and a method for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The treatment involves monitoring the position of the tongue and/or the force exerted by the tongue and electrical stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve to move the tongue into an anterior position or to maintain the tongue in an anterior position | 04-08-2010 |
20100106226 | NEURAL STIMULATION MODULATION BASED ON MONITORED CARDIOVASCULAR PARAMETER - An aspect relates to a system for providing baroreflex stimulation. An embodiment of the system comprises a heart rate monitor to sense a heart rate and provide a signal indicative of the heart rate, and a baroreflex stimulator. The stimulator includes a pulse generator to intermittently generate a stimulation signal to provide baroreflex stimulation for a baroreflex therapy, and further includes a modulator to adjust the stimulation signal based on the signal indicative of the heart rate such that the stimulation signal provides a desired baroreflex stimulation corresponding to a desired heart rate. | 04-29-2010 |
20100114254 | SUBCLAVIAN ANSAE STIMULATION - Techniques for improving cardiac performance by applying stimulation to the subclavian ansae nerve of a patient are disclosed. In one example, a method comprises identifying a human patient as having a cardiac condition, and delivering stimulation therapy to a subclavian ansae nerve of a human patient with a stimulation electrode. | 05-06-2010 |
20100114255 | System for altering motional response to sensory input - A system is generally described for altering a user's motional response to sensory input and includes a current source and a first sensory input device configured to provide a first sensory input to a user. The system also includes a second sensory input device configured to provide a second sensory input to a user and a sensor device configured to detect motions associated with the user. Further, the system includes a control unit configured to receive signals from the sensor and receive sensory signals related to the first and second sensory inputs. The control unit generates control signals based on the signals and the sensory signals. Further still, the system includes electrical contacts configured to contact flesh of the user and deliver current from the current source to the vestibular system of the user in response to the control signals and the current is configured to cause the user to move in a predetermined manner if the user is not in the process of making the predetermined motion. | 05-06-2010 |
20100114256 | Adaptive system and method for altering the motion of a person - A method is generally described which includes producing a sound from a sound device capable of producing sound. The sound device is in communication with a sound data source. The sound data source is associated with at least one set of sounds. The method also includes detecting motions, by a feedback sensor device, the motions associated with the user. The further the method includes providing information from an information source including information associated with at least one characteristic of the at least one set of sounds and providing the information to a control program configured to receive data representative of the detected motions and to receive the information. Further still, the method includes generating, by the control program, control data based on the data representative of the detected motions and the information. The control program is configured to receive data representative of the detected motions and to receive the information. The control program has a control algorithm configured to generate control data based on the data representative of the detected motions and the information. Further still, the method includes running the control program by a controller configured to output control signals based on the control data and adjusting parameters of at least one of the controller, the feedback sensor, the sound source, the information, or the control algorithm, by an adaptive system. Yet further still, the method includes delivering current from the current source to the vestibular system of the user in response to the control signals, by a vestibular stimulation device. | 05-06-2010 |
20100121415 | PATIENT INTERACTION WITH POSTURE-RESPONSIVE THERAPY - In general, the disclosure relates to the delivery of therapy according to a detected posture state of a patient. The disclosure contemplates a variety of techniques for managing therapy delivered to a patent, including patient and clinician interaction with a medical device configured to deliver therapy according to posture state. In one example, the disclosure relates to a technique including receiving an indication from a user indicating that at least one aspect of therapy delivered to a patient from a medical device should be suspended, wherein the at least one aspect of the therapy is delivered from the medical device to the patient according to a detected posture state of the patient; and suspending the at least one aspect of the therapy delivered from the medical device in response to receipt of the indication. | 05-13-2010 |
20100161005 | Optimizing stimulation therapy of an external stimulating device based on firing of action potential in target nerve - A method and system for optimizing stimulation therapy of an external stimulating device. The stimulating signal for stimulation of a target nerve is produced using the external stimulating device. A magnetic field is induced in an implanted transmitting coil disposed proximate the target nerve when the action potential is fired along an axon of the target nerve. In turn, a feedback signal is generated in a receiving coil associated with the external stimulating device based on whether the target nerve fires an action potential. Stimulating signal parameters of the stimulating signal are adjusted based on the feedback signal. | 06-24-2010 |
20100161006 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING DIASTOLIC FUNCTION USING AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Diastolic function is monitored within a patient using a pacemaker or other implantable medical device. In one example, the implantable device uses morphological parameters derived from the T-wave evoked response waveform as proxies for ventricular relaxation rate and ventricular compliance. In particular, the magnitude of the peak of the T-wave evoked response is employed as a proxy for ventricular compliance. The maximum slew rate of the T-wave evoked response following its peak is employed as a proxy for ventricular relaxation. A metric is derived from these proxy values to represent diastolic function. The metric is tracked over time to evaluate changes in diastolic function. In other examples, specific values for ventricular compliance and ventricular relaxation are derived for the patient based on the T-wave evoked response parameters. | 06-24-2010 |
20100161007 | IMPEDANCE-BASED STIMULATION ADJUSTMENT - Techniques for adjusting stimulation are disclosed. A medical device measures an impedance associated with one or more electrodes, e.g., the impedance presented to the medical device by a total electrical circuit that includes the one or more electrodes, the conductors associated with the electrodes, and tissue proximate to the electrodes. The medical device stores at least one patient-specific relationship between impedance and a stimulation parameter, and adjusts the value of the stimulation parameter based on the measured impedance according to the relationship. The medical device may store multiple relationships, and select one the relationships based on, for example, an activity level of the patient, posture of the patient, or a current stimulation program or electrode combination used to deliver stimulation. By adjusting a stimulation parameter, such as amplitude, according to such a relationship, the stimulation intensity as perceived by the patient may be kept substantially constant. | 06-24-2010 |
20100185264 | Method For Coating A Cathode Active Material With A Metal Oxide For Incorporation Into A Lithium Electrochemical Cell - An improved cathode material for nonaqueous electrolyte lithium electrochemical cell is described. The preferred active material is silver vanadium oxide (SVO) coated with a protective layer of an inert metal oxide (M | 07-22-2010 |
20100191311 | HIGH FREQUENCY STIMULATION TO BLOCK LARYNGEAL STIMULATION DURING VAGAL NERVE STIMULATION - An implantable medical device and associated method deliver a therapy to an autonomic nerve. The therapy delivery includes delivering therapeutic low frequency (LF) electrical stimulation pulses to the autonomic nerve and delivering a high frequency electrical signal to the autonomic nerve during the LF frequency stimulation pulse delivery. The high frequency stimulation signal blocks activation of autonomic nerve fibers innervating a non-targeted tissue during the therapeutic LF stimulation pulse delivery. | 07-29-2010 |
20100198308 | CLOSED-LOOP NEUROSTIMULATION TO TREAT PULMONARY EDEMA - Neurostimulation to mitigate lung wetness is delivered to a patient based on a sensed parameter indicative of lung wetness. The neurostimulation is configured to at least one of increase parasympathetic activity or decrease sympathetic activity within the patient. In some examples, a patient response to the neurostimulation therapy may be detected to modify the neurostimulation therapy. The patient response may include, for example, changes in the contractility of a heart of the patient, changes in the heart rate, heart rate variability or blood pressure of the patient, changes in a bladder size of the patient, changes in bladder functional activity of the patient, changes in urine flow, changes in lung function, changes in lung composition, or changes in the nerve activity of the patient. | 08-05-2010 |
20100198309 | ISOLATION CIRCUITRY AND METHOD FOR GRADIENT FIELD SAFETY IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An implantable medical device is provided for isolating an elongated medical lead from internal device circuitry in the presence of a gradient magnetic or electrical field. The device includes an isolation circuit adapted to operatively connect an internal circuit to the medical lead in a first operative state and to electrically isolate the medical lead from the internal circuit in a second operative state. | 08-05-2010 |
20100211135 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING NEURAL THERAPY CORRELATED WITH PATIENT STATUS - Therapy systems for treating a patient are disclosed. Representative therapy systems include an implantable pulse generator, a signal delivery device electrically coupled to the pulse generator, and a remote control in electrical communication with the implantable pulse generator. The pulse generator can have a computer-readable medium containing instructions for performing a process that comprises collecting the patient status and stimulation parameter; analyzing the collected patient status and stimulation parameter; and establishing a preference baseline containing a preferred stimulation parameter corresponding to a particular patient status. | 08-19-2010 |
20100217355 | APPARATUS FOR THE STIMULATION OF NEURAL NETWORKS - An apparatus ( | 08-26-2010 |
20100241195 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTIVE STIMULATION - An implantable neurostimulator system is disclosed, the neurostimulator system comprising a hollow cylindrical electronics enclosure having a top, a bottom, and a side; a coil extending from a first part of the electronics enclosure; and at least one electrode operatively connected to the electronics enclosure. | 09-23-2010 |
20100262208 | ELECTRONICS PACKAGE FOR AN ACTIVE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An electronics package for an active implantable medical device (AIMD). The electronics package comprises: a biocompatible, electrically non-conductive and fluid impermeable planar substrate usable for semiconductor manufacturing; one or more active components on the surface of the substrate; a biocompatible and fluid impermeable cover bonded to the surface of the substrate to hermetically seal the one or more active components between the substrate and the cover; and a conductive region formed on at least one of an exposed surface of the substrate and the cover electrically connected to at least one of the one or more hermetically sealed active components. | 10-14-2010 |
20100262209 | NEURAL STIMULATION SYSTEM PROVIDING AUTO ADJUSTMENT OF STIMULUS OUTPUT AS A FUNCTION OF SENSED IMPEDANCE - A neural stimulation system automatically corrects or adjusts the stimulus magnitude (stimulation energy) in order to maintain a comfortable and effective stimulation therapy. Because the changes in impedance associated with the electrode-tissue interface can indicate obstruction of current flow and positional lead displacement, lead impedance can indicate the quantity of electrical stimulation energy that should be delivered to the target neural tissue to provide corrective adjustment. Hence, a change in impedance or morphology of an impedance curve may be used in a feedback loop to indicate that the stimulation energy needs to be adjusted and the system can effectively auto correct the magnitude of stimulation energy to maintain a desired therapeutic effect. | 10-14-2010 |
20100268306 | ESOPHAGEAL ACTIVITY MODULATED OBESITY THERAPY - Methods and devices for delivering electrical stimulation to the sympathetic nervous system in response to the onset of eating. In some methods, swallowing is detected which then initiates a dose of stimulation which can vary in intensity, frequency, or both over the dose length. In some methods, the dose length is between about one quarter hour and one hour. The dose frequency may increase, hold steady, then decrease over the dose duration so as to mimic the response of the gut stretch and nutrient receptors to receiving food. The dose can drive biomarkers indicative of eating, for example glucagon, glucose, FFA or glycerol to at least about half of their normal post eating levels and then stop so as to retain stimulation effectiveness for subsequent doses and to prolong battery life. | 10-21-2010 |
20100280577 | Implantable pulse generator - An implantable pulse generator for providing at least one of a voltage and a current stimulation to a tissue of a subject through trough at least two electrodes adapted to be in electrical contact with the tissue of the subject, the implantable pulse generator comprising a stimulation circuit coupled to the at least two electrodes, the stimulation circuit including at least one dual-mode voltage and current source, wherein the stimulation circuit can operate alternatively in a voltage stimulation mode and in a current stimulation mode. The implantable pulse generator also comprises a processing unit coupled to the stimulation circuit, the processing unit being so configured as to control the mode of operation of the stimulation circuit. The implantable pulse generator may also comprise a monitoring unit coupled to the stimulation circuit and the processing unit; the monitoring unit being so configured as to provide feedback signals relating to electrical characteristics of the tissue from the stimulation circuit to the processing unit. | 11-04-2010 |
20100280578 | THERAPY SYSTEM INCLUDING MULTIPLE POSTURE SENSORS - Posture-responsive therapy is delivered by the medical system based on posture state input from only one of multiple posture sensors at any given time. An example implantable medical system includes a first posture sensor and a second sensor. A processor controls therapy delivery to the patient based on at least one of a patient posture state or a patient activity level determined based on input from only one of the first or second posture sensors. In some examples, one of multiple posture sensors of an implantable posture-responsive medical system is used to automatically reorient another posture sensor (of the system), which has become disoriented. The disoriented posture sensor may be automatically reoriented for one or more posture states at a time. | 11-04-2010 |
20100280579 | POSTURE STATE DETECTION - A patient state is detected with at least one classification boundary generated by a supervised machine learning technique, such as a support vector machine. The patient state can be, for example, a patient posture state. In some examples, the patient state detection is used to at least one of control the delivery of therapy to a patient, to generate a patient notification, to initiate data recording, or to evaluate a patient condition. In addition, an evaluation metric can be determined based on a feature vector, which is determined based on characteristics of a patient parameter signal, and the classification boundary. Example evaluation metrics can be based on a distance between at least one feature vector and the classification boundary and/or a trajectory of a plurality of feature vectors relative to the classification boundary over time. | 11-04-2010 |
20100305664 | Methods and Devices for Adrenal Stimulation - An implantable medical device is provided for the treatment of a variety of disorders. The implantable medical device can be a neurostimulator having a stimulation lead and electrode(s) configured to be implanted on or near neural tissue in communication with the adrenal gland. Application of an electrical waveform to the neural tissue can cause the adrenal gland to release catecholamines to treat hypoglycemia. In other embodiments, chemical, magnetic, optical, or mechanical neuromodulation can be used. | 12-02-2010 |
20100305665 | COLLECTING POSTURE INFORMATION TO EVALUATE THERAPY - A medical device delivers a therapy to a patient. Posture events are identified, e.g., a posture of the patient is periodically determined and/or posture transitions by the patient are identified, and each determined posture event is associated with a current therapy parameter set. A value of at least one posture metric is determined for each of a plurality of therapy parameter sets based on the posture events associated with that therapy parameter set. A list of the therapy parameter sets is presented to a user, such as a clinician, for evaluation of the relative efficacy of the therapy parameter sets. The list may be ordered according to the one or more posture metric values to aid in evaluation of the therapy parameter sets. Where values are determined for a plurality of posture metrics, the list may be ordered according to the one of the posture metrics selected by the user. | 12-02-2010 |
20100324627 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RESISTIVITY MEASUREMENT, DETECTION AND TREATMENT IN LIVING TISSUE - An electrotherapeutic system including a device and method provides beneficial reduction of pain, bruising, swelling and other maladies. The electrotherapy system uses a measuring current to identify precise locations preferred for application of electrotherapy. A treatment current is applied at the points identified. Use of probes capable of applying both measuring and treating currents are used with an audio signal to locate and treat afflicted regions of a patient. | 12-23-2010 |
20100324628 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPTIMIZING VAGAL NERVE STIMULATION USING LARYNGEAL ACTIVITY - A neural stimulation system delivers neural stimulation to the vagus nerve and senses a signal indicative of laryngeal activity resulting from the neural stimulation. The signal indicative of laryngeal activity is used, for example, to guide electrode placement, determine stimulation threshold, detect lead/electrode problems, detect neural injury, and monitor healing processing following the electrode placement inside the body of a patient. | 12-23-2010 |
20100331921 | NEUROSTIMULATION DEVICE AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING SAME - A stimulation device that includes a housing, a neuro lead configured to be coupled to the housing and to be located proximate to a neurostimulation site of interest, a neuro pulse generator, in the housing, configured to generate multi-polar neuro modulation (NM) pulses for delivery by the lead to the neuromodulation site of interest and the neuro pulse generator generating the NM pulses utilizing a waveform, with the frequency components of the ICMD compatible waveform in a range of 0 to 225 Hz having substantially limited NM energy content to avoid interference with sensing operation of the ICMD. A method for managing a neuromodulation (NM) device to avoid interference with an implantable medical device (ICMD) providing an ICMD having electrodes configured based on ICMD sensing parameters that define an ICMD sensing frequency range, providing an NM device having NM electrodes to be located proximate a region of interest, the NM electrodes delivering NM pulses based on NM pulse parameters, setting at least one NM pulse parameter in a manner that limits an amount of NM energy content that propagates beyond an active area surrounding the site of interest within the ICMD sensing frequency range. | 12-30-2010 |
20100331922 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMPENSATING FOR SHIFTING OF NEUROSTIMULATION LEADS IN A PATIENT - A method for determining a change in position of a neurostimulation lead relative to a stimulation target tissue of a patient is provided. The method comprises implanting a first proximity sensor on a surface of the patient, implanting a second proximity sensor on the surface of the patient, measuring a change in a distance between the first and second proximity sensors, and inferring the change in position of the lead relative to the stimulation target tissue from the measured change in distance. The method further comprises inferring an increase in a distance between the lead and the stimulation target tissue when the distance between the first and second proximity sensors increases. The method also comprises conveying electrical stimulation energy to therapeutically stimulate the stimulation target tissue, and modulating a stimulation parameter in response to the measured change in distance. | 12-30-2010 |
20110009927 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADJUSTING ELECTRICAL THERAPY BASED ON IMPEDANCE CHANGES - System and methods for adjusting electrical therapy based on impedance changes are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes applying a therapeutic electrical signal to a patient via an implanted portion of a patient stimulation system that includes a signal delivery device in electrical communication with a target neural population of the patient. The electrical signal is delivered in accordance with a signal delivery parameter having a first value. Using the implanted portion of the patient stimulation system, a change in an impedance of an electrical circuit that includes the signal delivery device is detected. Based at least in part on the detected impedance change, the method can further include automatically adjusting the value of the signal delivery parameter from the first value to a second value different from the first, without human intervention. | 01-13-2011 |
20110009928 | THERAPY ADJUSTMENT - Systems and methods for adjusting a therapy delivered to a patient include detecting a value of at least one sensed patient parameter and adjusting a therapy parameter value to accommodate different patient parameter values. A data structure including a plurality of patient parameter values and associated therapy parameter values may be stored within a medical device or a programming device. Upon detecting a patient parameter value, an associated therapy parameter value from the data structure may be selected. If no therapy parameter value is associated with the detected patient parameter value, an intermediate therapy parameter value may be generated by interpolating between the most recently implemented therapy parameter value and a stored therapy parameter value. In some embodiments, the rate of shifting between parameters of two stored or interpolated therapy parameter values may be based on the rate of change of the patient parameter value over time. | 01-13-2011 |
20110015702 | REMOTE SENSING IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An embodiment uses an accelerometer to sense heart sounds, and determines heart rate info nation using the sensed heart sounds. An embodiment uses an accelerometer to sense respiratory activity. An embodiment delivers a programmed neural stimulation therapy with a programmed duty cycle, where the programmed duty cycle includes a stimulation ON portion followed by a stimulation OFF portion. An electrode electrically connected to the implanted neural stimulation device is used to remotely detect cardiac activity. The remotely detected cardiac activity is used to detect heart rate information during the stimulation ON portion and to detect heart rate information during the stimulation OFF portion. The detected heart rate information and/or the detected respiration information are used to control a neural stimulation therapy performed by the neural stimulator device and/or are used to provide diagnostic information for the patient's condition. | 01-20-2011 |
20110015703 | REMOTE PACE DETECTION IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A system embodiment for stimulating a neural target comprises a neural stimulator, a pace detector, and a controller. The neural stimulator is electrically connected to at least one electrode, and is configured to deliver a neural stimulation signal through the at least one electrode to stimulate the neural target. The pace detector is configured to use at least one electrode to sense cardiac activity and distinguish paced cardiac activity in the sensed cardiac activity from non-paced cardiac activity in the sensed cardiac activity. The controller is configured to control a programmed neural stimulation therapy using the neural stimulator and using detected paced cardiac activity as an input for the neural stimulation therapy. | 01-20-2011 |
20110015704 | PHYSIOLOGICAL VIBRATION DETECTION IN AN IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICE - An embodiment of an implantable system configured to be implanted in a patient includes an accelerometer, a neural stimulator, and a controller. The neural stimulator is configured to deliver neural stimulation to a neural target. The controller is configured to use the accelerometer to detect laryngeal vibration or coughing, and is configured to deliver a programmed neural stimulation therapy using the neural stimulator and using detected laryngeal vibration or detected coughing as an input to the programmed neural stimulation therapy. | 01-20-2011 |
20110022127 | BLOOD VOLUME REDISTRIBUTION THERAPY FOR HEART FAILURE - A first fluid status indicator of a pulmonary fluid status associated with pulmonary edema and a second fluid status indicator of a non-pulmonary fluid status can be used to provide an alert or to control a therapy for pulmonary edema. Additionally, intermittent cardiac blood volume redistribution therapy can be used to provide cardiac conditioning in heart failure patients. | 01-27-2011 |
20110029044 | Stimulating a nervous system component of a mammal in response to contactlessly acquired information - Described embodiments include a system, an apparatus, and a method. A described system includes a sensor device configured to sense a property of a mammal without physically contacting the mammal. The system also includes a signal generator configured to generate a signal indicative of the sensed property of the mammal. The system further describes a neuromodulation device configured to output a stimulus operable to modulate a nervous system component of the mammal in response to the signal indicative of the sensed property of the mammal. | 02-03-2011 |
20110029045 | Galvanic vestibular stimulation system and method of use for simulation, directional cueing, and alleviating motion-related sickness - The present invention relates to systems and techniques for stimulating a user. For example, materials and methods for manipulating nystagmus and the related vestibular system with coupling of galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) and visual cueing are provided herein. Use of GVS within the present invention may be applied to simulation, alleviating motion sickness, and directional cueing of a user to a precise target location. | 02-03-2011 |
