Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090112327 | BURR HOLE PLUG DESIGNS - A burr hole plug comprises a plug base including a flange configured for being mounted around a burr hole, an aperture through which an elongated medical device may pass, and tabs configured for extending within the cranial burr hole to center the plug base relative to the cranial burr hole. The burr hole plug further comprises a retainer configured for being mounted within the aperture of the plug base to secure the medical device. A method may comprise locating the plug base within a burr hole, such that the tabs are disposed within the burr hole to center the plug base relative to the cranial burr hole, introducing the elongated medical device through the cranial burr hole and into the brain tissue of the patient, mounting the retainer within the aperture of the plug base, and actuating the retainer to secure the medical device. | 04-30-2009 |
20090204193 | DIRECTIONAL LEAD ASSEMBLY - Leads having directional electrodes thereon. Also provided are leads having directional electrodes as well as anchoring prongs to secure the electrodes to the leads. Also provided are leads with directional electrodes where all the electrodes have the same surface area. Methods of treating conditions and selectively stimulating regions of the brain such as the thalamus and cerebellum are also provided. | 08-13-2009 |
20100145357 | BURR HOLE PLUG HAVING DUAL SLIDABLE CLAMPING MECHANISMS - A burr hole plug comprises a plug base configured for being mounted around a burr hole. The plug base includes an aperture through which an elongated medical device exiting the burr hole may pass. The burr hole plug further comprises a retainer configured for being mounted within the aperture of the plug base. The retainer further includes first and second slidable clamping mechanisms configured for securing the medical devices therebetween within the aperture of the plug base. A method comprises introducing the medical device through the burr hole, mounting a plug base around the burr hole, such that the medical device extends through the plug base aperture, mounting the retainer within the aperture of the plug base, and sliding the first and second clamping mechanisms secure the medical device therebetween. | 06-10-2010 |
20100324638 | Temporary Stimulation Lead With Polymer Electrodes And Method Of Manufacture - A temporary medical lead in which stimulating electrical energy is transmitted to body tissue through the lead electrodes via ionic conduction within the hydrogel material. The structure of the hydrophilic hydrogel material consists of a porous structure into which conductive salt ions are diffused. In addition the structure of the hydrogel material can be loaded with a single or combination of therapeutic drugs from which is eluted from the electrode's surface. | 12-23-2010 |
20110301682 | DIRECTIONAL LEAD ASSEMBLY - Leads having directional electrodes thereon. Also provided are leads having directional electrodes as well as anchoring prongs to secure the electrodes to the leads. Also provided are leads with directional electrodes where all the electrodes have the same surface area. Methods of treating conditions and selectively stimulating regions of the brain such as the thalamus and cerebellum are also provided. | 12-08-2011 |
20120232625 | IMPLANTABLE LEAD WITH BRAIDED CONDUCTORS - A therapy delivery element adapted to be implanted into a living body. The therapy delivery element includes an electrode portion with a plurality of electrodes. At least one elongated lead body is attached to the electrode portion. The elongated lead body includes a stylet coil having a stylet coil lumen. The stylet coil extends within the elongated lead body and along at least a portion of the electrode portion. A conductor assembly with a plurality of insulated electrical conductors is braided to extending around the stylet coil and to electrically couple to one or more of the electrodes. The conductor assembly includes an inner lumen with a diameter greater than an outside diameter of the stylet coil. Axial elongation of the elongated lead body reduces the inner diameter of the conductor assembly. A low durometer insulator extends around the conductor assembly. A stylet sized to slide freely within the stylet coil lumen is provided for use during implantation of the therapy delivery element into the living body. | 09-13-2012 |
20120232627 | PRE-SUTURED ANCHOR FOR IMPLANTABLE LEADS - A pre-sutured anchor including a deformable anchor sleeve with a lumen sized to receive the therapy delivery element. An outer surface of the anchor sleeve including one or more annular compression grooves oriented generally co-axial to the lumen. At least one compression member is located in a compression groove in an open configuration. The compression member includes at least one stop. A suture material pre-tied in a self-locking compression knot extends around each compression member. The suture material includes distal ends adapted to receive a tension force that is transmitted as a radial compression force to deform the compression members and substantially engage the stop in a compressed configuration. The anchor sleeve compressively engages the therapy delivery element in the compressed configuration. | 09-13-2012 |
