NeuroPace, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150313490 | USE OF A PROGRESSIVE COMPRESSION ENCODING OF PHYSIOLOGIC WAVEFORM DATA IN AN IMPLANTABLE DEVICE TO SUPPORT DISCONTINUING TRANSMISSION OF LOW-VALUE DATA - An external data retrieval apparatus receives a low resolution version of a physiological signal from an active implantable medical device and determines if the physiological signal represents a clinically significant event. The apparatus provides an indication of such determination to the implantable medical device. If the physiological signal does represent a clinically significant event, the apparatus receives a full download of the physiological signal from the implantable device. | 11-05-2015 |
20140296646 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES FOR A SKULL/BRAIN INTERFACE - Disclosed are methods, devices, and systems for inducing neuromodulation by focusing a source of stimulation through a skull/brain interface in the form of an aperture formed in the skull, a naturally occurring fenestration in the skull, or a transcranial channel. Further disclosed are methods, devices, and systems for identifying where to locate skull/brain interfaces, accessories that can be used with the interfaces, and features for controlling stimulation delivered through the interfaces. Multiple indications for the skull/brain interfaces are also disclosed, including diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders and conditions such as epilepsy, movement disorders, depression, Alzheimer's disease, autism, coma, and pain. | 10-02-2014 |
20140277289 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING ENERGY USE AND DELIVERED CURRENT IN AN IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - A system and method for automatically adjusting the value of a parameter defined to manage and control the resources recruited by an implantable medical device to supply power or the device to deliver an instance of an electrical stimulation therapy to a patient. In embodiments, the parameter corresponds to a number of capacitors the discharge of which supplies the power to deliver a stimulation therapy at a programmed amplitude. Whenever the circumstances prevent the programmed amplitude from being delivered, the system and method automatically adjust the resource-controlling parameter to use the minimum power to achieve the desired (programmed) amplitude or as close as possible to that programmed amplitude. Some embodiments additionally include using another parameter (a equivalent amplitude parameter) to balance the charge delivered through multiple pathways in parallel sourced from a single reservoir of power. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277288 | MEASURING CURRENT DURING DELIVERY OF VOLTAGE REGULATED STIMULATION TO A PATIENT - A system and method for estimating the current delivered to a patient during voltage-regulated electrical stimulation therapy by an implantable medical device includes calculating a total charge delivered and a peak current delivered and the time at which the peak current was delivered using a proxy for the current delivered to the patient and a component such as a current controlled oscillator, the output of which is proportional to the current proxy together with memory for storing values relating to the output proportional to the current proxy. The stored values also may be used to construct a waveform approximating the current delivered to the patient during a therapy of voltage-regulated stimulation. The system and method may be implemented in an active implantable medical device such as an implantable neurostimulator. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277019 | SURGICAL ACCESSORY FOR USE IN IMPLANTING MEDICAL DEVICE - A surgical accessory for use in implanting a medical device in a cranial bone of a human patient may serve as a template during a craniectomy for cutting a hole in which a ferrule for a medical device may be situated and then secured. The surgical accessory is dimensioned to allow a surgeon to gauge how far above the outer surface of the cranium the medical device will extend once the ferrule has been secured to the outer bone table and the medical device has been cradled in the ferrule. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266933 | ANATOMICALLY COMPLIANT ANTENNA FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A flexible antenna is associated with an active implantable medical device to facilitate communication between the implantable medical device and an external component in the outside world via, for example, long range or far field telemetry. The flexibility of the antenna allows it to conform to the shape of the location at which it is situated, such as on the cranial bone of a patient for an antenna associated with a cranially implanted medical device. The conformability of the antenna helps to maintain the antenna in the desired shape and to maintain it in the desired location relative to implantable medical device and the patient and improves patient comfort. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266774 | OPTIMIZING DATA RETRIEVAL FROM AN ACTIVE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An external data retrieval apparatus includes a transceiver, and a processing system coupled to the transceiver. The processing system obtains a plurality of measures over a period of time. The measures relate to a quality of a communications channel between the data retrieval apparatus and an active implantable medical device. The processing system determines a trend in the plurality of measures over the period of time, and then determines a preferred time during which to retrieve data based on the trend. | 09-18-2014 |
