Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
607063000 | Promoting patient safety or comfort | 68 |
20080243211 | USER SELECTABLE MASKING SOUNDS FOR MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS - A medical instrument includes a sound card or an internal capability for generating sounds from a digital music or sound file. The medical instrument is one which generates unwanted noise and is constantly in the presence of a patient or an operator, and may be in a home, a clinic, a laboratory, or other intimate setting. For instance, a patient may be typically connected for hours to a hemodialysis machine that has a noisy pump. A blood-plasma volunteer may be hooked to a noisy blood separation machine for a period of time. A laboratory technician may work in close proximity to a sample preparation machine that constantly gurgles and whirrs. In each instance, a sound card and a speaker can generate previously-recorded masking noises that make that the presence and operation of the machine more tolerable. | 10-02-2008 |
20090024188 | Safety System For Electrostimulation Device - A housing for an electrostimulation device comprising a charger plug and a stimulation plug, designed to receive respectively a connector linked to a charger and a connector linked to a stimulation electrode, characterized in that it comprises a mobile locking element designed to alternately lock the charger plug or the stimulation plug. | 01-22-2009 |
20090105789 | THERMAL SWITCH FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - An implantable medical device includes an electrode having a thermal switch. The thermal switch is configured to electrically decouple components of the implantable medical device when in contact with tissue at temperatures above normal body temperature. | 04-23-2009 |
20090112292 | DYNAMIC LEAD CONDITION DETECTION FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - The present invention provides for a method, apparatus, and system for performing a dynamic detection of a lead condition associated with a lead assembly in an implantable medical device for providing a controlled current therapeutic electrical signal to a cranial nerve. A pulsed therapeutic electrical signal is provided to a portion of a patient's body. A multiplicity of feedback signals is provided. Each the signal in the multiplicity comprises a voltage signal associated with the lead assembly for a pulse in the pulsed therapeutic electrical signal. For each the feedback signal, a determination is made as to whether the voltage signal is below a predetermined threshold to create a multiplicity of voltage signal comparison results. A determination is made as to whether or not a lead condition problem exists based upon the multiplicity of voltage signal comparison results. | 04-30-2009 |
20090118798 | ISOLATATION CONNECTOR FOR AN INTRAVASCULAR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Devices and methods providing for a isolation connector for a generally cylindrical or frustro-cylindrical housing of an implantable intravascular medical device are described herein. The isolation connector has a generally annular exterior surface, a proximal end, and a distal end. The isolation connector includes a housing interface portion at the proximal end which is secured to a first end of the housing. The proximal end of the housing interface portion is constructed to be obverse to the first end of the housing and presents a perimeter of substantially similar size and shape to the perimeter of the first end of the housing. The isolation connector further includes a first insulator portion disposed adjacent to a distal end of the housing interface portion. The isolation connector may further include a feed-through channel constructed to traverse the proximal and distal ends of the isolation connector and is defined through the housing interface portion and the first insulator portion. In an optional embodiment, an electrical conductor is disposed within the feed-through channel to electrically coupled at least one component disposed within the housing to at least one component disposed beyond the insulator portion. | 05-07-2009 |
20090149920 | LEADS WITH HIGH SURFACE RESISTANCE - Implantable medical leads having resistance characteristics adapted to dissipate radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy during medical procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are disclosed. An illustrative medical device includes a lead having an inner electrical conductor operatively coupled to an electrode and a pulse generator, and one or more outer resistive shields that radially surround the inner conductor and dissipate RF energy into the surrounding body tissue along the length of the lead. | 06-11-2009 |
20090171421 | MRI-SAFE HIGH IMPEDANCE LEAD SYSTEMS - Some embodiments are directed to MRI/RF compatible medical interventional devices. A plurality of spaced apart high impedance circuit segments are configured to have a high impedance at a high range of radiofrequencies and a low impedance at a low range of frequencies The high impedance circuit segments may comprise co-wound coiled inductors and can reduce, block or inhibit RJ-transmission along the lead system ( | 07-02-2009 |
20090204182 | MAGNETIC CORE FLUX CANCELING OF FERRITES IN MRI - A magnetic core flux canceling device according to embodiments of the present invention includes a magnetic field sensor adapted for placement at a ferrite material core in an implantable medical device, the magnetic field sensor adapted to transmit a signal corresponding to a magnitude of a first magnetic field. Such a device may also include a coil disposed around the ferrite material core and a driver circuit configured to receive the signal and to vary a voltage applied across the coil based on the signal, the voltage applied across the coil creating a second magnetic field at least partially in a direction opposite the first magnetic field. According to some embodiments of the present invention, multiple coils may be used to cancel magnetic fields in multiple directions. A voltage applied across the coil varies in magnitude and/or direction to cancel or weaken an MRI-related magnetic field. | 08-13-2009 |
20090254152 | ELECTRICAL LEAD FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE SUCH AS AN IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - A lead for an electronic device which resists the induction of a current from an electromagnetic field external to said lead includes one or more pairs of adjacent segments of electrical wire, each of the pairs including a first segment of electrical wire and a second segment of electrical wire. The lead also includes one or more shielded RF chokes, wherein each of the shielded RF chokes is provided between the first segment of electrical wire and the second segment of electrical wire of a respective one of the one or more pairs of adjacent segments. Also, an implantable device that includes a generator for generating one or more electrical pulse and a lead as described for delivering the pulses to tissue within a patient's body. A method for making the described implantable device is also provided. | 10-08-2009 |
