公开(公告)号：US07571001B2

公开(公告)日：2009-08-04

申请号：US11829742

申请日：2007-07-27

Applicant: James R. Thacker ,  John D.H. King ,  Kerry Bradley

Inventor： James R. Thacker ,  John D.H. King ,  Kerry Bradley

IPC: A61N1/18

CPC classification number: A61N1/36071 ,  A61N1/0551

Abstract: A system and method for rapidly switching stimulation parameters of a Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) system increases the number of stimulation parameter sets that may be tested during a fitting procedure, or alternatively, reduces the time required for the fitting procedure. The switching method comprises selecting a new stimulation parameter set, and setting the initial stimulation levels to levels at or just below an estimated perception threshold of the patient. The estimated perception level is based on previous stimulation results. The stimulation level is then increased to determine a minimum stimulation level for effective stimulation, and/or an optimal stimulation level, and/or a maximum stimulation level, based on patient perception.

Abstract translation: 用于快速切换脊髓刺激（SCS）系统的刺激参数的系统和方法增加了在拟合过程期间可以测试的刺激参数集的数量，或者替代地减少了拟合过程所需的时间。 切换方法包括选择新的刺激参数集合，以及将初始刺激水平设置为等于或低于估计的患者感知阈值的水平。 估计的感知水平是基于以前的刺激结果。 然后根据患者的感知，增加刺激水平以确定有效刺激的最小刺激水平和/或最佳刺激水平和/或最大刺激水平。

公开(公告)号：US07308303B2

公开(公告)日：2007-12-11

申请号：US10285803

申请日：2002-11-01

Applicant: Todd K Whitehurst ,  Kelly H McClure ,  James R Thacker

Inventor： Todd K Whitehurst ,  Kelly H McClure ,  James R Thacker

IPC: A61N1/00 ,  A61M5/00

CPC classification number: A61M5/14276 ,  A61M2205/3507 ,  A61M2205/3523 ,  A61M2205/8243 ,  A61M2230/04 ,  A61M2230/205 ,  A61M2230/30 ,  A61N1/362 ,  A61M2230/005

Abstract: Thrombolytic and/or anticoagulation therapy of the present invention includes implantation of the discharge portion(s) of a catheter and, optionally, one or more electrodes on a lead, adjacent tissue(s) to be stimulated. Stimulation pulses, i.e., drug infusion pulses and optional electrical pulses, are supplied by a stimulator implanted remotely, and through the catheter or lead, which is tunneled subcutaneously between the stimulator and stimulation site. Stimulation sites include the coronary arteries, coronary veins, cerebral arteries, other blood vessels, chambers of the heart, mesenteric vessels, deep vessels of the leg, and other locations. Disclosed treatments include drugs used for chronic treatment and/or prevention of thromboembolic disease, for acute treatment of thromboembolic disease, for acute treatment of thrombosis, and combinations of these. The invention reduces or eliminates the incidence of thromboembolic disease and related morbidities, improve symptoms resulting from thromboembolic disease, and improve patient quality of life.

Abstract translation: 本发明的血栓溶解和/或抗凝治疗包括将导管的放电部分和可选的一个或多个电极植入在待刺激的邻近组织上。 刺激脉冲，即药物输注脉冲和可选的电脉冲由远程植入的刺激器，以及通过在刺激器和刺激部位之间皮下隧穿的导管或引线提供。 刺激部位包括冠状动脉，冠状动脉，脑动脉，其他血管，心脏腔，肠系膜血管，腿部深血管等位置。 公开的治疗包括用于慢性治疗和/或预防血栓栓塞性疾病，用于急性治疗血栓栓塞症，用于急性治疗血栓形成的药物及其组合的药物。 本发明减少或消除了血栓栓塞性疾病和相关疾病的发生，改善了血栓栓塞性疾病引起的症状，并改善了患者的生活质量。

公开(公告)号：US5438987A

公开(公告)日：1995-08-08

申请号：US68454

申请日：1993-05-28

Applicant: James R. Thacker ,  Alvin H. Weinberg ,  Shahram Moaddeb

Inventor： James R. Thacker ,  Alvin H. Weinberg ,  Shahram Moaddeb

IPC: A61B5/145 ,  A61B5/1459 ,  A61N1/05 ,  A61N1/365 ,  A61N1/37 ,  H01R43/00 ,  A61B5/0205

CPC classification number: A61N1/056 ,  A61N1/36557 ,  A61N1/3702 ,  Y10T29/49117

