Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
  • A61N1/02—Details
  • A61N1/04—Electrodes
  • A61N1/05—Electrodes for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode
  • A61N1/056—Transvascular endocardial electrode systems
  • A61N1/057—Anchoring means; Means for fixing the head inside the heart
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
  • A61N1/02—Details
  • A61N1/04—Electrodes
  • A61N1/05—Electrodes for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode
  • A61N1/0551—Spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes
  • A61N1/0558—Anchoring or fixation means therefor
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
  • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
  • A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
  • A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
  • A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
  • A61N1/3605—Implantable neurostimulators for stimulating central or peripheral nerve system
  • A61N1/3606—Implantable neurostimulators for stimulating central or peripheral nerve system adapted for a particular treatment
  • A61N1/36114—Cardiac control, e.g. by vagal stimulation

Definitions

• the present invention relates to medical electrical leads for nerve or muscle stimulation and their configurations. More specifically, the present invention relates to medical electrical lead configurations for stabilizing leads in an intravascular location adjacent a nerve to be stimulated.
• a significant amount of research has been directed both to the direct and indirect stimulation of nerves including the left and right vagus nerves, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, the phrenic nerve, the sacral nerve, and the cavernous nerve to treat a wide variety of medical, psychiatric, and neurological disorders or conditions. More recently, stimulation of the vagus nerve has been proposed as a method for treating various heart conditions, including heart failure.
• nerve stimulating electrodes were cuffs placed in direct contact with the nerve to be stimulated.
• a much less invasive approach is to stimulate the nerve through an adjacent vein using an intravascular lead.
• a lead including one or more electrodes is inserted into a patient's vasculature and delivered at a site within a vessel adjacent a nerve to be stimulated.
• the lead can move and/or rotate causing the electrodes to migrate from the stimulation site.
• an intravascular lead adapted to be deployed to a stimulation site within a vessel adjacent a nerve or muscle to be stimulated includes: a lead body including a proximal end adapted to be connected to a pulse generator; a bifurcated distal portion having at least a first elongated member forming a first spiral and a second elongated member forming a second spiral; and one or more electrodes located on the distal portion.
• the distal portion is adapted to transition from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, a least one spiral is adapted to fhctionally engage a vessel wall of the vessel in which the lead is deployed.
• At least one electrode is adapted to deliver an electrical pulse transvascularly to the nerve or muscle to be stimulated.
• the first and second spirals are anti-parallel, congruent spirals having the same longitudinal axis forming a double helix.
• an intravascular lead adapted to be deployed to a stimulation site within a vessel adjacent a nerve or muscle to be stimulated includes: a lead body including a proximal end adapted to be connected to a pulse generator and a bifurcated distal portion.
• the distal portion includes at least a first elongated member forming a first spiral and a second elongated member forming a second spiral.
• the lead includes one or more electrodes located on at least one spiral. At least one electrode is adapted to deliver an electrical pulse transvascularly to the nerve or muscle to be stimulated.
• the present invention is a method of providing a therapy to a nerve or muscle from within an adjacent vessel using an intravascular medical lead including a lead body having a proximal end connected to a pulse generator and a bifurcated distal portion having at least a first elongated member forming a first spiral and a second elongated member forming a second spiral.
• the method includes collapsing the distal portion to its collapsed configuration; delivering the distal portion of the lead to a stimulation site located within an adjacent vessel; and stimulating the adjacent nerve or muscle.
• the method also includes detecting an optimal stimulation threshold.
• FIG.1 is a schematic view of a lead deployed in a patient's internal jugular vein at a location adjacent the vagus nerve according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a close-up, schematic view of a lead deployed in a patient's internal jugular vein as shown in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 3 is a close-up schematic view of a lead according to an embodiment of the present invention deployed in the superior vena cava.