20090281602 | Static electric therapy apparatus - A static electric therapy apparatus is disclosed which does not leave a user discomfort. The static electric therapy apparatus comprises an electric potential generator connected to an alternating power supply, and an output terminal which provides a human body with electric potential by touching the human body, which output terminal is connected to the electric potential generator; and the static electric therapy apparatus is characterized in that it further comprises a ground wire connected to the output terminal; a direct-current power supply applying negative voltage to the output terminal, which is connected to the output terminal in series; and a transfer switch which switches the case where the output terminal is connected to the potential generator and the case where the output terminal is connected to the ground wire, the switch being connected to the output terminal. Also, the static electric therapy apparatus comprises an electric potential generator connected to an alternating power supply, and an output terminal which provides a human body with electric potential by touching the human body, which output terminal is connected to the electric potential generator, and the static electric therapy apparatus is characterized in that it farther comprises a voltage reducer which gradually decreases the voltage applied to the output terminal when finishing the use of the static electric therapy apparatus. | 11-12-2009 |
20090319007 | Shocking device having a time-based monitoring and recording circuit - An electronic shocking device comprising a voltage drop detector which signals an integrated circuit to record the occurrence of a shock when the device voltage drops within a preset tolerance corresponding to a recommended level of shocking current. The voltage drop detector or integrated circuit may also activate a display to signal the device operator that the device is actually shocking a subject. | 12-24-2009 |
20100023095 | TRANSIENT VOLTAGE/CURRENT PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS ASSOCIATED WITH IMPLANTED LEADS - A transient voltage/surge current protection system is provided for electronic circuits associated with implanted leads. In particular, a transient voltage suppressor such as a diode, a zener diode, a transorb, a surge protector, varistor components or the like, is placed in parallel with the electronic circuits to thereby divert harmful surge current and bypass the electronic circuit during an external defibrillation event or during an applied therapeutic shock, such as from an ICD. | 01-28-2010 |
20100076525 | AUTOMATIC VALIDATION TECHNIQUES FOR VALIDATING OPERATION OF MEDICAL DEVICES - Techniques for validating operation of a medical device are disclosed. A data collection phase utilizes a first sensor carried by a patient to record patient parameter values indicative of conditions experienced by the patient (e.g, posture states.) Therapy parameter values describing therapy adjustments requested by the patient in response to the conditions are also recorded. Associations formed between the therapy parameter values and the patient parameter values are used to develop a closed-loop algorithm for control of an IMD having a sensor similar to the first sensor. An automated device such as a robotic arm uses the recorded patient parameter values to automatically reproduce, and to subject the IMD to, conditions present during the data collection phase. Therapy delivered by the IMD while under control of the closed-loop algorithm and while being subjected to the conditions is compared to the recorded therapy parameter values e to validate IMD operation. | 03-25-2010 |
20100087897 | OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION ELEMENT - An overvoltage protection element, provided as a component of a medical device ( | 04-08-2010 |
20100106227 | Systems and Methods for Disconnecting Electrodes of Leads of Implantable Medical Devices During an MRI to Reduce Lead Heating - Systems and methods are provided for reducing heating within pacing/sensing leads of a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator that occurs due to induced loop currents during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure, or in the presence of other sources of strong radio frequency (RF) fields. For example, bipolar coaxial leads are described herein wherein the ring conductor of the lead is disconnected from the ring electrode in response to detection of MRI fields so as to convert the ring conductor into an RF shield for shielding the inner tip conductor of the lead so as to reduce the strength of loop currents induced therein and hence reduce tip heating. Techniques are also described herein for selectively disconnecting the tip electrode of the lead during an MRI procedure, except during actual delivery of pacing pulses, so as to permit delivery of individual pacing pulses to pacemaker dependent patients during the MRI. Still other techniques describe the use of both RF shielding and tip switching. | 04-29-2010 |
20100114257 | DETERMINATION OF STIMULATION OUTPUT CAPABILITIES THROUGHOUT POWER SOURCE VOLTAGE RANGE - Techniques for determining whether a medical device will be able to deliver stimulation according to a particular program throughout a useable voltage range of a power source of the medical device are described. According to some examples, the medical device configures a DC to DC converter of the medical device in a specified output configuration and delivers electrical stimulation from the medical device according to a program while at the specified output configuration. Whether the medical device will be able to deliver stimulation according to the program when the power source is at a power source voltage level lower than a present voltage level used during therapy delivery is determined based on a value of a voltage drop across a regulator module determined while delivering the electrical stimulation according to the program. The determination for a program may be performed, as an example, when the program is created or modified. | 05-06-2010 |
20100114258 | ISOLATION OF SENSING AND STIMULATION CIRCUITRY - The disclosure describes techniques of reducing or eliminating a commonality between two modules within the same implantable medical device. Each module within the implantable medical device provides therapy to a patient. The commonality between the two modules exists due to at least one common component shared by the two modules. The commonality between the two modules may create common-mode interference and a shunt current. In accordance with this disclosure, various isolation circuits located at various locations are disclosed to reduce or eliminate the commonality between the two modules. The reduction or elimination of the commonality between the two modules may reduce or eliminate common-mode interference and the shunt current. | 05-06-2010 |
