| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20080262322 | INDICATOR METRICS FOR INFECTION MONITORING - A method for monitoring an infection in proximity to an implantable medical device includes monitoring an indicator of infection in proximity to an implanted medical device; determining whether the indicator crosses a first threshold indicative of infection for a first period of time; and issuing a first alert if the indicator crosses the first threshold for the first period of time. The method further includes determining whether the indicator crosses a second threshold indicative of infection for a second period of time. A value associated with the second threshold is less indicative of an infection than a comparable value associated with the first threshold. The second period of time is greater than the first period of time. The method further includes issuing a second alert if the indicator crosses the second threshold for the second period of time. The first and second alert may be the same or different. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080262323 | MULTI-PARAMETER INFECTION MONITORING - Methods for monitoring an infection in proximity to an implantable medical device include monitoring a first indicator of infection in proximity to a medical device implanted in a patient; monitoring a second patient parameter; and determining whether the combination of the first indicator and the second parameter are indicative of infection in proximity to the implanted device. If a determination is made that the combination of the first indicator and the second parameter are indicative of infection, an alert may be issued. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080262331 | INFECTION MONITORING - Implantable medical devices include a sensor capable of detecting an indicator of infection in proximity to the device. Sensed information regarding the indicator of infection is provided to the device for a time period of between two hours and six months after the device is implanted. A determination may be made as to whether the sensed information is indicative of infection. The determination may be made in the implanted device or in an external device in wireless communication with the implanted device. If the information is indicative of infection, an alert may be issued from the implanted device or an external device. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080262332 | INFECTION MONITORING - A method includes monitoring an indicator of infection in proximity to an implanted active therapy delivering medical device and providing information regarding the monitored indicator to the implanted medical device. The method further includes determining whether the information regarding the monitored indicator is indicative of infection in proximity to the implanted medical device. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080262374 | EVENT TRIGGERED INFECTION MONITORING - Implantable medical devices include a sensor module capable of detecting an indicator of infection in proximity to the device. The sensor module is activated following a detection of an event associated with the device, such as, for example, refill of an implantable infusion device or implantation. The sensor module is deactivated two or more hours following activation. Methods include detecting a first event associated with an implanted medical device; activating a sensor module of the implanted medical device at or after the detection of the first event; deactivating the sensor module two hours or more after the sensor module is activated; and determining whether information regarding the indicator of infection is indicative of an infection. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080262378 | IMPLANTABLE THERAPY DELIVERY SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE TEMPERATURE SENSORS - A system includes an implantable medical device and an implantable therapy delivery element. The device includes a housing, electronics disposed in the housing, and a first temperature sensor operably coupled to the electronics and located in proximity to the housing. The element has a proximal end portion configured to be operably couplable to the device and a distal end portion configured to be placed in a patient at a location removed from the device. A second temperature sensor located on the element between the proximal end and the distal end. The second temperature sensor is operably couplable to the electronics. The electronics are configured to compare a value associated with the first temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor to a value associated with the second temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor. The system may be used for monitoring an infection in proximity to the device. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080262379 | REFINED INFECTION MONITORING - A method for monitoring infection in proximity to an implanted medical device includes monitoring an indicator of infection in proximity to the device and determining whether a value associated the indicator of infection crosses a first threshold indicative of infection. The method further includes detecting an event associated with the device. The event is capable of affecting the indicator of infection. The method also includes determining whether the value associated with the indicator of infection crosses a second threshold indicative of infection if the event is detected. The method may further include issuing an alert if (i) the first threshold is crossed and the event is not detected, or (ii) the second threshold is crossed and the event is detected. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080262380 | BASELINE ACQUISITION FOR INFECTION MONITORING - A method includes obtaining a baseline value for an indicator of infection in proximity to an implantable medical device and monitoring the indicator of infection in proximity to the device. The method further includes determining whether the monitored indicator is indicative of infection in proximity to the device. The determination as to whether the monitored indicator is indicative of infection includes comparing a value associated with the monitored indicator to the baseline value. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080262580 | HEATING IMPLANTABLE DEVICE TO TREAT A CONDITION - An implantable medical device includes a housing and electronics disposed in the housing. The device also includes a heating element disposed in proximity to the housing and operably coupled to the electronics. The electronics are configured to control heating of the heating element to heat tissue in proximity to the housing to aid in the treatment of a condition of the patient in proximity to the device when implanted. The device may further include a temperature sensor disposed in proximity to the housing and operably coupled to the electronics. In such embodiments, the electronics may be configured to control the amount of heat generated by the heating element based on information transmitted from the temperature sensor. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080269716 | MEDICAL DEVICE IMPLANTATION - The disclosure is directed to a method for implanting a medical device proximate to a target tissue site within an occipital region of a patient, such as proximate to an occipital nerve or a trigeminal nerve. The method comprises introducing an implant tool into a patient to define an insertion path to the target tissue site. The implant tool includes a shape memory cannula and a malleable needle at least partially disposed within an inner lumen of the cannula. The shape of the needle may be changed to accommodate different anatomical structures/features of the patient. Upon withdrawal of the needle from the cannula, the cannula may change shape, thereby changing the shape of the insertion path. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080269740 | CANNULA CONFIGURED TO DELIVER TEST STIMULATION - The disclosure is directed to an implant tool and cannula used to facilitate the implantation of a medical device into a patient. The implant tool includes a housing that is held by a user and a needle attached to the housing. The cannula may be positioned over the needle and delivered to a target tissue within the patient. The cannula includes an electrode at a distal portion to deliver test stimulation to confirm the location of the target site or placement of the implant tool relative to the target site before removing the needle of the implant tool. In this manner, the cannula may be repositioned within the patient until the position of the implant tool and cannula relative to the target site is verified with the test stimulation. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080269763 | IMPLANT TOOL TO FACILITATE MEDICAL DEVICE IMPLANTATION - The disclosure is directed to an implant tool used to facilitate the implantation of a medical device into a patient. The implant tool includes a housing that is held by a user and a needle attached to the housing. The needle is configured so that a cannula may be positioned over the needle and delivered to the target tissue. The implant tool also includes a release mechanism that pushes the cannula off of the needle. The release mechanism may help the user to keep the cannula at the desired location while removing the needle from the cannula. The implant tool may also include a flange that extends from the housing adjacent to a side of the needle such that the user may provide force against the needle during advancement of the needle into the patient. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080269812 | 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 |
| 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 |
| 20080281376 | Therapy control using relative motion between sensors - The invention is directed to controlling therapy delivery based on a relative motion between a first and second activity sensor. The relative motion between the activity sensors is representative of the relative motion between the locations of the body of the patient at which the respective activity sensors are located. The use of relative motion, however, may substantially remove motion experienced by both the activity sensors, e.g., motion caused by the environment in which patient is located, thus providing a new reference frame from which to analyze the motion measurements. The relative motion may be used to detect a condition of a movement disorder and/or control delivery of the therapy delivered to patient to treat or reduce the condition. | 11-13-2008 |
| 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 |
| 20080300449 | EVALUATING PATIENT INCONTINENCE - Systems and methods for determining a number of interruptions in a sleep state of a patient attributable to an urge or need to void during a sleep event include monitoring an activity level of the patient. The urge or need to void may be attributable to fecal or urinary incontinence. The patient activity level may be determined with one or more sensors that detect motion and/or one or more sensors that monitor a physiological parameter of the patient that varies as a function of patient activity. In one embodiment, a clinician selects a therapy parameter set for the patient based on the severity of the patient's incontinence. In another embodiment, the number of interruptions in the sleep state is associated with a therapy parameter set that was implemented during the sleep state in order to evaluate the efficacy of the therapy parameter set. In another embodiment, a medical device automatically adjusts a therapy parameter to treat the incontinence if the number of interruptions in the sleep state exceeds a threshold. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080300470 | COLLECTING ACTIVITY DATA FOR EVALUATION OF PATIENT INCONTINENCE - Systems and methods for determining whether an involuntary voiding event was attributable to stress or urge incontinence include determining an activity level of a patient that coincides with the occurrence of the involuntary voiding event or the activity level within a certain time range of the involuntary voiding event. Patient activity data may be collected via a signal that varies as a function of patient activity. The signal may be generated with one or more sensors that detect motion, such as an accelerometer or a piezoelectric crystal, and/or one or more sensors that monitor a physiological parameter of the patient that varies as a function of patient activity, such as heart rate, respiratory rate, electrocardiogram morphology, respiration rate, respiratory volume, core temperature, muscular activity level or subcutaneous temperature of the patient. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080300650 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEAD INCLUDING VOIDING EVENT SENSOR - An implantable medical lead includes at least one stimulation electrode and at least one sensor configured to generate an electrical signal that varies as a function of a parameter associated with a voiding event of a patient. In some embodiments, the sensor may be at least one of a microphone that captures sounds associated with voiding events, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a strain gauge, a physiological parameter sensing electrode or a temperature sensor. The electrical signal generated by the sensor may used to detect an occurrence of a voiding event. Thus, the lead may be coupled wirelessly or via a wired connection to a device that processes the electrical signal from the sensor, generates voiding information based on the electrical signal, and in some cases, records the voiding information for later retrieval and analysis. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080300651 | VOIDING EVENT IDENTIFICATION BASED ON PATIENT INPUT - An implantable medical device (IMD) is configured to operate as an automatic voiding diary for logging urinary and/or fecal voiding events. The IMD detects urinary and/or fecal voiding events and generates data that identifies detected events as voluntary or involuntary events. In particular, the IMD generates the identification data based on a patient defined action. In one embodiment, the patient defined action is the patient tapping on the skin located above the IMD. The IMD may generate the identification data based on one or more characteristics of the tapping, e.g., the number, frequency, duration, or pattern of taps. The IMD may also generate the identification data based on a lack of input during a specific range of time after a detected voiding event. In some embodiments, the identification data may be used to identify a false positive, i.e., an event that was incorrectly detected by the IMD. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20090005770 | CONTROLLING TEMPERATURE DURING RECHARGE FOR TREATMENT OF CONDITION - Methods include determining whether an infection is in proximity to an implanted rechargeable medical device. If an infection is determined to be present, the recharge process is allowed to sufficiently heat the device to facilitate clearing of the infection. Additional methods include monitoring temperature in proximity to an implantable rechargeable device in connection with recharging the device. If the monitored temperature falls outside a desired range, one or more parameters associated with recharge energy are modified to cause the temperature to reside within the desired range. The desired temperature range, may be a range that can facilitate treatment of a condition in proximity to the implanted device without causing undesired damage to the patient's tissue surrounding the implanted device. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090174559 | EXTERNAL VOIDING SENSOR SYSTEM - The disclosure describes an external sensor attached to an undergarment worn by a patient that detects voiding information. The sensor stores the voiding information in a voiding log and transmits the voiding log to an external device. The external device includes a user interface that displays the voiding log to the patient for review. The patient may correct any incorrect voiding information that was logged in error or due to a non-voiding event. A user, such as a clinician or the patient, may use the voiding information to diagnose a condition of the patient. In addition, the voiding information of the voiding log may be used by the user to adjust a stimulation therapy or the external device to automatically adjust stimulation therapy. The undergarment may be disposable or washable after patient use. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090198146 | BLANKING INFECTION MONITORING DURING RECHARGE - A method includes monitoring infection in proximity to a rechargeable implantable medical device; determining whether an event associated with recharging of the device has occurred; and blanking the monitoring if the event has occurred. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090270947 | CONFIGURING STIMULATION THERAPY USING STIMULATION INTENSITY - Techniques for configuring electrical stimulation therapy utilizing one or more stimulation intensity values are described. In one example, a method includes receiving a stimulation intensity value that corresponds to an equal intensity function; determining a pulse width value and a pulse amplitude value based on the equal intensity function; and controlling delivery of electrical stimulation pulses with the determined pulse width value and amplitude value to a patient. A stimulation intensity value may correspond to a plurality of paired pulse width and amplitude values having substantially the same intensity. For example, the plurality of paired pulse width and amplitude values may activate a substantially equal volume of tissue when a stimulation pulse with the paired values is delivered. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090299153 | EVENT TRIGGERED INFECTION MONITORING - Implantable medical devices include a sensor module capable of detecting an indicator of infection in proximity to the device. The sensor module is activated following a detection of an event associated with the device, such as, for example, refill of an implantable infusion device or implantation. The sensor module is deactivated two or more hours following activation. Methods include detecting a first event associated with an implanted medical device; activating a sensor module of the implanted medical device at or after the detection of the first event; deactivating the sensor module two hours or more after the sensor module is activated; and determining whether information regarding the indicator of infection is indicative of an infection. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20100049026 | FIXATION OF A MEDICAL IMPLANT TO THE EXTERIOR OF A BODY ORGAN - In general, invention is directed to devices for use in surgical procedures in which a medical implant is affixed to or implanted within an exterior surface of a body organ. A system, for example, is described that includes a cannula and a delivery instrument disposed within the cannula to fix a medical implant to an exterior surface of an organ. The delivery instrument has a distal end including a cavity and a vacuum port to draw a portion of the exterior surface of the organ into the cavity. The medical implant is affixed to the portion of the exterior surface drawn into the cavity of the delivery instrument. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100240949 | TRANSMEMBRANE SENSING DEVICE FOR SENSING BLADDER CONDITION - The disclosure describes a sensing device that is implantable to sense bladder conditions, as well as a neurostimulation system and method that make use of such a sensor for alleviation of urinary incontinence. The sensing device is implantable outside the bladder, but includes a lead that penetrates the bladder wall to deployed a sensor within the bladder. Using the sensor on the lead, the sensing device outside the bladder is able to detect a condition within the interior of the bladder. In this sense, the sensing device provides transmembrane sensing of internal bladder conditions. The condition may be indicative of bladder filling or bladder contraction, and may be used to control electrical stimulation applied to the patient to alleviate urinary incontinence. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100249876 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF ILIOHYPOGASTRIC NERVE TO ALLEVIATE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN - The disclosure describes a method and system for applying electrical stimulation to an iliohypogastric nerve of a patient. The system includes electrical stimulators that apply electrical stimulation for alleviation of pelvic pain. The system may apply electrical stimulation for pelvic pain in men or women. The electrical stimulators may comprise various types of electrodes such as cuff electrodes, electrode leads, and microstimulators implanted at various locations proximate to a single or both iliohypogastric nerves of a patient. In particular, the electrode may be implanted proximate or adjacent to an anterior cutaneous branch of one or both iliohypogastric nerves, a lateral cutaneous branch of one or both iliohypogastric nerves, or one or both of iliohypogastric nerves above the branch point. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100262158 | TRANSOBTURATOR LEAD IMPLANTATION FOR PELVIC FLOOR STIMULATION - The disclosure is directed to a method and tool for implanting a stimulation lead or other medical device adjacent a pudendal nerve. The tool includes a shaped needle that enters a patient and passes through an obturator foramen passage in a pelvis. A physician places a tip of the tool at the pudendal nerve and performs test stimulation to confirm an effective stimulation location. A shape memory cannula initially covering the needle remains at the pudendal nerve when the physician removes the tool. The cannula deforms to follow the curve of the pudendal nerve once the needle is removed, and a lead is inserted into the cannula and secured at the pudendal nerve placement site. This method may provide an easier and more consistent procedure for implanting the stimulation lead near the pudendal nerve. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100280576 | TREE-BASED ELECTRICAL STIMULATOR PROGRAMMING - The disclosure describes an implantable stimulation system that guides programming with a therapeutic tree. All possible stimulation parameters are arranged on the therapeutic tree, with each level of the therapeutic tree containing a different stimulation parameter type. Each level includes nodes that are connected to nodes of adjacent levels. A program path is created by moving through nodes of lower levels. The stimulation parameter types are arranged so that coarse adjustments occur at higher levels of the tree and fine adjustments occur at lower levels of the tree. The nodes of the program path define the stimulation parameters of the delivered stimulation therapy. The user may provide information such as efficacy input and/or medication dosage information to the system for identifying the most efficacious program path in treating pain of the patient. Additionally or alternatively, efficacy feedback may be received from physiological parameter sensors. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100318157 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION TO ALLEVIATE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN - The disclosure describes a method and system for applying electrical stimulation to a genitofemoral nerve or a genital branch of a genitofemoral nerve of a patient. The system includes electrical stimulators that apply electrical stimulation for alleviation of pelvic pain. The system may apply electrical stimulation for pelvic pain in men or women. The electrical stimulators may comprise various types of electrodes such as cuff electrodes, electrode leads, and microstimulators implanted at various locations proximate to a single or both genitofemoral nerves and the genital branch of a single or both genitofemoral nerves of a patient. When implanted proximate to a genital nerve branch, the electrode may be implanted proximate to the genital nerve branch. In a male patient stimulation may be delivered proximate to the spermatic cord, which contains a portion of the genital nerve branch. | 12-16-2010 |
| 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 |
| 20110040352 | THERAPY PROGRAM MODIFICATION BASED ON AN ENERGY THRESHOLD - A therapy program is modified to decompose a therapy field generated by therapy delivery by a medical device according to a therapy program into a plurality of subfields based on a comparison between an energy associated with the therapy program and a threshold value. The therapy field defined by the therapy program may be decomposed into a plurality of subfields when an electrical stimulation energy of the stimulation signal defined by the therapy program exceeds the maximum energy output of the medical device or of a channel of the medical device. Therapy subprograms may be generated for each of the therapy subfields. An energy associated with each of the therapy subfields may be less than the energy threshold value of the medical device. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110040353 | THERAPY PROGRAM MODIFICATION BASED ON AN ENERGY THRESHOLD - A therapy program is modified to decompose an electrical stimulation signal defined by the therapy program into a plurality of sub-signals based on a comparison between an energy associated with the stimulation signal and a threshold value. An electrical stimulation signal defined by a therapy program may be decomposed into a plurality of subsignals when an electrical stimulation energy of the stimulation signal exceeds the maximum energy output of the medical device or of a channel of the medical device. The energy associated with each one of the subsignals may be less than the energy threshold value of the medical device. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110040546 | THERAPY PROGRAM MODIFICATION - A therapy program may be modified based on information indicative of a change in a therapy field, which may represent a region of a patient's tissue to which therapy is delivered. Upon receiving information indicative of a therapy field change, an algorithmic model of a present therapy field may be generated and compared to an algorithmic model of a baseline therapy field, which indicates a therapy field that provides efficacious therapy to the patient. If a characteristic of the present therapy field differs from the baseline therapy field model, the current therapy program may be modified. In another example, upon receiving information indicative of a therapy field change, the current therapy program may be modified, and an algorithmic model of a therapy field based on the modified therapy program may be compared to a baseline therapy field model to determine whether the modified therapy program is a suitable alternative. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110040547 | THERAPY PROGRAM MODIFICATION BASED ON THERAPY GUIDELINES - Techniques for modeling therapy fields for therapy delivered by medical devices are described. Each therapy field model is based on a set of therapy parameters and represents where therapy will propagate from the therapy system delivering therapy according to the set of therapy parameters. Therapy field models may be useful in guiding the modification of therapy parameters. As one example, a processor compares an algorithmic model of a therapy field to a reference therapy field and adjusts at least one therapy parameter based on the comparison. As another example, a processor adjusts at least one therapy parameter to increase an operating efficiency of the therapy system while substantially maintaining the modeled therapy field. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110046697 | THERAPY PROGRAM MODIFICATION - A therapy program may be generated based on an algorithmic model of a baseline therapy field, which may represent a therapy field resulting from therapy delivery via the first therapy system based on a first therapy program. A second therapy program that controls therapy delivery by a second therapy system may be generated based on the baseline therapy field model. For example, therapy parameter values of the second therapy program may be selected to maintain at least one field characteristic of the baseline therapy field model. In some examples, the second therapy system may result from a hardware modification to the first therapy system. In other examples, the first and second therapy systems may be associated with different patients. For example, the baseline therapy field model may be an efficacious therapy field for a patient class, and a second therapy program may be generated for a patient in the class. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110190785 | INTRODUCTION OF MEDICAL LEAD INTO PATIENT - Leads having distal electrodes may be used in application of test stimulation for purposes of implanting a lead having a fixation element distal to an electrode array. The fixation element is proximal the distal electrode. Accordingly, the distal electrode may be advanced beyond a distal end of an introducer while the fixation element may be retained in a retracted configuration by the introducer. If the test signals applied by the distal electrode indicate that the distal electrode is in the desired location of the patient, a series of markings on the lead may be used to facilitate placement of the electrode array at the location previously occupied by the distal electrode; i.e. the desired location of the patient. The electrodes of the electrode array may then be used to provide therapy to the patient. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110190786 | INTRODUCTION OF MEDICAL LEAD INTO PATIENT - Introducers for implanting a lead having a fixation element distal to an electrode include a window, electrode, or conductive member alignable with the electrode of the lead white maintaining the fixation element in a retracted configuration. The window, electrode or conductive member of the introducer provide a mechanism for applying test stimulation signals to determine whether the lead is properly positioned in a patient without deploying the fixation element. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110190844 | TRANSMEMBRANE SENSING DEVICE FOR SENSING BLADDER CONDITION - The disclosure describes a sensing device that is implantable to sense bladder conditions, as well as a neurostimulation system and method that make use of such a sensor for alleviation of urinary incontinence. The sensing device is implantable outside the bladder, but includes a lead that penetrates the bladder wall to deploy a sensor within the bladder. Using the sensor on the lead, the sensing device outside the bladder is able to detect a condition within the interior of the bladder. In this sense, the sensing device provides transmembrane sensing of internal bladder conditions. The condition may be indicative of bladder filling or bladder contraction, and may be used to control electrical stimulation applied to the patient to alleviate urinary incontinence. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110190857 | ANCHOR ASSEMBLY FOR USE IN OCCIPITAL NERVE STIMULATION - A system that includes an anchor assembly, the anchor assembly including: at least one anchoring structure configured to be anchored in a head of a patient; and at least one lead anchoring structure; and b. at least one lead, the at least one lead including a lead body extending from a distal end to a proximal end; at least one electrode located on or in the distal end of the lead body; and at least one lead anchor located on or in the lead body proximal to the electrode, wherein the at least one lead anchor of the lead and the lead anchoring structure are configured to cooperate to secure the at least one lead to the anchor assembly. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110190858 | LEAD HAVING EXPANDABLE DISTAL PORTION - Leads may include expandable and collapsible distal end portions that provide anchoring in tissue when expanded and allow for insertion through an introducer when collapsed. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110208012 | THERAPY PROGRAM MODIFICATION BASED ON A THERAPY FIELD MODEL - Techniques for modeling therapy fields for therapy delivered by medical devices are described. Each therapy field model is based on a set of therapy parameters and represents where therapy will propagate from the therapy system delivering therapy according to the set of therapy parameters. Therapy field models may be useful in guiding the modification of therapy parameters. As one example, a processor compares an algorithmic model of a therapy field to a reference therapy field and adjusts at least one therapy parameter based on the comparison. As another example, a processor adjusts at least one therapy parameter to increase an operating efficiency of the therapy system while substantially maintaining the modeled therapy field. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110270269 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEAD INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF TINE ELEMENTS - An implantable medical electrical lead comprises a lead body extending between a distal end and a proximal end, and the distal end having at least one electrode of an electrode array extending longitudinally from the distal end toward the proximal end. The lead body at its proximal end may be coupled to a pulse generator, additional intermediate wiring, or other stimulation device. A fixation mechanism is formed on or integrally with the lead body proximal to the electrode array that is adapted to be implanted in and engage subcutaneous tissue, particularly muscle tissue, to inhibit axial movement of the lead body and dislodgement of the stimulation electrodes. The fixation mechanism comprises a plurality of tine elements arrayed in a tine element array along a segment of the lead. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20120123499 | Therapy Control Using Relative Motion Between Sensors - The invention is directed to controlling therapy delivery based on a relative motion between a first and second activity sensor. The relative motion between the activity sensors is representative of the relative motion between the locations of the body of the patient at which the respective activity sensors are located. The use of relative motion, however, may substantially remove motion experienced by both the activity sensors, e.g., motion caused by the environment in which patient is located, thus providing a new reference frame from which to analyze the motion measurements. The relative motion may be used to detect a condition of a movement disorder and/or control delivery of the therapy delivered to patient to treat or reduce the condition. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120203308 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION LEAD FIXATION METHOD AND APPARATUS - An implantable medical electrical lead for electrical stimulation of body tissue that includes at least one shape memory polymer portion that has a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the second configuration is obtained upon exposure of the shape memory polymer portion to a transition stimulus, and wherein the second configuration of the modifiable portion exhibits a greater resistance to movement of the lead within the body tissue than does the first configuration; and at least one electrode configured to provide electrical stimulation of body tissue, wherein the lead has a proximal end and a distal end. Systems and kits as well as methods of utilizing the leads of the invention are also included. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120245536 | IMPLANTABLE VASCULAR ACCESS SYSTEM - The invention relates to implantable vascular access ports that can release agents such as antibiotics, anti-thrombogenics and anti-proliferatives. The invention also relates to ports having locking mechanisms that prevent accidental disengagement, and structures that facilitate surgical implantation and provide for long-term stability and use of the port. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120277546 | METHOD AND DEVICE TO MONITOR PATIENTS WITH KIDNEY DISEASE - A medical monitoring device for monitoring electrical signals from the body of a subject is described. The medical monitoring device monitors electrical signals originating from a cardiac cycle of the subject and associates each cardiac cycle with a time index. The medical monitoring device applies a forward computational procedure to generate a risk score indicative of hyperkalemia, hypokalemia or arrhythmia of the subject. The medical monitoring device can adjust the forward computational procedure based upon clinical data obtained from the subject. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120277621 | DETERMINING NERVE LOCATION RELATIVE TO ELECTRODES - An implantable nerve stimulator is implanted in a patient near a nerve target. The implantable nerve stimulator has a plurality of electrodes through which stimulation is provided to the nerve target. The relative location of the nerve target and the electrodes may be determined by applying stimulation to the nerves via each of the electrodes, determining an effect of the stimulation for each of the electrodes, and mapping a location of the nerve relative to the electrodes based on the effect of the stimulation for each of the electrodes. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120277823 | DUAL PROPHYLACTIC AND ABORTIVE ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - Prophylactic stimulation and abortive electrical stimulation are delivered to a cranial nerve, including, e.g. an occipital or trigeminal nerve to treat symptoms of various conditions, including, e.g. occipital neuralgia or migraines. | 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 |
| 20130261698 | THERAPY CONTROL USING RELATIVE MOTION BETWEEN SENSORS - The invention is directed to controlling therapy delivery based on a relative motion between a first and second activity sensor. The relative motion between the activity sensors is representative of the relative motion between the locations of the body of the patient at which the respective activity sensors are located. The use of relative motion, however, may substantially remove motion experienced by both the activity sensors, e.g., motion caused by the environment in which patient is located, thus providing a new reference frame from which to analyze the motion measurements. The relative motion may be used to detect a condition of a movement disorder and/or control delivery of the therapy delivered to patient to treat or reduce the condition. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130331909 | IMPLANTABLE NEUROSTIMULATOR SUPPORTING TRIAL AND CHRONIC MODES - In some examples, a chronic implantable neurostimulator supports trial and chronic modes of operation. In addition, in some examples, the neurostimulator can alternatively include one or more sensors that may or may not function differently in trial and chronic modes. The device may be designed to be used as both a trial neurostimulator and a permanent, or chronic, neurostimulator. A trial neurostimulation period can be used to evaluate the efficacy of the therapy. A percutaneous or implantable trial neurostimulator is used for the trial neurostimulation period. In most cases, the trial period is successful, in which case the trial stimulator is explanted and replaced with a permanent, i.e., “chronic,” implantable stimulator. In accordance with the disclosure, an implantable neurostimulator supports both trial neurostimulation and chronic neurostimulation in the event trial stimulation is successful. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20140031900 | THERAPY PROGRAM MODIFICATION BASED ON AN ENERGY THREHOLD - A therapy program is modified to decompose an electrical stimulation signal defined by the therapy program into a plurality of subsignals based on a comparison between an energy associated with the stimulation signal and a threshold value. An electrical stimulation signal defined by a therapy program may be decomposed into a plurality of subsignals when an electrical stimulation energy of the stimulation signal exceeds the maximum energy output of the medical device or of a channel of the medical device. The energy associated with each one of the subsignals may be less than the energy threshold value of the medical device. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140088442 | METHOD AND DEVICE TO MONITOR PATIENTS WITH KIDNEY DISEASE - A medical monitoring device for monitoring electrical signals from the body of a subject is described. The medical monitoring device monitors electrical signals originating from a cardiac cycle of the subject and associates each cardiac cycle with a time index. The medical monitoring device applies a forward computational procedure to generate a risk score indicative of hyperkalemia, hypokalemia or arrhythmia of the subject. The medical monitoring device can adjust the forward computational procedure based upon clinical data obtained from the subject. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140158538 | POTASSIUM LOADED ION-EXCHANGE MATERIAL FOR USE IN A DIALYSATE REGENERATION SYSTEM - Systems and methods for managing the potassium concentration of a dialysate fluid during hemodialysis therapy using cation exchange materials that do not release sodium ions. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140158588 | pH AND BUFFER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR HEMODIALYSIS SYSTEMS - Systems and methods for managing the pH of a dialysate fluid during hemodialysis therapy. The systems and methods adjust dialysate pH and buffer concentration to generate a predetermined total bicarbonate buffer concentration in a dialysate entering a dialyzer. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140158623 | SODIUM MANAGEMENT FOR HEMODIALYSIS - Systems and methods for managing the sodium concentration of a dialysate fluid during hemodialysis therapy and adjusting sodium concentration using a sodium management system to generate a sodium-modified fluid. The systems and methods also provide a mechanism for controlled addition of sodium ions to the dialysate to generate a predetermined total sodium concentration in a dialysate. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140190876 | SORBENT CARTRIDGE TO MEASURE SOLUTE CONCENTRATIONS - A sorbent based monitoring system for measuring the solute concentration of at least one component of a fluid. The system has a sorbent regeneration system for regeneration of the fluid and has a sorbent cartridge that has at least one material layer. The fluid is conveyed through the sorbent cartridge and contacts at least one sensor after having contacted at least one material layer. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140190885 | FLUID CIRCUITS FOR SORBENT CARTRIDGE WITH SENSORS - A system for measuring at least one fluid characteristic at various stages within a sorbent system that has a sorbent cartridge that has at least one material layer and at least one fluid passageway in at least one location in the sorbent system to provide a diverted sample stream from the various stages. At least one fluid characteristic of the diverted sample stream is measured. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140190886 | RECIRCULATING DIALYSATE FLUID CIRCUIT FOR BLOOD MEASUREMENT - A blood based solute monitoring system for measuring at least one blood solute species that has a first recirculation flow path in fluid communication with a dialyzer. The first recirculation flow path is configured to allow a fluid to recirculate through a dialyzer such that the concentration of at least one solute species in the fluid becomes equilibrated to the solute species concentration of the blood in a blood compartment of the dialyzer. The blood solute monitoring system has at least one sensor to measure a fluid characteristic. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140190891 | SORBENT CARTRIDGE WITH ELECTRODES - A sorbent cartridge that has at least one sensor located within the sorbent cartridge. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140216250 | DEGASSING MODULE FOR A CONTROLLED COMPLIANT FLOW PATH - A degassing module for removal of air and other gases during operation of a medical therapy device that delivers any one of hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration. The degassing module has a flow-through first chamber that has a hydrophobic vent membrane that has an exterior and interior side forming a portion of the flow-through chamber. The hydrophobic vent membrane is positioned at a higher elevation on the flow-through chamber than a fluid outlet. Fluid flows through the flow-through chamber in a downward direction relative to the hydrophobic vent membrane. A flow-through chamber has a cross sectional area configured to provide for a downward flow velocity of the fluid to be less than the upward rise velocity of a smallest bubble to be removed from the fluid. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140217020 | MODULAR FLUID THERAPY SYSTEM HAVING JUMPERED FLOW PATHS AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CLEANING AND DISINFECTION - Systems and methods for cleaning and disinfecting a medical therapy device that delivers any one of hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration. The system has a base module that has at least one segment of a controlled compliant flow path and at least one pair of jumpered ports configured on the base module. One or more components have connections connectable to the jumpered ports of the base module to provide for fluid communication between the segment of the controlled compliant flow path in the base module and a flow path defined by the one or more components. The base module is connected to the one or more components that define a flow path configurable for carrying out in part at least one function performed during any one of hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration or hemofiltration. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140217027 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MULTIFUNCTIONAL VOLUMETRIC FLUID CONTROL - Systems and methods for controlling fluid movement and volumes of fluid between a subject and a controlled compliant flow path. The controlled compliant flow path has a means for selectively metering in and metering out fluid from the controlled compliant flow path. An extracorporeal flow path is in fluid communication with the controlled compliant flow path across a semi-permeable membrane where the extracorporeal flow path has a first terminal end and a second terminal end. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140217028 | SORBENT CARTRIDGE CONFIGURATIONS FOR IMPROVED DIALYSATE REGENERATION - A regeneration system that has a first regeneration module containing a first chosen regenerative substance; a second regeneration module containing the first chosen regenerative substance; and a first mixing chamber. A first outlet stream of a fluid sequentially exits the first mixing chamber, flows through the first regeneration module in fluid communication with the first chosen regenerative substance and returns to the first mixing chamber, and a second outlet stream of the fluid sequentially exits the first mixing chamber and flows through the second regeneration module in fluid communication with the first chosen regenerative substance. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140217029 | FLUID CIRCUIT FOR DELIVERY OF RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPIES - A flow loop for hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration for the treatment of pathological conditions such as End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) that has a controlled compliant flow path for preparing fluids required for a hemodialysis therapy session from water. The controlled compliant flow path modifies water into any one of a solution for priming a hemodialysis system, a physiologically compatible solution for contacting blood, a physiologically compatible solution for infusion to a subject, and a solution for blood rinse back to a subject. The controlled compliant flow path has a means for selectively metering in and metering out fluid from the flow path. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140217030 | SODIUM AND BUFFER SOURCE CARTRIDGES FOR USE IN A MODULAR CONTROLLED COMPLIANT FLOW PATH - Systems and methods for using a sodium chloride source and a buffer source such as sodium bicarbonate in a controlled compliant flow path to generate from water a physiologically compatible fluid having a suitable level of a sodium ion and/or a buffer for use in hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration. The system has a conditioning flow path that has at least a salination valve or salination pump, and at least one container has at least one solute in excess of the solubility of that solute. At least one of the solutes is a buffer source or sodium chloride. The conditioning flow path is in fluid communication with a controlled compliant flow path. The conditioning flow path can selectively meter fluid into and out of the controlled compliant flow path. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140220699 | pH BUFFER MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR HEMODIALYSIS SYSTEMS - A pH-buffer measurement system that has at least one source for modifying the pH of a fluid entering the system, the source selected from an acid source and a base source. The acid source adds an acid equivalent to provide an acid reacted fluid and the base source adds a base equivalent to provide a base reacted fluid. The source is in fluid communication with a flow path and a component for determining a fluid characteristic of the acid reacted fluid or the base reacted fluid. The fluid characteristic that is measured is any one of a gas phase pressure, an electrical conductivity, or thermal conductivity. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140277251 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE PROVIDING ADAPTIVE NEUROSTIMULATION THERAPY - In general, the disclosure is directed to an implantable neurostimulator and system capable of providing adaptive neurostimulation therapy to alleviate incontinence. The neurostimulator operates according to a set of stimulation parameters stored in memory. During operation, information is obtained from the patient, the implanted neurostimulator, one or more implanted sensors, or some combination thereof. A processor analyzes the information to automatically generate proposed adjustments to the stimulation parameters applied by the neurostimulator. The adjustments provide an adaptive neurostimulation therapy that supports or enhances therapeutic efficacy based on the information. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140324069 | INTRODUCTION OF MEDICAL LEAD INTO PATIENT - Leads having distal electrodes may be used in application of test stimulation for purposes of implanting a lead having a fixation element distal to an electrode array. The fixation element is proximal the distal electrode. Accordingly, the distal electrode may be advanced beyond a distal end of an introducer while the fixation element may be retained in a retracted configuration by the introducer. If the test signals applied by the distal electrode indicate that the distal electrode is in the desired location of the patient, a series of markings on the lead may be used to facilitate placement of the electrode array at the location previously occupied by the distal electrode; i.e. the desired location of the patient. The electrodes of the electrode array may then be used to provide therapy to the patient. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20150083647 | Portable Dialysis Cabinet - A portable dialysis cabinet for use in dialysis. The portable dialysis cabinet can have a size and weight that facilitates easy movement of the cabinet from one location to another with relative ease. The portable dialysis cabinet can have additional features necessary to facilitate portability, such as wheels and a handle. In general, the portable dialysis cabinet can contain all the necessary components for performing a dialysis session. | 03-26-2015 |