20110060387 | NEURAL STIMULATION SYSTEM PROVIDING AUTO ADJUSTMENT OF STIMULUS OUTPUT AS A FUNCTION OF SENSED IMPEDANCE - A neural stimulation system automatically corrects or adjusts the stimulus magnitude (stimulation energy) in order to maintain a comfortable and effective stimulation therapy. Because the changes in impedance associated with the electrode-tissue interface can indicate obstruction of current flow and positional lead displacement, lead impedance can indicate the quantity of electrical stimulation energy that should be delivered to the target neural tissue to provide corrective adjustment. Hence, a change in impedance or morphology of an impedance curve may be used in a feedback loop to indicate that the stimulation energy needs to be adjusted and the system can effectively auto correct the magnitude of stimulation energy to maintain a desired therapeutic effect. | 03-10-2011 |
20110071598 | Photoacoustic Spectroscopy Method And System To Discern Sepsis From Shock - According to various embodiments, a medical system and method for determining a microcirculation parameter of a patient may include a photoacoustic sensor. Specifically, a signal from a photoacoustic sensor may be used to determine if a patient is likely to have sepsis or shock. Although sepsis and shock present similarly with regard to many patient parameters, they may be differentiated by characteristic microcirculation changes. | 03-24-2011 |
20110077721 | IMPLANTABLE MICROSTIMULATORS AND METHODS FOR UNIDIRECTIONAL PROPAGATION OF ACTION POTENTIALS - Miniature implantable stimulators (i.e., microstimulators) are capable of producing unidirectionally propagating action potentials (UPAPs). The methods and configurations described may, for instance, arrest action potentials traveling in one direction, arrest action potentials of small diameters nerve fibers, arrest action potentials of large diameter nerve fibers. These methods and systems may limit side effects of bidirectional and/or less targeted stimulation. | 03-31-2011 |
20110082524 | Electro-Therapeutic Stimulator - An electro-therapeutic stimulator provides an output signal having a first controllable main pulse periodic-exponential signal and a second background pulse periodic-exponential signal. The main pulse signal is controllable, preferably to a digital numerical value of 1 to 500 pulses per second, to a digital, numerical value of duty cycle, and to a digital numerical value of balance. The signal is produced using a class D amplifier and with a transformer optimized for the background pulse (such as at 10 kHz) rather than for the main pulse. The electro-therapeutic stimulator includes a counter which forces purchasing of durations of signal time for ongoing use of the stimulator, and a challenge code procedure for facilitating additional time purchases. | 04-07-2011 |
20110106216 | BAROREFLEX STIMULATOR WITH INTEGRATED PRESSURE SENSOR - An aspect relates to an implantable medical device. An embodiment of the device comprises a pulse generator, sensor circuitry, a lead, and a controller. The pulse generator generates baroreflex stimulation pulses. The lead is adapted to be electrically connected to the pulse generator and to the sensor circuitry. The lead includes an electrode to distribute the baroreflex stimulation pulses to a baroreflex site and a pressure sensor to provide a signal indicative of blood pressure to the sensor circuitry. The controller is connected to the pulse generator and the sensor circuitry. The controller adapted to adjust the baroreflex stimulation pulses based on the blood pressure. Other aspects are provided herein. | 05-05-2011 |
20110130809 | Pacing and Stimulation Apparatus and Methods - System, device and method of variable pacing and stimulation are provided. In one example device, one or more lead integrated circuits may programmably control one or more variability parameters. One or more electrodes may provide electrical stimulation. Each electrode may be individually addressable by at least one of the lead integrated circuits and controlled by at least one variability parameter. Electrodes may be intentionally shorted together during time intervals that fall between times of stimulus, so as to dissipate potentials that might otherwise persist and cause electrode degradation. | 06-02-2011 |
20110137381 | Treatment of neurological disorders via electrical stimulation, and methods related thereto - Disclosed are medical devices for the prevention and/or treatment of neurological disorders via electrical stimulation, and methods related thereto. The devices may also be utilized to detect disorders before the prevention or treatment of a neurological disorder. These devices are minimally or non-invasive. The present medical devices comprise various components, which include electrodes and control electronics. The electrodes are targeting electrodes constructed from ring type structures or virtually connected disc type arrays. The electrodes are located entirely outside the skull. The present medical devices also comprise one or more subsystems, a control system, a battery unit, and wires connecting the one or more subsystems. These devices may also be used for acute seizure control. | 06-09-2011 |
20110152972 | SWITCHED PROTECTIVE DEVICE AGAINST ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE - A device and a method for working in the presence of electromagnetic fields, in particular fields occurring in magnetic resonance tomography (referred to below as “MRT” or “MRI”) imaging devices. More precisely, the invention relates to a medical device (MD) in which an electrode is in contact with bodily tissue, and for detection of electromagnetic interference fields the input characteristic of the MD is automatically modified by a switching device in such a way that the influences of the electromagnetic interference fields are minimized. | 06-23-2011 |
20110152973 | EXTENDED NOISE MODE - A device and a method for working in the presence of electromagnetic fields, in particular fields occurring in cautery applications. Also relates to a partially implanted medical device (IMD), having a unit for detecting electromagnetic interference fields, at least one control unit, a timer, and a detection unit for electrical measured variables and/or a stimulation unit, at least one electrode line having an electrode at one end which is brought into contact with bodily tissue, and which either extends inside the body and/or is situated on the surface of an implant, wherein when nonphysiological signals and/or electromagnetic interference fields are detected and the unit for electromagnetic interference fields evaluates the detected signals as nonphysiological signals for a first specifiable time period, and/or for a second specified time period the stimulation unit is placed in an asynchronous operating state in which the wearer of the IMD is asynchronously stimulated. | 06-23-2011 |
20110152974 | METHODS OF TREATING MEDICAL CONDITIONS BY NEUROMODULATION OF THE SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM - The present invention is directed to systems and methods for treating respiratory or pulmonary medical conditions by neuromodulation of a target site of the sympathetic nervous system and preferably a target site in communication with a sympathetic nerve chain. A system for treating a respiratory or pulmonary medical condition incorporating a closed-loop feedback system is also provided. | 06-23-2011 |
20110160803 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICE WITH BIAS FOR MRI - An ambulatory or implantable device, such as a pacer, defibrillator, or other cardiac rhythm management device, can tolerate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or other noise without turning on an integrated circuit diode by selectively providing a bias voltage that can overcome an expected induced voltage resulting from the MRI or other noise. | 06-30-2011 |
20110160804 | ACOUSTICALLY POWERED IMPLANTABLE STIMULATING DEVICE - An implantable stimulation system comprises an implantable stimulator and a control device. The control device is configured to transmit acoustic waves to the implantable stimulator, and the implantable stimulator is configured to transform the acoustic waves into electrical current, and generate stimulation energy based on the electrical current. For example, the electrical current can be transformed into electrical energy that can be used to generate the stimulation energy. Or the electrical current can contain signals used to directly or indirectly control the generation of the stimulation energy. | 06-30-2011 |
20110172743 | DISPLAY OF DETECTED PATIENT POSTURE STATE - The disclosure provides a system that displays an indicator of patient posture state that changes according to posture state data. The posture state data may be transmitted from a medical device, for example, in or near real-time. In some examples, the disclosure relates to a method comprising receiving posture state data for a patient from a medical device; and presenting an indicator indicative of two or more of posture states based on the received posture state data, wherein each posture state of the two or more posture states is determined based on different detection criteria. | 07-14-2011 |
20110172744 | PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION ASSOCIATED WITH MEDICAL DEVICE THERAPY - This disclosure is related to techniques for presenting therapy factors related to medical device therapy in a manner that allows a user, such as a patient or a clinician, to receive, comprehend and evaluate information relating to therapy delivered by the medical device efficiently. In one aspect, a method comprises obtaining a data set corresponding to a therapy factor associated with delivery of a medical therapy to a patient with a medical system including an implantable medical device, receiving a user selection associated with a subset of the data set, the subset of the data set including less than all the information relating to the therapy factor in the data set, and presenting a representation, corresponding to the subset of the data set, of the therapy factor on a display of a programmer. | 07-14-2011 |
20110178579 | ACTIVE ELECTRODE STATE CONTROL SYSTEM - A body stimulating device operatively adapted to provide electrical stimuli within a body, the device including stimulating electrodes, stimulus generator, and electrode voltage sensors, said electrode voltage sensors operatively measuring the DC/LF voltage of the electrodes, wherein if the sensors determine that the electrode voltage for an electrode is outside a predetermined range, then a compensating current is applied to that electrode, so as to reduce the voltage. | 07-21-2011 |
20110184494 | Method and apparatus for stimulating the sphenopalatine ganglion to modify properties of the BBB and cerebral blood - Apparatus for modifying a property of a brain of a patient is provided, including one or more electrodes ( | 07-28-2011 |
20110196454 | SENSING SYSTEM, DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR THERAPY MODULATION - Sensing system, device, and method for therapy modulation are provided. Various aspects include a receive module and a therapy-related action module. The receive module may receive a therapy parameter of an individual. The therapy-related action module may effectuate, based on the therapy parameter, a therapy-related action associated with a nervous system of the individual. | 08-11-2011 |
20110196455 | NEUROSTIMULATION THERAPY MANIPULATION - A user, such as a clinician or the patient, uses a control device to manipulate at least one neurostimulation parameter. A mapping system uses a calibrated map to map the directional output of the control device to values of at least one stimulation parameter to allow the user to intuitively control the value of the parameter. In some embodiments, where a stimulation device is used to deliver spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy for example, the user manipulates a parameter to effect the location and/or strength of paresthesia experienced by the patient. In exemplary embodiments, the parameter values are combinations of electrodes, and the mapping system selects electrode combinations based on the output of the control device such that a direction of movement of paresthesia experienced by the patient corresponds to a direction of manipulation of a directional controller of the control device. The mapping system may calibrate the map based on patient paresthesia information received from a user. | 08-11-2011 |
20110208270 | Swallowable Capsule and Method for Stimulating Incretin Production Within the Intestinal Tract - Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus and methods for stimulating L cells in the intestinal tract to produce incretins for the treatment of conditions including diabetes and obesity. Many embodiments provide a method and apparatus for the treatment of diabetes by electrically stimulating L-cells to secrete incretins to stimulate or otherwise modulate the production of insulin. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable capsule for stimulating L-cells in the intestinal tract as the capsule moves through the tract. The capsule can include two or more electrodes for providing electrical stimulation to L-cells, a power source for powering one or more components of the capsule, a sensor for sensing the location of the capsule in the intestinal tract; a controller and a waveform generator for generating the electrical signals emitted by the electrodes to stimulate the L-cells to secrete incretins such as GLP-1 to stimulate insulin production for glucose regulation of diabetic conditions. | 08-25-2011 |
20110208271 | DYNAMIC NERVE STIMULATION EMPLOYING FREQUENCY MODULATION - Described are apparatus and methods for electrically modulating a nerve in a mammal. An electrical signal that includes a signal intensity pattern and a signal frequency pattern is delivered to a nerve. The combination of the signal intensity pattern and the signal frequency pattern is effective to result in weight loss, fat loss, and/or lean-mass gain, in a mammal. In some embodiments the nerve is modulated in response to a physiological parameter. In some embodiments, the physiological parameter is measured by a sensor. | 08-25-2011 |
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 |
20110230936 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION BASED ON PHASE RESPONSE MAPPING - This disclosure describes techniques for delivering electrical stimulation at one or more phases relative to an ongoing oscillating signal in a patient, and then mapping the response to the oscillating signal. The techniques may reduce or eliminate the oscillating signal. In one example, the disclosure is directed to a method that includes delivering a set of first electrical stimulation at a plurality of phases relative to an oscillating signal, measuring a response in the oscillating signal to the set of first electrical stimulation after delivering electrical stimulation at each respective phase of the plurality of phases, determining a phase at which to deliver second electrical stimulation based on the measured responses, and delivering the second electrical stimulation to the patient at the determined phase to produce a therapeutic effect. | 09-22-2011 |
20110230937 | Electrical Feedthrough In A Metal Wall Of A Housing Of An Active Medical Device And Method Of Making The Same - A method for making an hermetic and electrically insulating feedthrough in the metal wall of a housing of a device, preferably of an active medical device, is disclosed. The method includes: a) forming electrically insulating layers ( | 09-22-2011 |
20110238136 | CLOSED-LOOP THERAPY ADJUSTMENT - Techniques for detecting a value of a sensed patient parameter, and automatically delivering therapy to a patient according to therapy information previously associated with the detected value, are described. In exemplary embodiments, a medical device receives a therapy adjustment from the patient. In response to the adjustment, the medical device associates a sensed value of a patient parameter with therapy information determined based on the adjustment. Whenever the parameter value is subsequently detected, the medical device delivers therapy according to the associated therapy information. In this manner, the medical device may “learn” to automatically adjust therapy in the manner desired by the patient as the sensed parameter of the patient changes. Exemplary patient parameters that may be sensed for performance of the described techniques include posture, activity, heart rate, electromyography (EMG), an electroencephalogram (EEG), an electrocardiogram (ECG), temperature, respiration rate, and pH. | 09-29-2011 |
20110257708 | AUTONOMIC MODULATION USING TRANSIENT RESPONSE WITH INTERMITTENT NEURAL STIMULATION - In various method embodiments for operating an implantable neural stimulator to deliver a neural stimulation therapy to an autonomic neural target, the method comprises using the implantable neural stimulator to deliver the neural stimulation therapy to the autonomic neural target, and evaluating an evoked response to the neural stimulation bursts. The neural stimulation therapy includes a plurality of neural stimulation bursts where each neural stimulation burst includes a plurality of neural stimulation pulses and successive neural stimulation bursts are separated by a time without neural stimulation pulses. Evaluating the evoked response includes sensing the evoked response to the neural stimulation bursts where sensing the evoked response includes sensing at least one physiological parameter affected by the neural stimulation bursts, comparing the sensed evoked response against a baseline, and determining if the evoked response substantially returns to the baseline between neural stimulation bursts. | 10-20-2011 |
20110257709 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MODIFYING NEUROSTIMULATION LINEAR LEAD SHAPE TO CORRECT LEAD MIGRATION - A neurostimulation system comprises an implantable neurostimulation lead, an implantable neurostimulator configured for delivering stimulation energy to the implantable neurostimulation lead, an actuating device configured for modifying a linear shape of the lead after it has migrated from a baseline position, memory configured for storing a threshold value, and a processor configured for determining a magnitude at which the lead has migrated from the baseline position, comparing the determined magnitude to the threshold value, and prompting the actuating device to modify the linear shape of the lead based on the comparison. A method of correcting the migration of a neurostimulation lead implanted within the patient comprises determining a magnitude at which the implanted lead has migrated from a baseline position, comparing the determined magnitude to a threshold value, and modifying the linear shape of the lead based on the comparison. | 10-20-2011 |
20110264173 | SKIN TREATMENT APPARATUS FOR PERSONAL USE AND METHOD FOR USING SAME - An apparatus for personal skin treatment includes an RF generator and an applicator with at least a pair of electrodes mounted on the distal end of the applicator. The electrodes are configured for applying an RF voltage to a subject skin. The RF voltage generator supplies the electrodes with the RF voltage. The applicator includes a source of illumination illuminating the treated skin segment. | 10-27-2011 |
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 |
20110270360 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ACTIVATING BROWN APIDOSE TISSUE USING ELECTRICAL ENERGY - Methods and devices are provided for activating brown adipose tissue (BAT). Generally, the methods and devices can activate BAT to increase thermogenesis, e.g., increase heat production in the patient, which over time can lead to weight loss. In one embodiment, a medical device is provided that activates BAT by electrically stimulating nerves that activate the BAT and/or electrically stimulating brown adipocytes directly, thereby increasing thermogenesis in the BAT and inducing weight loss through energy expenditure. | 11-03-2011 |
20110270361 | MODULATING FUNCTION OF THE FACIAL NERVE SYSTEM OR RELATED NEURAL STRUCTURES VIA THE EAR - Stimulation of the facial nerve system (e.g., electrically, electromagnetically, etc.) in stroke patients will cause dilation of occluded arteries and dilation of surrounding arteries, allowing for blood flow to circumvent the obstruction and reach previously-deprived tissue. The device approaches the facial nerve and its branches in the vicinity of the ear. In use, the device can be inserted into the ear canal or placed in proximity to the ear in order to stimulate the facial nerve system without puncturing the tympanic membrane (e.g., using an electromagnetic field). The device can also be advanced into the middle ear through a puncture created in the tympanic membrane. Branches of the facial nerve in the middle ear can then be stimulated directly (e.g., by application of electrical current). The device can be used in the emergency treatment of acute stroke or as chronically-implanted/inserted variations for long-term maintenance of blood flow to the brain and stroke prevention | 11-03-2011 |
20110282416 | SYSTEMS FOR PATIENT CONTROL OF IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE THERAPY - Various embodiments provide a method performed by an IMD to deliver a therapy to a patient. In some embodiments of the method, the therapy is delivered to the patient, and a trigger that is controlled by the patient is detected by the IMD. The therapy is automatically interrupted in response to the detected trigger, and is automatically restored after a defined period after the detected trigger. In some embodiments of the method, a trigger that is controlled by the patient is detected. The therapy is automatically initiated in response to the detected trigger, and is automatically stopped after a defined period after the detected trigger. | 11-17-2011 |
20110301670 | TIBIAL NERVE STIMULATION - Apparatus and methods are described, including identifying a subject as suffering from polyneuropathy. In response to the identifying, electrodes are placed within 1 mm of a tibial nerve of the subject, the electrodes being disposed on a housing that is at least partially flexible. The electrodes are driven to treat the polyneuropathy by driving a current into the tibial nerve. Other embodiments are also described. | 12-08-2011 |
20110313495 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTING NEUROSTIMULATION INTENSITY USING EVOKED RESPONSES - A neurostimulation system provides for capture verification and stimulation intensity adjustment to ensure effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation in modulating one or more target functions in a patient. In various embodiments, stimulation is applied to the vagus nerve, and evoked responses are detected to verify that the stimulation captures the vagus nerve and to adjust one or more stimulation parameters that control the stimulation intensity. | 12-22-2011 |
20110319968 | CONTROL OF ARTERIAL SMOOTH MUSCLE TONE - An apparatus for locally controlling smooth muscle tone includes a first electrode for insertion into an artery; a barrier for preventing the first electrode from contacting an arterial wall; a second electrode; a power supply; and a controller for coupling the power supply to the electrodes. The controller is configured to cause the electrode to maintain a waveform for controlling polarization of smooth muscle tone. | 12-29-2011 |
20110319969 | ELECTRIC MODULATION OF SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM - A method is described for the treatment of obesity or other disorders, by electrical activation or inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system. This activation or inhibition can be accomplished by electrically stimulating the greater splanchnic nerve or other portion of the sympathetic nervous system using an implantable pulse generator. This nerve activation can result in reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure. Reduced food intake may occur through a variety of mechanisms that reduce appetite and cause satiety. Increased adrenal gland hormone levels will result in increased energy expenditure. Fat and carbohydrate metabolism, which are also increased by sympathetic nerve activation, will accompany the increased energy expenditure. | 12-29-2011 |
20120016446 | Therapeutic electric antioxidant clothing apparatus and method - A process for introducing therapeutic doses of electric antioxidants to the human skin with conductive portions in clothing for electrically contacting the skin, for applying direct current, pulsed direct current, or alternating current electricity of various voltage and current levels, for conductive wiring fiber interwoven in clothing, and for electronically controlling the doses of electric antioxidants in microcurrent doses applied percutaneously or transcutaneously to the human skin. A preferred embodiment includes the process for applying clothing that is skin tight, with or without a control module imbedded in the clothing or optionally, a wireless and remote control module for administering the therapeutic doses of electric antioxidants to the skin of the head, feet, legs, hips, or upper torso. | 01-19-2012 |
20120016447 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING LEAD CONFIGURATION FROM NEIGHBORING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ELECTRODES - A method and neurostimulation control system for programming electrodes disposed adjacent tissue of a patient. A fixed spatial grid of electrode positions is generated. One of the electrodes is designated as a reference electrode to be currently examined, and assigned to one of the electrode grid positions. One or more previously unassigned ones of the electrodes neighboring the reference electrode are assigned respectively to one or more of the electrode grid positions immediately surrounding the electrode grid position to which the reference electrode is assigned. The electrodes are programmed based on the assignment of the electrodes to the electrode grid positions. | 01-19-2012 |
20120029600 | 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. | 02-02-2012 |
20120041519 | SAFETY CONTROL SYSTEM FOR IMPLANTABLE NEURAL STIMULATOR - A neural stimulation system includes a safety control system that prevents delivery of neural stimulation pulses from causing potentially harmful effects. The neural stimulation pulses are delivered to one or more nerves to control the physiological functions regulated by the one or more nerves. Examples of such harmful effects include unintended effects in physiological functions associated with autonomic neural stimulation and nerve injuries caused by excessive delivery of the neural stimulation pulses. | 02-16-2012 |
20120059437 | Endovascular Electrostimulation Near a Carotid Bifurcation in Treating Cerebrovascular Conditions - An interventional system that utilizes a carotid chemoreceptor(s) and optionally baroreceptor(s) for inducing vasodilatation in blood vessels of the brain is provided for treating ischemic conditions of the CNS, such as ischemic stroke and cerebral vasospasm. The system includes an electrical signal generator and an endovascular module with electrode units for transiently being disposed in the internal and external carotid arteries, adjacent a carotid body. | 03-08-2012 |
20120065707 | NERVE STIMULATION APPARATUS - A cardiac activity state is correctly determined and the vagus nerve is stimulated at an appropriate timing. Provided is a nerve stimulation apparatus including a detector that detects an electrocardiac signal; a nerve stimulation unit that generates an electrical pulse for stimulating the vagus nerve; and a controller that determines a cardiac activity state on the basis of the electrocardiac signal detected by the detector and controls the nerve stimulation unit on the basis of the determination result; wherein the controller has a determination period for determining the cardiac activity state and a non-determination period for not determining the cardiac activity state, and wherein the controller allows the electrical pulse to be generated from the nerve stimulation unit while controlling a generation period of the electrical pulse so as to include it within the non-determination period. | 03-15-2012 |
20120101552 | STEREO DATA REPRESENTATION OF BIOMEDICAL SIGNALS ALONG A LEAD - Various embodiments concern sensing bioelectrical signals using electrodes along a lead, the electrodes having a spatial configuration along the lead, generating signal data sets, one signal data set being generated for each bioelectrical signal, and graphically representing the electrodes and data representations of the signal data sets on a display. In various embodiments, each data representation indicates a parameter of a respective one of the data sets, the electrodes are graphically represented on the display in a spatial configuration representative of the spatial configuration of the electrodes along the lead, and each data representation is graphically represented on the display in spatial association with at least one electrode through which the bioelectrical signal on which the signal data set is based was sensed. The parameter can be indicative of the relative presence of a biomarker in the bioelectrical signals. | 04-26-2012 |