20120330354 | MULTI DUROMETER REINFORCED SUTURE SLEEVE - Suture anchors for securing therapy delivery elements, such as stimulation leads or catheters, within a living body. The suture anchor includes an inner sleeve constructed with an inner layer of a softer, more pliable material that easily conforms to the therapy delivery element to reduce slippage and an outer layer constructed from a harder, stiffer durometer material that protects the therapy delivery elements from damage due to over-tightening the tie down sutures. A suture material located in the suture groove is tensioned to apply a radial compressive force. The reinforcing structure spreads the radial compressive force along a greater surface area of the therapy delivery element. | 12-27-2012 |
20130053864 | LEAD BODY WITH INNER AND OUTER CO-AXIAL COILS - A biomedical conductor assembly adapted for at least partial insertion in a living body. The conductor assembly includes a plurality of the first electrical conductors each covered with an insulator and helically wound in a first direction to form an inner coil with a lumen. A plurality of second electrical conductors each including a plurality of un-insulated wires twisted in a ropelike configuration around a central axis to form a plurality of cables. Each cable is covered with an insulator and helically wound in a second opposite direction forming an outer coil in direct physical contact with the inner coil. The inner and outer coils are covered by an insulator. A method of making the conductor assembly and implanting a neurostimulation system is also disclosed. | 02-28-2013 |
20130053927 | LEAD IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM - A lead identification system for tracking a plurality of neurostimulation leads during implantation in a patient, and a method of using the same. The lead identification system includes a plurality of lead indicators each adapted to attach to one of a plurality of epidural needles to identify the leads. At least one clip adapted to releasably attach to proximal ends of the leads is provided with corresponding lead indicators. The trial cable for conducting trial stimulation includes connectors with corresponding lead indicators. A plurality of lead indicator stylets are provided for insertion into lumens at the proximal ends of the leads. The pulse generator also has connectors with corresponding lead indicators. The various lead indicators permit a surgeon to track a particular lead to the corresponding connectors on the pulse generator. | 02-28-2013 |
20140107744 | DIRECTIONAL LEAD ASSEMBLY - Leads having directional electrodes thereon. Also provided are leads having directional electrodes as well as anchoring prongs to secure the electrodes to the leads. Also provided are leads with directional electrodes where all the electrodes have the same surface area. Methods of treating conditions and selectively stimulating regions of the brain such as the thalamus and cerebellum are also provided. | 04-17-2014 |
20140243945 | BURR HOLE PLUG DESIGNS - The burr hole plug comprises a plug base configured for being mounted around a burr hole, and having an aperture through which an elongated medical device exiting the burr hole may pass. The burr hole plug further comprises a retainer configured for being mounted within the plug base aperture. The retainer includes a retainer support, a slot formed in the retainer support for receiving the medical device, and a clamping mechanism having a clamping bar and a flange slidably engaged with the retainer support to laterally slide the clamping bar to secure the medical device. A method comprises introducing the medical device through the burr hole, mounting the plug base around the burr hole, mounting the retainer within the plug base aperture, receiving the medical device into the slot, and sliding the slidable flange relative to the retainer support to laterally slide to secure the medical device. | 08-28-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120330355 | MULTI-DUROMETER REINFORCED SUTURE SLEEVE - A suture anchor for securing a therapy delivery element in a desired location within a living body using a suture material. The suture anchor includes an inner sleeve with a primary lumen sized to receive the therapy delivery element. The inner sleeve includes a compliant material having a first durometer. An anchor body extends around at least a portion of the inner sleeve and includes a portion of the primary lumen. The anchor body includes a compliant material having a second durometer less than the first durometer. At least one exterior suture groove is located on the anchor body to receive the suture material. The exterior suture groove extends substantially to the inner sleeve so the suture material engages directly with the inner sleeve. | 12-27-2012 |
20140005599 | DYNAMIC COIL FOR IMPLANTABLE STIMULATION LEADS | 01-02-2014 |
20140005675 | LEAD POSITIONING AND FINNED FIXATION SYSTEM | 01-02-2014 |
20140005754 | BRAIDED LEAD WITH EMBEDDED FIXATION STRUCTURES | 01-02-2014 |