20140257325 | Recessed Burr Hole Covers and Methods for Using the Same - A burr hole cover is configured to be recessed in a burr hole formed in a patient and includes a base and a cap provided with complementary features to allow a portion of a medical device, such as a brain lead, to be situated in the burr hole cover and then secured by rotation of the cap relative to the base. The features include channels on the base and matching cut-outs on the cap, and slots and locking pockets on the base that are configured to be aligned with locking tabs and locking protrusions on the cap. Because the burr hole cover is recessed in the burr hole, the medical device can extend proximally of the burr hole at the level of the cranium. A bottom surface of the cap may be provided with guides for the lead extending distally in towards the brain. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257147 | MODULATION AND ANALYSIS OF CEREBRAL PERFUSION IN EPILEPSY AND OTHER NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS - A system includes an implantable neurostimulator device capable of modulating cerebral blood flow to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders. In one embodiment, the system is capable of modulating cerebral blood flow (also referred to as cerebral perfusion) in response to measurements and other observed conditions. Perfusion may be increased or decreased by systems and methods according to the invention as clinically required. | 09-11-2014 |
20140200477 | ESTABLISHING SECURE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE AND AN EXTERNAL DEVICE - Establishing secure communication between an implantable medical device and an external device includes: accessing, at the implantable medical device, biological data; utilizing the biological data, at the implantable medical device, to generate a public cryptographic key; and utilizing the public cryptographic key, at the implantable medical device, to generate a private cryptographic key. | 07-17-2014 |
20140185805 | Securely Exchanging Cipher Keys - Methods and systems for securely exchanging cipher keys between an implantable device and an external device are described. An example method includes: receiving an authorization request from the external device, wherein the authorization request is a request to receive a first cipher key of a cipher key exchange; receiving an indication that a magnet is detected relative to the implantable device, wherein the indication signifies a secure environment for communication between the implantable device and the external device; and after receiving the authorization request and the indication of a detected magnet, generating a first cipher key transmittal instruction, wherein the first cipher key transmittal instruction instructs the first cipher key to be transmitted to the external device by the implantable device. | 07-03-2014 |
20140163659 | REINFORCED SENSING AND STIMULATION LEADS AND USE IN DETECTION SYSTEMS - A reinforced medical electrical lead for neurological applications has a reinforced construction for resisting the detachment of electrodes and lead connection terminals, thereby improving the robustness of the lead and extending the life of the lead by reducing the likelihood that a further surgical procedure will be required to remove the lead for repair or replacement thereof. The present reinforced lead construction maintains the integrity of the electrical connection between the conductor and the respective electrode and lead connection terminal by incorporating several reinforcing features in the lead construction in contrast to conventional lead constructions where it is possible to pull the electrodes and lead connection terminals away from their contact points with relatively little force. | 06-12-2014 |
20140094876 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING A STATE OF A NEUROSTIMULATOR - A method and system is described for ensuring a state of an active implantable medical device based on the presence and persistence of a magnetic field. The output of a magnetic field sensor is monitored. The active implantable medical device is maintained in a first state, for so long as the presence of a magnetic field is detected by the magnetic field sensor, until a first interval is surpassed. If the first interval is surpassed, then a determination is made as to whether a second interval has been surpassed. If it is determined that the second interval has not been surpassed, then the active implantable medical device is transitioned into a second state. If it is determined that the second interval has been surpassed, then it is ensured that the active implantable medical device is in a predetermined one of the first and second states. | 04-03-2014 |
20140046399 | RESPONSIVE ELECTRICAL STIMULATION FOR MOVEMENT DISORDERS - An implantable neurostimulator system for treating movement disorders includes a sensor, a detection subsystem capable of identifying episodes of a movement disorder by analyzing a signal received from the sensor, and a therapy subsystem capable of supplying therapeutic electrical stimulation to treat the movement disorder. The system treats movement disorders by detecting physiological conditions characteristic of an episode of symptoms of the movement disorder and selectively initiating therapy when such conditions are detected. | 02-13-2014 |
20140031604 | IMPLANTABLE SYSTEM ENABLING RESPONSIVE THERAPY FOR PAIN - An implantable neurostimulator system for treating pain includes scheduled and responsive therapy capabilities including responsive stimulation applied to the brain and peripheral sections of the nervous system. Methods for treating chronic nociceptive, neuropathic, and psychogenic pain employ an inventive system to advantageously reduce multiple symptoms and components of pain and to address underlying causes of pain. | 01-30-2014 |