20100114259 | Method and Apparatus for Stimulating a Nerve of a Patient - Single-use electrical leads for a nerve stimulator are disclosed. The leads include a status flag element such as a fuse, which is deliberately blown after use of the leads has begun to indicate that the leads are not to be reused. The nerve stimulator has a “test mode” that determines a current value for treatment, and a “therapy mode” that administers treatment with the chosen current value. If the fuse in the electrical leads is blown (not conducting), then the stimulator assumes that the leads have already been used and does not enter therapy mode, and optionally may not enter test mode. If the fuse in the electrical leads is intact (conducting), or not blown, then the stimulator assumes that the leads are as yet unused, and allows the user to enter either test mode or therapy mode. The fuse is deliberately blown after a particular amount of time spent in therapy mode. After the fuse is blown, the user may still complete the therapy mode, even though the fuse is non-conducting, although the user may not initiate another therapy mode (and optionally may not initiate another test mode) using the blown leads. Preferably the fuse is electrically isolated from the leads that contact the patient. | 05-06-2010 |
20100168820 | AUTOMATIC THRESHOLD ASSESMENT UTILIZING PATIENT FEEDBACK - Methods, Implantable Pulse Generators (IPGs), and systems for stimulating a sympathetic nervous system nerve including automatically increasing the maximum stimulation current intensity over time. Some IPGS increase the current stimulation current maximum upon passage of an elapsed time or occurrence of a time of day. The current stimulation current maximum is the actual stimulation current in some methods and is a ramp maximum in other methods. The patient may interact with the IPG to indicate discomfort, resulting in a decrease in the current stimulation current maximum. In some methods, after receiving too many patient indications of discomfort, stimulation is stopped by the IPG. | 07-01-2010 |
20100168821 | SWITCHED DIVERTER CIRCUITS FOR MINIMIZING HEATING OF AN IMPLANTED LEAD IN A HIGH POWER ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD ENVIRONMENT - An energy management system that facilitates the transfer of high frequency energy induced on an implanted lead or a leadwire includes an energy dissipating surface associated with the implanted lead or the leadwire, a diversion or diverter circuit associated with the energy dissipating surface, and at least one switch for diverting energy in the implanted lead or the leadwire through the diversion circuit to the energy dissipating surface. In alternate configurations, the switch may be disposed between the implanted lead or the leadwire and the diversion circuit, or disposed so that it electrically opens the implanted lead or the leadwire when diverting energy through the diversion circuit to the energy dissipating surface. The switch may comprise a single or multi-pole double or single throw switch. The diversion circuit may be either a high pass filter or a low pass filter. | 07-01-2010 |
20100179619 | Medical Device With an Electrically Conductive Anti-Antenna Member - A lead includes a conductor having a distal end and a proximal end and a resonant circuit connected to the conductor. The resonant circuit has a resonance frequency approximately equal to an excitation signal's frequency of a magnetic resonance imaging scanner or a resonance frequency not tuned to an excitation signal's frequency of a magnetic resonance imaging scanner so as to reduce the current flow through a tissue area, thereby reducing tissue damage. The resonant circuit may be included in an adapter that provides an electrical bridge between a lead a medical device such as an electrode, sensor, or signal generator. The resonant circuit may also be included directly in the housing of a medical device. | 07-15-2010 |
20100198310 | AUTOMATIC DISABLEMENT OF AN EXPOSURE MODE OF AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - This disclosure describes techniques for automatically disabling an exposure mode that was enabled for operation in the presence of a disruptive energy field. For example, an implantable medical device (IMD) automatically disables the exposure operating mode when (i) the amount of time that has elapsed since enabling the IMD exceeds a threshold amount of time and (ii) a disruptive energy field is detected before the amount of time exceeds the threshold amount of time and the disruptive energy field is not currently detected. When either of these conditions is not met, the IMD continues to operate in accordance with the exposure operating mode. | 08-05-2010 |
20100198311 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CARDIAC LEAD SWITCHING - An implantable medical device (IMD) can include an implantable pulse generator (IPG), such as a cardiac pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Various portions of the IMD, such as a device body, a lead body, or a lead tip, can be provided to reduce or dissipate a current and heat induced by various external environmental factors. According to various embodiments, features can be incorporated into the lead body, the lead tip, or the IMD body to reduce the creation of an induced current, or dissipate the induced current and heat created due to an induced current in the lead. | 08-05-2010 |
20100198312 | EMI FILTER EMPLOYING A CAPACITOR AND AN INDUCTOR TANK CIRCUIT HAVING OPTIMUM COMPONENT VALUES - A bandstop filter having optimum component values is provided for a lead of an active implantable medical device (AIMD). The bandstop filter includes a capacitor in parallel with an inductor. The parallel capacitor and inductor are placed in series with the implantable lead of the AIMD, wherein values of capacitance and inductance are selected such that the bandstop filter is resonant at a selected frequency. The Q of the inductor may be relatively maximized and the Q of the capacitor may be relatively minimized to reduce the overall Q of the bandstop filter to attenuate current flow through the implantable lead along a range of selected frequencies. | 08-05-2010 |
20100198313 | POWER SUPPLY MONITORING FOR AN IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - A method and an apparatus for determining a time period remaining in a useful life of an energy storage device in an implantable medical device. The method may include measuring a voltage of the energy storage device to produce a measured voltage, and comparing the measured voltage to a transition voltage. While the measured voltage is greater than or equal to the transition voltage, the time period remaining in the energy storage device's useful life is approximated based upon a function of charge depleted. While the measured voltage is less than the transition voltage, the time period remaining in the energy storage device's useful life is approximated based upon a higher order polynomial function of the measured voltage. The transition voltage corresponds to a predetermined point on a energy storage device voltage depletion curve representing the voltage across the energy storage device over time. | 08-05-2010 |