Abstract: The present invention includes a body implantable lead having a multipolar proximal connector, at least a first conductor coupled to at least one stimulating electrode, a sensor for sensing at least one physiologic parameter of the body, and a second and a third conductor coupled to the sensor. The sensor is hermetically sealed in a D-shaped housing. Sensor components are mounted onto a microelectronic substrate which is advantageously placed on an inner flat portion of the D-shaped housing. End caps having sealing rings, either glass frit or metal, are used to seal the ends of the shell. A hermetic seal is easily achieved by heating the sealing material until they re-flow between the end caps and the shell. Advantageously, the sensor terminals are sized to fit snugly within a narrow bore of the end cap which is then circumferentially welded closed. The D-shaped sensor is placed on a carrier having at least two lumens. At least the first and second conductors pass through the lumens for connection with the stimulating electrode and the distal end of the sensor. Advantageously, the D-shaped housing reduces the area that needs to be hermetically sealed by more than half, and thus reduces the overall diameter of the lead. Advantageously, the conductors coupled to the sensor function independently from the stimulation conductors so that interference with basic operation of the pacemaker is prevented.

Abstract translation: 本发明包括具有多极近端连接器的主体可植入引线，至少一个耦合到至少一个刺激电极的第一导体，用于感测身体的至少一个生理参数的传感器，以及耦合到该主体的第二和第三导体 传感器。 传感器密封在D形外壳中。 传感器组件安装在有利地放置在D形壳体的内部平坦部分上的微电子衬底上。 用密封环（玻璃料或金属）的端盖用于密封外壳的端部。 通过加热密封材料直到它们在端盖和壳体之间再流动，容易实现气密密封。 有利地，传感器端子的尺寸设计成紧密地配合在端盖的窄孔内，然后圆形焊接封闭。 D形传感器放置在具有至少两个流明的载体上。 至少第一和第二导体穿过腔以便与刺激电极和传感器的远端连接。 有利地，D形壳体将需要被密封的面积减少一半以上，从而减小了导线的总直径。 有利地，耦合到传感器的导体独立于刺激导体起作用，从而防止对起搏器的基本操作的干扰。

公开(公告)号：US5176138A

公开(公告)日：1993-01-05

申请号：US672810

申请日：1991-03-21

Applicant: James R. Thacker

Inventor： James R. Thacker

IPC: A61N1/365

CPC classification number: A61N1/36557

Abstract: An implantable programmable pacemaker includes a sensor for measuring SO.sub.2 levels in blood on a periodic basis, e.g., every 15 seconds, while the pacemaker is operating in its programmed mode of operation. The energy of stimulation pulses generated by the pacemaker is automatically adjusted, as required, in order to maintain a prescribed level of SO.sub.2 in the blood. At least a minimum level of SO.sub.2 is presumed when the stimulation pulses are of sufficient energy to effectuate capture. Hence, the SO.sub.2 level is monitored to provide an indication of whether capture has been lost, and if so, to increase the stimulation energy. In one embodiment, the stimulation energy is increased by first increasing the pulse width of the stimulation pulse a prescribed amount. After the pulse width has been increased a maximum amount, and if capture is still lost, the stimulation energy is further increased by increasing the pulse amplitude a prescribed amount. After the pulse amplitude has been increased a maximum amount, and if capture is still lost, the operating mode of the pacemaker is changed, and the stimulation energy is reset to an appropriate value.

公开(公告)号：US09192760B2

公开(公告)日：2015-11-24

申请号：US12856905

申请日：2010-08-16

Applicant: Kerry Bradley ,  James R. Thacker ,  Michael A. Moffitt

Inventor： Kerry Bradley ,  James R. Thacker ,  Michael A. Moffitt

IPC: A61N1/00 ,  A61N1/08 ,  A61N1/05 ,  A61B5/053

CPC classification number: A61N1/08 ,  A61B5/053 ,  A61N1/0551 ,  A61N1/3605 ,  A61N1/37247

Abstract: A method for determining whether the relative position of electrodes used by a neurostimulation system has changed within a patient comprises determining the amplitude of a field potential at each of at least one of the electrodes, determining if a change in each of the determined electric field amplitudes has occurred, and analyzing the change in each of the determined electric field amplitudes to determine whether a change in the relative position of the electrodes has occurred. Another method comprises measuring a first monopolar impedance between a first electrode and a reference electrode, measuring a second monopolar impedance between second electrode and the reference electrode, measuring a bipolar impedance between the first and second electrodes, and estimating an amplitude of a field potential at the second electrode based on the first and second monopolar impedances and the bipolar impedance.