20130345522 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR MONITORING PHYSIOLOGICAL INFORMATION RELATING TO SLEEP WITH AN IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - Described here are implantable devices and methods for monitoring physiological information relating to sleep. The implantable devices are generally designed to include at least one sensor for sensing physiological information, a processor for processing the physiological information using low computational power to detect a sleep stage, and a battery. The detected sleep stage information may then be used to indicate sleep quality, identify or monitor a medical condition, or guide treatment thereof. | 12-26-2013 |
20130304216 | Burr Hole Covers and Methods for Using Same - A burr hole cover includes a cap or cap assembly and a retainer and is configured to be partially positioned within a burr hole formed in a patient. The retainer has a cap-receiving aperture; a plurality of grooves provided in the retainer and a plurality of cut-outs wherein each cut-out is provided at an end of each groove towards the outer perimeter of the retainer. A channel may be provided at an opposite end of each groove vertically-extending from the top to the bottom of the retainer to encourage a medical device segment to remain in a groove during installation of the burr hole cover. The burr hole cover may be used to secure segments of medical devices relative to a burr hole and to allow a range of lateral motion for the portion(s) of the medical device(s) extending proximally out of the corresponding groove. | 11-14-2013 |
20130261706 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR APPLYING RAPID SEQUENTIAL ELECTRODE STIMULATION - Described herein are methods and systems for delivering a burst of stimulation pulses or pulse segments sequentially to a plurality of stimulation pathways. The stimulation pulses may be generated by a stimulation device, which may comprise an implantable neurostimulator. The stimulation pathways may comprise one or more electrodes electrically connected to the stimulation device. In some variations, the stimulation pathway may comprise a monopolar stimulation pathway and/or a bipolar stimulation pathway. | 10-03-2013 |
20130184780 | DIFFERENTIAL NEUROSTIMULATION THERAPY DRIVEN BY PHYSIOLOGICAL THERAPY - An implantable neurostimulator system adapted to provide therapy for various neurological disorders is capable of varying therapy delivery strategies based on the context, physiological or otherwise, into which the therapy is to be delivered. Responsive and scheduled therapies can be varied depending on various sensor measurements, calculations, inferences, and device states (including elapsed times and times of day) to deliver an appropriate course of therapy under the circumstances. | 07-18-2013 |
20130184604 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTERACTING WITH AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An interactive implantable medical device system includes an implantable medical device and a network-enabled external device capable of bi-directional communication and interaction with the implantable medical device. The external device is programmed to interact with other similarly-enabled devices. The system facilitates improved patient care by eliminating unnecessary geographic limitations on implantable medical device interrogation and programming, and by allowing patients, physicians, and other users to access medical records, history, and information and to receive status and care-related alerts and messages anywhere there is access to a communications network. | 07-18-2013 |
20130178914 | NEUROSTIMULATOR INVOLVING STIMULATION STRATEGIES AND PROCESS FOR USING IT - This is a neurostimulator that is configured to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders using certain stimulation strategies, particularly changing various pulse parameters, during the imposition of a burst of those pulses. The invention includes the processes embodying those stimulation strategies. | 07-11-2013 |
20130172774 | Systems and Methods for Assessing the Effectiveness of a Therapy Including a Drug Regimen Using an Implantable Medical Device - Systems and methods rely on feedback from an active medical device or devices (e.g., neurostimulator coupled to sensing and stimulation elements such as electrodes) to assess the effectiveness of a patient's drug regimen. Such reliance may include analyzing characteristics in physiological data acquired by the medical device(s), for example, in the form of responses evoked from the patient by electrical stimulation waveforms. Systems and methods further involved adjusting one or more parameters according to which a combination therapy consisting of at least a drug regimen and an electrical stimulation therapy are delivered to a patient, in an effort to optimize the therapeutic effect of the combination. The adjustments may be automatically by one or more implanted or external hosts working together or alone, and/or with the input of a physician. | 07-04-2013 |
20130123600 | Multimodal Brain Sensing Lead - A medical lead with at least a distal portion thereof implantable in the brain of a patient is described, together with methods and systems for using the lead. The lead is provided with at least two sensing modalities (e.g., two or more sensing modalities for measurements of field potential measurements, neuronal single unit activity, neuronal multi unit activity, optical blood volume, optical blood oxygenation, voltammetry and rheoencephalography). Acquisition of measurements and the lead components and other components for accomplishing a measurement in each modality are also described as are various applications for the multimodal brain sensing lead. | 05-16-2013 |
