ANDREW D FIRLIK, MD
Medical Practice at 23 St, New York, NY

2008016, Jul 3, 2008

Aug 6, 2007

11/834621

Andrew D. Firlik - New Canaan CT, US
Jeffrey Balzer - Allison Park PA, US
Bradford Evan Gliner - Sammamish WA, US
Alan J. Levy - Bellevue WA, US
Carlton B. Morgan - City Of Bainbridge Island WA, US
Katrina S. Firlik - New Canaan CT, US

Northstar Neuroscience, Inc. - Seattle WA

A61B 1/05

607 45

The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain). Certain embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention electrically stimulate the brain at a stimulation site where neuroplasticity is occurring. The stimulation site may be different than the region in the brain where neural activity is typically present to perform the particular neural function according to the functional organization of the brain. In one embodiment in which neuroplasticity related to the neural-function occurs in the brain, the method can include identifying the location where such neuroplasticity is present. In an alternative embodiment in which neuroplasticity is not occurring in the brain, an alternative aspect is to induce neuroplasticity at a stimulation site where it is expected to occur. Several embodiments of these methods that are expected to produce a lasting effect on the intended neural activity at the stimulation site use electrical pulses that increase the resting membrane potential of neurons at the stimulation site to a subthreshold level.

2006019, Aug 31, 2006

Mar 27, 2006

11/389770

Andrew Firlik - New Canaan CT, US
Jeffrey Balzer - Allison Park PA, US
Bradford Gliner - Sammamish WA, US
Alan Levy - Bellevue WA, US
Carlton Morgan - Bainbridge Island WA, US

Northstar Neuroscience, Inc. - Seattle WA

A61N 1/08

607045000

The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Several embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention are directed toward enhancing or otherwise inducing a lasting change in neural activity to effectuate a particular neural-function. Such lasting change in neural activity is defined as “neuroplasticity.” The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain). Certain embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention electrically stimulate the brain at a stimulation site where neuroplasticity is occurring. The stimulation site may be different than the region in the brain where neural activity is typically present to perform the particular neural function according to the functional organization of the brain. In one embodiment in which neuroplasticity related to the neural-function occurs in the brain, the method can include identifying the location where such neuroplasticity is present. In an alternative embodiment in which neuroplasticity is not occurring in the brain, an alternative aspect is to induce neuroplasticity at a stimulation site where it is expected to occur. Several embodiments of these methods that are expected to produce a lasting effect on the intended neural activity at the stimulation site use electrical pulses that increase the resting membrane potential of neurons at the stimulation site to a subthreshold level.

8050768, Nov 1, 2011

Dec 23, 2008

12/343427

Andrew D. Firlik - New Canaan CT, US
Bradford Evan Gliner - Sammamish WA, US
Alan J. Levy - Bellevue WA, US
Katrina S. Firlik - New Canaan CT, US

Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc. - Plano TX

A61N 1/00

607 45

The present disclosure is directed generally to methods and apparatus for effectuating a change in a neural function of a patient. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes implanting an electrode at a cortical stimulation site selected to promote recovery of the affected neural-function, with the cortical stimulation site being at least proximate to the cortex. The method can further include estimating a threshold for the specific patient at which an electrical signal delivered via the implanted electrode directly triggers a neural reaction associated with the stimulation site in response to the delivered electrical signal, and electrically stimulating the cortical stimulation site by passing an electrical current through the electrode.

2011009, Apr 21, 2011

Dec 20, 2010

12/973471

Andrew D. Firlik - New Canaan CT, US
Bradford Evan Gliner - Sammamish WA, US
W. Douglas Sheffield - , US
Leif R. Sloan - Seattle WA, US

A61N 5/00, A61M 5/00

604 20

Systems and methods for patient interactive neural stimulation and/or chemical substance delivery are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes affecting a target neural population of the patient by providing to the patient at least one of an electromagnetic signal and a chemical substance. The method can further include detecting at least one characteristic of the patient, with the characteristic at least correlated with the patient's performance of an adjunctive therapy task that is performed in association with affecting the target neural population. The method can still further include controlling at least one parameter in accordance with which the target neural population is affected, based at least in part on the detected characteristic.