20100217356 | Method to reduce heating at implantable medical devices including neuroprosthetic devices - A method to control tissue/device heating at implantable medical devices including neuroprosthetic devices. In a first embodiment, thermal conductivity of components of the implantable medical devices including the neuroprosthetic devices is increased. In a second embodiment, the implantable medical devices including the neuroprosthetic devices are cooled by using heat-sinks. In a third embodiment, portions of the implantable medical devices including the neuroprosthetic devices are replaced with specific thermal properties. In a fourth embodiment, the implantable medical devices including the neuroprosthetic devices are coated with a drug/material that will induce surrounding tissue to become more resistant to temperature increases. In a fifth embodiment, the temperature increase near the implantable devices including the neuroprosthetic devices is determined using a modified bio-heat transfer model. In a sixth embodiment, the shape of the outer or the inner surface of the device is modified. | 08-26-2010 |
20100228324 | Electronic Identification of External Cables for External Medical Devices - Disclosed is an improved external cable box assembly and external trial stimulator (ETS) for use with an implantable medical device. The improved external cable box assembly has memory and logic circuitry embedded in it which allows the cable box to be identified. Associated logic circuitry in the improved ETS allows the ETS to read and write characteristics—such as electronic identifiers or cable addresses—of the external cable box assemblies and to store the values of those characteristics in its memory, associating characteristic values with each of its ports. If the external cable box assemblies become unplugged from the ETS and then are reconnected to incorrect ports on the ETS, logic in the ETS will either alert the patient to swap the port locations of the external stimulation cables, or the ETS will automatically reroute the correct therapy through each port. | 09-09-2010 |
20100234924 | OPERATION AND ESTIMATION OF OUTPUT VOLTAGE OF WIRELESS STIMULATORS - A controller-transmitter transmits acoustic energy through the body to an implanted acoustic receiver-stimulator. The receiver-stimulator converts the acoustic energy into electrical energy and delivers the electrical energy to tissue using an electrode assembly. The receiver-stimulator limits the output voltage delivered to the tissue to a predetermined maximum output voltage. In the presence of interfering acoustic energy sources output voltages are thereby limited prior to being delivered to the tissue. | 09-16-2010 |
20100318160 | MULTIPLEXER FOR SELECTION OF AN MRI COMPATIBLE BANDSTOP FILTER PLACED IN SERIES WITH A PARTICULAR THERAPY ELECTRODE OF AN ACTIVE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An MRI-compatible electronic medical therapy system includes an active medical device connected to a plurality of electrodes. A multiplexer circuit includes at least one circuit protection device in electrical series with the electrodes and the medical device. The circuit protection device is adapted to permit current flow therethrough during normal medical device related therapy, but substantially prevent current flow therethrough in the presence of an induced electromagnetic field. | 12-16-2010 |
20100324629 | IMPLANTABLE LEAD FUNCTIONAL STATUS MONITOR AND METHOD - A system for monitoring trends in lead impedance includes collecting data from various sources in an implantable medical device system. Lead impedance, non-physiologic sensed events percentage of time in mode switch, results of capture management operation, sensed events, adversion pace counts, refractory sense counts and similar data are used to determine the status of a lead. A set of weighted sum rules are implemented by a software system to process the data and provide displayable information to health care professionals via a programmer. The lead monitoring system includes a patient alert system for patients to seek help in the event a serious lead condition is identified. | 12-23-2010 |
20110046700 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ALTERING ONE OR MORE RF-RESPONSE PROPERTIES OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS - An implantable lead includes a lead body and at least one safety element. The lead body has a distal end and a proximal end. The lead body defines at least one lumen extending along at least a portion of the lead body. The lead body includes a plurality of electrodes disposed on the distal end of the lead body, a plurality of terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead body, and a plurality of conductors disposed in the lead body, each conductor electrically coupling at least one of the electrodes to at least one of the terminals. The at least one safety element is disposed along at least a portion of the lead body and is configured and arranged to reduce damage to patient tissue adjacent to the plurality of electrodes due to heating, induced electrical signals, or both when the lead is exposed to radio frequency irradiation. | 02-24-2011 |
20110066212 | TANK FILTERS PLACED IN SERIES WITH THE LEAD WIRES OR CIRCUITS OF ACTIVE MEDICAL DEVICES TO ENHANCE MRI COMPATABILITY - A TANK filter is provided for a lead wire of an active medical device (AMD). The TANK filter includes a capacitor in parallel with an inductor. The parallel capacitor and inductor are placed in series with the lead wire of the AMD, wherein values of capacitance and inductance are selected such that the TANK filter is resonant at a selected frequency. The Q of the inductor may be relatively maximized and the Q of the capacitor may be relatively minimized to reduce the overall Q of the TANK filter to attenuate current flow through the lead wire along a range of selected frequencies. In a preferred form, the TANK filter is integrated into a TIP and/or RING electrode for an active implantable medical device. | 03-17-2011 |
20110071599 | LEAD ELECTRODE FOR USE IN AN MRI-SAFE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A medical lead is configured to be implanted into a patient's body and comprises a lead body, and an electrode coupled to the lead body. The electrode comprises a first section configured to contact the patient's body, and a second section capacitively coupled to the first section and configured to be electrically coupled to the patient's body. | 03-24-2011 |
20110087308 | Interfacing Media Manipulation with Non-Ablation Radiofrequency Energy System and Method - The effects produced by surgical devices that deploy an electrical circuit between electrodes are dependent on the nature of electrical work perform upon the conductive media in an around biologic tissues. Non-ablation radiofrequency surgical devices utilize a protective housing that provides, based upon procedure-specific needs, the ability to 1. move, manipulate, and segregate near-field effects both tangentially and perpendicularly to the tissue surface, 2. deliver far-field electromagnetic effects to tissue unencumbered by current deposition, and 3. serve as a 20 mechanical adjunct to and a selective throttling vent/plenum for energy delivery. Because the electrodes are non-tissue-contacting, this study characterizes the effects that non-ablation radiofrequency energy exerts upon interfacing media typically encountered during surgical applications. These devices create a Repetitive Molecular Energy Conversion Loop for surgical work; and, non-ionizing electromagnetic forces are deployed in strength levels that can produce thermal and non-thermal biologic tissue effects. A differential between current density dispersion and electromagnetic field strength is exploited to allow normal tissue healing responses to the near-field effects of tissue modification and preconditioning while permitting far-field effects, which are useful for inducing therapeutic biologic responses, to manifest in treated tissues that have been protected from electrical current generated collateral damage. | 04-14-2011 |