20140046413 | LEAD POSITIONING AND FIXATION SYSTEM - A therapy assembly configured for at least partial insertion in a living body. A plurality of fixation structures are disposed radially around the therapy delivery element proximate the electrodes. The fixation structures include wires having a diameter in a range between about 0.004 inches and about 0.020 inches. The wires have a first end attached to the therapy delivery element and a second end attached to a sliding member configured to slide along the therapy delivery element. The fixation structures are configured to collapse inward to a collapsed configuration when inserted into a lumen of an introducer and to deploy to a deployed configuration when the introducer is retracted. A fitting is located at proximal end of the introducer that releasably locks the therapy delivery element to the introducer, such that torque applied to the fitting is substantially transmitted to the distal end of the therapy assembly. | 02-13-2014 |
20140046414 | LEAD WITH BRAIDED REINFORCEMENT - A therapy delivery element configured for at least partial insertion in a living body. A braided structure surrounds the conductor assembly. A distal end of the braided structure is attached to an electrode assembly and a free floating proximal end is located near a connector assembly. An outer tubing surrounds the braided structure. The outer tubing includes a proximal end attached to the connector assembly and a distal end attached to the braided structure near the electrode assembly. A proximal tension force applied to the connector assembly acts substantially on the outer tubing and the conductor assembly and a proximal tension force applied to the free floating proximal end acts substantially on the braided structure. | 02-13-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080262491 | Tuna Device with Integrated Saline Reservoir - Methods and apparatus for ablating a target tissue are discussed. Such methods and apparatus include those that simplify tissue ablation. For example, a tissue ablation device having an actuator, such as a trigger mechanism, coupled to a power source and an electrode is discussed. A single step of engaging the actuator causes the electrode to be introduced into the target tissue and causes energy to be delivered from the power supply to the tissue via the electrode. Devices that include an electrode actuator for causing the electrode to be introduced into the target tissue and a fluid actuator for causing the fluid to flow to the target tissue are also discussed. Methods of causing the electrode to be introduced into the target tissue and fluid to flow to the target tissue with a single step and more than one step are also discussed. | 10-23-2008 |
20090005844 | PERCUTANEOUS ELECTRODE ARRAY AND SYSTEM - Lead devices and methods for neurostimulation are described. Some of the neurostimulation leads provided have multiple, distal region electrode contacts arranged in an array capable of providing steerable spinal cord stimulation. In one use, a collapsed introducer sheath is disposed over a dilator and advanced to a spinal cord target site through a 14-gauge needle into the epidural space. The dilator is removed and the introducer is expanded to its full width. A neurological lead according to the present invention advanced through the introducer to near the target site and the introducer removed. The lead is wider than it is high and has a row of lower electrodes flanked by right and left side electrodes in groups of three. The lower electrodes serve as cathodes and the right and left electrodes are return anodes. | 01-01-2009 |
20090326626 | STIMULATION LEAD DESIGN AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - The invention is an implantable electrical stimulation lead for chronic or long term use that has an improved electrical connection between the electrode and conductor. This is accomplished through the use of metal coils embedded in the sidewall of the lead body. A wire conductor providing electrical continuity from a proximal electrode to a distal electrode has a protruding portion extending through the sidewall. This protruding portion can reside adjacent to either a proximal or a distal electrode. In any event, the protruding portion of the lire is captured underneath a ring electrode that is physically deformed into direct contact with the metal of the wire, preferably by swaging. This serve to make electrical conductivity between the wire and the electrode with the embedded coil serving a s support during the swaging process. | 12-31-2009 |
20100035453 | AXIAL LEAD CONNECTOR FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - The disclosure describes an axial lead connector assembly for an implantable medical device (IMD). The lead connector assembly facilitates electrical connection between an implantable medical lead and circuitry contained within the housing of an IMD. A connector header defines an axial stack bore to receive an axial stack of in-line connector components. The connector components define a common lead bore to receive a proximal end of an implantable lead. The in-line stack of connector components may include seals, electrical connector elements, a strain relief, and a locking device, each of which defines a passage that forms part of the lead bore. | 02-11-2010 |
20100114281 | MRI CONDITIONALLY SAFE LEAD EXTENSION AND METHODS - Lead extensions, systems, and methods providing MRI compatible deep brain stimulation (DBS) and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) systems are described. Lead extensions are provided having band stop filters (BSFs) which resonate at a frequency expected from MRI systems to create a very high impedance which can effectively decouple the implanted lead from the lead extension proximal of the BSF and change the effective length. Changing the effective length can reduce the likelihood of undesirably heating tissue near the DBS/SCS electrodes during MRI. Some lead extensions include BSFs in a distal connector for coupling to the lead contacts. The BSFs can be included within a burr hole cap base which can also include a connector for connecting to the DBS lead. DBS and SCS leads having a sacrificial proximal portion and intermediate electrical contacts are also provided. | 05-06-2010 |