20120101553 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FIXATING TRANSVENOUSLY IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICES - A transvenously implantable medical device (TIMD) includes an electrical lead and a control module. The electrical lead includes one or more electrodes and is adapted for transvenous implantation. The electrical lead is also pre-biased to expand from a collapsed state to an expanded state to mechanically engage an internal wall of a blood vessel. The control module is secured to and in electrical communication with the electrical lead. The control module includes a signal management component and a power component disposed in a housing adapted for implantation into the blood vessel. The control module is adapted for at least one of stimulating and sensing a physiologic response using the one or more electrodes of the electrical lead. | 04-26-2012 |
20120109262 | Multi-Electrode Neurostimulation Device - A neurostimulation device is provided comprising an input, a neurostimulation probe, a stimulation unit and a distribution calculation module. At the input stimulation data is received comprising information relating to a stimulation preferability and an orientation of at least one fiber bundle. The neurostimulation probe comprises an array of stimulation electrodes which are coupled to the stimulation unit. The stimulation unit, in accordance with a specified current distribution, provides currents to the respective stimulation electrodes for generating an electric field gradient. The distribution calculation module is coupled to the input and the stimulation unit for based on the stimulation data determining a preferred position and orientation for the electric field gradient, and based on the preferred position and orientation for the electric field gradient, calculating the specified current distribution. | 05-03-2012 |
20120116481 | System and Apparatus for Controlled Activation of Acute Use Medical Devices - An integrated activation system for an implantable medical device (IMD) sharing a power source, the activation system comprising a switching circuit having first and second inputs and having an output coupled to the acute use device, a gating element coupled to the first input and configured to gate power from the power source to the switching circuit, and a sensing element coupled to the second input of the switching circuit. The sensing element is configured to sense an activation condition, enable an operation interval of the switching circuit, and transmit a signal to the switching circuit during the activation condition. The switching circuit is configured to transmit power to the acute use device upon receipt of a pre-determined number of signals from the sensing element. | 05-10-2012 |
20120116482 | LOW-POWER SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR NEUROMODULATION - An apparatus comprises an electrostimulation energy storage capacitor, a circuit path communicatively coupled to the electrostimulation energy storage capacitor and configured to provide quasi-constant current neural stimulation through a load from the electrostimulation energy storage capacitor, a current measuring circuit communicatively coupled to the circuit path and configured to obtain a measure of quasi-constant current delivered to the load, and a control circuit communicatively coupled to the current measuring circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to initiate adjustment of the voltage level of the storage capacitor for a subsequent delivery of quasi-constant current according to a comparison of the measured load current to a specified load current value. | 05-10-2012 |
20120123506 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF HEART FAILURE AND ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS - Devices and methods of use identification, treatment, and/or management of heart failure and/or associated conditions. Methods may include providing a baroreflex therapy system, providing an implantable measurement device proximate a blood vessel of a patient, the implantable measurement device including a plurality of electrodes, determining an impedance of the blood vessel with the implantable measurement device over a time period of at least one cardiac cycle, generating at least one signal representative of a pressure waveform based on the impedance, activating, deactivating or otherwise modulating the baroreflex therapy system to deliver a therapy to treat heart failure based at least in part on the at least one signal representative of the pressure waveform. | 05-17-2012 |
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 |
20120150260 | INDEPENDENT PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR AN ELECTRICAL MUSCLE STIMULATION APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USING SAME - Electrotherapy systems and methods for delivering an electrostimulation treatment program to a user while reducing the risk of inducing cardiac fibrillation. The systems and methods detect electrostimulation treatment program delivery characteristics, including a pulse intensity above a preset limit; a pulse duration above a preset limit; an inappropriately compensated pulse; a charge per pulse above a predetermined limit; a current improperly exiting from a stimulation channel; a current present outside of a pulse; an excitation pulse and a compensation pulse generated on different channels; an inter-pulse time less than a predetermined limit; and a time between an excitation and a compensation pulse greater than a predetermined limit. The limits are selected in relation to an objective of reducing the risk of inducing cardiac fibrillation. | 06-14-2012 |
20120150261 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH HALL SENSOR - An implantable medical device can include a Hall effect sensor. The Hall effect sensor can include a first pair of electrical contacts and a second pair of electrical contacts. In an example, the Hall effect sensor can be configured to sense a magnetic field and can be configured to provide a voltage corresponding to a magnitude of the sensed magnetic field. | 06-14-2012 |
20120150262 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING THE LIKELIHOOD OF INDUCING COLLATERAL NEURAL ACTIVITY DURING NEURAL STIMULATION THRESHOLD TEST PROCEDURES - Test procedures for determining a neural stimulation threshold of a patient. In one embodiment, the procedure includes applying a test stimulation signal to the patient and monitoring the patient for a response to the test stimulation signal. The procedure can further include determining a first neural stimulation threshold and calculating a second neural stimulation threshold. The first neural stimulation threshold corresponds to the lowest intensity test stimulation signal that evokes a patient response. The second neural stimulation threshold corresponds to a treatment stimulation signal directed toward affecting a neural activity within the patient. | 06-14-2012 |
20120158098 | ACTIVITY SENSING FOR STIMULATOR CONTROL - The disclosure describes a system that measures the distance between one or more electrodes and tissue of a patient, and controls one or more parameters of the stimulation delivered to the tissue by the electrodes based on the measured distance. The system controls the measurement of the distance between the electrodes and the tissue as a function of activity of the patient. The system uses, for example, a piezoelectric transducer to sense activity of the patient, and may determine whether or how frequently to measure the distance between electrodes and tissue based on the sensed physical activity. A piezoelectric transducer may be used both to sense activity and to measure the distance between the electrodes and the tissue. | 06-21-2012 |
20120185016 | PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING BIOLOGICAL ORGANISMS - Disclosed in this specification is an apparatus and method for treating a biological organism comprising a device for emitting and delivering energy to the biological organism, a programmable controller for varying the type and amount of energy emitted, and apparatus for sensing a condition of the biological organism. | 07-19-2012 |
20120197353 | WEARABLE MEDICAL TREATMENT DEVICE - A wearable treatment device includes a cardiac sensing electrode, a treatment electrode, a user interface, and a sensor. The cardiac sensing electrode detects cardiac information, and the treatment electrode applies treatment to a subject. The user interface receives quality of life information from the subject, and the sensor detects subject activity and wellness information. A controller coupled with the cardiac sensing electrode, the treatment electrode, the user interface, and the sensor receives the detected cardiac information, the quality of life information, and the detected subject activity and wellness information, and determines that treatment is to be applied to the body of the subject based upon the detected cardiac information. The controller can adjust the treatment based on at least one of the detected subject activity and wellness information and the quality of life information. | 08-02-2012 |
20120197354 | Techniques for Sensing and Adjusting a Compliance Voltage in an Implantable Stimulator Device - Disclosed herein are methods and circuitry for monitoring and adjusting a compliance voltage in an implantable stimulator devices to an optimal value that is sufficiently high to allow for proper circuit performance (i.e., sufficient current output), but low enough that power is not needlessly wasted via excessive voltage drops across the current output circuitry. The algorithm measures output voltages across the current source and sink circuitry during at least periods of actual stimulation when both the current sources and sinks are operable, and adjusts the compliance voltage so as to reduce these output voltages to within guard band values preferably indicative for operation in transistor saturation. The output voltages can additionally be monitored during periods between stimulation pulses to improve the accuracy of the measurement, and is further beneficial in that such additional measurements are not perceptible to the patient. | 08-02-2012 |
20120215287 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS WITH IMPROVED RF COMPATIBILITY - An implantable control module for an electrical stimulation system includes an electronic subassembly disposed in a sealed conductive housing. A plurality of feedthrough pins extend through the sealed housing and couple connector contact of an external connector to the electronic subassembly. Each of the plurality of conductive pathways electrically couples a different one of the plurality of feedthrough pins to the electronic subassembly. A ground line electrically couples the electronic subassembly to the housing. A capacitive flex circuit is disposed in the housing and couples to each of the feed through pins. For each of the plurality of feedthrough pins the capacitive flex circuit includes a first conductive path electrically coupling the feedthrough pin to a corresponding conductive pathway of the plurality of conductive pathways, and a second conductive path electrically coupling the feedthrough pin to the ground pin. | 08-23-2012 |
20120245656 | CONTROLLED TITRATION OF NEUROSTIMULATION THERAPY - Described herein are methods and devices that utilize electrical neural stimulation to treat heart failure by modulating a patient's autonomic balance in a manner that inhibits sympathetic activity and/or augments parasympathetic activity. Because other therapies for treating heart failure may also affect a patient's autonomic balance, a device for delivering neural stimulation is configured to appropriately titrate such therapy in either an open-loop or closed-loop fashion. | 09-27-2012 |
20120259388 | Annular electrode array - A three-dimensional annular electrode array (AEA) device is disclosed for use as a cybernetic neural interface for the neural control and sensory feedback of a bionic prosthetic device. The AEA, designed for implantation into a nerve, is comprised of a body ( | 10-11-2012 |
20120259389 | TREATMENT OF POSTPRANDIAL HYPERGLYCEMIA BY GASTRIC ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - In some examples, the disclosure relates to a systems, devices, and techniques for delivering electrical stimulation therapy to a patient. In some example, the disclosure relates to systems and methods of treating hyperglycemia in a patient including delivering gastric electrical stimulation (GES) to the patient. Devices, systems and methods according to the disclosure may comprise an implantable stimulator, a blood glucose monitor and/or a food intake sensor. In some examples, a blood glucose level and/or food intake of a patient is detected and GES is delivered to the patient in response to the detection. | 10-11-2012 |
20120265273 | UNIDIRECTIONAL NEURAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS - An embodiment relates to a method for delivering a unidirectional afferent nerve stimulation treatment. A test neural stimulation is delivered, and a physiologic response to the test neural stimulation is monitored. At least one neural stimulation parameter for the test neural stimulation is adjusted if the test neural stimulation does not elicit a desired physiologic response. If the test neural stimulation does elicit the desired physiologic response, at least one treatment parameter for a unidirectional afferent nerve stimulation is determined using the at least one neural stimulation parameter for the test neural stimulation that provided the desired physiologic response. The unidirectional afferent nerve stimulation is delivered using the at least one treatment parameter. | 10-18-2012 |
20120271381 | LARGE-PITCH COIL CONFIGURATIONS FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE - Techniques related to coils for medical device are disclosed. One example coil may comprise multiple filars, each being formed of a biocompatible beta titanium alloy having an elastic modulus ranging from 30 GigaPascals (GPa) to 90 GPa and comprising at least two elements from a group consisting of titanium, molybdenum, niobium, tantalum, zirconium, chromium, iron and tin. At least one of the multiple filars may be electrically insulated one from another. A structural body, such as a lead body, may carry the coil. One or more filars may carry a low-resistance core. | 10-25-2012 |
20120271382 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO ACCOUNT FOR NECK MOVEMENT DURING NERVE STIMULATION - Some embodiments provide a method, comprising performing a neural stimulation test routine for stimulating a neural target in a cervical region of a patient, wherein for each of a plurality of head positions, performing the neural stimulation test routine includes testing a plurality of electrode configurations. The method further comprises recording threshold data for each of the tested electrode configurations for the plurality of head positions, and recommending an electrode configuration based on the recorded threshold data. | 10-25-2012 |
20120277830 | Electrode Stimulator with Energy Recycling and Current Regulation - A system and method for stimulating an electrode is provided. The stimulator includes a sensor circuit configured to couple to the at least one electrode of a medical device to measure a power characteristic of the at least one electrode. The stimulator includes a control circuit configured to compare the measured power characteristic of the at least one electrode to a desired power characteristic, and, based upon a comparison of the measured power characteristic of the at least one electrode and the desired power characteristic, select between a first operational mode and a second operational mode of the electrode stimulator. The first operational mode includes delivering energy to the at least one electrode to stimulate the tissue and the second operational mode includes recovering energy from the at least one electrode. | 11-01-2012 |
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 |
20120277832 | BATTERY LIFE ESTIMATION BASED ON VOLTAGE DEPLETION RATE - Apparatus and methods for estimating the remaining life of a battery in an implantable medical device (“IMD”) are disclosed herein. The terminal voltage of the battery is measured and the measurements create a baseline curve of the battery voltage depletion. The points along the baseline curve can be linearly extrapolated to calculate the voltage depletion rate, which can estimate the remaining life of the battery. | 11-01-2012 |
20120277833 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION THERAPY BASED ON HEAD POSITION - Techniques and systems for determining a head position of a patient and controlling delivery of electrical stimulation to a target stimulation site based on the determined head position are described. In some examples, movement of the head of the patient may result in movement of a lead, through which the electrical stimulation may be delivered, relative to the target stimulation site. Thus, controlling delivery of the electrical stimulation based on the head position may improve the efficiency and efficacy of the electrical stimulation therapy. | 11-01-2012 |
20120277834 | MICROFABRICATED SURFACE NEUROSTIMULATION DEVICE AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - Described herein are microelectrode array devices, and methods of fabrication and use of the same, to provide highly localized and efficient electrical stimulation of a neurological target. The device includes multiple microelectrode elements arranged along an supportive backing layer. The microelectrode elements are dimensioned and shaped so as to target individual neurons, groups of neurons, and neural tissue as may be located in an animal nervous system, such as along a region of a cortex of a human brain. Beneficially, the neurological probe can be used to facilitate location of the neurological target and remain implanted for long-term monitoring and/or stimulation. | 11-01-2012 |
20120277835 | IMPLANTABLE VESTIBULAR PROSTHESIS - An implantable nerve stimulation device has a sensor system, a data processor in communication with the sensor system, and a nerve stimulation system in communication with the data processor and constructed to provide electrical stimulation to at least one branch of at least one vestibulocochlear nerve. The nerve stimulation system includes an electrode array that has a first plurality of electrodes structured to be surgically implanted in electrical communication with a superior branch of the vestibular nerve, a second plurality of electrodes structured to be surgically implanted in electrical communication with a horizontal branch of the vestibular nerve, a third plurality of electrodes structured to be surgically implanted in electrical communication with a posterior branch of the vestibular nerve, and a common erus reference electrode structured to be surgically implanted into a common eras of the vestibular labyrinth. | 11-01-2012 |
20120277836 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING RENAL FUNCTION - A method for improving renal function includes placing an electrode on a dorsal spinal cord within a central nervous system and applying an electrical current to the electrode. The electrode is positioned, and the electrical current is configured, to stimulate an afferent neuron without stimulating an efferent neuron, thereby causing an increase in renal excretion of sodium and water while having an insubstantial affect on a sympathetic nervous system. | 11-01-2012 |
20120277837 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MODULATING EATING BEHAVIOR BY MEANS OF NEURO-ELECTRICAL CODED SIGNALS - A method for modulating eating behavior comprising (i) generating at least one confounding neuro-electrical signal that is adapted to modulate the sense of taste in the body, (ii) generating at least one confounding neuro-electrical signal that is adapted to modulate the sense of smell in the body, and (iii) transmitting at least one of the confounding neuro-electrical signals to a subject to modulate the subject's sense of taste or smell. In a preferred embodiment, both confounding neuro-electrical signals are transmitted to the subject to modulate the subject's sense of taste and smell. | 11-01-2012 |
20120290046 | LOAD-ADAPTIVE BIOELECTRIC CURRENT STIMULATOR - The disclosure relates to a load-adaptive bioelectrical current stimulator, which comprises a current output module, an adaptation module and a control module. The current output module generates a stimulus current to an electrode. The adaptation module detects the electrical status of the stimulus current passing through the electrode and generates a feedback signal to the control module. According to the feedback signal, the control module controls the current output module to stabilize the output status of the stimulus current adaptively. Thereby, the load-adaptive bioelectrical current stimulator can use the feedback control mechanism to regulate the value of the stimulus current to adapt to variation of load impedance. | 11-15-2012 |
20120303098 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROL OF PANCREATIC BETA CELL FUNCTION TO IMPROVE GLUCOSE HOMEOSTASIS AND INSULIN PRODUCTION - The present invention provides methods, systems and apparatuses for effecting excitation or inhibition of small sensory nerve fibers, such as C-afferent fibers, by electrical stimulation of nerves innervating the pancreas in diabetic subjects. In an aspect the methods are directed to effecting insulin production and for the treatment of diabetes. This invention includes a closed or open loop feedback control system in which biomarker levels are monitored in order to direct electrical stimulation. An implantable or external neural stimulation device is also provided. | 11-29-2012 |
20120316621 | Method and Apparatus to Manage Lead-Related Conditions for Fault Tolerance Enhancements - The disclosure describes methods and devices for providing early indicators of a lead-related condition in a medical electrical lead. Among other things, the methods and devices will detect, obtain, or provide indicators of static or intermittent disruptions in a conductive pathway of the lead based on changes in conductive continuity properties of a medical electrical lead. The conductive behaviors and properties will be managed to facilitate signal stability and fidelity. In some embodiments, the methods and devices may include functions to enable one or more of monitoring a lead's conductive pathway, detecting static and transient behaviors of the conductive pathway, stabilizing the monitored pathway, reconfiguring the pathway, and providing lead-related condition data to an associated implantable medical device. The early indicators may be generated in a real-time, continuous manner to provide early detection and notification of lead degradation. | 12-13-2012 |
20120316622 | IMPLANTABLE MICROSTIMULATORS WITH PROGRAMMABLE MULTIELECTRODE CONFIGURATION AND USES THEREOF - Miniature implantable stimulators (i.e., microstimulators) with programmably configurable electrodes allow, among other things, steering of the electric fields created. In addition, the microstimulators are capable of producing unidirectionally propagating action potentials (UPAPs). | 12-13-2012 |
20120330382 | LEAD FOR IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC PROSTHESIS WITH INTEGRATED PROTECTION AGAINST THE EFFECTS OF MRI FIELDS - A lead for an implantable cardiac prosthesis, having an integrated protection against the effects of magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) fields. A protection circuit ( | 12-27-2012 |
20130006332 | EVALUATING THERAPEUTIC STIMULATION ELECTRODE CONFIGURATIONS BASED ON PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES - A medical system comprises a plurality of electrodes; at least one sensor configured to output at least one signal based on at least one physiological parameter of a patient; and a processor. The processor is configured to control delivery of stimulation to the patient using a plurality of electrode configurations. Each of the electrode configurations comprises at least one of the plurality of electrodes. For each of the electrode configurations, the processor is configured to determine a first response of target tissue to the stimulation based on the signals, and a second response of non-target tissue to the stimulation based on the signals. The processor is also configured to select at least one of the electrode configurations for delivery of stimulation to the patient based on the first and second responses for the electrode configurations. As examples, the target tissue may be a left ventricle or vagus nerve. | 01-03-2013 |
20130013028 | Microcurrent Device With A Sensory Cue - The present invention is directed to an apparatus that includes a microcurrent delivery device portion and at least one independent sensory cue delivery means. The independent sensory cue delivery means can provide an independent sensory cue selected from the group consisting of vibration, heat, cool, skin irritation, tingling, fragrance or auditory. | 01-10-2013 |
20130023959 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING ISCHEMIC DISEASES - The present invention relates to the treatment of ischemic diseases, and more particularly, to treatment of diabetic retinopathy and ischemia of the retinal and choroidal tissues. The treatment, which will work in vitrectomized eyes as well as non-vitrectomized eyes, is based on selective and fractional electrolysis of the vitreous humor to produce oxygen and optionally active chlorine while simultaneously controlling pH. Oxygen or active chlorine can suppress or reverse the onset of diabetic retinopathy, other retinovascular diseases, and choroidal neovascularization. | 01-24-2013 |
20130030503 | GASTROINTESTINAL ELECTRICAL THERAPY - Apparatus ( | 01-31-2013 |
20130030504 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTRONICALLY SWITCHING ELECTRODE CONFIGURATION - A method and apparatus for selecting neural stimulation electrode configuration is provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to an implantable medical device including a neural stimulator adapted to generate neural stimulation signals and an electrode configuration tester for testing a first electrode configuration for stimulating a desired neural target. The device includes a controller to control the neural stimulator to selectively provide a first neural stimulation signal with appropriate signal characteristics to stimulate the desired neural target using the first electrical configuration and a second neural stimulation signal with appropriate signal characteristics to stimulate the desired neural target using a second electrode configuration, and adapted to communicate with the electrode configuration tester and to respond to an indication that an efficacy of the first electrode configuration is lower than a threshold by providing the neural stimulation using the second neural stimulation signal. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 01-31-2013 |
20130041430 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TREATING A PELVIC CONDITION OF A PATIENT - A system for treating a pelvic condition of a patient includes a plurality of electrodes, a memory a plurality of predefined unique stimulation programs stored in the memory, and an implantable controller. Each of the stimulation programs defines a stimulation signal and an identification of one or more of the electrodes to which the stimulation signal is to be applied. The implantable controller is electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes and is configured to execute a selected stimulation program from the memory to apply a stimulation signal to one or more of the electrodes in accordance with the selected stimulation program. | 02-14-2013 |