20130123584 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR MONITORING PHYSIOLOGICAL INFORMATION RELATING TO SLEEP WITH AN IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - Described here are implantable devices and methods for monitoring physiological information relating to sleep. The implantable devices are generally designed to include at least one sensor for sensing physiological information, a processor for processing the physiological information using low computational power to detect a sleep stage, and a battery. The detected sleep stage information may then be used to indicate sleep quality, identify or monitor a medical condition, or guide treatment thereof. | 05-16-2013 |
20130102833 | MODULATION AND ANALYSIS OF CEREBRAL PERFUSION IN EPILEPSY AND OTHER NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS - A system including an implantable neurostimulator device capable of modulating cerebral blood flow to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders. In one embodiment, the system is capable of modulating cerebral blood flow (also referred to as cerebral perfusion) in response to measurements and other observed conditions. Perfusion may be increased or decreased by systems and methods according to the invention as clinically required. | 04-25-2013 |
20130072810 | Spatiotemporal Pattern Recognition for Neurological Event Detection and Prediction in an Implantable Device - A system and method for detecting and predicting neurological events with an implantable device uses a relatively low-power central processing unit in connection with signal processing circuitry to identify features (including half waves) and calculate window-based characteristics (including line lengths and areas under the curve of the waveform) in one or more electrographic signals received from a patient's brain. The features and window-based characteristics are employed within the framework of a programmable finite state machine to identify patterns and sequences in and across the electrographic signals, facilitating early and reliable detection and prediction of complex spatiotemporal neurological events in real time, and enabling responsive action by the implantable device. | 03-21-2013 |
20120253417 | DIFFERENTIAL NEUROSTIMULATION THERAPY DRIVEN BY PHYSIOLOGICAL THERAPY - An implantable neurostimulator system adapted to provide therapy for various neurological disorders is capable of varying therapy delivery strategies based on the context, physiological or otherwise, into which the therapy is to be delivered. Responsive and scheduled therapies can be varied depending on various sensor measurements, calculations, inferences, and device states (including elapsed times and times of day) to deliver an appropriate course of therapy under the circumstances. | 10-04-2012 |
20120232628 | DRUG ELUTING LEAD SYSTEMS - Medical electrical lead systems and related methods are described. The lead systems may be configured to be at least partially implanted in neural tissue of a subject, such as a brain of a subject. Some variations of the lead systems may comprise a lead body, an electrode connected to the lead body, and a bioactive agent. The electrode and/or lead body may comprise a substrate, and the bioactive agent may be supported by the substrate (e.g., by a substantial portion of the area of the substrate). Methods described herein may comprise contacting the substrate of a lead body and/or an electrode of a medical electrical lead system with at least one bioactive agent, where the lead body and the electrode are connected to each other. | 09-13-2012 |
20120109253 | Refillable Reservoir Lead Systems - Medical electrical lead systems and related methods are described. The medical electrical lead systems may be configured to be at least partially implanted in a body of a subject. Some variations of the medical electrical lead systems may comprise a lead body comprising a proximal end and a distal end and a lumen extending at least partially therebetween, at least one electrode in the proximity of the distal end of the lead body, and a reservoir in fluid communication with the lumen, where the reservoir is located at a position removed from the distal end of the lead body. Certain variations of the medical electrical lead systems may comprise a lead body comprising a proximal end and a distal end and first and second lumens extending at least partially therebetween, and at least one electrode in the proximity of the distal end of the lead body. | 05-03-2012 |
20120071950 | Current Management System for a Stimulation Output Stage of an Implantable Neurostimulation System - A current management system for use in the stimulation output stage of a neurostimulation system can be programmed to steer different amounts of current through different stimulation electrodes to vary how strongly the tissue adjacent each electrode is stimulated during a particular programmed stimulation episode. An stimulation electrode drive circuit associated with each electrode that is available for stimulation allows independent control of the flow of current through that electrode. A reference electrode is provided in the circuit to source or sink current as necessary to balance the currents going into and out of the patient, so that no stimulation electrode is required to serve that purpose. More specifically, by configuring the circuit to maintain a constant potential at the reference electrode (e.g., a potential that is approximately half way between a top and bottom voltage rail), the reference electrode will source or sink currents as necessary to cause the net current flow into the patient to be equal to the net current flowing out of the patient, thus satisfying Kirchhoff's current law. | 03-22-2012 |
20120059430 | Treatment and warning of recurring therapy and other events using an implantable device - An implantable neurostimulator system is capable of responsively treating epileptiform activity with electrical stimulation and other therapies and is further configured to detect periods of increased susceptibility to clinical seizures. The event densities of therapy applications (or detections or other events) in time are observed and calculated, and if high enough, measures are taken to warn the patient or provide additional therapy. | 03-08-2012 |