20100217347 | NEUROSTIMULATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF PULMONARY DISORDERS - Uses of a neurostimulator to treat various conditions including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and allergies is described. A neurostimulator may be used to modulate neural impulses into and out of the target organs, in this case the bronchi and other airway structures. Stimulation can be used to cause airway dilation and also to inhibit airway constriction. | 08-26-2010 |
20110071358 | Fiber Optic Assisted Medical Lead - A medical device for placing a medical lead in the human body using minimally invasive techniques is described. One lead includes a lead body connected to a lead head having an aperture for providing fiber optic access to the interior of a helical electrode. The fiber optic shaft may be disposed within or along-side a drive shaft releasably coupled to the head to rotate the head. The drive shaft and lead body may be delivered using a delivery catheter. The delivery catheter can be advanced though a small incision to the target tissue site, and the site remotely visualized through the fiber optic scope extending through the lead head aperture. Some catheters include a distal mapping electrode readable from the catheter proximal portion or handle. The lead head can be rotated, rotating the helical electrode into the tissue, and the catheter, drive shaft, and fiber optic probe removed. In one use, epicardial pacing leads are placed on the posterior surface of the heart, aided by visualization and mapping to obtain optimal electrode placement and patient outcome. | 03-24-2011 |
20140350655 | LEAD IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM - In some examples, a lead identification system includes a first set of first lead indicators and a second set of second lead indicators. Each of the first lead indicators is configured to removably attach to at least one of a first therapy delivery element, a first epidural needle, or a first connector to uniquely identify at least one of the first therapy delivery element, the first epidural needle, or the first connector during implantation of the first therapy delivery element in the patient. Each of the second lead indicators is configured to removably attach to at least one of a second therapy delivery element, a second epidural needle, or a second connector to uniquely identify at least one of the second therapy delivery element, the second epidural needle, or the second connector during implantation of the second therapy delivery element in the patient. | 11-27-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140012357 | IMPLANTABLE LEAD WITH BRAIDED CONDUCTORS - In some examples, an extension includes a connector adapted to electrically couple to a proximal end of the therapy delivery element. An elongated extension body is attached to the connector. The elongated extension body includes a stylet coil having a stylet coil lumen. The stylet coil extends within the elongated extension body to the connector. A conductor assembly includes a plurality of insulated electrical conductors braided to extend around the stylet coil and electrically coupled to the connector. The conductor assembly includes an inner lumen with a diameter greater than an outside diameter of the stylet coil, wherein axial elongated of the elongated extension body reduces the inner diameter of the conductor assembly. A low durometer insulator extends around the conductor assembly. A stylet is sized to slide freely within the stylet coil lumen during implantation of the extension in the living body. | 01-09-2014 |
20140018895 | LEAD BODY WITH INNER AND OUTER CO-AXIAL COILS - A biomedical conductor assembly adapted for at least partial insertion in a living body. The conductor assembly includes a plurality of the first electrical conductors each covered with an insulator and helically wound in a first direction to form an inner coil with a lumen. A plurality of second electrical conductors each including a plurality of un-insulated wires twisted in a ropelike configuration around a central axis to form a plurality of cables. Each cable is covered with an insulator and helically wound in a second opposite direction forming an outer coil in direct physical contact with the inner coil. The inner and outer coils are covered by an insulator. A method of making the conductor assembly and implanting a neurostimulation system is also disclosed. | 01-16-2014 |