• FIG. 4 is a close-up schematic view of a lead according to another embodiment of the present invention deployed in the brachiocephalic vein.
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lead according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 6A-6E show side views of a distal portion of a lead according to various embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 7A is a close-up schematic view of a distal portion of a lead deployed in a vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 7B is a close-up schematic view of a distal portion of a lead deployed in a vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• the various embodiments of the present invention as described below can be practiced at numerous sites within a patient's vasculature system. Any intravascular site that is adjacent to a nerve, muscle, or brain tissue that has the potential to benefit from stimulation is a potential site for stimulation.
• the term "vessel” includes all veins and arteries of the circulatory system. Additionally, the term “vessel” includes various structures of the lymphatic system, including lymph nodes, ducts, capillaries, and vessels. Likewise, as used herein, the term “vessel” also includes the various tube-like structures of the gastrointestinal system.
• intravascular means within the venous or arterial circulatory system, including vessels of all types and descriptions.
• intravascular stimulation in describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is meant to refer to stimulation from within the circulatory system resulting in (transvascular) stimulation of a nerve, muscle, or tissue of interest.
• transvascular means across a vessel or vessel wall.
• Stimulation means a stimulus, usually electrical, which causes depolarization of a cell or cells, or portion of a cell, contraction, excitation as measured by e.g., calcium or sodium influx into the cell, or an altered membrane potential across a cell.
• Vessels having sufficient diameter for catheter access which are known to have nerves running adjacent to or nearby are suitable candidates for potential stimulation sites.
• Exemplary sites include, but are not limited to, the following: the left and right internal jugular veins, the azygous vein, the brachiocephalic (innominate) vein, the subclavian vein, the superior vena cava, the pulmonary artery, and cardiac branch vessels.
• Other potential stimulation sites include, but are not limited to, the following: thoracic duct, the bile duct, and sites along the upper gastrointestinal and lower gastrointestinal tracts.
• FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a patient's vascular system 2 including a lead 6 deployed within the system 2.
• FIG. 2 is a close up schematic view of the lead 6 deployed within the system 2.
• the vascular system 2 includes the right and left external jugular veins 10 and 14, the right and left internal jugular veins 18 and 22, the right and left subclavian veins 26 and 30, portions of which are generally aligned with the right and left vagus nerves 34 and 38.
• the lead 6 is inserted into a patient's vasculature system through the left subclavian vein 30 and into the right internal jugular vein 18.
• the lead 6 is positioned in the right internal jugular vein 18 adjacent to the right vagus nerve 34.
• the lead 6 can be inserted and advanced into the vasculature system via the right subclavian vein 26.
• FIGS. 3 and 4 show the lead 6 deployed within alternative locations in a patient's vasculature for stimulating the vagus nerve 34.
• the lead 6 is inserted through the right subclavian vein 30 deployed and secured in the superior vena cava 39.
• the portion of the vagus nerve 34 adjacent to the superior vena cava 39 is represented by the dashed lines in FIG. 3.
• the lead 6 is inserted through the right subclavian vein 30 deployed and secured in the brachiocephalic vein 41.
• the portion of the vagus nerve 34 adjacent to the brachiocephalic vein 41 is represented by the dashed lines in FIG. 4.
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lead 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• the lead 6 includes a lead body 42 including a proximal portion 46 and a distal portion 50 including one or more electrodes 66.
• One or more electrodes 66 are positioned along the lead body 42.
• the lead 6 includes a proximal end 52 adapted to be connected to a pulse generator or other implantable medical device.
• the lead body 42 is flexible, but substantially non-compressible along its length.
• the lead body 42 includes a plurality of conductors including individual wires, coils, or cables.
• each wire can be insulated conductive wires and/or molded in place with an insulator such as silicone, polyurethane, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, or another biocompatible, insulative polymer.