20110106217 | CONTROLLING EFFECTS CAUSED BY EXPOSURE OF AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE TO A DISRUPTIVE ENERGY FIELD - Techniques are described for controlling effects caused when an implantable medical device (IMD) is subject to a disruptive energy field. The IMD may include an implantable lead that includes one or more electrodes. The IMD may further include a first component having a parasitic inductance. The IMD may further include a second component having a reactance. In some examples, the reactance of the second component may be selected based on the parasitic inductance of the first component such that an amount of energy reflected along the lead in response to energy produced by an electromagnetic energy source is below a selected threshold. In additional examples, the parasitic inductance of the first component and the reactance of the second component are configured such that an amount of energy reflected along the lead in response to a frequency of electromagnetic energy is below a selected threshold. | 05-05-2011 |
20110106218 | CONTROLLING EFFECTS CAUSED BY EXPOSURE OF AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE TO A DISRUPTIVE ENERGY FIELD - Techniques are described for controlling effects caused when an implantable medical device (IMD) is subject to a disruptive energy field. The IMD may include an implantable lead that includes one or more electrodes. The IMD may further include a first component having a parasitic inductance. The IMD may further include a second component having a reactance. In some examples, the reactance of the second component may be selected based on the parasitic inductance of the first component such that an amount of energy reflected along the lead in response to energy produced by an electromagnetic energy source is below a selected threshold. In additional examples, the parasitic inductance of the first component and the reactance of the second component are configured such that an amount of energy reflected along the lead in response to a frequency of electromagnetic energy is below a selected threshold. | 05-05-2011 |
20110160805 | IMPLANTABLE ELECTRICAL LEAD INCLUDING A COOLING ASSEMBLY TO DISSIPATE MRI INDUCED ELECTRODE HEAT - An implantable medical device lead includes an insulative lead body, an outer conductive coil extending through the lead body, and an inner conductive coil extending coaxially with the outer conductive coil. The outer conductive coil is coupled to a proximal electrode at a distal end of the outer conductive coil, and the inner conductive coil is coupled to a distal electrode at a distal end of the inner conductive coil. A cooling assembly is thermally coupled to the distal electrode to dissipate heat generated at the distal electrode during exposure to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) fields. | 06-30-2011 |
20110160806 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY INCLUDING MULTIPLE MODES - An implantable or other ambulatory medical device can include a magnetic field detector, such as configured to detect an intense magnetic field. In an example, the ambulatory or implantable medical device can include an inductive switching supply, such as including one or more of a peak current comparator, or a zero current comparator. In an example, the ambulatory or implantable medical device can include a controller circuit, configured to control a switch, such as to controllably charge an inductor included in the inductive switching supply. | 06-30-2011 |
20110160807 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE INCLUDING CONTROLLABLY ISOLATED HOUSING - An implantable medical device or some other ambulatory medical device, such as a pacer, defibrillator, or other cardiac rhythm management device can include an electrical energy delivery circuit, such as including an integrated circuit comprising a first electrostimulation output terminal, a can terminal, and a switch control output. The ambulatory or implantable device can include at least two switches in series, each including a respective substrate electrically separate from the integrated circuit, and from each other, the switches configured to controllably isolate a conductive housing of the implantable medical device from the can terminal of the integrated circuit, such as in response to the switch control output. | 06-30-2011 |
20110160808 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE INCLUDING ISOLATION TEST CIRCUIT - An implantable medical device can include a hermetically-sealed implantable housing, an exposed first conductor located on or near the housing, and at least one insulated second conductor located near the exposed first conductor. In an example, the implantable medical device can include an isolation test circuit to provide a test stimulus to the exposed first conductor and configured to measure a portion of the test stimulus coupled to the second conductor. | 06-30-2011 |
20110160809 | PULSE CHARGE LIMITER - There is disclosed a device for limiting the amount of electrical charge delivered from an implantable pulse generator to an electrode of an implantable neurostimulation system. The device, connectable between the pulse generator and an electrode, includes a capacitor connected between two depletion mode n-channel MOSFETs with the gate terminals of each of the MOSFETs being connected to opposite terminals of the capacitor, and the source terminals of the MOSFETs being connected to the same terminal of the capacitor as the gate terminal of the other MOSFET. A switch can also be connected in parallel to the capacitor to facilitate the draining of the stored energy stored in the capacitor. Additionally, circuitry can be connected between the two MOSFETs, with the circuitry configured to resonate at a know frequency of electromagnetic interference. | 06-30-2011 |
20110184495 | PROBE FOR IMPLANTABLE ELECTRO-STIMULATION DEVICE - The invention relates to a probe for an implantable electro-stimulation device. The probe ( | 07-28-2011 |
20110230938 | DEVICE AND METHODS FOR NON-INVASIVE ELECTRICAL STIMULATION AND THEIR USE FOR VAGAL NERVE STIMULATION - A non-invasive electrical stimulation device shapes an elongated electric field of effect that can be oriented parallel to a long nerve, such as a vagus nerve in a patient's neck, producing a desired physiological response in the patient. The stimulator comprises a source of electrical power, at least one electrode and a continuous electrically conducting medium in which the electrode(s) are in contact. The stimulation device is configured to produce a peak pulse voltage that is sufficient to produce a physiologically effective electric field in the vicinity of a target nerve, but not to substantially stimulate other nerves and muscles that lie between the vicinity of the target nerve and patient's skin. Current is passed through the electrodes in bursts of preferably five sinusoidal pulses, wherein each pulse within a burst has a duration of preferably 200 microseconds, and bursts repeat at preferably at 15-50 bursts per second. | 09-22-2011 |