20120035431 | Devices and methods for monitoring physiological information relating to sleep with an implantable device - Described here are implantable devices and methods for monitoring physiological information relating to sleep. The implantable devices are generally designed to include at least one sensor for sensing physiological information, a processor for processing the physiological information using low computational power to detect a sleep stage, and a battery. The detected sleep stage information may then be used to indicate sleep quality, identify or monitor a medical condition, or guide treatment thereof. | 02-09-2012 |
20110218591 | Differential Neurostimulation Therapy Driven By Physiological Therapy - An implantable neurostimulator system adapted to provide therapy for various neurological disorders is capable of varying therapy delivery strategies based on the context, physiological or otherwise, into which the therapy is to be delivered. Responsive and scheduled therapies can be varied depending on various sensor measurements, calculations, inferences, and device states (including elapsed times and times of day) to deliver an appropriate course of therapy under the circumstances. | 09-08-2011 |
20110213442 | NEUROSTIMULATOR INVOLVING STIMULATION STRATEGIES AND PROCESS FOR USING IT - This is a neurostimulator that is configured to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders using certain stimulation strategies, particularly changing various pulse parameters, during the imposition of a burst of those pulses. The invention includes the processes embodying those stimulation strategies. | 09-01-2011 |
20110213441 | NEUROSTIMULATOR INVOLVING STIMULATION STRATEGIES AND PROCESS FOR USING IT - This is a neurostimulator that is configured to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders using certain stimulation strategies, particularly changing various pulse parameters, during the imposition of a burst of those pulses. The invention includes the processes embodying those stimulation strategies. | 09-01-2011 |
20110213265 | IMPLANTABLE SEIZURE MONITOR - An implantable seizure monitor can include at least one sensing electrode and an electronics module configured to detect, record and/or log neurological events. For example, the electronics module can be configured to detect brainwaves indicative of seizures, such as, for example, epileptic seizures, and to create a log indicating when such seizures occur. The implantable seizure monitor can include a cushioning member made of a soft material and configured to be implantable between the epidermis and cranium of a patient. | 09-01-2011 |
20110118661 | Implantable system enabling responsive therapy for pain - An implantable neurostimulator system for treating pain includes scheduled and responsive therapy capabilities including responsive stimulation applied to the brain and peripheral sections of the nervous system. Methods for treating chronic nociceptive, neuropathic, and psychogenic pain employ an inventive system to advantageously reduce multiple symptoms and components of pain and to address underlying causes of pain. | 05-19-2011 |
20110112381 | Devices and methods for monitoring physiological information relating to sleep with an implantable device - Described here are implantable devices and methods for monitoring physiological information relating to sleep. The implantable devices are generally designed to include at least one sensor for sensing physiological information, a processor for processing the physiological information using low computational power to detect a sleep stage, and a battery. The detected sleep stage information may then be used to indicate sleep quality, identify or monitor a medical condition, or guide treatment thereof. | 05-12-2011 |
20110028859 | Methods, Systems and Devices for Monitoring a Target in a Neural System and Facilitating or Controlling a Cell Therapy - Methods, systems and devices for monitoring a target in a neural system involve delivering inputs to and recording output responses from the neural system and obtaining I/O characterizations of the neural system both before and during or after a change is introduced to the system, for example, a change associated with a stem cell therapy. Baseline and therapeutic I/O characterizations are compared, and interpretations of the results of the comparison may be used to adjust some aspect of the therapy to facilitate it or control it. An implantable neurostimulator with the capability of delivering electrical stimulation to an electrode and of measuring and recording responses sensed from electrodes, where the electrodes are strategically positioned at or near the target, can be used to deliver an electrical stimulation input and record the output responses for the I/O characterizations. An implantable neurostimulator also may be used to affect a cell therapy by delivering electrical stimulation to the neural system to encourage stem cell differentiation. | 02-03-2011 |
20110004282 | Drug Eluting Lead Systems - Medical electrical lead systems and related methods are described. The lead systems may be configured to be at least partially implanted in neural tissue of a subject, such as a brain of a subject. Some variations of the lead systems may comprise a lead body, an electrode connected to the lead body, and a bioactive agent. The electrode and/or lead body may comprise a substrate, and the bioactive agent may be supported by the substrate (e.g., by a substantial portion of the area of the substrate). Examples of bioactive agents that may be used in the lead system include bioactive agents that promote neural adhesion and living cells that have been biologically manipulated, engineered cells, and cells of a particular phenotype and/or adapted to induce a desired neural or glial response. Methods described herein may comprise contacting the substrate of a lead body and/or an electrode of a medical electrical lead system with at least one bioactive agent, where the lead body and the electrode are connected to each other. | 01-06-2011 |
