Vanderbilt University

University of Alberta

Lockheed Martin Company

Peter E Konrad

Anita Mahadevan-Jansen

E Duco Jansen

Changquing C Kao

J Michael Fitzpatrick

Jonathon D Wells

Robert F Labadie

Benoit M Dawant

Changqing Kao

Charles A Lemaire

Mark P Bendett

James Stocker Webb

Vivian Mushahwar

David Charles

Mallory Hacker

Dirk Everaert

Mykyta Chernov

Austin R Duke

Gilbert G Humbert, Jr

Pierre-Francois Dominique D'Haese

Jonathan Cayce

Karthikeyan Mariappan

Robert Friedman

Amirali Toossi

Anna Roe

The present disclosure relates to the treatment of patients with Parkinson's Disease using subthalmic nucleus deep brain stimulation to a specific region of the brain. By positioning the electrode in the margin of the dorsal-lateral and anterior region of the subthalamic nucleus, improved benefits are obtained.

Deep brain stimulation in early stage Parkinson's

A stereotactic system for positioning a device relative to a spine includes a first frame with an attached first pedicle screw, a second frame with an attached second pedicle screw, and a platform for mounting the device. The lower parts of the frames are horizontally spaced apart, and attachable to the spine by the pedicle screws. The platform is attached to the upper parts of the frames and supported by the frames above the spine. The platform is slidably attached to the upper parts of the frames to adjust a longitudinal position of the platform relative to the frames. The platform is pivotally attached to the upper parts of the frame to adjust a horizontal distance between the lower parts of the frames, while maintaining a constant orientation of the platform.

Spine-mounted stereotactic systems and related methods

Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method of applying infrared neural stimulation (INS) to the central nervous system (CNS) of a target. The methods includes applying a pulsed infrared laser at a stimulation site in the CNS; and evoking responses from a region of interest of the CNS that is at or adjacent to the stimulation site by the pulsed infrared laser. In the method, the pulsed infrared laser penetrates a predetermined penetration depth of the stimulation site. Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an apparatus for applying INS to the CNS of a target. The apparatus includes a generator generating a pulsed infrared laser, which penetrates a predetermined penetration depth of a stimulation site to evoke a response from the CNS, and an optical medium adapted for delivering the pulsed infrared laser at the stimulation site of the CNS.

Method and apparatus of pulsed infrared light for central nervous system neurons

The present invention, in one aspect, relates to a system for stimulating neural tissue of a living subject. The system comprises an energy source capable of generating optical energy, a connector having a first end and a second end capable of transmitting optical energy, and a probe operably coupled to the second end of the connector and having an end portion for delivering optical energy to a target neural tissue. In one embodiment, the energy source comprises a tunable laser.

System and methods for optical stimulation of neural tissues

An apparatus and method for stimulating animal tissue (for example to trigger a nerve action potential (NAP) signal in a human patient) by application of both electrical and optical signals for treatment and diagnosis purposes. The application of an electrical signal before or simultaneously to the application of a NAP-triggering optical signal allows the use of a lower amount of optical power or energy than would otherwise be needed if an optical signal alone was used for the same purpose and effectiveness. The application of the electrical signal may precondition the nerve tissue such that a lower-power optical signal can be used to trigger the desired NAP, which otherwise would take a higher-power optical signal were the electric signal not applied. Some embodiments include an implanted nerve interface having a plurality of closely spaced electrodes placed transversely and/or longitudinally to the nerve and a plurality of optical emitters.

Method and nerve stimulator using simultaneous electrical and optical signals

In one aspect, an apparatus for supporting an adjustable surgical platform is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a supporting platform portion with a body portion that defines bore along a central axis. Arm portions with engaging means extend radially from the supporting platform portion. The apparatus also includes a shaft portion extending from the supporting platform portion in a first direction, with a shaft body portion that defines a bore along a longitudinal axis B. The bore of the shaft body portion is in communication with the bore of the supporting platform portion. The apparatus further includes a base portion connected to the shaft portion, and that defines a bore in communication with the bore of the shaft portion and the bore of the supporting platform portion. Mounting means are configured to secure the base portion to a region of interest of a living subject.

Apparatus for supporting an adjustable surgical platform

Described herein is a cranial surgery drill bit having a safety self stopping mechanism for use on bone material to prevent or repair skin erosion and infection which may result from the placement of a cap for holding the lead from Deep Brain Stimulation surgery. The surgical procedure of attaching a lead holding cap onto the bone material of a skull requires an attachment which results in no movement of the lead. Accordingly, counter boring the skull surrounding a pre-existing perforation bore so that the cap is not significantly above the surface of the skull is a technique which allows the cap user to brush hair, etc., without disrupting the attachment and placement of the lead.

Flat cut bit for cranial perforator

A method for programming a deep brain stimulator implanted in a target region of a brain of a living subject. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of creating an efficacy atlas; acquiring a position of each electrode contact of the at least one electrode; mapping the acquired position of each electrode contact of the at least one electrode onto a corresponding position in the efficacy atlas so as to determine the efficacy of stimulation at the acquired position; and selecting one or more electrode contacts having the highest efficacy for stimulation.

System and methods of deep brain stimulation for post-operation patients

A surgical platform usable for performing a surgical procedure. In one embodiment, the surgical platform comprises a base portion configured to receive at least one probe; a plurality of adjustable legs configured to support the base portion, each adjustable legs having a first end portion and an opposite, second end potion defining a length therebetween; and at least one movable portion configured to adjust the length of at least one adjustable leg.

Adjustable universal surgical platform

A method of optimal placement of a deep brain stimulator in a targeted region of a brain of a living subject for optimal deep brain stimulation. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of nonmanually selecting an initial optimal position from, refining the nonmanually selected initial optimal position to determine a final position, and placing the deep brain stimulator at the final position in the targeted region of the brain of the living subject.

Apparatus and methods of optimal placement of deep brain stimulator

The present invention provides methods of directly stimulating neural tissue with optical energy. By stimulating neural tissue at wavelengths, laser pulses, and spot sizes disclosed herein, nerve stimulation may be used to uniquely stimulate neural tissue in way not afforded by other means of stimulation. It can allow basic scientists to study the properties of individual neurons or populations of neurons without piercing tissue with fragile microelectrodes. Furthermore, responses of neural tissue can be studied in a pure fashion without contamination by electrical artifact commonly seen with electrical stimulation. With respect to clinical uses, optical stimulation can be used to map function in subsections of peripheral nerves as an aid to operative repair. Finally, stimulation with optical energy does not require physical contact with the nerve which may be an advantage clinically when physical manipulation of neural tissue is not desired.

Growing community of inventors

Old Hickory, TN, United States of America

Peter E Konrad