• the lead body 42 has a co-radial design.
• each individual conductor can be a coil including an insulative tubing. The insulated coils are then wound together in parallel to form a single coil.
• the lead body 42 is co-axial.
• each conductor is adapted to connect to an individual electrode 66 in a one-to-one manner allowing each electrode 66 to be individually addressable.
• the lead body 42 includes a lumen adapted to receive a guiding element such as a guidewire or a stylet.
• FIGS. 6A-6E show the distal portion 50 of the lead 6 according to various embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIGS 6A-6E, the distal portion 50 is bifurcated at one or more bifurcation points 70 along the lead body 42. According to one embodiment, the distal portion 50 of the lead 6 is stiffer than the lead body 42 and the proximal portion 46.
• One exemplary embodiment of such a structure is disclosed in commonly owned and co-pending application entitled "TRANSVASCULAR LEAD WITH PROXIMAL FORCE RELIEF,” assigned Serial No.
• the distal portion 50 includes a superelastic material.
• exemplary superelastic materials include Nitinol and MP35N.
• the bifurcated distal portion 50 includes at least a first elongate member 72 and a second elongate member 76.
• the first elongate member 72 forms a first spiral 82 and the second elongate member 76 forms a second spiral 86. Multiple spirals improve stability of the distal portion 50 of the lead 6 within the vessel by placing more friction against the venous walls.
• spirals 82 and 86 are congruent, anti-parallel spirals having the same longitudinal axis intertwining to form a double helix.
• the elongate members 72, 76 are connected to one another at a distal end 56 of the lead 6. Alternatively, the elongate members are not attached to one another at the distal end 56 of the lead 6.
• the spirals 82 and 86 are in serial alignment with one another. That is, as shown in FIGS. 6D and 6E, spiral 82 is proximate to spiral 86. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the spirals 82 and 86 are interrupted by a generally straight portion 90.
• the generally straight portion 90 is configured such that it runs parallel to the nerve to be stimulated. A typical length of the straight portion 90 ranges from about 1 to about 8 cm as measured from a first bifurcation point to a second bifurcation point.
• the spirals 82 and 86 can wind in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
• the number of turns can range from ⁇ A turn to multiple turns as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6D.
• the pitch can be described as the distance between two points on a spiral.
• the pitch frequency ranges from zero (lasso configuration) to 5 cm, and can remain constant or vary along the spirals 82, 86.
• the spirals 82, 86 have a predetermined effective outer diameter ranging from about 5 mm to about 50 mm.
• the predetermined effective outer diameter of the spirals 82, 86 ranges from about 10 mm to about 35 mm.
• the spirals 82, 86 can assume a variety of cross- sectional shapes. According to one embodiment, the spirals 82, 86 have a circular cross-sectional shape. A circular cross-sectional shape allows no bias for orientation such that when the lead is rotated within a vein the spirals 82, 86 exhibit no natural preference for a specific orientation. According to another embodiment, the spirals 82, 86 have an elliptical cross-sectional shape. The overall size, diameter and cross-sectional shape of the spirals 82, 86 can be selected depending upon the size, diameter, and shape of the vessel in which the distal portion 50 of the lead 6 is to be deployed.
• An overall length of each spiral 82, 86 ranges from about 30 mm to about 200 mm depending on the anatomical demands of the patient's anatomy. More particularly, an overall length of each spiral 82, 86 can range from about 40 to about 80 mm.
• the spirals 82, 86 can increase in diameter from a proximal end of the spiral to a distal end of the spiral creating spirals 82, 86 having a predetermined shape that tapers down from a distal end of the spirals 82, 86 to a proximal end of the spirals 82, 86.
• spirals 82, 86 can have a diameter that decreases from a proximal end of spirals 82, 86 to a distal end of spirals 82, 86, creating spirals 82, 86 having a predetermined shape that tapers down from a proximal end of spirals 82, 86 towards the distal end of the spirals 82, 86.
• the spirals 82, 86 are adapted to transition from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. In their expanded configuration, the spirals 82, 86 have a predetermined effective diameter and are adapted to fhctionally engage at least one wall of the vessel in which the distal portion 50 is deployed.