20110257710 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ALERTING A USER OF NEUROSTIMULATION LEAD MIGRATION - A neurostimulation system comprises an implantable neurostimulation lead, an implantable neurostimulator configured for delivering stimulation energy to the lead, an indicator configured for outputting a user-discernible alert signal indicating that the lead 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 indicator to output the alert signal based on the comparison. A method of alerting a user to the migration of a neurostimulation lead implanted within the user comprises determining a magnitude at which an implanted neurostimulation lead has migrated from a baseline position, comparing the determined magnitude to a threshold value, and outputting a user-discernible alert signal indicating that the implanted lead has migrated based on the comparison. | 10-20-2011 |
20110270362 | ACTIVE CIRCUIT MRI/EMI PROTECTION POWERED BY INTERFERING ENERGY FOR A MEDICAL STIMULATION LEAD AND DEVICE - An implantable lead for use with a medical device (IMD) includes active circuits incorporated into the lead to reduce the creation of an induced current, or dissipate the induced current and heat created due to an induced current in the lead. The active circuits are powered by the magnetic resonant imaging energy or interfering magnetic or electrical fields. According to various embodiments, the lead and/or its components can be provided to reduce or dissipate a current and heat induced by various external magnetic or electrical fields. | 11-03-2011 |
20120185017 | PHASED DEACTIVATION OF FUNCTIONALITY IN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE SYSTEMS - Embodiments of the invention are related to systems for interfacing with implantable medical devices, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes an external medical system including a processor and a telemetry circuit in communication with the processor, the processor configured to communicate with an implanted medical device. The system can be configured to query a system user after a first period of time in which indicators of system use are not detected. The system can be further configured to deactivate one or more data transmission features of the implanted medical device after a second period of time in which one or more indicators of system use are not detected. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 07-19-2012 |
20120253425 | MAGNETIC FIELD DETECTION USING MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC EFFECT - An IMD may transition to an MRI mode automatically in response to detecting one or more conditions indicative of the presence of a strong magnetic field. Large static magnetic fields, such as those produced by an MRI device, may interact with the blood of a patient as it flows through the magnetic field to produce a voltage, a phenomenon referred to as the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effect. The voltage produced by the MHD effect is proportional to the strength of the magnetic field. As such, the voltage produced by blood flow in the strong magnetic field of an MRI device may result in a change in a characteristic of an electrogram (EGM). The IMD may detect the change in the characteristic of the EGM caused by the MHD effect and transition to operation in the MRI mode in response to at least the change in the EGM. | 10-04-2012 |
20120253426 | MAGNETIC FIELD DETECTION USING MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC EFFECT - An IMD may transition to an MRI mode automatically in response to detecting one or more conditions indicative of the presence of a strong magnetic field. Large static magnetic fields, such as those produced by an MRI device, may interact with the blood of a patient as it flows through the magnetic field to produce a voltage, a phenomenon referred to as the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effect. The voltage produced by the MHD effect is proportional to the strength of the magnetic field. As such, the voltage produced by blood flow in the strong magnetic field of an MRI device may result in a change in a characteristic of an electrogram (EGM). The IMD may detect the change in the characteristic of the EGM caused by the MHD effect and transition to operation in the MRI mode in response to at least the change in the EGM. | 10-04-2012 |
20130096654 | Vestibular Implant System with Low Battery Alert - A vestibular implant system is described which includes an implantable vestibular stimulator providing a vestibular stimulation signal to electrically stimulate target neural tissue for vestibular sensation by a patient. A patient warning alarm process alters the stimulation signal when a given alarm condition occurs to change the vestibular sensation of the patient thereby warning the patient of the alarm condition. | 04-18-2013 |
20130165999 | MEDICAL DEVICE WITH AN ENERGY SUPPLY HAVING AT LEAST TWO ENERGY SOURCES - According to one embodiment, a medical device may include an energy supply. The energy supply may include a lithium-ion polymer battery including at least two battery stacks and a control unit. One of the at least two battery stacks may be a backup energy source. The control unit may monitor and control the energy supply such that when the control unit detects a fault in the at least two battery stacks, the control unit disconnects a faulty battery stack. The energy supply may be rechargeable. Each of the at least two battery stacks may include a positive potential terminal, a negative potential terminal and one or more battery cell. | 06-27-2013 |
20130226267 | Method to reduce heating at implantable medical devices including neuroprosthetic devices - A method to control tissue/device heating at implantable medical devices including neuroprosthetic devices. In a first embodiment, thermal conductivity of components of the implantable medical devices including the neuroprosthetic devices is increased. In a second embodiment, the implantable medical devices including the neuroprosthetic devices are cooled by using heat-sinks. In a third embodiment, portions of the implantable medical devices including the neuroprosthetic devices are replaced with specific thermal properties. In a fourth embodiment, the implantable medical devices including the neuroprosthetic devices are coated with a drug/material that will induce surrounding tissue to become more resistant to temperature increases. In a fifth embodiment, the temperature increase near the implantable devices including the neuroprosthetic devices is determined using a modified bio-heat transfer model. In a sixth embodiment, the shape of the outer or the inner surface of the device is modified. | 08-29-2013 |