20130046362 | Treatment Patch Electrode for Applying Electrical Impulses to the Body of a Patient - A handheld treatment device is for applying electrical impulses to a living body through the surface of the body, for treating a variety of clinical conditions. The device comprises first and second electrodes for contact with the skin; a waveform generator for repeatedly generating an AC waveform for applying electrical impulses through the electrodes to the skin; a detector for detecting changes in the skin impedance and for generating output signals representing the skin impedance; means responsive to the output signals from the detector for monitoring the responsivity of the skin; and indicator means for generating a first indication when a predetermined level of responsivity is reached and a second indication when a pre-determined treatment has been administered. The device is characterised by a treatment patch comprising a flexible sheet having on one surface said first and second electrodes separated by insulation; a pair of leads connected respectively to said first and second electrodes; and a connection arrangement attached to the first and second leads for connecting the electrodes with said waveform generator. Each electrode comprises at least one elongate strip, with the, or each, strip of the first electrode being separated from the, or each adjacent, strip of the second electrode by a, or a respective, line of said insulation. | 02-21-2013 |
20130053926 | SYSTEMS TO DETECT VAGUS CAPTURE - Some embodiments provide a system for delivering neurostimulation. Some system embodiments comprise a lead configured to be implanted in the body, a stimulation output circuit configured to deliver neurostimulation pulses to the vagus nerve through the lead, an EMG sensing circuit configured to use the lead to sense EMG signals from laryngeal muscle activity, and an evoked muscular response detection circuit configured to use the EMG signals sensed by the EMG sensing circuit to detect evoked laryngeal muscle activity evoked by the neurostimulation pulse. | 02-28-2013 |
20130060305 | METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR TARGETED BRAIN STIMULATION USING ELECTRICAL PARAMETER MAPS - A system and method for selecting optimal stimulation parameter settings for a therapeutic neural stimulation for a current patient may include obtaining, by at least one processor, electrical parameter maps and corresponding score values of a patient population, and processing, by the at least one processor, the parameter maps and the score values to evaluate, based on a set of score criteria, parameter maps associated with potential stimulation parameter settings. | 03-07-2013 |
20130073006 | NERVE STIMULATION APPARATUS - Provided is a nerve stimulation apparatus that is capable of performing effective nerve stimulation depending on a therapeutic purpose without adversely affecting a heart. Further provided is a nerve stimulation apparatus including: a stimulation-pulse output unit that outputs a stimulation pulse; a cardiac-event detector that detects a cardiac event; and a controller that controls the stimulation-signal output unit so as to output, during a cardiac refractory period, the nerve stimulation signal having an intensity that corresponds to the heart rate obtained on the basis of the cardiac event detected by the cardiac-event detector. | 03-21-2013 |
20130073007 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADJUSTING ELECTRICAL THERAPY BASED ON IMPEDANCE CHANGES - System and methods for adjusting electrical therapy based on impedance changes are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes applying a therapeutic electrical signal to a patient via an implanted portion of a patient stimulation system that includes a signal delivery device in electrical communication with a target neural population of the patient. The electrical signal is delivered in accordance with a signal delivery parameter having a first value. Using the implanted portion of the patient stimulation system, a change in an impedance of an electrical circuit that includes the signal delivery device is detected. Based at least in part on the detected impedance change, the method can further include automatically adjusting the value of the signal delivery parameter from the first value to a second value different from the first, without human intervention. | 03-21-2013 |
20130073008 | POWER SUPPLY MANAGEMENT FOR IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATION DEVICES - An apparatus comprises a therapy circuit that provides a neural stimulation current, an impedance measurement circuit that measures a value of impedance at the output of the therapy circuit, a supply voltage generating circuit that provides an adjustable supply voltage value to the therapy circuit including a first supply voltage value when in a first mode, and a control circuit communicatively coupled to the therapy circuit, the impedance measuring circuit, and the supply voltage generating circuit. The control circuit, upon receiving an indication to exit the first mode, initiates an impedance measurement by the impedance measurement circuit, determines the second supply voltage value using the impedance measurement, and initiates a change from the first supply voltage value to the second supply voltage value. The second supply voltage value is sufficient to operate the therapy circuit and to provide a specified load current value to the measured impedance. | 03-21-2013 |
20130090706 | METHODS AND ASSOCIATED NEURAL PROSTHETIC DEVICES FOR BRIDGING BRAIN AREAS TO IMPROVE FUNCTION - Methods for bridging brain sites between which there is substantially no effective communication, and associated neural prosthetic devices, are provided. A neural spike in a first neural site in a subject is detected, and a stimulus to a second neural site in the subject is delivered within a defined period of time after the detection of the neural spike, wherein there is substantially no effective communication between the first and second neural sites. The method forms an artificial bridge between the two neural sites, and establishes lasting communication between the two sites. The present disclosure provides, among other things, a neural prosthetic device comprising an integrated circuit that comprises a recording front-end comprising a plurality of recording channels; a processor unit; and a stimulus delivering back-end comprising a plurality of stimulation channels. | 04-11-2013 |
20130090707 | TEMPERATURE SENSOR FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL APPARATUS - A temperature sensor for detecting heating of at least one electrode pole of a temporarily or permanently implantable electrode line or a similar implant having at least one elongated electrical conductor which is connected to at least one electrode pole. The temperature sensor has an impedance detecting unit or is connected to one and is configured for evaluating an electrode pole impedance detected by the impedance detecting unit in such a manner that the evaluation takes place with respect to a temperature-dependent feature of the electrode impedance. The impedance detecting unit is electrically connected to the at least one electrode pole or is configured and arranged to be electrically connected to the at least one electrode pole. | 04-11-2013 |
20130103118 | Automated Electrode Array Treatment Protocol - A method and system provide an automated protocol for assessing and treating a neurostimulation treatment area. The assessment involves identifying a number of relative low impedance points among an array of points of a treatment area array associated with a physiological region. A certain number of the identified points are treated. The array area is reassessed. Then, a certain number of the previously treated points are treated again. These steps are repeated a predetermined number of times and/or until a predetermined number of treatment points remains. | 04-25-2013 |
20130103119 | HIGH-FREQUENCY TREATMENT DEVICE - Disclosed is a high-frequency treatment device provided with: an oscillator circuit and an amplification circuit that generate a high-frequency signal; and a head that holds terminals ( | 04-25-2013 |
20130116752 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING FAULTS AND/OR ADJUSTING ELECTRICAL THERAPY BASED ON IMPEDANCE CHANGES - System and methods for detecting impedance changes and for adjusting electrical therapy based on impedance changes are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes applying a therapeutic, paresthesialess electrical signal to a patient via a patient modulation system that includes a signal delivery device in electrical communication with a target neural population of the patient. The method can include monitoring on a periodic basis an impedance of an electrical circuit that includes the signal delivery device. The method can further include detecting a change in the impedance that indicates a fault and providing an indication that the fault exists. | 05-09-2013 |
20130123883 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SELECTIVELY STIMULATING NERVE ROOTS - Various system embodiments comprise an implantable lead, an implantable housing, a neural stimulation circuit in the housing, and a controller in the housing and connected to the neural stimulation circuit. The lead has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is adapted to deliver neural stimulation pulses to the ventral nerve root and the dorsal nerve root. The proximal end of the lead is adapted to connect to the housing. The neural stimulation circuit is adapted to generate neural stimulation pulses to stimulate the ventral nerve root or the dorsal nerve root using the implantable lead. The controller is adapted to control the neural stimulation circuit to deliver a neural stimulation treatment. | 05-16-2013 |
20130131760 | TECHNIQUE FOR LINKING ELECTRODES TOGETHER DURING PROGRAMMING OF NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM - An external control device for use with a neurostimulator coupled to a plurality of electrodes capable of conveying electrical stimulation energy into tissue in which the electrodes are implanted. The external control device comprises a user interface including at least one control element, a processor configured for independently assigning stimulation amplitude values to a first set of the electrodes, for linking the first set of electrodes together in response to the actuation of the at least one control element, and for preventing the stimulation amplitude values of the first linked set of electrodes from being varied relative to each other, and output circuitry configured for transmitting the stimulation amplitude values to the neurostimulator. | 05-23-2013 |
20130131761 | HIGH-VOLTAGE CMOS NEUROELECTRONIC INTERFACE FOR A MULTICHANNEL VESTIBULAR PROSTHESIS - A multichannel vestibular prosthesis includes a sensor system and a microcontroller configured to communicate with the sensor system to receive sensor signals from the sensor system while in operation. The microcontroller is configured to provide control signals in response to the sensor signals. The multichannel vestibular prosthesis also includes a neuroelectronic interface integrated circuit configured to communicate with the microcontroller to receive the control signals, and a plurality of electrodes electrically connected to the neuroelectronic interface integrated circuit. The neuroelectronic interface integrated circuit includes a digital controller configured to communicate with the microcontroller, a plurality of digital-to-analog converters configured to communicate with the digital controller, and a plurality of analog current control circuits, each constructed to communicate with a respective one of the plurality of digital-to-analog converters. Each of the plurality of analog current control circuits can be electrically connected directly or under software control to a respective one of a plurality of electrodes for delivering electrical stimuli to at least one vestibular nerve, and the digital controller is configured to control amplitudes, frequencies, polarities and durations of currents to be delivered to any combination of the plurality of electrical leads. | 05-23-2013 |
20130138181 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION LEADS HAVING RF COMPATIBILITY AND METHODS OF USE AND MANUFACTURE - A neurostimulation lead or lead extension includes a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end. A plurality of first contacts are disposed on the distal end of the lead body. A plurality of second contacts are disposed on a proximal end of the lead body. A plurality of conductors extend along the lead body. Each of the plurality of conductors electrically couples at least one of the first contacts to at least one of the second contacts. At least one of the conductors includes at least one switch disposed along a length of the conductor. The at least one switch is configured and arranged to separate the conductor into a plurality of individual segments when the at least one switch is opened. | 05-30-2013 |
20130144361 | Apparatus, Systems, and Methods for Neurostimulation and Neurotelemetry Using Semiconductor Diode Systems - Methods and systems for neurostimulation and/or neurotelemetry of electrically-excitable biological tissue. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a radio frequency output to a diode implanted in biological tissue. The radio frequency output cause current to flow in the diode that is sufficient to provide neurostimulation. Additionally, a radio frequency receiver is configured to receive a second harmonic signal from the diode, which can be used to control the radio frequency output. | 06-06-2013 |
20130150926 | Stimulation System and Method for Voice Lift - A stimulation system and method for providing training therapy to a human subject having a weakened voice includes an activating switch configured to generate a first signal, and a processor configured to receive the first signal from the sensing electrode and to generate at least one stimulation parameter based on the first signal. The system further includes a stimulating electrode configured to receive the stimulation parameter from the processor and to activate a recurrent laryngeal nerve or vagus nerve of the subject in response to the stimulation parameter. | 06-13-2013 |
20130150927 | SAFETY CONTROL SYSTEM FOR IMPLANTABLE NEURAL STIMULATOR - A neural stimulation system includes a safety control system that prevents delivery of neural stimulation pulses from causing potentially harmful effects. The neural stimulation pulses are delivered to one or more nerves to control the physiological functions regulated by the one or more nerves. Examples of such harmful effects include unintended effects in physiological functions associated with autonomic neural stimulation and nerve injuries caused by excessive delivery of the neural stimulation pulses. | 06-13-2013 |
20130165998 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CLOSED-LOOP NEURAL STIMULATION - Various device embodiments comprise a pulse generator, a signal processing module and a controller. The pulse generator is adapted to provide a neural stimulation signal to be applied at a neural simulation site within an autonomic nervous system (ANS). The signal processing module is adapted to receive and process sensed neural traffic at a neural sensing site within the ANS. The controller is connected to the pulse generator and adapted to provide a neural stimulation control signal to the pulse generator to generate the neural stimulation signal, and to the signal processing module to receive a feedback control signal indicative of the sensed neural traffic. The controller is adapted to adjust the neural stimulation control signal to adjust at least one parameter of the neural stimulation signal to converge on desired sensed neural traffic at the neural sensing site. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 06-27-2013 |
20130172958 | CURRENT STIMULATOR - The disclosure relates to a current stimulator, which comprises a high voltage output module, a voltage control module and a charge pump module. The high voltage output module includes a plurality of stacked transistors, and receives an input control signal able to turn on/off the current stimulator and a first voltage. A second voltage is generated by adding the voltages output by all the transistors to the first voltage and then output to the voltage control module. The voltage control module outputs a voltage control signal able to stabilize the stimulus current for the load according to the second voltage and the load impedance variation. The charge pump regulates the first voltage according to the voltage control signal, and outputs the regulated first voltage to the high voltage output module. Thereby, the current stimulator can adaptively stabilize the stimulus current, responding to load impedance variation. | 07-04-2013 |
20130184788 | Implantable Vestibular Prosthesis System with Power Saving Mode Including Soft Start and Soft Power-Down - A novel vestibular implant system is described. An implantable vestibular stimulator provides vestibular stimulation signals to stimulate target neural tissue for vestibular sensation by a patient. One or more motion sensors are controllably powered by the vestibular implant system and develop a motion signal reflecting head motion of an implant patient. The vestibular stimulator includes at least two different operating modes: i. a sensor controlled mode wherein the motion sensor is powered and the vestibular stimulation signal is developed as a dependent function of the motion signal, and ii. a sensor independent mode wherein the motion sensor is unpowered and the vestibular stimulation signals, if any, are developed independently of the motion signal. | 07-18-2013 |
20130204328 | CONTROL OF NEURAL MODULATION THERAPY USING CERVICAL IMPEDANCE - An implantable apparatus can comprise an electrical test energy delivery circuit configured to provide an electrical test signal to a cervical location in a patient body. A detector circuit can use the electrical test signal to detect cervical impedance and generate a cervical impedance signal representing fluctuations in the detected cervical impedance. The implantable apparatus can comprise a therapy delivery circuit, such as configured to provide electrical neural modulation therapy using a neural modulation timing parameter, and a processor circuit that can be coupled to the electrical test energy delivery circuit, the detector circuit, and the therapy delivery circuit. The processor circuit can be configured to determine a pulsatile signal or pulse pressure signal, such as using the cervical impedance signal, identify a characteristic of the pulsatile signal or pulse pressure signal, and control a neural modulation therapy using the timing parameter and the identified pulse pressure signal characteristic. | 08-08-2013 |
20130211480 | EFFICIENT DYNAMIC STIMULATION IN AN IMPLANTED DEVICE - Apparatus is provided for stimulating a tissue having a tissue capacitance. The apparatus comprises a capacitor, and circuitry which is adapted to charge the capacitor to a potential, and discharge the capacitor for a discharge period through the tissue. The apparatus further comprises a resistive element, having a resistance which is controlled by the circuitry, which is coupled to the circuitry, and which is adapted to substantially short-circuit the tissue capacitance responsive to a control signal generated by the circuitry. | 08-15-2013 |
20130218238 | STIMULATION SIGNAL GENERATION DEVICE AND STIMULATION SIGNAL GENERATION METHOD - Implementation including a brain activity data acquisition unit ( | 08-22-2013 |
20130226266 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MODIFYING IMPEDANCE ALONG ELECTRICAL PATHS OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS - An implantable medical device system includes a control module with a connector assembly for electrically coupling to a lead. The control module includes a plurality of feedthrough interconnects extending from the connector assembly to an electronic subassembly disposed in a sealed housing. The plurality of feedthrough interconnects include a first feedthrough interconnect and a second feedthrough interconnect. Impedance circuitry disposed in the control module modulates impedance associated with terminals and conductors of the lead. The impedance circuitry includes a plurality of impedance elements each coupled electrically to a different feedthrough interconnect. Each impedance element has a pre-defined impedance. The plurality of impedance elements include a first impedance element electrically coupled to the first feedthrough interconnect and a second impedance element electrically coupled to the second feedthrough interconnect. The pre-defined impedance of the first impedance element is different than the pre-defined impedance of the second impedance element. | 08-29-2013 |
20130231717 | NEURAL STIMULATION MODULATION BASED ON MONITORED CARDIOVASCULAR PARAMETER - An aspect relates to a system for providing baroreflex stimulation. An embodiment of the system comprises a heart rate monitor to sense a heart rate and provide a signal indicative of the heart rate, and a baroreflex stimulator. The stimulator includes a pulse generator to intermittently generate a stimulation signal to provide baroreflex stimulation for a baroreflex therapy, and further includes a modulator to adjust the stimulation signal based on the signal indicative of the heart rate such that the stimulation signal provides a desired baroreflex stimulation corresponding to a desired heart rate. | 09-05-2013 |
20130238057 | NERVE STIMULATING DEVICE - A vagus nerve is efficiently stimulated while preventing wasteful energy consumption. Provided is a nerve stimulating device ( | 09-12-2013 |
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 |
20130245722 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING FOR NERVE DAMAGE - Various device embodiments may comprise an implantable medical device for implantation in a body and for applying neural stimulation to a neural target in the body. The device may comprise a neural stimulation electrode configured for use in stimulating the neural target, a neural stimulator configured to deliver neural stimulation through the electrode to the neural target, a sensor configured to sense a physiological response to stimulation of motor fibers at the neural target, and a controller operatively connected to the neural stimulator to control the neural stimulation and operatively connected to the sensor to receive a signal indicative of the physiological response. The controller may be configured to detect a potential neural injury and perform an action in response to the detected potential neural injury. | 09-19-2013 |
20130245723 | NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM FOR PREVENTING MAGNETICALLY INDUCED CURRENTS IN ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY - A neurostimulation device capable of being placed between an active stimulation state and an inactive stimulation state and method of using same. The neurostimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to a plurality of stimulation electrodes, a first solid-state switching device coupled to a first one of the electrical terminals, a variable power source coupled to the first switching device, and a controller configured for, when the neurostimulation device is in the inactive stimulation state, prompting the variable power source to selectively output a relatively low voltage to place the first switching device into a first open state and a relatively high voltage to place the first switching device into a second open state. | 09-19-2013 |
20130253615 | AUTOMATIC SELECTION OF LEAD CONFIGURATION FOR A NEURAL STIMULATION LEAD - A neurostimulation system includes a neural stimulation lead having a proximal portion and a distal portion and including a plurality of electrodes along the distal portion. The plurality of electrodes are configured for positioning proximate a portion of the autonomic nervous system. A neural stimulation circuit, coupled to the plurality of electrodes, delivers neural stimulation pulses to the plurality of electrodes. A processor and controller is configured to control the neural stimulation circuit to deliver first neural stimulation pulses to each of a plurality of electrode configurations. Each electrode configuration includes one or more of the plurality of electrodes. The processor and controller is further configured to receive information related to motor fiber activity that is induced in response to delivery of the first neural stimulation pulses to each of the plurality of electrode configurations and to identify the electrode configurations that induce the motor fiber activity. | 09-26-2013 |
20130253616 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SYNCHRONIZING NEURAL STIMULATION TO CARDIAC CYCLES - A neural stimulator senses a reference signal indicative of cardiac cycles each including a predetermined type timing reference event using a sensor external to the heart and blood vessels. The delivery of the neural stimulation pulses are synchronized to that timing reference event. Examples of the timing reference event include a predetermined cardiac event such as a P-wave or an R-wave detected from a subcutaneous ECG signal, a predetermined type heart sound detected from an acoustic signal, and a peak detected from a hemodynamic signal related to blood flow or pressure. | 09-26-2013 |
20130261705 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF SPASMODIC DYSPHONIA - A method and apparatus for using low levels of electrical stimulation to treat spasmodic dysphonia by stimulating the afferent nervous system and/or altering the function of gamma motor neurons innervating muscles which experience symptomatic spasms. | 10-03-2013 |
20130268030 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING NEURAL STIMULATION DURING DISORDERED BREATHING - A neural stimulation system controls the delivery of neural stimulation using a respiratory signal as a therapy feedback input. The respiratory signal is used to increase the effectiveness of the neural stimulation, such as vagal nerve stimulation, while decreasing potentially adverse side effects in respiratory functions. In one embodiment, the neural stimulation system detects apnea and, in response, adjusts the delivery of the neural stimulation pulses and/or delivers a respiratory therapy treating the detected apnea. | 10-10-2013 |
20130274830 | VELOCITY DETECTION FOR POSTURE-RESPONSIVE THERAPY - The disclosure describes techniques for modifying an electrical stimulation or another type of therapy provided to a patient by a medical device. The therapy modification may be based on a posture and/or activity state of a patient that is detected by an IMD, such as a change in a detected posture state occupied by the patient. Different therapy modifications may be applied for different changes in detected posture state. An IMD may modify therapy based on a transition from one posture state to another posture state. The IMD may determine a posture state of the patient for use in controlling therapy adjustments and/or other aspects of the system. In some examples, when the patient's movement and/or activity velocity exceeds a velocity threshold, a previously-determined stable posture state of the patient may be used to control therapy rather than a current posture state of the patient, which may be transient. | 10-17-2013 |
20130274831 | NEUROMODULATORY METHOD FOR TREATING CHRONIC OR REFRACTORY RHINITIS - One aspect of the present disclosure includes a method for treating chronic or refractory rhinitis in a subject. One step of the method includes implanting a therapy delivery system in the subject so that at least one therapy delivery component of the system is positioned substantially adjacent a target location where modulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is effective to treat chronic or refractory rhinitis. The therapy delivery component includes at least one electrode configured to deliver electric current to the target location. Next, electric current is delivered to the at least one electrode to effect a change in the ANS. | 10-17-2013 |
20130282079 | CHARGE-BALANCING DURING ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - In some examples, a device for delivering electrical stimulation to a medical patient includes an electrical stimulation generator, a coupling circuit, and a processing module. The electrical stimulation generator is configured to generate electrical stimulation. The coupling circuit includes a first node connected to the electrical stimulation generator, a second node configured to deliver the electrical stimulation to the patient, and a capacitor. The coupling circuit is configured to operate in a first state to couple the capacitor between the first and second nodes in a first orientation and operate in a second state to couple the capacitor between the first and second nodes in a second orientation that is opposite to the first orientation. The processing module is configured to set the state of the coupling circuit to one of the first and second states. | 10-24-2013 |