20110004268 | Responsive Electrical Stimulation for Movement Disorders - An implantable neurostimulator system for treating movement disorders includes a sensor, a detection subsystem capable of identifying episodes of a movement disorder by analyzing a signal received from the sensor, and a therapy subsystem capable of supplying therapeutic electrical stimulation to treat the movement disorder. The system treats movement disorders by detecting physiological conditions characteristic of an episode of symptoms of the movement disorder and selectively initiating therapy when such conditions are detected. | 01-06-2011 |
20110004116 | Implantable Seizure Monitor - An implantable seizure monitor can include at least one sensing electrode and an electronics module configured to detect, record and/or log neurological events. For example, the electronics module can be configured to detect brainwaves indicative of seizures, such as, for example, epileptic seizures, and to create a log indicating when such seizures occur. The implantable seizure monitor can include a cushioning member made of a soft material and configured to be implantable between the epidermis and cranium of a patient. | 01-06-2011 |
20100331762 | Refillable Reservoir Lead Systems - Medical electrical lead systems and related methods are described. The medical electrical lead systems may be configured to be at least partially implanted in a body of a subject. Some variations of the medical electrical lead systems may comprise a lead body comprising a proximal end and a distal end and a lumen extending at least partially therebetween, at least one electrode in the proximity of the distal end of the lead body, and a reservoir in fluid communication with the lumen, where the reservoir is located at a position removed from the distal end of the lead body. Certain variations of the medical electrical lead systems may comprise a lead body comprising a proximal end and a distal end and first and second lumens extending at least partially therebetween, and at least one electrode in the proximity of the distal end of the lead body. | 12-30-2010 |
20100331717 | Seizure Sensing and Detection Using an Implantable Device - A system and method for detecting and predicting neurological events with an implantable device uses a relatively low-power central processing unit in connection with signal processing circuitry to identify features (including half waves) and calculate window-based characteristics (including line lengths and areas under the curve of the waveform) in an electrographic signal received from a patient's brain. The features and window-based characteristics are combinable in various ways according to the invention to detect and predict neurological events in real time, enabling responsive action by the implantable device. | 12-30-2010 |
20100328679 | Method and System for Device Identification - Disclosed is a medical device susceptible of identification using interference patterns. A source signal may be directed from an energy source towards the surface of a device for reflection therefrom. An interference pattern may be detected from the surface of the device, such as by a sensor. A determination as to whether a match exists between the representation of the interference pattern and a stored representation of an interference pattern may be performed. If a match exists, the device may be identified based on the stored representation of the interference pattern. Otherwise, a representation of the interference pattern may be stored and a unique identifier may be assigned to the stored representation of the interference pattern. | 12-30-2010 |
20100217341 | Functional Ferrule - Described here are intracranial ferrules, systems, and methods for sensing and stimulating neural tissues. The ferrules are generally designed to include a holding area for retaining an implantable device. In some variations, the ferrule itself may perform the sensing and stimulating functions. In other variations, the ferrule may function to sense data from neural tissues and the implantable device may function to stimulate neural tissues. In yet other variations, the ferrule may function to stimulate, and the implantable device may function to sense data from, the neural tissues. The sensing and stimulating functions may be used to detect and/or treat various neurological conditions. | 08-26-2010 |
20100210964 | IMPLANTABLE SEIZURE MONITOR - An implantable seizure monitor can include at least one sensing electrode and an electronics module configured to detect, record and/or log neurological events. For example, the electronics module can be configured to detect brainwaves indicative of seizures, such as, for example, epileptic seizures, and to create a log indicating when such seizures occur. The implantable seizure monitor can include a cushioning member made of a soft material and configured to be implantable between the epidermis and cranium of a patient. | 08-19-2010 |
20100137937 | Modulation and Analysis of Cerebral Perfusion In Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders - A system including an implantable neurostimulator device capable of modulating cerebral blood flow to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders. In one embodiment, the system is capable of modulating cerebral blood flow (also referred to as cerebral perfusion) in response to measurements and other observed conditions. Perfusion may be increased or decreased by systems and methods according to the invention as clinically required. | 06-03-2010 |