Abstract translation: 一种用于确定神经刺激系统使用的电极的相对位置是否在患者内已经改变的方法包括确定每个电极中的每个电极处的场电位的幅度，确定每个确定的电场幅度是否发生变化 并且分析每个确定的电场幅度的变化，以确定是否发生了电极的相对位置的变化。 另一种方法包括测量第一电极和参考电极之间的第一单极阻抗，测量第二电极和参考电极之间的第二单极阻抗，测量第一和第二电极之间的双极性阻抗，以及估计第一和第二电极之间的场电位的振幅 基于第一和第二单极阻抗的第二电极和双极性阻抗。

公开(公告)号：US08918174B2

公开(公告)日：2014-12-23

申请号：US11625281

申请日：2007-01-19

Applicant: Carla Mann Woods ,  James R. Thacker ,  David K. L. Peterson

Inventor： Carla Mann Woods ,  James R. Thacker ,  David K. L. Peterson

IPC: A61N1/378 ,  A61N1/05 ,  A61N1/36 ,  A61N1/372

CPC classification number: A61N1/36071 ,  A61N1/0551 ,  A61N1/0553 ,  A61N1/36185 ,  A61N1/37235 ,  A61N1/37241 ,  A61N1/37247 ,  A61N1/37252 ,  A61N1/3787

Abstract: An implantable medical device system, external programmer, and method of indicating the status of a power source in a medical device implanted within a patient. An actual status of the power source is maintained at the medical device. A status indicator of an external programmer indicates an estimated status of the power source, which can be reconciled with the actual status of the power source when the external programmer is placed in telecommunicative contact with the implantable medical device.

Abstract translation: 一种植入式医疗装置系统，外部编程器和指示植入患者体内的医疗装置中的电源的状态的方法。 在医疗设备上保持电源的实际状态。 外部编程器的状态指示器指示当外部编程器与可植入医疗设备进行电话接触时可以与电源的实际状态对准的电源的估计状态。

公开(公告)号：US08805519B2

公开(公告)日：2014-08-12

申请号：US12895438

申请日：2010-09-30

Applicant: Jon Parker ,  James R. Thacker

Inventor： Jon Parker ,  James R. Thacker

IPC: A61N1/00 ,  A61N1/36 ,  A61B5/053

CPC classification number: A61N1/36142 ,  A61B5/0538 ,  A61N1/0551 ,  A61N1/08 ,  A61N1/36071

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting intrathecal penetration are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment includes detecting a value corresponding to an impedance of an electrical circuit that in turn includes an electrical contact located within the patient, and patient tissue adjacent to the electrical contact. The method further includes comparing the detected value to a predetermined criterion, and, if the detected value meets the predetermined criterion, identifying penetration of the patient's dura based at least in part on the detected value.

Abstract translation: 公开了用于检测鞘内渗透的系统和方法。 根据一个实施例的方法包括检测对应于电路的阻抗的值，该电阻的阻抗又包括位于患者体内的电触点以及与电触点相邻的患者组织。 该方法还包括将检测值与预定标准进行比较，并且如果检测值符合预定标准，则至少部分地基于检测值来识别患者硬脑膜的穿透。

公开(公告)号：US08682447B2

公开(公告)日：2014-03-25

申请号：US11343007

申请日：2006-01-30

Applicant: Kerry Bradley ,  James R. Thacker

Inventor： Kerry Bradley ,  James R. Thacker

IPC: A61N1/00

CPC classification number: A61N1/08 ,  A61B5/053 ,  A61N1/0551

Abstract: Interelectrode impedance or electric field potential measurements are used to determine the relative orientation of one lead to other leads in the spinal column or other body/tissue location. Interelectrode impedance is determined by measuring impedance vectors. The value of the impedance vector is due primarily to the electrode-electrolyte interface, and the bulk impedance between the electrodes. The bulk impedance between the electrodes is, in turn, made up of (1) the impedance of the tissue adjacent to the electrodes, and (2) the impedance of the tissue between the electrodes. In one embodiment, the present invention makes both monopolar and bipolar impedance measurements, and then corrects the bipolar impedance measurements using the monopolar measurements to eliminate the effect of the impedance of the tissue adjacent the electrodes. The orientation and position of the leads may be inferred from the relative minima of the corrected bipolar impedance values. These corrected impedance values may also be mapped and stored to facilitate a comparison with subsequent corrected impedance measurement values.