20130289663 | MAGNETIC FIELD DETECTOR FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - A torque sensor is described that detects the presence of an external magnetic field based on a torque imposed on a conductive coil of the sensor. The torque sensor includes a conductive coil forming a loop having one or more turns and a plurality of sensing elements adjacent to portions of the conductive coil. The sensing elements are configured to generate an output that changes as a function of a force imposed on the first sensing element by the respective portions of the conductive coil. | 10-31-2013 |
20130289664 | Movement Patterns for Electrical Stimulation Therapy - Devices, systems, and techniques for delivering electrical stimulation according to a spatial electrode movement pattern are disclosed. Moving electrical stimulation between electrodes in a repeatable movement pattern may provide a therapeutic sensation to a patient. In one example, a system may include a plurality of electrodes configured to be implanted within a patient, at least one processor, and a therapy module. The at least one processor may be configured to receive a spatial electrode movement pattern that defines a sequence with which electrical stimulation is moved between the plurality of electrodes. The therapy module may be configured to deliver electrical stimulation to the patient based on the spatial electrode movement pattern. The therapy module may also be configured to move the electrical stimulation between each of the plurality of electrodes according to the spatial electrode movement pattern and repeat the spatial electrode movement pattern when delivering the electrical stimulation to the patient. | 10-31-2013 |
20130289665 | Real Time Compliance Voltage Generation for an Implantable Stimulator - Circuitry for generating a compliance voltage (V+) for the current sources and/or sinks in an implantable stimulator device is disclosed. The improved compliance voltage generation circuitry adjusts V+ to an optimal value in real time, even during the provision of a stimulation current. The circuitry uses amplifiers to measure the voltage drop across an active PDACs (current sources) and/or NDAC (current sinks) The measured voltages are input to a V+ regulator, which compares the measured voltage drops across the DACs to optimal values, and which feeds an optimized value for V+ back to the DACs in real time to keep the voltage drop(s) at those optimal levels during the stimulation current for efficient DAC operation. | 10-31-2013 |
20130296973 | BREATHING THERAPY DEVICE AND METHOD - A device and method is provided for electrically stimulating the diaphragm to control breathing while inhibiting respiratory drive. A stimulation phase is identified. The stimulation phase is it period of time within the breathing cycle in which stimulation will inhibit respiratory drive. The respiratory drive inhibition may be used in a number of applications including but not limited to: improving or remodeling the heart in heart failure patients, treating apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), and hypertension. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296974 | PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNAL AMPLIFIER WITH VOLTAGE PROTECTION AND FAST SIGNAL RECOVERY - A physiological sense amplifier achieves fast recovery times following receipt of a large voltage, such as when a defibrillation pulse is delivered, without blanking. The recovery time may be less than one millisecond when polarization of surrounding tissue or the housing of the device is not present. The sense amplifier uses a feedback network to clamp the input voltage to a gain amplifier at a predetermined value when a predetermined threshold value is exceeded. | 11-07-2013 |
20130310897 | Pulse-by-Pulse Compliance Voltage Generation for an Implantable Stimulator - Circuitry for generating a compliance voltage (V+) for the current sources and/or sinks in an implantable stimulator device in disclosed. The circuitry assesses whether V+ is optimal for a given pulse, and if not, adjusts V+ for the next pulse. The circuitry uses amplifiers to measure the voltage drop across active PDACs (current sources) and NDAC (current sinks) at an appropriate time during the pulse. The measured voltages are assessed to determine whether they are high or low relative to optimal values. If low, a V+ regulator is controlled to increase V+ for the next pulse; if not, the V+ regulator is controlled to decrease V+ for the next pulse. Through this approach, gradual changes that may be occurring in the implant environment can be accounted for, with V+ adjusted on a pulse-by-pulse basis to keep the voltage drops at or near optimal levels for efficient DAC operation. | 11-21-2013 |
20130310898 | CARDIAC OR CEREBRAL VESSEL MICROLEAD WITH ELECTRODE RING - A method of manufacturing a detection/stimulation lead for implantation into a venous, arterial, or lymphatic network is shown and described. The method includes providing a microcable comprising a sheath of insulating material covering an electrically conductive core. The method further includes surrounding a portion of the microcable with an electrically conductive metal ring. The method also includes crimping the ring such that the thickness of the sheath is penetrated by a portion of the metal ring and such that an electrical connection is formed between the metal ring and the electrically conductive core. | 11-21-2013 |
20130310899 | STIMULATION METHOD FOR MAINTAINING THE RESPONSIVENESS OF ELECTRICALLY EXCITABLE CELLS TO REPEATED ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - A method of neural stimulation is described for maintaining the responsiveness of electrically excitable cells to repeated electrical stimulation. A stimulating signal ( | 11-21-2013 |
20130325085 | NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM WITH DEFAULT MRI-MODE - A neurostimulation device capable of being placed between a stimulation state and an EMI protection state. The neurostimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to a plurality of stimulation electrodes, stimulation output circuitry configured for being selectively activated during the stimulation state to output a plurality of stimulation pulses to the plurality of electrical terminals, electromagnetic protection circuitry configured for being selectively activated during the EMI protection state to prevent at least a portion of the electrical current induced on at least one of the electrical terminals by an electromagnetic field entering the stimulation output circuitry, and a controller configured for automatically defaulting the neurostimulation device to the EMI protection state. | 12-05-2013 |
20130325086 | MULTI-ELECTRODE IMPLANTABLE SYSTEMS AND ASSEMBLIES THEREFOR - Hermetically sealed assemblies, for example, that include IC chips, are configured for incorporation within a connector terminal of an implantable medical electrical lead, preferably within a contact member of the terminal. An assembly may include two feedthrough subassemblies, welded to either end of the contact member, to form an hermetic capsule, in which an IC chip is enclosed, and a tubular member, which allows a lumen to extend therethrough, along a length of the terminal. A multi-electrode lead may include multiplexer circuitry, preferably a switch matrix element and a communications, control and power supply element that are electrically coupled to the contact member and to another contact member of the terminal. Each pair of switch matrix switches allows for any two of the electrodes to be selected, in order to deliver a stimulation vector, via stimulation pulses from a device/pulse generator, to which the connector terminal is connected. | 12-05-2013 |
20130331911 | NEURAL STIMULATION SYSTEM PROVIDING AUTO ADJUSTMENT OF STIMULUS OUTPUT AS A FUNCTION OF SENSED IMPEDANCE - A neural stimulation system automatically corrects or adjusts the stimulus magnitude (stimulation energy) in order to maintain a comfortable and effective stimulation therapy. Because the changes in impedance associated with the electrode-tissue interface can indicate obstruction of current flow and positional lead displacement, lead impedance can indicate the quantity of electrical stimulation energy that should be delivered to the target neural tissue to provide corrective adjustment. Hence, a change in impedance or morphology of an impedance curve may be used in a feedback loop to indicate that the stimulation energy needs to be adjusted and the system can effectively auto correct the magnitude of stimulation energy to maintain a desired therapeutic effect. | 12-12-2013 |
20130338735 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF HEART FAILURE AND ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS - Devices and methods of use for identification, treatment and/or management of heart failure and/or associated conditions. An exemplary device may include a first sensor configured to monitor a parameter indicative of a fluid level in a pulmonary circulation of a patient, a second sensor configured to monitor a parameter indicative of a fluid level in a non-pulmonary circulation of a patient, and a control system coupled to the first sensor and second sensor. The control system is configured to provide a baroreflex therapy to the patient based at least in part on the parameter indicative of a fluid level in a pulmonary circulation and the parameter indicative of a fluid level in a non-pulmonary circulation. The baroreflex therapy adjusts at least one of the fluid level in the pulmonary circulation and the fluid level in the non-pulmonary circulation. | 12-19-2013 |
20130345777 | NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM FOR ENABLING MAGNETIC FIELD SENSING WITH A SHUT-DOWN HALL SENSOR - An implantable medical device capable of being placed between a first operational mode and a second operational mode. The medical device comprises a magnetic field sensing device configured for outputting a signal in response to sensing a magnetic field. The medical device further comprises a logic circuit configured for continuously asserting the signal during a time period when the neurostimulation device is in the first operational mode, and intermittently asserting the signal during at least one time period when the neurostimulation device is in the second operational mode. The medical device further comprises a delay circuit configured for introducing a time delay into the asserted signal, the time delay being less than the time period, but greater than each of the at least one time period. The medical device further comprises control circuitry configured for performing a function in response to receiving the delayed signal at a first input terminal. | 12-26-2013 |
20140005753 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMPOUNDING LOW-FREQUENCY SOURCES FOR HIGH-FREQUENCY NEUROMODULATION | 01-02-2014 |
20140025141 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR NEURAL STIMULATION WITH RESPIRATORY FEEDBACK - A neural stimulation system controls the delivery of neural stimulation using a respiratory signal as a therapy feedback input. The respiratory signal is used to increase the effectiveness of the neural stimulation, such as vagal nerve stimulation, while decreasing potentially adverse side effects in respiratory functions. In one embodiment, the neural stimulation system synchronizes the delivery of the neural stimulation pulses to the respiratory cycles using a respiratory fiducial point in the respiratory signal and a delay interval. In another embodiment, the neural stimulation system detects a respiratory disorder and, in response, adjusts the delivery of the neural stimulation pulses and/or delivers a respiratory therapy treating the detected respiratory disorder. | 01-23-2014 |
20140031902 | SELF RESONANT TRANSMITTING DEVICE - A device for powering an implant within a body of a subject from a location external to the subject, wherein the implant requires a threshold rate of power increase in order to operate in at least one mode, may include an antenna configured to wirelessly transmit energy to the implant. The device may also include a power storage unit configured to store energy from a power source incapable of delivering the threshold rate of power increase to enable the implant unit to operate in the at least one mode and a power release unit configured to release a pulse of energy from the power storage unit to the antenna after the power storage unit collects an amount of energy sufficient to enable the implant unit to operate in the at least one mode. | 01-30-2014 |
20140031903 | EXTERNAL RESONANCE MATCHING BETWEEN AN IMPLANTED DEVICE AND AN EXTERNAL DEVICE - Some embodiments of the disclosure may include a device for wirelessly powering an implant unit in a body of a subject from a location outside of the body of the subject, wherein the implant unit includes a secondary antenna for wirelessly receiving energy. The device may include a primary antenna configured to be located external to the body of the subject, a circuit electrically connected to the primary antenna, and at least one processor electrically connected to the primary antenna and the circuit. The at least one processor may determine a resonant frequency mismatch between a first resonant frequency associated with the primary antenna and a second resonant frequency associated with the secondary antenna associated with the implant unit; and apply an adjustment to at least one component of the circuit to cause a change in the first resonant frequency associated with the primary antenna and a reduction in the resonant frequency mismatch. | 01-30-2014 |
20140031904 | THERAPY PROTOCOL ACTIVATION TRIGGERED BASED ON INITIAL COUPLING - The present disclosure is directed to a control unit for cooperating with an adhesive patch to convey power from a location external to a subject to a location within the subject. The control unit may include a housing configured for selective mounting on the adhesive patch and may further include at least one processor within the housing. The at least one processor may be configured to activate when the housing is mounted on the adhesive patch and to delay, for a predetermined amount of time following activation of the at least one processor, generation of therapeutic control signals for modulating at least one nerve in the subject's body. | 01-30-2014 |
20140046406 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR APPLYING A TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL STIMULATION TO THE SURFACE OF A SECTION OF THE HUMAN EAR - The invention relates to a device for applying a transcutaneous electrical stimulation stimulus to the surface of a section of the human ear, which comprises a retaining element which is mountable on or in the ear and a number of electrodes which are arranged on or in an electrode carrier, wherein the device comprises a control apparatus which controls or regulates the generation of a potential difference between the electrodes. In order to permit an improved and safer transcutaneous stimulation the invention proposes that at least three electrodes are arranged on or in the electrode carrier, wherein the at least three electrodes are located in one plane, wherein the position of at least one of the at least three electrodes is adjustable on the electrode carrier and wherein the at least one electrode of which the position is adjustable is mounted such as to be displaceable in a translational manner in the plane. Furthermore, the invention relates a method for the operation of such a device. | 02-13-2014 |
20140046407 | NERVE STIMULATION TECHNIQUES - An electrode device is configured to be coupled to a parasympathetic site of a subject. A control unit is configured to drive the electrode device to apply a current in bursts of one or more pulses, during “on” periods that alternate with low stimulation periods, wherein at least one of the low stimulation periods immediately following the at least one of the “on” periods has a low stimulation duration equal to at least 50% of the “on” duration; set the current applied on average during the low stimulation periods to be less than 20% of the current applied on average during the “on” periods; and ramp a number of pulses per burst during a commencement of the at least one of the “on” periods and/or a conclusion of the at least one of the “on” periods. | 02-13-2014 |
20140058481 | NEURAL STIMULATOR SYSTEM - An implantable neural stimulator method for modulating excitable tissue in a patient including: implanting a neural stimulator within the body of the patient such that one or more electrodes of the neural stimulator are positioned at a target site adjacent to or near excitable tissue; generating an input signal with a controller module located outside of, and spaced away from, the patient's body; transmitting the input signal to the neural stimulator through electrical radiative coupling; converting the input signal to electrical pulses within the neural stimulator; and applying the electrical pulses to the excitable tissue sufficient to modulate said excitable tissue. | 02-27-2014 |
20140067021 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR TREATING CIRCADIAN RHYTHM DISORDERS - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for treating a circadian rhythm disorder in a mammal. One step of the method includes placing a therapy delivery device into electrical communication with an autonomic nervous system (ANS) nerve target associated with the circadian rhythm disorder. Next, the therapy delivery device is activated to deliver a therapy signal to the ANS nerve target in an amount and for a time sufficient to effect a change in sympathetic and/or parasympathetic activity in the mammal and thereby treat the circadian rhythm disorder. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067022 | POINT-AND-CLICK PROGRAMMING FOR DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION USING REAL-TIME MONOPOLAR REVIEW TRENDLINES - A system and method for selecting leadwire stimulation parameters includes a processor iteratively performing, for each of a plurality of values for a particular stimulation parameter, each value corresponding to a respective current field: (a) shifting the current field longitudinally and/or rotationally to a respective plurality of locations about the leadwire; and (b) for each of the respective plurality of locations, obtaining clinical effect information regarding a respective stimulation of the patient tissue produced by the respective current field at the respective location; and displaying a graph plotting the clinical effect information against values for the particular stimulation parameter and locations about the leadwire, and/or based on the obtained clinical effect information, identifying an optimal combination of a selected value for the particular stimulation parameter and selected location about the leadwire at which to perform a stimulation using the selected value. | 03-06-2014 |
20140074187 | ELECTRODE SELECTION BASED ON CURRENT SOURCE DENSITY ANALYSIS - A system includes a stimulation generator, a sensing module, and a processing module. The stimulation generator is configured to generate electrical stimulation. The sensing module is configured to sense electrical physiological signals generated by a patient via a plurality of electrodes. The processing module is configured to determine a power value for each of the plurality of electrodes. Each power value indicates the power of the electrical physiological signals within a frequency band. The processing module is further configured to control the delivery of electrical stimulation to the patient based on the power values. | 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 |
20140081355 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR TREATING BODY ORGAN AGING - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for treating body organ aging in a mammal. One step of the method includes identifying at least one target organ in need of a therapy signal. Next, a therapy delivery device is placed into electrical communication with an autonomic nervous system (ANS) nerve target and/or a central nervous system (CNS) nerve target associated with the at least one target organ. The therapy delivery device is then activated to deliver the therapy signal to the ANS nerve target and/or the CNS nerve target in an amount and for a time sufficient to effect a change in sympathetic and/or parasympathetic activity associated with the at least one target organ. | 03-20-2014 |
20140088667 | ANTI-SLEEP GLASSES - A device for keeping awake a person that is about to fall asleep is proposed, comprising a pair of glasses with a frame that has two arms, at least one sensor for detecting the movements of an eye blink, at least one battery, and at least one electrode for issuing an electric pulse. | 03-27-2014 |
20140094876 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING A STATE OF A NEUROSTIMULATOR - A method and system is described for ensuring a state of an active implantable medical device based on the presence and persistence of a magnetic field. The output of a magnetic field sensor is monitored. The active implantable medical device is maintained in a first state, for so long as the presence of a magnetic field is detected by the magnetic field sensor, until a first interval is surpassed. If the first interval is surpassed, then a determination is made as to whether a second interval has been surpassed. If it is determined that the second interval has not been surpassed, then the active implantable medical device is transitioned into a second state. If it is determined that the second interval has been surpassed, then it is ensured that the active implantable medical device is in a predetermined one of the first and second states. | 04-03-2014 |
20140100637 | ACTIVE REJECTION OF MRI GRADIENT SIGNALS IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Active rejection techniques are used to cancel MRI gradient signals in an implantable medical device. An active component placed in an input channel of the implantable medical device actively rejects MRI gradient signals received on the input channel. A sensing circuit that senses an external MRI gradient signal generates a control signal that controls the active component. For example, the control signal may be the inverse of the external MRI gradient signal. An active component that receives an input signal including a desired signal component (e.g., a cardiac signal) and an undesired MRI gradient signal component may thus use this control signal to reject the undesired MRI gradient signal component. | 04-10-2014 |
20140114377 | VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION - Apparatus and methods are described including identifying a subject as suffering from a condition selected from the group consisting of congestive heart failure, diastolic heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, and hypertension. In response to the identifying, an electrode is placed on a vagus nerve of the subject at a vagal site that is between the upper junction of the left thoracic vagal trunk with the left subclavian artery of the subject, and the thoracic vagal branching into an esophageal plexus of the subject. The subject is treated by electrically stimulating the vagal site by driving a current into the vagal site, via the electrode. Other applications are also described. | 04-24-2014 |
20140121728 | ELECTROPORATION DEVICE - An electroporation device produces electric signals that may be adjusted in response to a cover area of electrodes, so that the electric signals are tolerable when delivered to cells within the cover area. The electroporation device can include an applicator, a plurality of electrodes extending from the applicator, a power supply in electrical communication with the electrodes, and a guide member coupled to the electrodes. The electrodes are associated with a cover area. The power supply is configured to generate one or more electroporating signals to cells within the cover area. The guide member can be configured to adjust the cover area of the electrodes. In some embodiments, the electrical signals may include opposing waveforms that produce a resultant interference waveform to effectively target the cover area, and each waveform may be a unipolar waveform or a bipolar waveform. | 05-01-2014 |
20140121729 | BAROREFLEX MODULATION TO GRADUALLY CHANGE A PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETER - An aspect of the present subject matter relates to a baroreflex stimulator. An embodiment of the stimulator includes a pulse generator to provide a baroreflex stimulation signal through an electrode, and a modulator. The modulator modulates the baroreflex stimulation signal to increase the baroreflex stimulation therapy by a predetermined rate of change to lower systemic blood pressure to a target pressure. Other aspects are provided herein. | 05-01-2014 |
20140135873 | REHABILITATION TRAINING SYSTEM AND METHOD - Provided are a rehabilitation training system and method that provide active rehabilitation training to a patient requiring rehabilitation treatment. The rehabilitation training system and method provide rehabilitation-related information to the patient to provoke a rehabilitation intent of the patient, and continuously measure a biological signal of the patient to monitor a state of the patient, thereby providing active rehabilitation training suitable for the state of the patient. | 05-15-2014 |
20140142662 | TIBIAL NERVE STIMULATION THERAPY DEVICE CALIBRATION - A tibial nerve stimulation therapy device configured to provide an electrical stimulation therapy to branches of the tibial nerve includes a plurality of stimulation electrodes, a stimulation circuit configured to generate electrical stimulation pulses, a sensing circuit configured to generate an output signal indicative of an electromyogram (EMG) signal generated by the patient, and a controller. The controller is configured to execute a plurality of unique stimulation therapies, in accordance with unique stimulation therapy settings, analyze the output signals generated by the sensing circuit after each of the stimulation therapies, and designate final stimulation therapy settings based on the analyzed output signals. The stimulation therapy settings include an identification of a pair of the electrodes through which the electrical stimulation pulses are delivered during a stimulation therapy, and/or at least one parameter defining the electrical stimulation pulses generated by the stimulation circuit. | 05-22-2014 |
20140163649 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF HEART FAILURE AND ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS - Devices and methods of use are described for identification, treatment, and/or management of heart failure and/or associated conditions. An exemplary device may include a first fluid status monitoring circuit configured to monitor a first fluid status indicator of a pulmonary fluid status associated with pulmonary edema, a second fluid status monitoring circuit configured to monitor a separate and different second fluid status indicator of a non-pulmonary fluid status, and a controller coupled to the first and second fluid status monitoring circuits, and a therapy circuit coupled to the controller. The controller is configured to use information about the first and second fluid status indicators to determine a therapy control signal to control a therapy, and the therapy circuit is configured to provide therapy in response to the therapy control signal to adjust at least one of the pulmonary fluid status or the non-pulmonary fluid status. | 06-12-2014 |
20140180367 | SYMMETRICAL OUTPUT NEUROSTIMULATION DEVICE - A method and system of providing therapy to a patient using electrodes implanted adjacent tissue. The method comprises regulating a first voltage at an anode of the electrodes relative to the tissue, regulating a second voltage at a cathode of the electrodes relative to the tissue, and conveying electrical stimulation energy between the anode at the first voltage and the cathode at the second voltage, thereby stimulating the neural tissue. The system comprises a grounding electrode configured for being placed in contact with the tissue, electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to the electrodes, a first regulator configured for being electrically coupled between an anode of the electrodes and the grounding electrode, a second regulator configured for being electrically coupled between an anode of the electrodes and the grounding electrode, and control circuitry configured for controlling the regulators to convey electrical stimulation energy between the anode and cathode. | 06-26-2014 |