20100107408 | Reinforced Sensing and Stimulation Leads and Use in Detection Systems - A reinforced medical electrical lead for neurological applications has a reinforced construction for resisting the detachment of electrodes and lead connection terminals, thereby improving the robustness of the lead and extending the life of the lead by reducing the likelihood that a further surgical procedure will be required to remove the lead for repair or replacement thereof. The present reinforced lead construction maintains the integrity of the electrical connection between the conductor and the respective electrode and lead connection terminal by incorporating several reinforcing features in the lead construction in contrast to conventional lead constructions where it is possible to pull the electrodes and lead connection terminals away from their contact points with relatively little force. | 05-06-2010 |
20100073680 | Method and System for Device Identification - Disclosed are a method and system for performing device identification and a medical device susceptible to identification using interference patterns for performing device identification. A source signal may be directed from an energy source towards the surface of a device for reflection therefrom. An interference pattern may be detected from the surface of the device, such as by a sensor. A determination as to whether a match exists between the representation of the interference pattern and a stored representation of an interference pattern may be performed. If a match exists, the device may be identified based on the stored representation of the interference pattern. Otherwise, a representation of the interference pattern may be stored and a unique identifier may be assigned to the stored representation of the interference pattern. | 03-25-2010 |
20100073677 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF DEVICE IDENTIFICATION - A medical device susceptible to identification using interference patterns for performing device identification is disclosed. A source signal may be directed from an energy source towards the surface of a device for reflection therefrom. An interference pattern may be detected from the surface of the device, such as by a sensor. A determination as to whether a match exists between the representation of the interference pattern and a stored representation of an interference pattern may be performed. If a match exists, the device may be identified based on the stored representation of the interference pattern. Otherwise, a representation of the interference pattern may be stored and a unique identifier may be assigned to the stored representation of the interference pattern. | 03-25-2010 |
20090318747 | Low Frequency Neurostimulator for the Treatment of Neurological Disorders - A system for treating neurological conditions by low-frequency time varying electrical stimulation includes an electrical device for applying such low-frequency energy, in a range below approximately 10 Hz, to the patient's brain tissue. An implantable embodiment applies direct electrical stimulation to electrodes implanted in or on the patient's brain, while a non-invasive embodiment causes a magnetic field to induce electrical currents in the patient's brain. | 12-24-2009 |
20090306750 | Lead Fixation Assembly and Methods of Using Same - A lead fixation assembly and method of using the same are disclosed. The lead fixation assembly includes a cover and a cap. The cover includes an aperture extending through a cover body and is adapted to fit within an opening formed or occurring in a patient's body. One or more leads may be oriented through the aperture before or after fitting the cover in such an opening. The cover body includes a top surface having a plurality of elements. Each lead oriented through the aperture is arranged on or in and among the elements and may be secured thereby. The cap is adapted to be removably secured to the cover, minimize exposure to the patient via the opening, and, optionally, secure the leads. The leads are passed through an opening in the cap to enable the leads to extend away from the body. | 12-10-2009 |
20090112280 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES FOR A SKULL/BRAIN INTERFACE - Systems, methods and devices are disclosed for directing and focusing signals to the brain for neuromodulation and for directing and focusing signals or other energy from the brain for measurement, heat transfer and imaging. An aperture in the skull and/or a channel device implantable in the skull can be used to facilitate direction and focusing. Treatment and diagnosis of multiple neurological conditions may be facilitated with the disclosed systems, methods and devices. | 04-30-2009 |
20090112279 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES FOR A SKULL/BRAIN INTERFACE - Systems, methods and devices are disclosed for directing and focusing signals to the brain for neuromodulation and for directing and focusing signals or other energy from the brain for measurement, heat transfer and imaging. An aperture in the skull and/or a channel device implantable in the skull can be used to facilitate direction and focusing. Treatment and diagnosis of multiple neurological conditions may be facilitated with the disclosed systems, methods and devices. | 04-30-2009 |
20090112278 | Systems, Methods and Devices for a Skull/Brain Interface - Disclosed are methods, devices, and systems for inducing neuromodulation by focusing a source of stimulation through a skull/brain interface in the form of an aperture formed in the skull, a naturally occurring fenestration in the skull, or a transcranial channel. Further disclosed are methods, devices, and systems for identifying where to locate skull/brain interfaces, accessories that can be used with the interfaces, and features for controlling stimulation delivered through the interfaces. Multiple indications for the skull/brain interfaces are also disclosed, including diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders and conditions such as epilepsy, movement disorders, depression, Alzheimer's disease, autism, coma, and pain. | 04-30-2009 |