20130289666 | SWITCHED SAFETY PROTECTION CIRCUIT FOR AN AIMD SYSTEM DURING EXPOSURE TO HIGH POWER ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS - An energy management system that facilitates the transfer of high frequency energy induced on an implanted lead or a leadwire includes an energy dissipating surface associated with the implanted lead or the leadwire, a diversion or diverter circuit associated with the energy dissipating surface, and at least one switch disposed between the diversion circuit and the AIMD electronics for diverting energy in the implanted lead or the leadwire through the diversion circuit to the energy dissipating surface. The switch may comprise a single or multi-pole double or single throw switch. The diversion circuit may be either a high pass filter or a low pass filter. | 10-31-2013 |
20130310900 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING RF COMPATIBILITY OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION LEADS - An implantable lead assembly for an electrical stimulation system includes a first lead configured for insertion into a patient. A current-limiting arrangement is coupleable with the first lead. The current-limiting arrangement is configured for limiting the amount of RF-induced current propagating along a body of the first lead during an MRI procedure. The current-liming arrangement includes a safety device configured to couple to the lead body when the lead body is implanted in the patient. The safety device defines a first port extending along a length of the safety device. The first port is configured for receiving a proximal end portion of the lead body and covering each of multiple terminals disposed along the lead body to prevent the terminals from contacting patient tissue. The safety device provides an impedance of at least 50 ohms at one or more MRI RF frequencies. | 11-21-2013 |
20130331912 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ALERTING A USER OF NEUROSTIMULATION LEAD MIGRATION - A neurostimulation system comprises an implantable neurostimulation lead, an implantable neurostimulator configured for delivering stimulation energy to the lead, an indicator configured for outputting a user-discernible alert signal indicating that the lead 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 indicator to output the alert signal based on the comparison. A method of alerting a user to the migration of a neurostimulation lead implanted within the user comprises determining a magnitude at which an implanted neurostimulation lead has migrated from a baseline position, comparing the determined magnitude to a threshold value, and outputting a user-discernible alert signal indicating that the implanted lead has migrated based on the comparison. | 12-12-2013 |
20140058482 | IMPLANTABLE ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS WITH SHIELDED CONTROL MODULE AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING - An implantable control module for an electrical stimulation system includes a header coupled a sealed body. The header includes at least one connector assembly. The control module also includes a conductive shield disposed over at least a portion of the connector assembly or connector assemblies of the header. The conductive shield is provided to hinder generation of current in the header or in a portion of a lead received in the header in response to application of an external radiofrequency (RF) or magnetic field. A similar shield can also be used to shield a connector assembly disposed on the end of a lead extension or any other component of the electrical stimulation system. | 02-27-2014 |
20140100638 | FUNCTIONAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEM - A functional electrical stimulation system having a boost module to raise an output voltage of a primary power to a first preset voltage, an energy storage module, connected to the boost module, configured to store electrical energy of the first preset voltage, a central control unit configured to generate data packets of electrical stimulation parameters, and an electrical stimulation output channel, connected to the energy storage module, configured to receive the data packets of electrical stimulation parameters, analyze the electrical stimulation parameters from the data packets, convert electrical energy stored in the energy storage module to an electrical stimulation pulse corresponding to the electrical stimulation parameters and apply the electrical stimulation pulse to a part of a user. The functional electrical stimulation system can enhance flexibility and autonomy of an electrical stimulation pulse so that the user can select a personalized electrical stimulation pulse type according to his/her actual conditions. | 04-10-2014 |
20140148876 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ELECTROPORATION DEVICE - A method for controlling an electroporation device configured for supplying an electrical power signal to a plurality of pairs of electrodes coupled to a portion of the human body, wherein the following steps are performed: detecting, in the course of an electroporation treatment, a condition of malfunctioning or fail for the pairs of electrodes for which at least one electrical parameter of the power signal supplied to the electrodes themselves has an anomalous value; storing an indicator of the pairs of electrodes in the fail condition; and selecting the pairs of electrodes in the fail condition and re-computing new parameters in order to implement a subsequent electroporation process. | 05-29-2014 |
20140172048 | IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC DEVICES AND METHODS - Embodiments relate to an implantable cardiac system, including a housing, electronic circuitry for controlling one or more of power management, processing unit, information memory and management circuit, sensing and simulation output. The system also includes diagnosis and treatment software for diagnosing health issues, diagnosing mechanical issues, determining therapy output and manage patient health indicators over time, a power supply system including at least one rechargeable battery, a recharging system, an alarm (or alert) system to inform patient of energy level and integrity of system, communication circuitry, one or more electrodes for delivering therapeutic signal to a heart and one or more electrodes for from delivering electrocardiogram signal from the heart to the electronic circuitry. The power sources can include rechargeable batteries. The housing can include receptacles that receive a probe that mechanically and electrically connects to circuitry to recharge the device and receive data from the device. | 06-19-2014 |
20140336729 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOVING CONTAMINATING NOISE FROM AN ELECTRIC WAVEFORM FOR NEURAL STIMULATION AND NERVE BLOCK - One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that can remove contaminating noise (e.g., direct current (DC) contamination or high frequency contamination) from an electric waveform. The system can include a passive filter that includes at least a secondary-side-open-transformer-inductor (SOTI). The SOTI can include a first coil inductively coupled to a second coil. The first coil of the SOTI can receive the electric waveform contaminated with the noise and output the electric waveform. The second coil of the SOTI can provide an impedance that facilitates removal of the noise from the electric waveform. | 11-13-2014 |