• the spirals 82, 86 when allowed to expand within a vessel, the spirals 82, 86 will not achieve their predetermined effective diameter as the spirals 82, 86 will be constrained from fully expanding by the walls of the vessel in which they are deployed. As such the spirals 82, 86 place a radial expansion force on the walls of the vessel, providing a mechanism for stabilizing the distal portion 50 of the lead 6 in the vessel.
• the effective outer diameter ranges from about 5 percent to about 50 percent greater than the inner diameter of the vessel in which the distal portion 50 of the lead 6 is deployed.
• one or both of the elongate members 72, 76 can include a lumen adapted to receive a guiding element such as a stylet or a guidewire adapted to assist in delivery of the distal portion 50 to a stimulation site within a vessel.
• a guide catheter is provided to deliver the distal portion 50 to a stimulation site within a vessel.
• the stylet, guidewire, or guide catheter either alone or in combination with one another, is used to collapse (either fully or partially) the distal portion 50 including the spirals 82, 86 from an expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration (full or partial) and also to guide the distal portion 50 of the lead through the patient's vasculature system.
• the distal portion 50 can be inserted into a patient's vasculature and guided to a stimulation site within a vessel.
• the guiding element is removed, allowing the distal portion 50 to transition from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration.
• a guide catheter is used to deliver the distal portion 50 of the lead 6 to the stimulation site within a vessel.
• the distal portion can be partially deployed from the guide catheter and rotated or otherwise manipulated.
• the electrodes located on the distal portion can be used to acutely stimulate and thus, test potential stimulation sites.
• the guide catheter can be fully retracted and the distal portion deployed so as to secure and stabilize the distal portion at a stimulation site within the vessel such that stimulation can occur at the targeted stimulation site.
• the distal portion 50 includes a pull wire 92.
• the pull wire 92 is coupled to the distal end of the lead 6, and is operable at the proximal end of the lead 6.
• the pull wire 92 is disposed within a lumen of the lead body 42 and is adapted to be secured at the proximal end of the lead 6. Pulling on the pull wire 92 causes the distal portion 50 including the spirals 82, 86 to further expand within the vessel, causing additional radial expansion force to be placed on the vessel walls further stabilizing the distal portion 50 of the lead 6 within the vessel.
• the pull wire 92 can be secured at the proximal end of the lead 6.
• the tension placed on the pull wire 92 at the proximal end can be released, thus releasing any additional expansion force placed on the vessel walls by activating the pull wire 92 causing further radial expansion of the distal portion 50.
• a guiding element or a combination of guiding elements then can be used to reposition and/or remove the distal portion of the lead from the vessel.
• the spirals 82, 86 are variably expandable. That is, the spirals 82, 86 are adapted to expand with and adapt to the natural changes in the size and diameter of the vessel while at the same time engaging and maintaining a fhctional force on the vessel walls.
• the internal geometry (diameter and inner shape) of the internal jugular vein may change with blood flow and blood pressure.
• the diameter of the vessel may be smaller than when the patient is lying down or is in a prone position.
• the spirals 82, 86 account for the difference in vessel diameter by expanding so as to maintain a fhctional force on the vessel walls securing and stabilizing the distal portion 50 in the vessel.
• FIGS. 7A and 7B are close-up schematic views of a distal portion 50 of a lead 6 deployed within the right internal jugular vein 18 adjacent the right vagus nerve 34.
• the spirals 82, 86 are adapted to radially expand such that they contact and frictionally engage an inner surface of vessel walls 102, 104 securing and stabilizing the distal portion 50 of the lead 6 at a stimulation site within the vessel.
• the stimulation site can be described as the location within a vessel adjacent a nerve or muscle which maximizes electrical stimulation to the nerve or muscle across a vessel wall.
• the spirals 82, 86 place enough radial expansion force on the vessel walls 102, 104 such that the turns of the spiral migrate outside of the original boundaries of the vessel walls 102, 104 and towards the nerve 34 to be stimulated without damaging the vessel walls 102, 104.
• any electrodes 66 located on the spirals 82, 86 are placed in closer proximity to the nerve 34.
• the electrode 66 is disposed at a distance of less than 2 mm from the nerve 34 to be stimulated.
• the spirals 82, 86 force the vessel walls 102, 104 into direct contact with the nerve 34.
• the lead 6 includes one or more electrodes 66.
• one or more electrodes 66 are located on one or both spirals 82, 86.
• one or more electrodes 66 are located on one or both spirals and/or the generally straight portion 90, as shown in FIG. 6E.
• At least one electrode 66 is adapted to deliver an electrical pulse transvascularly to the nerve or muscle to be stimulated.
• at least one electrode 66 is a pacing or a sensing electrode.
• stimulation can occur between electrodes 66 located on the same spiral 82 or 86, the straight portion 90, or between electrodes 66 located on different spirals 82 or 86 and/or the straight portion 90.
• the distal portion 50 is positioned within the vessel such that generally straight portion 90 is aligned in parallel along a portion of the vagus nerve 34.
• one or both spirals 82, 86 include multiple electrodes 66.
• the electrodes 66 can have the same or different polarity. Multiple electrodes 66 allow flexibility in the intravascular placement of the distal portion 50 of the lead 6. Not all of the electrodes 66 need to be orientated towards the adjacent nerve or muscle tissue in order for maximum stimulation across the vessel wall to occur.
• the circular or elliptical cross section of the spirals 82, 86 allow the distal portion 50 of the lead 6 to be rotated within the vessel so as to ensure that at least one electrode 66 is capable of delivering sufficient electrical stimulating pulse across the vessel wall.
• the electrodes 66 can be connected to multiple individual conductors through the lead body 42 allowing for them to be individually addressable. Individually addressable electrodes 66 allow for flexibility in electrode selection. It also allows for stimulation to occur between individual electrodes 66 on the same spiral 82 or 86 or different spirals 82 or 86 and/or the straight portion 90 providing for greater control over the current field and the direction of stimulation as well as allowing for multiple options for stimulation and sensing.
• multiple electrodes 66 are provided at an equal distance from one another along each elongate member 72, 76.
• the electrodes 66 need not have an equal spacing from one electrode 66 to another.
• the electrodes 66 are located on the straight portion 90 that interrupts the spirals 82, 86, and as such can be aligned in parallel with the nerve to be stimulated. Parallel alignment of the electrodes with the adjacent nerve increases the efficacy of stimulation as the nerve is stimulated when the electrical potential changes along the nerve.
• the lead body 42 including the spirals 82, 86 can be rotated or otherwise manipulated such that the electrical stimulation across the vessel walls 102, 104 to the adjacent nerve is maximized.
• the electrodes 66 are pushed up against the vessel walls 102, 104, maximizing electrical transvascular stimulation.
• the spirals 82, 86 press up against the vessel walls 102, 104 with enough radial expansion force such that the spiral 82, 86 migrates outside the original boundaries of the vessel wall bringing at least one electrode 66 in closer proximity to the adjacent nerve.
• the electrodes 66 located on the lead body 42 can have any electrode configuration as is known in the art.
• the electrodes 66 are ring electrodes. According to another embodiment, the electrodes 66 are partial ring electrodes. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the electrodes include an exposed electrode portion and an insulated electrode portion. According to this embodiment, the electrodes 66 are masked or otherwise insulated on the inner circumference of the spirals 82, 86 The exposed electrode portion is located on the outer circumference of the spiral 82, 86. Exemplary electrodes of this type are described in commonly owned and co- pending application entitled "ELECTRODE CONFIGURATIONS FOR TRANSVASCULAR NERVE STIMULATION,” assigned Serial No. 11/668,957.
• the lead body 42 is rotated such that the exposed electrode portion is oriented towards the adjacent nerve, muscle or tissue to be stimulated.
• the exposed electrode portion is configured such that it is adapted to direct or focus current towards the stimulation target.
• the insulated electrode portion is located on the lead body 42 opposite the exposed electrode surface.
• the insulated electrode portion acts as a shield from the undesired stimulation of an adjacent or nearby nerve or muscle that is not the stimulation target.
• the lead 6 can be further stabilized in the internal jugular vein 34 by using a suture in a distal region of the lead body 42. In one embodiment, the lead 6 is further stabilized through the wearing of a neck brace by the patient for a period of time after implantation of the lead 6.
• the lead 6 can include fixation features well known in the art, such as silicone tines or a corkscrew- shaped fixation feature (not shown) at the distal region of the lead body 42, to stabilize the lead 6 in the internal jugular vein 34.