20090112277 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES FOR A SKULL/BRAIN INTERFACE - A method is disclosed for conveying a form of neuromodulation (e.g., electrical, chemical, optical, or thermal) from an external neuromodulation source interiorly of the skull to modulate neural activity. The method involves forming one or more apertures through or partially through the skull to provide an interface for delivering the neuromodulation. A method is disclosed for sensing one or more parameters characteristic of one or more states of the brain through an interface formed with one or more apertures extending all the way or part of the way through the skull. A device is disclosed that is implantable in the skull of a human patient to provide an interface between the exterior of the skull and the brain that includes a channel of a length sufficient to traverse the entire thickness of the skull or at least a part of the thickness of the skull. The channels may be provided in a wide variety of shapes and sizes with or without inner lumens. The channels may be configured for ion conduction of electrical signals, enabling DC or near DC stimulation of target neurons. Methods and devices for transferring energy (e.g., thermal energy) generated inside the skull to the outside of the skull and vice versa are also disclosed. | 04-30-2009 |
20090112273 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES FOR A SKULL/BRAIN INTERFACE - A method is disclosed for conveying a form of neuromodulation (e.g., electrical, chemical, optical, or thermal) from an external neuromodulation source interiorly of the skull to modulate neural activity. The method involves forming one or more apertures through or partially through the skull to provide an interface for delivering the neuromodulation. A method is disclosed for sensing one or more parameters characteristic of one or more states of the brain through an interface formed with one or more apertures extending all the way or part of the way through the skull. A device is disclosed that is implantable in the skull of a human patient to provide an interface between the exterior of the skull and the brain that includes a channel of a length sufficient to traverse the entire thickness of the skull or at least a part of the thickness of the skull. The channels may be provided in a wide variety of shapes and sizes with or without inner lumens. The channels may be configured for ion conduction of electrical signals, enabling DC or near DC stimulation of target neurons. Methods and devices for transferring energy (e.g., thermal energy) generated inside the skull to the outside of the skull and vice versa are also disclosed. | 04-30-2009 |
20090069863 | MODULATION AND ANALYSIS OF CEREBRAL PERFUSION IN EPILEPSY AND OTHER NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS - A system including an implantable neurostimulator device capable of modulating cerebral blood flow to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders. In one embodiment, the system is capable of modulating cerebral blood flow (also referred to as cerebral perfusion) in response to measurements and other observed conditions. Perfusion may be increased or decreased by systems and methods according to the invention as clinically required. | 03-12-2009 |
20080319511 | AUTO ADJUSTING SYSTEM FOR BRAIN TISSUE STIMULATOR - An implantable neurostimulator for treating disorders such as epilepsy, pain, movement disorders and depression includes a detection subsystem capable of detecting a physiological condition and a therapy subsystem capable of providing a course of therapy in response to the condition. The therapy subsystem includes an auto-adjust module for automatically adjusting one or more parameters of the therapy so that the therapy subsystem can provide an adjusted parameter to the patient and solicit the patient's feedback concerning the adjustment without requiring the presence of, or immediate involvement with, a clinician or physician. The patient feedback can be analyzed by computer, clinician or a combination of both to determine an optimal range of parameters for subsequent courses of therapy. In this manner, information useful in tuning the neurostimulator therapy parameters to optimize them for individual patient can be acquired automatically outside of the traditional clinical setting, saving time and minimizing patient fatigue that otherwise would be experience in marathon, in-clinic tuning sessions. The auto-adjust module also can be configured to prompt the patient to provide feedback even when parameters are not being adjusted, so as to acquire information for a baseline or about any placebo effect when the patient is otherwise expecting changes to the therapy to be made. | 12-25-2008 |
20080319335 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTING DETECTION THRESHOLDS IN A FEEDBACK-CONTROLLED NEUROLOGICAL EVENT DETECTOR - Methods and systems for detecting neurological events and approximating a target detection rate are disclosed. A target detection rate may be identified for the neurological event. Electrographic signals incident on a neurological event detector may be monitored. Each signal may be compared to a threshold value for a parameter. As the threshold value varies, it has a predictable effect on a detection rate of the neurological event. A rate at which the electrographic signals exceed the threshold value may be measured and compared to the target detection rate. The threshold value may be adjusted to minimize the difference between the measured detection rate and the target detection rate. | 12-25-2008 |