20140031909 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE METHODS FOR IMPLANTING A SACRAL STIMULATION LEAD - Methods and apparatus for implanting a neural stimulation lead in a patient's body are described. A lead assembly comprises a pointed-tip stylet, a stimulation lead, and an optional tube to deploy a fixation element attached to the lead. One embodiment of the implant methods starts with inserting the pointed-tip lead assembly directly into tissue. After the desired implant position is determined, the pointed-tip component is separated from the stimulation lead and removed from the tissue, leaving the stimulation lead implanted. After confirmation that the stimulation lead is in the right, tissue location, the pointed-tip component is removed from the body, leaving the stimulation lead in place. The stimulation lead can be connected to a neurostimulator to delivery therapies to treat neural disorders, such as urinary control disorders, fecal control disorders, sexual, dysfunction, and pelvic pain, etc. | 01-30-2014 |
20140046163 | FIBER OPTIC ASSISTED MEDICAL LEAD - A medical device for placing a medical lead in the human body using minimally invasive techniques is described. One lead includes a lead body connected to a lead head having an aperture for providing fiber optic access to the interior of a helical electrode. The fiber optic shaft may be disposed within or along-side a drive shaft releasably coupled to the lead head to rotate the head. The drive shaft and lead body may be delivered using a delivery catheter. The delivery catheter can be advanced though a small incision to the target tissue site, and the site remotely visualized through the fiber optic scope extending through the lead head aperture. The lead head can be rotated, rotating the helical electrode into the tissue, and the catheter, drive shaft, and fiber optic probe removed. | 02-13-2014 |
20140068936 | LEAD WITH BRAIDED REINFORCEMENT - A therapy delivery element configured for at least partial insertion in a living body. A braided structure surrounds the conductor assembly. A distal end of the braided structure is attached to an electrode assembly and a free floating proximal end is located near a connector assembly. An outer tubing surrounds the braided structure. The outer tubing includes a proximal end attached to the connector assembly and a distal end attached to the braided structure near the electrode assembly. A proximal tension force applied to the connector assembly acts substantially on the outer tubing and the conductor assembly and a proximal tension force applied to the free floating proximal end acts substantially on the braided structure. | 03-13-2014 |
20140081365 | MULTI-DUROMETER REINFORCED SUTURE SLEEVE - Suture anchors for securing therapy delivery elements, such as stimulation leads or catheters, within a living body. The suture anchor includes an inner sleeve constructed with an inner layer of a softer, more pliable material that easily conforms to the therapy delivery element to reduce slippage and an outer layer constructed from a harder, stiffer durometer material that protects the therapy delivery elements from damage due to over-tightening the tie down sutures. A suture material located in the suture groove is tensioned to apply a radial compressive force. The reinforcing structure spreads the radial compressive force along a greater surface area of the therapy delivery element. | 03-20-2014 |
20140137403 | TEMPORARY STIMULATION LEAD WITH POLYMER ELECTRODES AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - A temporary medical lead in which stimulating electrical energy is transmitted to body tissue through the lead electrodes via ionic conduction within the hydrogel material is described. The hydrophilic hydrogel material consists of a porous structure into which conductive salt ions are diffused. In addition the structure of the hydrogel material can be loaded with a single or combination of therapeutic drugs which is elutable from the electrode. | 05-22-2014 |
20140148851 | MULTI-DUROMETER REINFORCED SUTURE SLEEVE - A suture anchor for securing a therapy delivery element in a desired location within a living body using a suture material. The suture anchor includes an inner sleeve with a primary lumen sized to receive the therapy delivery element. The inner sleeve includes a compliant material having a first durometer. An anchor body extends around at least a portion of the inner sleeve and includes a portion of the primary lumen. The anchor body includes a compliant material having a second durometer less than the first durometer. At least one exterior suture groove is located on the anchor body to receive the suture material. The exterior suture groove extends substantially to the inner sleeve so the suture material engages directly with the inner sleeve. | 05-29-2014 |
20140324144 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE METHODS FOR IMPLANTING A SACRAL STIMULATION LEAD - Methods and apparatus for implanting a neural stimulation lead in a patient's body are described. A lead assembly comprises a pointed-tip stylet, a stimulation lead, and an optional tube to deploy a fixation element attached to the lead. One embodiment of the implant methods starts with inserting the pointed-tip lead assembly directly into tissue. After the desired implant position is determined, the pointed-tip component is separated from the stimulation lead and removed from the tissue, leaving the stimulation lead implanted. After confirmation that the stimulation lead is in the right tissue location, the pointed-tip component is removed from the body, leaving the stimulation lead in place. The stimulation lead can be connected to a neurostimulator to delivery therapies to treat neural disorders, such as urinary control disorders, fecal control disorders, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain, etc. | 10-30-2014 |