• fixation features can be located on one or both of the spirals 82, 86.
• the fixation feature can be located at a distal end 56 of the lead 6.
• the lead 6 can also include an area on the lead body 42 that promotes tissue in-growth. In one embodiment, the area includes a roughened polymer surface on the lead body 42.
• the area includes a region of stepped or inset diameter within the lead body 42, within an electrode, or between the lead body 42 and an electrode.
• the area includes a polymer mesh, for example, a Dacron mesh, a metal mesh, for example, a stainless steel or nitinol mesh, or a bio-absorbable mesh.
• a bio-absorbable mesh include polyglycolic acid, poly-lactic acid, and polydioxanone.
• the lead 6 can include any combination of sutures, fixation devices, tissue ingrowth areas, or a neck brace to improve its stability within the internal jugular vein 34.
• the lead 6, can be delivered to a stimulation site within a vessel adjacent a nerve, muscle, or tissue to be stimulated using standard techniques.
• the lead 6 can be inserted in a patient's vasculature system via percutaneous stick directly into a patient's internal jugular vein to deliver therapy to the vagus nerve.
• the distal portion 50 of the lead 6 is transitioned to a collapsed configuration and advanced through a patient's vasculature and delivered to a stimulation site using a guiding element such as a guide catheter.
• the spirals located at the distal portion 50 of the lead 6 transition from their collapsed configuration to their expanded configuration contacting and frictionally engaging the vessel walls of the vessel in which it is deployed.
• a stylet or one or more guidewires may be inserted into the lead lumen and/or a lumen located within one of the elongate members 72 or 76 to straighten the distal portion 50 from its predetermined spiral shape. The distal portion is then guided through the vasculature to a stimulation site located within a vessel.
• the guidewire or stylet is removed allowing the distal portion 50 of the lead 6 to return to its predetermined shape.
• Pull wires can also be used to further expand the spirals in a vessel such that they place an additional radial force on the wall further securing and stabilizing the distal portion 50 within the vessel.
• the distal portion 50 expands, contacting and frictionally engaging the vessel walls of the vessel in which it is deployed.
• the lead body 42 and, thus, the spiral members 82, 86 can be rotated within the vessel to orient the electrodes 66 towards the stimulation target.
• the lead body 42 can be further rotated or positioned until a maximum or optimum electrical stimulation threshold by the electrodes 66 has been achieved across the vessel wall to the adjacent nerve or muscle to be stimulated.
• the stimulating pulse delivered by the electrodes can then be measured to determine if an optimal stimulation threshold has been reached.
• the lead 6 can be repositioned within the vessel by either rotating the lead body 42 within the vessel or reintroducing the guiding member such as the guide catheter or guidewire to collapse and/or straighten the distal portion 50 of the lead 6.
• the lead 6 can then either be repositioned and/or removed from the vessel.
• the distal portion can be partially deployed from a guide catheter in order to acutely stimulate the electrodes. Once a suitable stimulation site has been identified, the guide catheter can be retracted and the distal portion 50 fully deployed within the vessel at the stimulation site.

Landscapes

• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Cardiology (AREA)
• Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Biomedical Technology (AREA)
• Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
• Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
• Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Vascular Medicine (AREA)
• Neurology (AREA)
• Neurosurgery (AREA)
• Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
• Electrotherapy Devices (AREA)

Priority Applications (3)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=39181269

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (6)

Cited By (15)

Families Citing this family (84)

Citations (6)

Family Cites Families (106)

• 2007
  • 2007-01-30 US US11/668,887 patent/US7949409B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2007-11-30 CN CNA2007800506581A patent/CN101610810A/zh active Pending
  • 2007-11-30 WO PCT/US2007/086119 patent/WO2008094345A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2007-11-30 AU AU2007345602A patent/AU2007345602B2/en not_active Ceased
  • 2007-11-30 JP JP2009547236A patent/JP5150646B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2007-11-30 EP EP07865019.9A patent/EP2125105B1/en not_active Not-in-force

Patent Citations (6)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events