Abstract translation: 使用内电极阻抗或电场电位测量来确定一个引线与脊柱或其他身体/组织位置中的其它引线的相对取向。 内部电阻阻抗通过测量阻抗矢量来确定。 阻抗矢量的值主要是由于电极 - 电解质界面和电极之间的体阻抗。 电极之间的体阻抗又由（1）与电极相邻的组织的阻抗，和（2）电极之间的组织的阻抗构成。 在一个实施例中，本发明进行单极性和双极性阻抗测量，然后使用单极测量来校正双极性阻抗测量，以消除邻近电极的组织的阻抗的影响。 引线的取向和位置可以从校正的双极性阻抗值的相对最小值推断。 这些校正的阻抗值也可以被映射和存储，以便于与随后校正的阻抗测量值进行比较。

公开(公告)号：US08295945B1

公开(公告)日：2012-10-23

申请号：US11464109

申请日：2006-08-11

Applicant: James R. Thacker ,  Michael S Colvin ,  David K. L. Peterson ,  James P. McGivern

Inventor： James R. Thacker ,  Michael S Colvin ,  David K. L. Peterson ,  James P. McGivern

IPC: A61N1/05

CPC classification number: A61N1/0558 ,  A61M25/1002 ,  A61M25/1011

Abstract: An implantable lead having at least one electrode contact at or near its distal end prevents undesirable movement of the electrode contact from its initial implant location. One embodiment relates to a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) lead. A first injectable material is injected into the dura space to mechanically position the electrode array with respect to the spinal cord. Conjunctively for use with adhesives, or alternatively for use instead of the adhesives, a balloon may be positioned on the electrode lead array. The balloon is filled with air, liquid or a compliant material. When inflated, the balloon stabilizes the lead with respect to the spinal cord and holds the lead in place. An elastic aspect of the balloon serves as an internal contained relief valve to limit the pressure the balloon may place on the surrounding tissues when the epidural space is constrained.

Abstract translation: 具有在其远端处或其远端处具有至少一个电极接触的可植入引线防止电极接触件从其初始植入位置的不期望的移动。 一个实施方案涉及脊髓刺激（SCS）引线。 将第一可注射材料注入硬脑膜空间以相对于脊髓机械地定位电极阵列。 结合使用粘合剂，或代替粘合剂代替使用，球囊可以位于电极引线阵列上。 气球充满空气，液体或柔顺材料。 当膨胀时，气囊相对于脊髓稳定铅，并将铅保持在适当位置。 气囊的弹性方面用作内部包含的安全阀，以限制当硬膜外腔被约束时球囊可能在周围组织上的压力。

公开(公告)号：US20120209349A1

公开(公告)日：2012-08-16

申请号：US13447050

申请日：2012-04-13

Applicant: Konstantinos Alataris ,  Andre B. Walker ,  Jon Parker ,  Yougandh Chitre ,  Sangsoo Wesley Park ,  James R. Thacker

Inventor： Konstantinos Alataris ,  Andre B. Walker ,  Jon Parker ,  Yougandh Chitre ,  Sangsoo Wesley Park ,  James R. Thacker

IPC: A61N1/34

CPC classification number: A61N1/36071 ,  A61N1/0551 ,  A61N1/0553 ,  A61N1/06 ,  A61N1/36021 ,  A61N1/3605 ,  A61N1/36157 ,  A61N1/36164 ,  A61N1/36167 ,  A61N1/36171 ,  A61N1/36175 ,  A61N1/36182 ,  A61N1/37235 ,  A61N1/37241 ,  A61N1/37247 ,  A61N1/37264 ,  A61N1/3787

Abstract: Selective high-frequency spinal chord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side affects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal chord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side affects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications.