Warren M Grill

US Patent:

6836684, Dec 28, 2004

Filed:

Jul 30, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/830666

Inventors:

Nico J. M. Rijkhoff - Aalborg, DK
Thomas Sinkjaer - Gistrup, DK
Saso Jezernik - Zurich, CH
Warren Grill - Cleveland Heights OH

Assignee:

Neurocon ApS - Aalborg O

International Classification:

A61N 108

US Classification:

607 40

Abstract:

A method to control an overactive bladder and to estimate bladder volume using an implanted sensor having at least one nerve electrode to sense electrical signals. The method includes detecting events from nerve signals, generating electrical pulses for stimulating nerves, and stimulating the nerves to inhibit detrusor contraction. Bladder volume may also be estimated based on the amplitude of the detected nerve signals and/or the time between two detected nerve signals from consecutive detrusor contractions.

US Patent:

6907293, Jun 14, 2005

Filed:

Mar 29, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/113828

Inventors:

Warren M. Grill - Cleveland OH, US
Kenneth J. Gustafson - Shaker Heights OH, US
Graham H. Creasey - Shaker Heights OH, US

Assignee:

Case Western Reserve University - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

A61N001/36

US Classification:

607 39, 607 40, 607 41, 607 2

Abstract:

Systems and methods selectively stimulate components of the pudendal nerve away from the sacral root to evoke desired physiologic responses in persons who lack the ability to otherwise produce these responses—e. g. , maintain continence and/or produce micturition, and/or provide male/female sexuality responses, and/or provide bowel responses. The systems and methods use a multiple electrode array, or individual electrodes, placed on, in, or near the pudendal nerve. The electrode array, or individual electrodes, in association with a pulse generator, provide selective stimulation of individual fascicles within the pudendal nerve, to achieve different physiologic responses.

US Patent:

7047078, May 16, 2006

Filed:

Sep 12, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/662055

Inventors:

Brian J. Wenzel - Cave Creek AR, US
Kenneth J. Gustafson - Shaker Heights OH, US
Warren M. Grill - Cleveland OH, US

Assignee:

Case Western Reserve University - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

A61N 1/36

US Classification:

607 41, 607 39, 607 2, 607 66

Abstract:

Systems and methods control physiological functions of the urinary tract using at least one electrode sized and configured to be located on, in, or near a targeted component of the pudendal nerve. The systems and methods apply an electrical signal to the electrode at a selected frequency to stimulate the targeted component. The selected frequency is a first frequency or range of frequencies for achieving a first physiologic response (e. g. , controlling urinary continence) and a second frequency or range of frequencies, different than the first frequency, for achieving a second physiologic response different than the first physiologic response (e. g. , controlling micturition).

US Patent:

7389145, Jun 17, 2008

Filed:

Feb 20, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/468642

Inventors:

Kevin L. Kilgore - North Olmsted OH, US
Warren M. Grill - Cleveland Heights OH, US
Cameron C. McIntyre - Marietta OH, US
John Thomas Mortimer - Chagrin Falls OH, US

Assignee:

Case Western Reserve University - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

A61N 1/34

US Classification:

607 46, 607 74

Abstract:

Systems and methods for blocking nerve impulses use an implanted electrode located on or around a nerve. A specific waveform is used that causes the nerve membrane to become incapable of transmitting an action potential. The membrane is only affected underneath the electrode, and the effect is immediately and completely reversible. The waveform has a low amplitude and can be charge balanced, with a high likelihood of being safe to the nerve for chronic conditions. It is possible to selectively block larger (motor) nerve fibers within a mixed nerve, while allowing sensory information to travel through unaffected nerve fibers.

US Patent:

7571000, Aug 4, 2009

Filed:

Apr 11, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/402036

Inventors:

Brian J. Wenzel - Cave Creek AZ, US
Kenneth J. Gustafson - Shaker Heights OH, US
Warren M. Grill - Cleveland OH, US

Assignee:

Case Western Reserve University - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

A61N 1/36

US Classification:

607 41

Abstract:

Apparatus for control of physiological functions, including physiological functions of the urinary tract, using at least one electrode sized and configured to be located on, in, or near a targeted component of the pudendal nerve, and/or its branch(es), and/or its spinal root(s). The apparatus includes a controller coupled to the electrode to apply an electrical signal having an amplitude to the electrode at a selected frequency to stimulate the targeted component. The controller operates in a first mode to apply a first frequency or range of frequencies without substantially changing the amplitude for achieving a first physiologic response (e. g. , controlling urinary continence) and the controller operates in a second mode to apply a second frequency or range of frequencies, different than the first frequency, for achieving a second physiologic response different than the first physiologic response (e. g. , controlling micturition).

US Patent:

7623925, Nov 24, 2009

Filed:

May 31, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/141457

Inventors:

Warren M Grill - Cleveland OH, US
Kenneth J Gustafson - Shaker Heights OH, US
Graham H Creasey - Shaker Heights OH, US

Assignee:

Case Western Reserve University - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

A61N 1/36

US Classification:

607 41, 607 39, 607 40

Abstract:

Systems and methods selectively stimulate components of the pudendal nerve away from the sacral root to evoke desired physiologic responses in persons who lack the ability to otherwise produce these responses—e. g. , maintain continence and/or produce micturition, and/or provide male/female sexuality responses, and/or provide bowel responses. The systems and methods use a multiple electrode array, or individual electrodes, placed on, in, or near the pudendal nerve. The electrode array, or individual electrodes, in association with a pulse generator, provide selective stimulation of individual fascicles within the pudendal nerve, to achieve different physiologic responses.

US Patent:

8396555, Mar 12, 2013

Filed:

Jun 24, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/490611

Inventors:

Brian J. Wenzel - San Jose CA, US
Kenneth J. Gustafson - Shaker Heights OH, US
Warren M. Grill - Chapel Hill NC, US

Assignee:

Case Western Reserve University - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

A61N 1/36

US Classification:

607 41

Abstract:

Apparatus to control physiological functions, including urinary track physiological functions are described. The apparatus includes an electrode(s) configured to be placed on or in a targeted component of a pudendal nerve and to stimulate the targeted pudendal nerve pudendal. The targeted component of the pudendal nerve includes a pudendal nerve urethral afferent, and afferent nerve fibers in the deep perineal nerve. The apparatus includes a controller coupled to the electrode to apply an electrical signal having an amplitude and a selected frequency chosen to stimulate the targeted component. The controller operates in a first mode to apply a first frequency without substantially changing the amplitude for achieving a first physiologic response and the controller operates in a second mode to apply a second frequency, different than the first frequency, for achieving a second physiologic response different than the first physiologic response.

US Patent:

8447405, May 21, 2013

Filed:

Oct 5, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/587295

Inventors:

Warren M Grill - Chapel Hill NC, US

Assignee:

Duke University - Durham NC

International Classification:

A61N 1/18

US Classification:

607 45, 607 72, 607 73

Abstract:

Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue generate stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i. e. , constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i. e. , not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide a lower average frequency.