20140188194 | Method and Apparatus to Increase Tactile Senstivity and Proprioception in Humans - The article is a support to which an electrode pair, a positive and corresponding negative electrode, is attached. Leads are electrically attached to each of the positive and negative electrodes, wherein each lead has an insulated coating. A controller is electrically attached to the leads for delivering monophasic or biphasic electrical stimulation at a single frequency. A power supply is electrically connected to the controller, and may be attached to the support. The article may be a sock, a glove, a harness or an insole. | 07-03-2014 |
20140194952 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING AUTONOMIC BALANCE USING NEURAL STIMULATION - A neural stimulation system senses autonomic activities and applies neural stimulation to sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves to control autonomic balance. The neural stimulation system is capable of delivering neural stimulation pulses for sympathetic excitation, sympathetic inhibition, parasympathetic excitation, and parasympathetic inhibition. | 07-10-2014 |
20140200632 | SELF-DIRECTED REHABILITATION TRAINING METHOD COMBINING BRAIN SIGNALS AND FUNCTIONAL ELECTROSTIMULATION - Provided is a self-directed rehabilitation training method for providing rehabilitation exercise to a patient needing requiring the rehabilitation according to a will of the patient, which is a rehabilitation training method for providing rehabilitation intention inducing environment to the patient, measuring the state of the patient, and providing rehabilitation exercise appropriate for the patient. According to the present invention, it is possible for the patient to do the rehabilitation exercise in an active environment by measuring brain signals of the patient to adjust intensity or time of the rehabilitation exercise. | 07-17-2014 |
20140200633 | VISUALIZATION OF RELEVANT STIMULATION LEADWIRE ELECTRODES RELATIVE TO SELECTED STIMULATION INFORMATION - A system and method for graphically identifying candidate electrodes of a leadwire for stimulation of a patient anatomy includes a processor obtaining data corresponding to an anatomic region, identifying a spatial relationship between electrodes of the leadwire to the anatomic region, based on the identifying, selecting a subset of the electrodes of the leadwire, generating, based on the obtained data and the selected subset, a graphical output arrangement that includes a model of the leadwire including graphical representations of at least some of the electrodes and a graphical selection marking identifying the selected subset of the electrodes. | 07-17-2014 |
20140200634 | INTERMITTENT NEURAL STIMULATION WITH PHYSIOLOGIC RESPONSE MONITOR - Various aspects of the present subject matter provide an implantable medical device. In various embodiments, the device comprises a pulse generator, a first monitor and a controller. The pulse generator is adapted to generate a neural stimulation signal for a neural stimulation therapy. The neural stimulation signal has at least one adjustable parameter. The first monitor is adapted to detect an undesired effect. In some embodiments, the undesired effect is myocardial infarction. The controller is adapted to respond to the first monitor and automatically adjust the at least one adjustable parameter of the neural stimulation signal to avoid the undesired effect of the neural stimulation therapy. Other aspects are provided herein. | 07-17-2014 |
20140214133 | Radial Feed Through Packaging For An Implantable Electroacupuncture Device - An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats a disease or medical condition of a patient through application of stimulation pulses applied at a specified acupoint or other target tissue location. In a preferred implementation, the IEAD is an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4, is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214134 | Closed Loop Chronic Electroacupuncture System Using Changes in Body Temperature or Impedance - A closed loop electroacupuncture (EA) system monitors any change in sympathetic drive within the body of a patient undergoing EA stimulation. The sensed change in sympathetic drive is then used to adjust at least one parameter of the EA stimulation regimen in an appropriate manner that assists regulation of the patient's autonomic nervous system (ANS). One manner of determining an increase in sympathetic drive is to monitor the body temperature at the skin. A decrease in skin temperature is indicative of increased sympathetic drive and/or exercise stress due to vasoconstriction in the subcutaneous vascular bed. An adjunct to monitoring skin temperature is to monitor subcutaneous tissue impedance. Subcutaneous tissue impedance increases during vasoconstriction. Thus, a sensed change in tissue impedance may be used by itself, or as a compliment to sensed changes in temperature, to provide feedback within the closed loop EA system to adjust the stimulation regimen. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214135 | DISSOLVABLE ELECTRODE DEVICE - An electrode assembly is provided that is configured to be coupled to nervous tissue of a subject, the electrode assembly including one or more conductive elements. At least a portion of the electrode assembly, including the conductive elements, is configured to be dissolvable after the electrode assembly has been coupled to the tissue. The electrode assembly is configured to come loose from the tissue upon dissolving of the dissolvable at least a portion thereof. Other embodiments are also described. | 07-31-2014 |
20140222113 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENHANCING OR AFFECTING NEURAL STIMULATION EFFICIENCY AND/OR EFFICACY - Systems and methods for enhancing or affecting neural stimulation efficiency and/or efficacy are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system and/or method may apply electromagnetic stimulation to a patient's nervous system over a first time domain according to a first set of stimulation parameters, and over a second time domain according to a second set of stimulation parameters. The first and second time domains may be sequential, simultaneous, or nested. Stimulation parameters may vary in accordance with one or more types of duty cycle, amplitude, pulse repetition frequency, pulse width, spatiotemporal, and/or polarity variations. Stimulation may be applied at subthreshold, threshold, and/or suprathreshold levels in one or more periodic, aperiodic (e.g., chaotic), and/or pseudo-random manners. In some embodiments stimulation may comprise a burst pattern having an interburst frequency corresponding to an intrinsic brainwave frequency, and regular and/or varying intraburst stimulation parameters. Stimulation signals providing reduced power consumption with at least adequate symptomatic relief may be applied prior to moderate or significant power source depletion. | 08-07-2014 |
20140222114 | Synchronization Of Vagus Nerve Stimulation With The Cardiac Cycle Of A Patient - Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and apparatus for treating a medical condition of a patient, involving detecting a physiological cycle or cycles of the patient and applying an electrical signal to a portion of the patient's vagus nerve through an electrode at a selected point in the physiological cycle(s). The physiological cycle can be the cardiac and/or respiratory cycle. The selected point can be a point in the cardiac cycle correlated with increased afferent conduction on the vagus nerve, such as a point from about 10 msec to about 800 msec after an R-wave of the patient's ECG, optionally during inspiration by the patient. The selected point can be a point in the cardiac cycle when said applying increases heart rate variability, such as a point from about 10 msec to about 800 msec after an R-wave of the patient's ECG, optionally during expiration by the patient. | 08-07-2014 |
20140222115 | REMOTE PACE DETECTION IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A system embodiment for stimulating a neural target comprises a neural stimulator, a pace detector, and a controller. The neural stimulator is electrically connected to at least one electrode, and is configured to deliver a neural stimulation signal through the at least one electrode to stimulate the neural target. The pace detector is configured to use at least one electrode to sense cardiac activity and distinguish paced cardiac activity in the sensed cardiac activity from non-paced cardiac activity in the sensed cardiac activity. The controller is configured to control a programmed neural stimulation therapy using the neural stimulator and using detected paced cardiac activity as an input for the neural stimulation therapy. | 08-07-2014 |
20140236264 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ELECTRICALLY ADMINISTERED SEIZURE THERAPY USING TITRATION IN THE CURRENT DOMAIN - An ECT system capable of focusing the electrical signals on a specific portion of the patient's brain is provided. The ECT system includes a means of applying unidirectional electrical signals and asymmetric electrodes for focusing the signals on the patient. A method of titrating an electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) system and a method of operating an ECT system are also provided. The method includes setting an initial current value, administering an ECT signal to the patient, determining if the seizure threshold has been achieved, and repeating as necessary until the seizure threshold is achieved. | 08-21-2014 |
20140243931 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLICATION OF A NEURAL STIMULUS - A method of applying a neural stimulus with an implanted electrode array involves applying a sequence of stimuli configured to yield a therapeutic effect while suppressing psychophysical side effects. The stimuli sequence is configured such that a first stimulus recruits a portion of the fibre population, and a second stimulus is delivered within the refractory period following the first stimulus and the second stimulus being configured to recruit a further portion of the fibre population. Using an electrode array and suitable relative timing of the stimuli, ascending or descending volleys of evoked responses can be selectively synchronised or desynchronised to give directional control over responses evoked. | 08-28-2014 |
20140243932 | UNIDIRECTIONAL NEURAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS - An embodiment relates to a method for delivering a unidirectional afferent nerve stimulation treatment. A test neural stimulation is delivered, and a physiologic response to the test neural stimulation is monitored. At least one neural stimulation parameter for the test neural stimulation is adjusted if the test neural stimulation does not elicit a desired physiologic response. If the test neural stimulation does elicit the desired physiologic response, at least one treatment parameter for a unidirectional afferent nerve stimulation is determined using the at least one neural stimulation parameter for the test neural stimulation that provided the desired physiologic response. The unidirectional afferent nerve stimulation is delivered using the at least one treatment parameter. | 08-28-2014 |
20140249604 | METHOD FOR DETECTING AND TREATING VENTRICULAR ARRHYTHMIA - A system and method for long-term monitoring of cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias is disclosed. The invention includes a pulse generator including means for sensing an arrhythmia. The pulse generator is coupled to at least one subcutaneous electrode or electrode array for providing electrical stimulation such as cardioversion/defibrillation shocks and/or pacing pulses. The electrical stimulation may be provided between multiple subcutaneous electrodes, or between one or more such electrodes and the housing of the pulse generator. In one embodiment, the pulse generator includes one or more electrodes that are isolated from the can. These electrodes may be used to sense cardiac signals. | 09-04-2014 |
20140249605 | COLLECTING SLEEP QUALITY INFORMATION VIA A MEDICAL DEVICE - At least one of a medical device, such as an implantable medical device, and a programming device determines values for one or more metrics that indicate the quality of a patient's sleep. Sleep efficiency, sleep latency, and time spent in deeper sleep states are example sleep quality metrics for which values may be determined. In some embodiments, determined sleep quality metric values are associated with a current therapy parameter set. In some embodiments, a programming device presents sleep quality information to a user based on determined sleep quality metric values. A clinician, for example, may use the sleep quality information presented by the programming device to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy delivered to the patient by the medical device, to adjust the therapy delivered by the medical device, or to prescribe a therapy not delivered by the medical device in order to improve the quality of the patient's sleep. | 09-04-2014 |
20140257434 | DISTRIBUTED NEURO-MODULATION SYSTEM WITH AUXILIARY STIMULATION-RECORDING CONTROL UNITS - Systems and methods for modulating a physiological process are provided to enable precise delivery of signals to a predetermined treatment site. The systems may comprise an implantable device and an electrical lead body. The electrical lead body may comprise a plurality of transducer contacts in close proximity to an end of the electrical lead body, and a control unit positioned within the lead body in close proximity to the plurality of transducer contacts. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257435 | DISTRIBUTED NEURO-MODULATION SYSTEM WITH AUXILIARY STIMULATION-RECORDING CONTROL UNITS - Systems and methods for modulating a physiological process are provided to enable precise delivery of signals to a predetermined treatment site. The systems may comprise an implantable device and an electrical lead body. The electrical lead body may comprise a plurality of transducer contacts in close proximity to an end of the electrical lead body, and a control unit positioned within the lead body in close proximity to the plurality of transducer contacts. | 09-11-2014 |
20140277288 | MEASURING CURRENT DURING DELIVERY OF VOLTAGE REGULATED STIMULATION TO A PATIENT - A system and method for estimating the current delivered to a patient during voltage-regulated electrical stimulation therapy by an implantable medical device includes calculating a total charge delivered and a peak current delivered and the time at which the peak current was delivered using a proxy for the current delivered to the patient and a component such as a current controlled oscillator, the output of which is proportional to the current proxy together with memory for storing values relating to the output proportional to the current proxy. The stored values also may be used to construct a waveform approximating the current delivered to the patient during a therapy of voltage-regulated stimulation. The system and method may be implemented in an active implantable medical device such as an implantable neurostimulator. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277289 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING ENERGY USE AND DELIVERED CURRENT IN AN IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - A system and method for automatically adjusting the value of a parameter defined to manage and control the resources recruited by an implantable medical device to supply power or the device to deliver an instance of an electrical stimulation therapy to a patient. In embodiments, the parameter corresponds to a number of capacitors the discharge of which supplies the power to deliver a stimulation therapy at a programmed amplitude. Whenever the circumstances prevent the programmed amplitude from being delivered, the system and method automatically adjust the resource-controlling parameter to use the minimum power to achieve the desired (programmed) amplitude or as close as possible to that programmed amplitude. Some embodiments additionally include using another parameter (a equivalent amplitude parameter) to balance the charge delivered through multiple pathways in parallel sourced from a single reservoir of power. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277290 | Monitoring Electrode Voltages In An Implantable Medical Device System Having Daisy-Chained Electrode-Driver Integrated Circuits - Electrode voltage monitoring circuitry for an implantable neurostimulator system having a plurality of electrode-driver integrated circuits (ICs) in provided. Electrodes from either or both ICs can be chosen to provide stimulation, and one of the IC acts as the master while the other acts as the slave. Electrodes voltages on the slave IC are routed to the master IC, and thus the master IC can monitor both electrode voltages on the slave as well as electrode voltages on the master. Such voltages can be monitored for a variety of purposes, and in particular use of such voltage is disclosed for determining the resistance between electrodes and to set a compliance voltage for stimulation. | 09-18-2014 |
20140288620 | Closed-loop vagus nerve stimulation - The present invention provides a closed-loop system for treating neurological disorders, such as epilepsy. In one embodiment the system comprises an input assembly that is adapted to receive one or more signals from a patient that are indicative of a patient's neurological state. The input assembly processes the one or more signals to generate one or more control input signals. An output assembly receives the one or more control input signals from the input assembly and generate a neuromodulation signal that is a function of the patient's neurological state. An electrode array is configured to deliver the neuromodulation signal to a patient's peripheral nerve, such as the vagus nerve. | 09-25-2014 |
20140296940 | INDEPENDENTLY-CONTROLLED BIDIRECTIONAL NERVE STIMULATION - Apparatus is configured to drive first action potentials orthodromically in a first direction along a nerve of a subject, and second action potentials orthodromically along the nerve in an opposite direction to the first direction. The apparatus includes: (1) first and second excitation units configured to be placed in a proximity of the nerve of the subject; (2) a blocking unit disposed between the excitation units and placeable in a proximity of the nerve of the subject; and (3) a control unit, configured: (i) to drive the first and second excitation units to apply, respectively, first and second excitatory currents to the nerve of the subject, and (ii) to drive the blocking unit to apply a blocking current to the nerve of the subject that blocks action potentials that propagate from the first and second excitatory units toward the blocking unit. Other embodiments are also described. | 10-02-2014 |
20140296941 | NEURAL STIMULATION SYSTEM PROVIDING AUTO ADJUSTMENT OF STIMULUS OUTPUT AS A FUNCTION OF SENSED IMPEDANCE - A neural stimulation system automatically corrects or adjusts the stimulus magnitude (stimulation energy) in order to maintain a comfortable and effective stimulation therapy. Because the changes in impedance associated with the electrode-tissue interface can indicate obstruction of current flow and positional lead displacement, lead impedance can indicate the quantity of electrical stimulation energy that should be delivered to the target neural tissue to provide corrective adjustment. Hence, a change in impedance or morphology of an impedance curve may be used in a feedback loop to indicate that the stimulation energy needs to be adjusted and the system can effectively auto correct the magnitude of stimulation energy to maintain a desired therapeutic effect. | 10-02-2014 |
20140303690 | ANTI-SLEEP GLASSES - A device for keeping awake a person that is about to fall asleep is proposed, comprising a pair of glasses with a frame that has two arms, at least one sensor for detecting the movements of an eye blink, at least one battery, and at least one electrode for issuing an electric pulse. | 10-09-2014 |
20140303691 | DEVICE AND CIRCUITRY FOR CONTROLLING DELIVERY OF STIMULATION SIGNALS - Embodiments relate to a device for controlling delivery of stimulation signals, comprising: a stimulation delivery circuit; a monitoring component to monitor voltage supplied in at least one current-driven charge pulse via the stimulation delivery circuit; and a stimulation control component to control voltage supplied in at least one subsequent charge pulse based on the charge of the at least one charge pulse delivered by the stimulation delivery circuit. The device may further comprise a model generation component to generate an impedance model of stimulation electrodes in the stimulation delivery circuit, wherein the stimulation control component is configured to control the stimulation delivery circuit to deliver charge according to the impedance model. | 10-09-2014 |
20140309714 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZED STIMULATION OF A NEUROLOGICAL TARGET - A preferred frequency is identified, being usable to stimulate a neurological target within a mammalian body using at least one microelectrode positioned at or near the target. To establish efficient and effective stimulation, an impedance analyzer is provided for measuring electrical impedance values indicative of a microelectrode-tissue interface across a range of different frequencies. A preferred one of the measured electrical impedance values is identified as being closest to a pure resistance. The neurological target can then be stimulated at or near the frequency associated with the preferred impedance value (peak resistance frequency), thereby promoting desirable traits, such as optimum charge transfer, minimum signal distortion, increased stimulation efficiency, and prevention of microelectrode corrosion. The peak resistance frequency can be used to determine an preferred pulse shape. A target can be identified by microelectrode measurements of neuronal activity and/or impedance magnitude at peak resistance frequency. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309715 | Energy-Releasing Carbon Nanotube Transponder and Method of Using Same - An energy-releasing carbon nanotube transponder comprising a nanocapacitor connected to at least one carbon nanotube and method of using same are described. An adjustable amount of electric energy is stored within the nanocapacitor so that the energy-releasing carbon nanotube transponder delivers either a biologically destructive or a biologically non-destructive electrical charge to target cells in response to biological, chemical or electrical stimuli. An optional biocompatible coating onto the outer surface of the carbon nanotube transponder improves cellular targeting, cellular binding or body tolerance towards the carbon nanotube transponder. Optionally, a molecular label attached to at least one carbon nanotube allows for in vivo tracking of the carbon nanotube transponder. The targeted release of electric energy from the carbon nanotube transponder can, for example, destroy cancer cells in cancer patients, or control the flux of electric wave within a cellular tissue to treat cardiac and/or epileptic patients. | 10-16-2014 |
20140316490 | ACTIVE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE FOR THE TREATMENT OF HEART FAILURE WITH VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION - An active implantable medical device includes a VNS pulse bursts generator for stimulation of the vagus nerve according to several selectable configurations. The device may further include a sensor of the current activity level of the patient. The generator is controlled on the activity signal via a classifier determining the of class the current level of activity among a plurality of classes of activity. A controller selects a configuration of VNS therapy depending on the class of activity thus determined. Limits of the activity classes are dynamically changeable by a calibration module that conducts a historical analysis of the successive current activity levels over a predetermined analysis period. The calibration module can prepare a histogram of the historical analysis, and can define the limits of the activity classes depending on the outcome of the historical analysis and the histogram. | 10-23-2014 |
20140324128 | ELECTROOSMOTIC TISSUE TREATMENT - Apparatus for driving fluid between first and second anatomical sites of a subject is provided, comprising (1) a first electrode, configured to be coupled to the first anatomical site of the subject; (2) a second electrode, configured to be coupled to the second anatomical site of the subject; and (3) a control unit, configured to (i) detect a pressure difference between the first and second anatomical sites, and (ii) in response to the detected pressure difference, drive fluid between the first and second anatomical sites by applying a treatment voltage between the first and second electrodes. Other embodiments are also described. | 10-30-2014 |
20140324129 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TEMPORARY, INCOMPLETE, BI-DIRECTIONAL, ADJUSTABLE ELECTRICAL NERVE BLOCK - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that can provide an incomplete nerve block to a patient. In some instances, the incomplete nerve block can be bi-directional. In other instances, the incomplete nerve block can be adjustable. The system can include a waveform generator that can provide temporary electrical nerve conduction block to a nerve using an electrode. The electrode can include at least one contact. The temporary electrical nerve conduction block can block conduction in less than 100% of the fibers within the nerve located in close proximity to or being surrounded by the electrode. The temporary electrical nerve conduction block does not cause intentional damage to neural tissue as mode of action to achieve the incomplete nerve block. A complete recovery of nerve conduction can be expected post application of the incomplete nerve block. | 10-30-2014 |
20140324130 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SELF-POSITIONING OF A STIMULATION DEVICE TO ACTIVATE BROWN ADIPOSE TISSUE DEPOT IN SUPRACLAVICULAR FOSSA REGION - A mechanical locating tool for self-locating the supraclavicular fossa region of the human body to activate the brown adipose tissue depot therein by referencing at least one of the clavicle, chin, neck and/or sternum. Also, a method for activation of brown adipose tissue depot in a human body by partially implanting a body piercing object proximate a target area of the human body in which the brown adipose tissue depot is located. An electrical stimulation signal is applied to the partially implanted body piercing object to generate an electric field to activate the brown adipose tissue depot The partially implanted body piercing object may also serve as a mechanical locating tool for positioning of a transdermal electrical stimulation patch and/or serve as a conduit for providing a secondary source of electrical stimulation to a target area. | 10-30-2014 |
20140330349 | EXTREMELY LOW DUTY-CYCLE ACTIVATION OF THE CHOLINERGIC ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PATHWAY TO TREAT CHRONIC INFLAMMATION - Described herein are systems and methods for applying extremely low duty-cycle stimulation sufficient to treat chronic inflammation with progressively longer delays (off periods) from an initial stimulation. In particular, described herein are supra-threshold pulses of electrical stimulation sufficient to result in a long-lasting (e.g., >48 hours) inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and/or effects of chronic inflammation; the delay between initial doses (which may be single-pulse doses) may be extended for subsequent doses, potentially dramatically enhancing battery and device longevity. | 11-06-2014 |
20140336728 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS THAT PROVIDE AN ELECTRICAL WAVEFORM FOR NEURAL STIMULATION OR NERVE BLOCK - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that can provide an electric waveform for neural stimulation or nerve block. The system can include a first circuit component configured to provide a self-oscillating, voltage-boosted electric waveform. In some instances, the first circuit component can provide a “pause” waveform (e.g., with a period (T) that includes a swing time (ts) in which the waveform varies in a biphasic manner and a pause time (tp) in which the waveform has a constant amplitude). The system can also include a second circuit component configured to ensure that the oscillating signal is charge-balanced across at least one period of the self-oscillating, voltage-boosted electric waveform. | 11-13-2014 |