20150297886 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEADS, SYSTEMS, AND RELATED METHODS FOR CREATING A HIGH IMPEDANCE WITHIN A CONDUCTION PATH IN THE PRESENCE OF A MAGNETIC FIELD OF A GIVEN STRENGTH - Implantable medical systems include implantable medical leads that have magnetic orientation-independent magnetically actuated switches that are placed in the conduction path to the electrode of the lead. Thus, regardless of the orientation of a substantial magnetic field like that from an MRI machine to the lead and switch within the lead, the switch opens when in the presence of that substantial magnetic field. The switch may be placed in close proximity to the electrode such that the opening of the switch disconnects the electrode from the majority of the conduction path which thereby produces a high impedance for RF current and reduces the amount of heating that may occur at the electrode when in the presence of substantial levels of RF electromagnetic energy as may occur within an MRI machine. | 10-22-2015 |
20150306383 | OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION CIRCUITRY - Overvoltage protection circuitry configured to protect internal integrated circuits within an implantable device in the presence of a high voltage event such as defibrillation or electrocautery. The circuitry allows for an internal node to rise above the voltage level of the high voltage event to insure that an overvoltage protection element is triggered, even if the voltage level of the high voltage event is below the voltage trigger level of the overvoltage protection element. | 10-29-2015 |
20150352354 | DETECTOR FOR ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS - An implantable medical device (IMD) including a power supply, a sensing device and/or a stimulation device, a control unit, a magnetic resonance (MR) detection unit, and at least two magnetic field sensors. The power supply is connected to one or more of the sensing device, the stimulation device, the control unit, the MR detection unit and the magnetic field sensors. The control unit is connected to the sensing device and/or stimulation device, to the MR detection unit, and to the at least two magnetic field sensors. The at least two magnetic field sensors are arranged spatially separately from one another and the MR detection unit determines a spatial and/or temporal gradient of magnetic field strengths detected by the at least two magnetic field sensors and transmitted to the MR detection unit. The MR detection unit detects an MR field and transmits an MR signal to the control unit. | 12-10-2015 |
20160144183 | Implantable Stimulator Device Having Small DC-Blocking Capacitors - Improved circuitry for an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) is disclosed that allows much smaller-value DC-blocking capacitors to be used with supported electrodes—with capacitance values orders of magnitude smaller than those used in traditional IPGs. Such improved circuitry operates by alternating the direction of the current through the DC-blocking capacitor during the provision of a therapeutic current pulse. Such smaller-value DC-blocking capacitors do not take up significant space in the IPG, or surface area on the IPG's PCB. Additionally, the improved circuitry includes the ability to measure the current amplitude provided to selected electrodes—for example, to ensure that the sources are actually providing a prescribed current amplitude to the patient's tissue—and to provide for perfect active charge recovery. | 05-26-2016 |
20160144184 | Implantable Stimulator Device Having Charge Measuring Circuitry Useable in Conjunction with DC-Blocking Capacitors - Improved circuitry for an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) is disclosed that allows much smaller-value DC-blocking capacitors to be used with supported electrodes—with capacitance values orders of magnitude smaller than those used in traditional IPGs. Such improved circuitry operates by alternating the direction of the current through the DC-blocking capacitor during the provision of a therapeutic current pulse. Such smaller-value DC-blocking capacitors do not take up significant space in the IPG, or surface area on the IPG's PCB. Additionally, the improved circuitry includes the ability to measure the current amplitude provided to selected electrodes—for example, to ensure that the sources are actually providing a prescribed current amplitude to the patient's tissue—and to provide for perfect active charge recovery. | 05-26-2016 |
20160158544 | Systems and Methods for Providing Non-Invasive Neurorehabilitation of a Patient - A system for providing non-invasive neuromodulation to a patient includes a mouthpiece and a controller. The mouthpiece includes an elongated housing, a printed circuit board, control circuitry mounted within the elongated housing, and a cable for connecting to a controller. The controller includes an elongated u-shaped element, an electronic receptacle, and a microcontroller. A method for providing non-invasive neurorehabilitation of a patient including connecting a mouthpiece to a controller, transmitting a numeric sequence to the mouthpiece, generating a first hash code, transmitting the first hash code to the controller, generating a second hash code, comparing the second hash code with the first hash code, enabling electrical communication between the mouthpiece and the controller only if the first hash code matches the second hash code, contacting the mouthpiece with the patient's intraoral cavity, and delivering neurostimulation to the patient's intraoral cavity. | 06-09-2016 |
20160199639 | METHODS, IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEADS, AND RELATED SYSTEMS TO MONITOR AND LIMIT TEMPERATURE CHANGES IN PROXIMTY TO ELECTRODES | 07-14-2016 |
20160250462 | Method for Detecting and Localizing Insulation Failures of Implantable Device Leads | 09-01-2016 |
607064000 | Constant level output | 1 |
20150374979 | MICRO-CURRENT THERAPY DEVICE USING HIGH ELECTRIC POTENTIAL - Provided is a micro-current therapy device using high electric potential to provide high electric potential therapy by generating high electric potential as high voltage induced from a high-voltage transformer, and regulating micro-current of the generated high-electric potential. The micro-current therapy device supplies commercial AC power through a power unit. When a frequency operation signal is inputted through an operation unit, a control unit generates a relay control signal and a high-potential current control signal according to the frequency set by the operation unit. A relay unit supplies or cuts off the commercial AC power supplied from the power unit according to the relay control signal. A high-voltage output unit outputs a high electric potential by boosting up the commercial AC power outputted from the relay unit. A current regulating unit regulates the high electric potential current, thereby applying the optimized high electric potential to a therapy part of a user. | 12-31-2015 |