20140343635 | TRANSVASCULAR NERVE STIMULATION APPARATUS AND METHODS - Electrode structures for transvascular nerve stimulation combine electrodes with an electrically-insulating backing layer. The backing layer increases the electrical impedance of electrical paths through blood in a lumen of a blood vessel and consequently increases the flow of electrical current through surrounding tissues. The electrode structures may be applied to stimulate nerves such as the phrenic, vagus, trigeminal, obturator or other nerves. | 11-20-2014 |
20140343636 | TRANSVASCULAR NERVE STIMULATION APPARATUS AND METHODS - Electrode structures for transvascular nerve stimulation combine electrodes with an electrically-insulating backing layer. The backing layer increases the electrical impedance of electrical paths through blood in a lumen of a blood vessel and consequently increases the flow of electrical current through surrounding tissues. The electrode structures may be applied to stimulate nerves such as the phrenic, vagus, trigeminal, obturator or other nerves. | 11-20-2014 |
20140343637 | CONTROL OF NEURAL MODULATION THERAPY USING CERVICAL IMPEDANCE - An implantable apparatus can comprise an electrical test energy delivery circuit configured to provide an electrical test signal to a cervical location in a patient body. A detector circuit can use the electrical test signal to detect cervical impedance and generate a cervical impedance signal representing fluctuations in the detected cervical impedance. The implantable apparatus can comprise a therapy delivery circuit, such as configured to provide electrical neural modulation therapy using a neural modulation timing parameter, and a processor circuit that can be coupled to the electrical test energy delivery circuit, the detector circuit, and the therapy delivery circuit. The processor circuit can be configured to determine a pulsatile signal or pulse pressure signal, such as using the cervical impedance signal, identify a characteristic of the pulsatile signal or pulse pressure signal, and control a neural modulation therapy using the timing parameter and the identified pulse pressure signal characteristic. | 11-20-2014 |
20140364921 | ACTIVE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE FOR HEART FAILURE THERAPY WITH STOCHASTIC STIMULATION OF THE VAGUS NERVE - A method for heart treatment includes analyzing the cardiac rhythm. The method further includes utilizing a generator to produce discharges (S | 12-11-2014 |
20140364922 | Vestibular Implant System with Internal and External Motion Sensors - A vestibular prosthesis system is described which includes an external movement sensor that is attachable a patient's head for generating an external movement signal. A fail-safe sensor is configured to detect movement of the one or more external movement sensors relative to the head and generate a corresponding relative motion signal. And an implant processor also is implantable under the skin and in communication with the fail-safe sensor and the external transmitter for generating an implant stimulation signal based on the external movement signal and/or the relative motion signal to electrically stimulate target neural tissue for vestibular sensation by the patient. | 12-11-2014 |
20150012068 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTIVE AND MAINTAINED ACTIVATION OF SENSORY PERIPHERAL NERVE FIBERS - A method of establishing a stimulation treatment protocol includes delivering electrical stimulation to a nerve site of the patient. The electrical stimulation is delivered using a stimulation configuration with respect to one or more of the following: activation of a subset of a plurality of electrodes on a lead, electrode polarity for the activated electrodes, stimulation pulse width, and stimulation pulse amplitude. An action potential evoked from the nerve site in response to the electrical stimulation is measured. The action potential includes a sensory fiber contribution and a motor fiber contribution. Both the sensory fiber contribution and the motor fiber contribution are measured. The delivering and the measuring are repeated for a plurality of cycles. Each cycle is performed using a different stimulation configuration. The stimulation configuration that offers a greatest sensory fiber contribution relative to the motor fiber contribution is recommended as a candidate for optimized stimulation configuration. | 01-08-2015 |
20150012069 | Methods for Intracardiac Surgery and Intracardiac Delivery of Therapies and Devices - A method of performing an intracardiac procedure using controlled intermittent diastolic arrest (CIDA) to expand the chambers of the heart to a volume between about 75 to 200% of their normal end-diastolic volume. In one embodiment, CIDA is conducted so that cardiac arrest with cardiac distention is achieved in about 5 to 15 seconds and diastolic arrest is maintained for a time between about 5 and 90 seconds. Intracardiac procedures that are facilitated with CIDA include heart valve repair or replacement. The method involves the use of CIDA and wherein the procedure is performed in or on the heart with the use of a catheter or catheter-delivered device, therapy, or agent. In one aspect, the heart is accessed during CIDA via a left ventricular apical access port or device. In one aspect CIDA is conducted via stimulation of the vagal nerve alone or in combination with one or more of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, a β-adrenergic receptor blocker, and/or a calcium channel blocker. | 01-08-2015 |
20150012070 | TRANSVASCULAR NERVE STIMULATION APPARATUS AND METHODS - Electrode structures for transvascular nerve stimulation combine electrodes with an electrically-insulating backing layer. The backing layer increases the electrical impedance of electrical paths through blood in a lumen of a blood vessel and consequently increases the flow of electrical current through surrounding tissues. The electrode structures may be applied to stimulate nerves such as the phrenic, vagus, trigeminal, obturator or other nerves. | 01-08-2015 |
20150018898 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CALIBRATING INVASIVE ELECTRIC DESYNCHRONIZING NEUROSTIMULATION - The invention relates to an apparatus for stimulating neurons having a pathological synchronous and oscillatory neural activity, the apparatus including a stimulation unit having a plurality of stimulation contacts to stimulate neurons in a patients brain and/or spinal cord with electric stimuli, a measurement unit for recording test signals that represent a neural activity of the stimulated neurons, and a control and analysis unit. Furthermore, the stimulation contacts of the stimulation unit apply stimuli, and the control and analysis unit selects the stimulation contacts, the stimuli of which cause the phase of the pathological synchronous and oscillatory neural activity of the stimulated neurons to be reset. The selected stimulation contacts then apply phase-resetting stimuli with a time delay, and the control and analysis unit verifies whether the pathological synchronous and oscillatory neural activity of the stimulated neurons is suppressed by said time-delayed stimuli. | 01-15-2015 |
20150032187 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING ANODE PLACEMENT BASED ON CEREBROSPINAL FLUID THICKNESS - A method of stimulating a portion of a spinal cord of a patient includes identifying an arrangement of electrodes including a relative placement of each electrode within the arrangement: identifying a vertebral level for implantation of the arrangement and a position of the arrangement with respect to the spinal cord: determining by calculation, for a selection of at least one cathode from the electrodes, at least two anode guard electrodes from the electrodes including in the calculation an estimated thickness of cerebrospinal fluid at the vertebral level; and stimulating the portion of the spinal cord of the patient at the vertebral level using the at least one cathode and the at least two anode guard electrodes. | 01-29-2015 |
20150032188 | AUTOMATIC NEURAL STIMULATION MODULATION BASED ON ACTIVITY - According to an embodiment of a method for providing neural stimulation, activity is sensed, and neural stimulation is automatically controlled based on the sensed activity. An embodiment determines periods of rest and periods of exercise using the sensed activity, and applies neural stimulation during rest and withdrawing neural stimulation during exercise. Other embodiments are provided herein. | 01-29-2015 |
20150032189 | 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. | 01-29-2015 |
20150039057 | IMPLANTABLE VESTIBULAR PROSTHESIS - An implantable nerve stimulation device has a sensor system, a data processor in communication with the sensor system, and a nerve stimulation system in communication with the data processor and constructed to provide electrical stimulation to at least one branch of at least one vestibulocochlear nerve. The nerve stimulation system includes an electrode array that has a first plurality of electrodes structured to be surgically implanted in electrical communication with a superior branch of the vestibular nerve, a second plurality of electrodes structured to be surgically implanted in electrical communication with a horizontal branch of the vestibular nerve, a third plurality of electrodes structured to be surgically implanted in electrical communication with a posterior branch of the vestibular nerve, and a common crus reference electrode structured to be surgically implanted into a common crus of the vestibular labyrinth. | 02-05-2015 |
20150039058 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NEUROMODULATION - A method of treating autonomic imbalance in a patient includes energizing a first therapeutic element disposed to deliver therapy to a parasympathetic nerve fiber (e.g. vagus nerve), and energizing a second therapeutic element to deliver therapy to a sympathetic cardiac nerve fiber. At least one of the therapeutic elements is disposed in the vasculature superior to the heart. The therapy decreases the patient's heart rate and elevates or maintains the blood pressure of the patient. | 02-05-2015 |
20150051670 | Devices and Methods to Provide Stimulation Therapy in the Presence of External Conditions that Induce Undesirable Perturbations - Devices and methods compensate for perturbations in a stimulation signal caused by external conditions such as a magnetic field of an MRI machine so that stimulation therapy may continue in the presence of the external condition. Compensation for the perturbations during a stimulation pulse of a stimulation phase may be provided by using feedback within a stimulation current source. Perturbations during a recharge phase may be addressed by utilizing an active recharge at least when the external condition is present. Furthermore, compensation for perturbations during a recharge pulse of the active recharge phase may be provided by using feedback within a recharge current source. Passive recharge may be used instead of active recharge when the external condition is not present to preserve battery life of the stimulation device. The stimulation device may include a sensor to detect the external condition so that an appropriate mode of recharge may be chosen. | 02-19-2015 |
20150073510 | Method, System and Apparatus for Control of Pancreatic Beta Cell Function to Improve Glucose Homeostasis and Insulin Production - The present invention provides methods, systems and apparatuses for effecting excitation or inhibition of small sensory nerve fibers, such as C-afferent fibers, by electrical stimulation of nerves innervating the pancreas in diabetic subjects. In an aspect the methods are directed to effecting insulin production and for the treatment of diabetes. This invention includes a closed or open loop feedback control system in which biomarker levels are monitored in order to direct electrical stimulation. An implantable or external neural stimulation device is also provided. | 03-12-2015 |
20150073511 | 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. | 03-12-2015 |
20150080984 | Technique for determining optimum treatment parameters - A diagnostic device in an electrical interferential treatment regime applies different pulse frequencies in one selection of electrode placement and determines the change of blood flow in response to the change in pulse frequency in an attempt to determine an optimum or workable set of parameters. The device includes electronic storage to record a series of tests and their results and a communication link. The communication link enables a professional caregiver to determine whether the parameter determinations, made at a location remote from the professional's office, such as at the residence of the patient, were conducted and were conducted correctly. The communication link also enables the professional to determine whether the treatments were conducted and conducted correctly. | 03-19-2015 |
20150080985 | METHOD FOR STIMULATING LIVING BODY MORE ACCURATELY AND APPARATUS USING THE SAME - Disclosed is a method of more accurately stimulating a living body and an apparatus using the method. The method includes determining targeted bio-information, deriving bio-stimulation information required to achieve the targeted bio-information using complicated time space data indicative of bio-responses interacting at a plurality of different positions in response to bio-stimulation composed of pieces of time-series data having a specific frequency, and applying a stimulation signal to the living body in response to the derived bio-stimulation information. The method is advantageous in that it can derive a systematic algorithm between bio-related information and stimulation information so that more accurate and safely stimulation is made upon applying bio-stimulation based on acquired bio-related information, can minimize a process of trial and error using a systematic algorithm, and can more accurately stimulate a living body by exactly determining a specific target stimulation position. | 03-19-2015 |
20150080986 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR APPLYING A TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL STIMULATION TO THE SURFACE OF A SECTION OF THE HUMAN EAR - The invention relates to a device for applying a transcutaneous electrical stimulation stimulus to the surface of a section of the human ear, which comprises a retaining element which is mountable on or in the ear and a number of electrodes which are arranged on or in an electrode carrier, wherein the device comprises a control apparatus which controls or regulates the generation of a potential difference between the electrodes. In order to permit an improved and safer transcutaneous stimulation the invention proposes that at least three electrodes are arranged on or in the electrode carrier, wherein the at least three electrodes are located in one plane, wherein the position of at least one of the at least three electrodes is adjustable on the electrode carrier and wherein the at least one electrode of which the position is adjustable is mounted such as to be displaceable in a translational manner in the plane. Furthermore, the invention relates a method for the operation of such a device. | 03-19-2015 |
20150080987 | Biomimetic Neurostimulation Device - A neuromimetic device includes a feedforward pathway and a feedback pathway. The device operates in parallel with a suspect neural region, coupled between regions afferent and efferent to the suspect region. The device can be trained to mimic the suspect region while the region is still considered functional; and then replace the region once the region is considered dysfunctional. The device may be particularly useful in treating neuromotor issues such as Parkinson's disease. | 03-19-2015 |
20150088230 | Method and System for Determining Settings for Deep Brain Stimulation - A method and system are provided for determining a relation between stimulation settings for a brain stimulation probe and a corresponding V-field. The brain stimulation probe comprises multiple stimulation electrodes. The V-field is an electrical field in brain tissue surrounding the stimulation electrodes. The method comprises sequentially applying a test current to n stimulation electrodes, n being a number between 2 and the number of stimulation electrodes of the brain stimulation probe, for each test current at one of the n stimulation electrodes, measuring a resulting excitation voltage at m stimulation electrodes, m being a number between 2 and the number of stimulation electrodes of the brain stimulation probe, from the stimulation settings and the measured excitation voltages, deriving a coupling matrix, an element in the coupling matrix reflecting an amount of electrical impedance between two of the stimulation electrodes, and using the coupling matrix for determining the relation between the stimulation settings and the corresponding V-field. | 03-26-2015 |
20150094787 | METHODS AND MATERIALS FOR TREATING SYNCOPE - This document provides methods and materials for treating syncope (e.g., neurocardiogenic syncope). For example, methods and materials involved in using electrical techniques to stimulate nerves (e.g., renal efferent and/or afferent nerves) in a manner that results in systemic blood vessel constriction and/or increased blood pressure are provided. | 04-02-2015 |
20150112409 | TRANSCRANIAL STIMULATION DEVICE AND METHOD BASED ON ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL TESTING - The present method and system provides for the clinical application of neurostimulation and/or neuromodulation to a patient. The method and system includes receipt and acquisition of patient data, processing of that data relative to one or more known data sets, and determination of a good-fit trigger specific treatment protocol. The method and system provides for application of the protocol to the patient, including delivery of neuromodulation and biofeedback. Based thereon, the method and system re-iterates the goodness of fit determination for further treatment to the patient. | 04-23-2015 |
20150112410 | SAFETY CONTROL SYSTEM FOR IMPLANTABLE NEURAL STIMULATOR - A neural stimulation system includes a safety control system that prevents delivery of neural stimulation pulses from causing potentially harmful effects. The neural stimulation pulses are delivered to one or more nerves to control the physiological functions regulated by the one or more nerves. Examples of such harmful effects include unintended effects in physiological functions associated with autonomic neural stimulation and nerve injuries caused by excessive delivery of the neural stimulation pulses. | 04-23-2015 |
20150134030 | CARDIAC DEFIBRILLATION WITH VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION - A method and system for treating cardiac arrhythmias which includes inserting one or more electrodes into a patient's neck, and connecting the electrodes to the vagus nerve in the patient's neck. A cardiac monitoring device detects a cardiac arrhythmia. A controller connected to an electrical power source provides electrical power to the electrodes to apply electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve when a cardiac arrhythmia is detected. | 05-14-2015 |
20150134031 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND VISUALIZATION TOOLS FOR STIMULATION AND SENSING OF NEURAL SYSTEMS WITH SYSTEM-LEVEL INTERACTION MODELS - A computer implemented system and method generates a patient-specific model of patient response to stimulation on a neural element basis, receives user-input of target neuromodulation sites, and, based on the patient-specific model, determines which stimulation paradigm and settings, including stimulation sites, would result in the target neuromodulation, where the stimulation sites are not necessarily the same as the resulting neuromodulation sites. The system outputs a visual representation of the stimulation sites that would result in the target neuromodulation. The system monitors a system state and/or patient state and dynamically changes which stimulation program to implement based on the state. | 05-14-2015 |
20150142084 | HYBRID METHOD FOR MODULATING UPPER AIRWAY FUNCTION IN A SUBJECT - A hybrid method is provided for modulating upper airway function in a subject. The method includes applying first and second therapy signals to the subject to modulate at least one extrinsic laryngeal muscle and at least one intrinsic laryngeal muscle to synergistically control laryngeal motion and vocal fold movement, respectively. | 05-21-2015 |
20150148869 | CHARGE STEERING HIGH DENSITY ELECTRODE ARRAY - Technology for deep brain stimulating including devices, systems, computer circuitry, and associated methods is provided. A deep brain stimulating device ( | 05-28-2015 |
20150290462 | AUTOMATIC SELECTION OF LEAD CONFIGURATION FOR A NEURAL STIMULATION LEAD - A neurostimulation system includes a neural stimulation lead having a proximal portion and a distal portion and including a plurality of electrodes along the distal portion. The plurality of electrodes are configured for positioning proximate a portion of the autonomic nervous system. A neural stimulation circuit, coupled to the plurality of electrodes, delivers neural stimulation pulses to the plurality of electrodes. A processor and controller is configured to control the neural stimulation circuit to deliver first neural stimulation pulses to each of a plurality of electrode configurations. Each electrode configuration includes one or more of the plurality of electrodes. The processor and controller is further configured to receive information related to motor fiber activity that is induced in response to delivery of the first neural stimulation pulses to each of the plurality of electrode configurations and to identify the electrode configurations that induce the motor fiber activity. | 10-15-2015 |
20150290463 | TIBIAL NERVE STIMULATION THERAPY DEVICE CALIBRATION - A tibial nerve stimulation therapy device configured to provide an electrical stimulation therapy to branches of the tibial nerve includes a plurality of stimulation electrodes, a support member, a stimulation circuit, and a sensing circuit. The support member is configured to support the plurality of electrodes on a top surface of an ankle area of the patient. The stimulation circuit is configured to generate electrical stimulation pulses. The sensing circuit is configured to generate an output signal indicative of an electromyogram (EMG) signal generated by the patient. | 10-15-2015 |
20150297888 | Apparatus for determining optimum treatment parameters - A diagnostic device in an electrical interferential treatment regime applies different pulse frequencies in one selection of electrode placement and determines the change of blood flow in response to the change in pulse frequency in an attempt to determine an optimum or workable set of parameters. The device includes electronic storage to record a series of tests and their results and a communication link. The communication link enables a professional caregiver to determine whether the parameter determinations, made at a location remote from the professional's office, such as at the residence of the patient, were conducted and were conducted correctly. The communication link also enables the professional to determine whether the treatments were conducted and conducted correctly. | 10-22-2015 |
20150297894 | FINE RESOLUTION IDENTIFICATION OF A NEURAL FULCRUM FOR THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC CARDIAC DYSFUNCTION - Systems and methods are provided for delivering neurostimulation therapies to patients for treating chronic heart failure. A neural fulcrum zone is identified and ongoing neurostimulation therapy is delivered within the neural fulcrum zone. This neural fulcrum zone may be identified by monitoring a patient's response to incrementally increased intensity settings at a first frequency. If the incremental intensity increases do not result in the identification of the neural fulcrum zone, the frequency may be changed to provide finer resolution identification of the neural fulcrum zone. | 10-22-2015 |
20150297896 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING ENERGY USE AND DELIVERED CURRENT IN AN IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - A system and method for automatically adjusting the value of a parameter defined to manage and control the resources recruited by an implantable medical device to supply power or the device to deliver an instance of an electrical stimulation therapy to a patient. In embodiments, the parameter corresponds to a number of capacitors the discharge of which supplies the power to deliver a stimulation therapy at a programmed amplitude. Whenever the circumstances prevent the programmed amplitude from being delivered, the system and method automatically adjust the resource-controlling parameter to use the minimum power to achieve the desired (programmed) amplitude or as close as possible to that programmed amplitude. Some embodiments additionally include using another parameter (a equivalent amplitude parameter) to balance the charge delivered through multiple pathways in parallel sourced from a single reservoir of power. | 10-22-2015 |
20150306387 | MEASURING THE "ON-SKIN" TIME OF A TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATOR (TENS) DEVICE IN ORDER TO MINIMIZE SKIN IRRITATION DUE TO EXCESSIVE UNINTERRUPTED WEARING OF THE SAME - Apparatus for providing transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy to a user, the apparatus comprising: a stimulation unit for electrically stimulating at least one nerve of the user; an electrode array connectable to the stimulation unit, the electrode array comprising a plurality of electrodes for electrical stimulation of the at least one nerve of the user; a monitoring unit electrically connected to the stimulation unit for monitoring the on-skin status of the electrode array; an analysis unit for analyzing the on-skin status of the electrode array to determine the effective on-skin time of the electrode array; and a feedback unit for alerting the user when the analysis unit determine that the effective on-skin time exceeds a threshold. | 10-29-2015 |
20150306397 | TRANSVASCULAR NERVE STIMULATION APPARATUS AND METHODS - Electrode structures for transvascular nerve stimulation combine electrodes with an electrically-insulating backing layer. The backing layer increases the electrical impedance of electrical paths through blood in a lumen of a blood vessel and consequently increases the flow of electrical current through surrounding tissues. The electrode structures may be applied to stimulate nerves such as the phrenic, vagus, trigeminal, obturator or other nerves. | 10-29-2015 |
20150306399 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTRICAL PULSE CHARGE COMPENSATION FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE CAPACITANCE LOADING EFFECTS - A neurostimulation device and system are provided. At least one neurostimulation lead having a plurality of electrodes is configured for being implanted within tissue of a patient. A shunt capacitance is coupled to one of the electrodes. Time-varying electrical current is delivered to at least one of the electrodes, wherein the shunt capacitance would, without compensation, absorb charge from or inject charge into the tissue in response to time-varying changes in the delivered electrical current, thereby causing an uncompensated electrical waveform to be delivered to the tissue adjacent the one electrode, The absorbed or injected charge is at least partially compensated for, thereby causing a compensated electrical waveform to be delivered to the tissue adjacent the one electrode. | 10-29-2015 |
20150320999 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR STIMULATING AN IMMUNE RESPONSE USING NANOSECOND PULSED ELECTRIC FIELDS - Nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) treatments of a tumor are adjusted based on size and type of a tumor to stimulate an immune response against the tumor and other tumors in a subject. Calreticulin expression on tumor cells can be detected to confirm treatment. An immune response biomarker can be measured, and further nsPEF treatments can be performed if needed to stimulate or further stimulate the immune response. Cancers that have metastasized may be treated by directly treating a tumor that is most accessible. The treatment can be combined with CD47-blocking antibodies, doxorubicin, CTLA-4-blocking antibodies, and/or PD-1-blocking antibodies. Electrical characteristics of nsPEF treatments can be based on the size, type, and/or strength of tumors and/or a quantity of tumors in the subject. | 11-12-2015 |
20150321001 | RESPONSIVE NEUROSTIMULATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC CARDIAC DYSFUNCTION - Systems and methods are provided for delivering neurostimulation therapies to patients for treating chronic heart failure. A neural fulcrum zone is identified and ongoing neurostimulation therapy is delivered within the neural fulcrum zone. The implanted stimulation device includes a physiological sensor for monitoring the patient's response to the neurostimulation therapy on an ambulatory basis over extended periods of time, and a control system for adjusting stimulation parameters to maintain stimulation in the neural fulcrum zone based on detected changes in the physiological response to stimulation. | 11-12-2015 |
20150321011 | TRIGGERED PACING SYSTEM - A medical device system is configured to sense physiological events by a first device and control a transducer to emit trigger signals in response to the sensed physiological events. A second device detects the trigger signals and delivers therapeutic stimulation pulses in response to the trigger signals. The therapeutic stimulation pulses have a combined total time duration over the sensed physiological events that is greater than the combined total time duration of the trigger signals. | 11-12-2015 |
20150321012 | OPTICAL TRIGGER FOR THERAPY DELIVERY - A medical device system is configured to sense a physiological signal by a first device and generate a control signal by the first device in response to the physiological signal. An optical transducer is controlled by the first device to emit an optical trigger signal in response to the control signal. A second device receives the optical trigger signal and delivers an automatic therapy to a patient in response to detecting the optical trigger signal. | 11-12-2015 |
20150321016 | ACOUSTICALLY TRIGGERED THERAPY DELIVERY - A medical device system is configured to sense a physiological signal by a first device and generate a control signal by the first device in response to the physiological signal. An acoustical emitting device is controlled by the first device to emit an acoustical trigger signal in response to the control signal. A second device detects the acoustical trigger signal and delivers an automatic therapy to a patient in response to detecting the acoustical trigger signal. | 11-12-2015 |
20150328448 | ELECTRODE ELEMENT FOR ELECTROMEDICAL THERAPY IN A HUMAN OR ANIMAL BODY - An electrode element for electromedical therapy in a human or animal body, including an element body, on which at least one electric contact is arranged on an outer surface of the element body, wherein the at least one electric contact protrudes from the surface of the element body. The at least one electric contact has a raised contact body with an end face, on which at least one metal area is formed, wherein the metal area is surrounded by an electrical insulation. A catheter and a stimulation apparatus are also provided which include an electrode element. | 11-19-2015 |
20150328463 | PATIENT HANDHELD DEVICE FOR USE WITH A SPINAL CORD STIMULATION SYSTEM - A patient feedback device for use in an electrical stimulation system is calibrated. The electrical stimulation system includes an implantable pulse generator (IPG) implanted in a patient and a patient feedback device having a force sensor. Input from the patient is sensed using the patient feedback device. At a first time, an electrical stimulus is applied with the IPG. The force sensor is monitored at a plurality of time points. A level of force sensed by the force sensor at each of the plurality of time points is recorded. A time point at which a maximum force is applied is identified, or a time point at which a minimum force is applied is identified. The first time is compared to the time point at which a minimum force is applied or the time point at which a maximum force is applied, in order to determine a patient response time. | 11-19-2015 |
20150328465 | METHODS OF TREATING MEDICAL CONDITIONS BY POPULATION BASED ENCODING OF NEURAL INFORMATION - The present invention generally relates to patterned intensity modulation of neural tissue. Certain embodiments provide a method of treating medical conditions by providing an electrode and modulating stimulation parameters delivered by the electrode. The stimulation parameters that are modulated relate to stimulation intensity and are varied according to a stimulation input parameter or time. The stimulation input parameter can be a choice of an individual waveform (i.e. Ψ or psi), which may be varied for each pulse. | 11-19-2015 |
20150335897 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS THAT PROVIDE AN ELECTRICAL WAVEFORM FOR NEURAL STIMULATION OR NERVE BLOCK - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that can provide an electric waveform for neural stimulation or nerve block. The system can include a first circuit component configured to provide a self-oscillating, voltage-boosted electric waveform. In some instances, the first circuit component can provide a “pause” waveform (e.g., with a period (T) that includes a swing time (ts) in which the waveform varies in a biphasic manner and a pause time (tp) in which the waveform has a constant amplitude). The system can also include a second circuit component configured to ensure that the oscillating signal is charge-balanced across at least one period of the self-oscillating, voltage-boosted electric waveform. | 11-26-2015 |
20150335901 | Monitoring Electrode Voltages In An Implantable Medical Device System Having Daisy-Chained Electrode-Driver Integrated Circuits - Electrode voltage monitoring circuitry for an implantable neurostimulator system having a plurality of electrode-driver integrated circuits (ICs) in provided. Electrodes from either or both ICs can be chosen to provide stimulation, and one of the IC acts as the master while the other acts as the slave. Electrodes voltages on the slave IC are routed to the master IC, and thus the master IC can monitor both electrode voltages on the slave as well as electrode voltages on the master. Such voltages can be monitored for a variety of purposes, and in particular use of such voltage is disclosed for determining the resistance between electrodes and to set a compliance voltage for stimulation. | 11-26-2015 |
20150343219 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO INITIALIZE THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT FOR MONITORED PHYSIOLOGY DATA - Disclosed is a system and method for initializing a therapeutic treatment for normalizing a high-priority physiology data by determining the criticality of the patient. The method monitors the physiology data of the patient and determines the criticality of the patient's condition based on the priority computed for the monitored physiology data. Further, the method initiates a therapeutic treatment to normalize the high-priority monitored physiology data by allowing the user to provide input values. | 12-03-2015 |
20150360031 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR NON-LINEAR FEEDBACK CONTROL OF SPINAL CORD STIMULATION - A system of non-linear feedback control for spinal cord stimulation is provided. The system comprises a lead adapted to be implanted within an epidural space of a dorsal column of a patients spine, and a pulse generator (PG) electrically coupled to the lead. The PG is configured to deliver spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy. The system also comprises a sensing circuitry configured to sense an evoked compound action potential (ECAP) response that propagates along the neural pathway. The system also comprises a processor programmed to operation, in response to instructions stored on a non-transient computer-readable medium, to obtain a baseline ECAP response when the lead and spinal cord tissue properties are in baseline states; analyze ECAP responses relative to the baseline ECAP response to obtain an ECAP feedback difference indicative of a change in at least one of the baseline state of the lead and the baseline state of the spinal cord tissue properties. The processor is also programmed to adjust an SCS therapy based on the ECAP feedback. | 12-17-2015 |
20150360032 | SYSTEMS FOR THE DETECTION AND DELIVERY OF NEUROCHEMICAL AND ELECTRICAL SIGNALS FOR FUNCTIONAL RESTORATION - This document provides methods and materials involved in detecting and delivering neurochemical signals, electrophysiological signals, ions, or combinations thereof within a mammal. For example, systems that can include one or more implantable devices containing probes configured to detect neurochemical signals (e.g., neurotransmitter concentrations), electrical signals, ions, or combinations thereof and one or more implantable devices containing electrodes and/or microfluidic delivery components configured to deliver neurochemical signals (e.g., neurotransmitters), electrical signals, ions, or combinations thereof to one or more locations within a mammal are provided. | 12-17-2015 |
20150367128 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR TREATING BODY ORGAN AGING - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for treating body organ aging in a mammal. One step of the method includes identifying at least one target organ in need of a therapy signal. Next, a therapy delivery device is placed into electrical communication with an autonomic nervous system (ANS) nerve target and/or a central nervous system (CNS) nerve target associated with the at least one target organ. The therapy delivery device is then activated to deliver the therapy signal to the ANS nerve target and/or the CNS nerve target in an amount and for a time sufficient to effect a change in sympathetic and/or parasympathetic activity associated with the at least one target organ. | 12-24-2015 |
20150367134 | AUTONOMIC MODULATION USING TRANSIENT RESPONSE WITH INTERMITTENT NEURAL STIMULATION - In various method embodiments for operating an implantable neural stimulator to deliver a neural stimulation therapy to an autonomic neural target, the method comprises using the implantable neural stimulator to deliver the neural stimulation therapy to the autonomic neural target, and evaluating an evoked response to the neural stimulation bursts. The neural stimulation therapy includes a plurality of neural stimulation bursts where each neural stimulation burst includes a plurality of neural stimulation pulses and successive neural stimulation bursts are separated by a time without neural stimulation pulses. Evaluating the evoked response includes sensing the evoked response to the neural stimulation bursts where sensing the evoked response includes sensing at least one physiological parameter affected by the neural stimulation bursts, comparing the sensed evoked response against a baseline, and determining if the evoked response substantially returns to the baseline between neural stimulation bursts. | 12-24-2015 |
20150374999 | Method and Apparatus for Application of a Neural Stimulus - A method of applying a neural stimulus with an implanted electrode array involves applying a sequence of stimuli configured to yield a therapeutic effect while suppressing psychophysical side effects. The stimuli sequence is configured such that a first stimulus recruits a portion of the fibre population, and a second stimulus is delivered within the refractory period following the first stimulus and the second stimulus being configured to recruit a further portion of the fibre population. Using an electrode array and suitable relative timing of the stimuli, ascending or descending volleys of evoked responses can be selectively synchronised or desynchronised to give directional control over responses evoked. | 12-31-2015 |
20160001083 | IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATORS HAVING REDUCED POCKET STIMULATION - Neurostimulators and methods of using neurostimulators are provided. The neurostimulator is implanted within a tissue pocket of a patient, and electrical energy is conveyed from the neurostimulator to stimulate a target tissue site remote from the tissue pocket. The neurostimulator has a case with which one or more electrodes are associated. The electrical energy is returned to the electrode(s) in a manner that prevents, or at least reduces, pocket stimulation that may otherwise occur due to the return of electrical energy to the case of the neurostimulator. | 01-07-2016 |
20160008618 | METHOD FOR APPLYING PULSED RADIO FREQUENCY ENERGY TO THE SPINAL CANAL | 01-14-2016 |
20160015978 | SYSTEM FOR DECREASING THE BLOOD FLOW OF A TARGETED ORGAN'S ARTERY WITH AN ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - A system for decreasing the blood flow of a targeted organ in case of bleeding or a medical requirement includes an integrated electrostimulator and a subsystem. | 01-21-2016 |
20160015979 | DISTRIBUTED NEURO-MODULATION SYSTEM WITH AUXILIARY STIMULATION-RECORDING CONTROL UNITS - Systems and methods for modulating a physiological process are provided to enable precise delivery of signals to a predetermined treatment site. The systems may comprise an implantable device and an electrical lead body. The electrical lead body may comprise a plurality of transducer contacts in close proximity to an end of the electrical lead body, and a control unit positioned within the lead body in close proximity to the plurality of transducer contacts. | 01-21-2016 |
20160022997 | ACTIVE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE FOR NERVE STIMULATION THERAPY WITH DYNAMIC ADJUSTMENT OF STIMULATION PERIODS - An active implantable medical device for neurostimulation therapy is disclosed. The device produces stimulation pulse sequences generated continuously in succession during activity periods separated by intermediate inactivity periods during which no stimulation is issued. An input signal, provided by a physiological sensor, representative of cardiac activity and/or of the patient's hemodynamic status is received by circuitry. The circuitry further provides for dynamic control of the neurostimulation therapy, wherein the length of activity periods is modulated based on the current value level of the control parameter compared to a threshold. The duration of the next period of inactivity is calculated by the circuitry at the end of each activity period to maintain a constant duty cycle ratio between periods of activity and periods of inactivity. | 01-28-2016 |
20160045727 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING AUTONOMIC INSTABILITY AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED THEREWITH - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a closed-loop therapy system for treating autonomic instability or a medical condition associated therewith in a subject. The therapy delivery system can include a sensing component, a delivery component, and a controller. The sensing component can be configured to detect at least one physiological parameter associated with autonomic instability or a medical condition associated therewith. The delivery component can be configured for implantation on or about an autonomic nervous tissue target or a spinal nervous tissue target. The controller can be configured to automatically coordinate operation of the sensing and delivery components. The controller can also be configured to deliver an electrical signal to the delivery component to modulate activity at the autonomic nervous tissue target or a spinal nervous tissue target and effectively treat autonomic instability or a medical condition associated therewith. | 02-18-2016 |
20160067496 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENHANCING OR AFFECTING NEURAL STIMULATION EFFICIENCY AND/OR EFFICACY - Systems and methods for enhancing or affecting neural stimulation efficiency and/or efficacy are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system and/or method may apply electromagnetic stimulation to a patient's nervous system over a first time domain according to a first set of stimulation parameters, and over a second time domain according to a second set of stimulation parameters. The first and second time domains may be sequential, simultaneous, or nested. Stimulation parameters may vary in accordance with one or more types of duty cycle, amplitude, pulse repetition frequency, pulse width, spatiotemporal, and/or polarity variations. Stimulation may be applied at subthreshold, threshold, and/or suprathreshold levels in one or more periodic, aperiodic (e.g., chaotic), and/or pseudo-random manners. In some embodiments stimulation may comprise a burst pattern having an interburst frequency corresponding to an intrinsic brainwave frequency, and regular and/or varying intraburst stimulation parameters. Stimulation signals providing reduced power consumption with at least adequate symptomatic relief may be applied prior to moderate or significant power source depletion. | 03-10-2016 |
20160067497 | CLOSED-LOOP VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION - Devices, systems and methods for the treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders that include an implantable microstimulator and an external charger/controller wherein the controller is configured to operate using closed-loop feedback. | 03-10-2016 |
20160082258 | SELECTIVE STIMULATION TO MODULATE THE SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM - Systems, methods and devices are provided for the targeted treatment of a variety of medical conditions by directly neuromodulating a target anatomy associated with the condition while minimizing or excluding undesired neuromodulation of other anatomies. Typically, the target anatomy includes one or more dorsal root ganglia, dorsal roots, dorsal root entry zones, or portions thereof. Such target stimulation areas are utilized due in part to their effect on the sympathetic nervous system. | 03-24-2016 |
20160096017 | EXTREMELY LOW DUTY-CYCLE ACTIVATION OF THE CHOLINERGIC ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PATHWAY TO TREAT CHRONIC INFLAMMATION - Described herein are systems and methods for applying extremely low duty-cycle stimulation sufficient to treat chronic inflammation using feedback to adjust the off times between stimulations. In particular, the feedback include an assessment of the level of inflammation by the patient or the healthcare provider, or by measure the level of an inflammatory analyte or biomarker, or by detecting nerve activity correlated with inflammation. | 04-07-2016 |
20160121107 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO MANAGE LEAD-RELATED CONDITIONS FOR FAULT TOLERANCE ENHANCEMENTS - The disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus providing detection mechanism for lead-related conditions, including transient behaviors, on a conductive pathway of a medical electrical lead. In one example, a sense path arbitration module identifies a lead-related condition associated with a conductive pathway based on signal processing to identify transients emerging from a propagated signal. The sense path arbitration module may evaluate a plurality of conductive pathways of the medical electrical lead and arbitrates propagation of a sensed signal that is transmitted through the plurality of lead conductors based on the evaluation. Therapy delivery functions utilizing the medical electrical lead may also be controlled in response to the signal processing and identification of the lead-related condition on a conductive pathway. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121124 | PAIRED STIMULATION PULSES BASED ON SENSED COMPOUND ACTION POTENTIAL - In some examples, a method may include delivering an electrical stimulation therapy to a patient, the electrical stimulation therapy comprising a first electrical stimulation pulse delivered to the patient via a first electrode and a second electrical stimulation pulse delivered to the patient via a second electrode, wherein the first electrical stimulation pulse and second electrical stimulation pulse are delivered as paired pulses with respect to each other and a combination of the first electrical stimulation pulse and the second electrical stimulation pulse evoke a compound action potential within the patient; sensing the compound action potential evoked by the combination of the first electrical stimulation pulse and the second electrical stimulation pulse; and adjusting one or more parameters of the electrical stimulation therapy based on the sensed compound action potential | 05-05-2016 |
20160129249 | METHOD FOR STIMULATING LIVING BODY MORE ACCURATELY AND APPARATUS USING THE SAME - An apparatus for more accurately stimulating a living body comprises: a stimulation unit configured to apply a bio-stimulation signal in vicinity to a living body, the bio-stimulation signal being composed of pieces of time-series data having a specific frequency; and a control unit configured to derive bio-stimulation information required to achieve targeted bio-information using time space data indicative of bio-responses interacting at a plurality of different positions in response to the bio-stimulation signal, and derive a relation between the bio-stimulation signal and the bio-responses, and control the stimulation unit to apply the bio-stimulation signal in response to the derived bio-stimulation information. The relation is configured to set the bio-stimulation information as variables in an X matrix (m, t), set the bio-response information as variables in a Y matrix (n, t), and derive an A matrix (n, m) satisfying Y=AX. | 05-12-2016 |
20160129257 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTING NEUROSTIMULATION INTENSITY USING EVOKED RESPONSES - A neurostimulation system provides for capture verification and stimulation intensity adjustment to ensure effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation in modulating one or more target functions in a patient. In various embodiments, stimulation is applied to the vagus nerve, and evoked responses are detected to verify that the stimulation captures the vagus nerve and to adjust one or more stimulation parameters that control the stimulation intensity. | 05-12-2016 |
20160129272 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO CONTROL A NON-PARESTHESIA STIMULATION BASED ON SENSORY ACTION POTENTIALS - A system and method for controlling non-paresthesia stimulation of nervous tissue of a patient. The method delivers a non-paresthesia stimulation waveform, senses sensory action potential (SAP) signals from the nervous tissue of interest, and analyzes the SAP signals to obtain SAP activity data for at least one of an SAP C-fiber component or an SAP A-delta fiber component. The method determines whether the SAP activity data satisfies a criteria of interest and adjusts at least one of the therapy parameters to change the non-paresthesia stimulation waveform when the SAP activity data does not satisfy the criteria of interest. | 05-12-2016 |
20160136428 | ACTIVE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE FOR HEART FAILURE TREATMENT BY STIMULATION OF THE VAGUS NERVE - The invention relates to an active implantable medical device. The device includes a VNS pulse generator, an activity sensor for detecting a patient's current activity level, and a processor. The processor is configured to collect the electrical activity of the heart, such as a current intrinsic heart rate of the patient. The processor further calculates values of a reference heart rate based on the patient's current activity level. A first histogram is constructed from the reference heart rate values, and a second histogram is constructed from the intrinsic heart rate values. An index representative of the patient's condition is derived by comparing the first and second histograms. | 05-19-2016 |
20160144173 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING SIGNALS - An apparatus comprising: an electrical signal generation device configured to generate a first electrical signal, the first signal being based upon captured or expected data related to one or more human or animal subjects; and an electrical signal application device configured to apply the first electrical signal in a processed or unprocessed form to a human or animal subject. | 05-26-2016 |
20160151630 | NEUROSTIMULATOR AND METHOD FOR REGULATING THE SAME | 06-02-2016 |
20160158552 | COLLECTING SLEEP QUALITY INFORMATION VIA A MEDICAL DEVICE - At least one of a medical device, such as an implantable medical device, and a programming device determines values for one or more metrics that indicate the quality of a patient's sleep. Sleep efficiency, sleep latency, and time spent in deeper sleep states are example sleep quality metrics for which values may be determined. In some embodiments, determined sleep quality metric values are associated with a current therapy parameter set. In some embodiments, a programming device presents sleep quality information to a user based on determined sleep quality metric values values. A clinician, for example, may use the sleep quality information presented by the programming device to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy delivered to the patient by the medical device, to adjust the therapy delivered by the medical device, or to prescribe a therapy not delivered by the medical device in order to improve the quality of the patient's sleep. | 06-09-2016 |
20160158554 | VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION METHOD - An implanted electrical signal generator delivers a novel exogenous electrical signal to a vagus nerve of a patient. The vagus nerve conducts action potentials originating in the heart and lungs to various structures of the brain, thereby eliciting a vagal evoked potential in those structures. The exogenous electrical signal simulates and/or augments the endogenous afferent activity originating from the heart and/or lungs of the patient, thereby enhancing the vagal evoked potential in the various structures of the brain. The exogenous electrical signal includes a series of electrical pulses organized or patterned into a series of microbursts including 2 to 20 pulses each. No pulses are sent between the microbursts. Each of the microbursts may be synchronized with the QRS wave portion of an ECG. The enhanced vagal evoked potential in the various structures of the brain may be used to treat various medical conditions including epilepsy and depression. | 06-09-2016 |
20160175594 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO CONTROL DORSAL ROOT STIMULATION PARAMETERS BASED ON FREQUENCY DECOMPOSITION | 06-23-2016 |
20160175596 | LEAD ELECTRODE FOR USE IN AN MRI-SAFE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE | 06-23-2016 |
20160184592 | Pulse-by-Pulse Compliance Voltage Generation for an Implantable Stimulator - Circuitry for generating a compliance voltage (V+) for the current sources and/or sinks in an implantable stimulator device in disclosed. The circuitry assesses whether V+ is optimal for a given pulse, and if not, adjusts V+ for the next pulse. The circuitry uses amplifiers to measure the voltage drop across active PDACs (current sources) and NDAC (current sinks) at an appropriate time during the pulse. The measured voltages are assessed to determine whether they are high or low relative to optimal values. If low, a V+ regulator is controlled to increase V+ for the next pulse; if not, the V+ regulator is controlled to decrease V+ for the next pulse. Through this approach, gradual changes that may be occurring in the implant environment can be accounted for, with V+ adjusted on a pulse-by-pulse basis to keep the voltage drops at or near optimal levels for efficient DAC operation. | 06-30-2016 |
20160199653 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO ACCOUNT FOR NECK MOVEMENT DURING NERVE STIMULATION | 07-14-2016 |
20160250464 | DEVICE FOR THE APPLICATION OF A TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRIC STIMULATION STIMULUS | 09-01-2016 |
20160250467 | Apparatus for Electrical Therapies and Testing Procedure for Electrical Therapy | 09-01-2016 |
20160375247 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING A STATE OF A NEUROSTIMULATOR - A method and system is described for ensuring a state of an active implantable medical device based on the presence and persistence of a magnetic field. The output of a magnetic field sensor is monitored. The active implantable medical device is maintained in a first state, for so long as the presence of a magnetic field is detected by the magnetic field sensor, until a first interval is surpassed. If the first interval is surpassed, then a determination is made as to whether a second interval has been surpassed. If it is determined that the second interval has not been surpassed, then the active implantable medical device is transitioned into a second state. If it is determined that the second interval has been surpassed, then it is ensured that the active implantable medical device is in a predetermined one of the first and second states. | 12-29-2016 |
20170232259 | INTERMITTENT NEURAL STIMULATION WITH PHYSIOLOGIC RESPONSE MONITOR | 08-17-2017 |
20170232265 | Monitoring Electrode Voltages In An Implantable Medical Device System Having Daisy-Chained Electrode-Driver Integrated Circuits | 08-17-2017 |