2007003, Feb 8, 2007

Apr 20, 2006

11/407684

Bradford Gliner - Sammamish WA, US
Jeffrey Balzer - Allison Park PA, US
Andrew Firlik - New Canaan CT, US

Northstar Neuroscience, Inc. - Seattle WA

A61N 1/32

607045000

Methods and devices for automatically optimizing the stimulus parameters and/or the configuration of electrodes to provide neural stimulation to a patient. In one embodiment, a system includes an electrode array having an implantable support member configured to be implanted into a patient and a plurality of therapy electrodes carried by the support member. The system can also have a pulse system operatively coupled to the therapy electrodes to deliver a stimulus to the therapy electrodes, and a sensing device configured to be attached to a sensing location of the patient. The sensing device generates response signals in response to the stimulus. The system can also include a controller operatively coupled to the pulse system and to the sensing device. The controller includes a computer operable medium that generates command signals that define the stimulus delivered by the pulse system, evaluates the response signals from the sensing device, and determines a desired configuration for the therapy electrodes and/or a desired stimulus to be delivered to the therapy electrodes.

8019425, Sep 13, 2011

Dec 23, 2008

12/343454

Andrew D. Firlik - New Canaan CT, US
Jeffrey Balzer - Allison Park PA, US
Alan J. Levy - Bellevue WA, US
Bradford Evan Gliner - Sammamish WA, US
Katrina S. Firlik - New Canaan CT, US

Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc. - Plano TX

A61N 1/00

607 45

Methods and apparatus for treating an impaired neural function in a brain of a patient. In one embodiment, a method for treating a neural function in a brain of a patient includes determining a therapy period during which a plurality of therapy sessions are to be performed to recover functional ability corresponding to the neural function. The method continues by identifying a stimulation site in or on the brain of the patient associated with the neural function, and positioning an electrode at least proximate to the identified stimulation site. The patient is then treated by providing electrical stimulation treatments to the stimulation site. The treatment can comprise delivering electrical stimulation signals to the electrode during the therapy sessions. After expiration of the therapy period, the method includes preventing electrical stimulation signals from being delivered to the stimulation site.

7945330, May 17, 2011

Oct 2, 2008

12/244610

Bradford Evan Gliner - Sammamish WA, US
Jeffrey Balzer - Allison Park PA, US
Andrew D. Firlik - New Canaan CT, US

Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc. - Plano TX

A61N 1/36

607 45, 607 46

Methods and devices for automatically optimizing the stimulus parameters and/or the configuration of electrodes to provide neural stimulation to a patient. In one embodiment, a system includes an electrode array having an implantable support member configured to be implanted into a patient and a plurality of therapy electrodes carried by the support member. The system can also have a pulse system operatively coupled to the therapy electrodes to deliver a stimulus to the therapy electrodes, and a sensing device configured to be attached to a sensing location of the patient. The sensing device generates response signals in response to the stimulus. The system can also include a controller operatively, coupled to the pulse system and to the sensing device. The controller includes a computer operable medium that generates command signals that define the stimulus delivered by the pulse system, evaluates the response signals from the sensing device, and determines a desired configuration for the therapy electrodes and/or a desired stimulus to be delivered to the therapy electrodes.

2005007, Apr 7, 2005

May 7, 2004

10/842052

Bradford Gliner - Sammamish WA, US
Alan Levy - Bellevue WA, US
Jeffrey Balzer - Allison Park PA, US
Andrew Firlik - New Canaan CT, US
W. Sheffield - Seattle WA, US
Allen Wyler - Seattle WA, US

A61N001/18

607045000

Methods and apparatuses for treating neurological disorders by electrically stimulating cells implanted in the nervous system are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes preparing cells for implantation while the cells are in a first, at least partially undifferentiated state. The cells are then implanted at an implantation site within the patient's skull cavity while in the first state, and at least one electrode is positioned to be in electrical communication with the implantation site. The patient's neural dysfunction is at least partially corrected by differentiating the cells at least until the cells achieve a second state, with the cells in the second state having an increased level of differentiation and increased neurocharacteristics when compared to the cells in the first state. Differentiating the cells can include applying an electrical potential to the at least one electrode while the electrode is in electrical communication with the implantation site. In further aspects of the invention, the cells are implanted directly into the tissue without being carried by an electrically conductive substrate, and/or the electrode is removed from the patient without removing the implanted cells, for example, after stimulation has been completed.

7856264, Dec 21, 2010

Oct 19, 2005

11/255187

Andrew D. Firlik - New Canaan CT, US
Bradford Evan Gliner - Sammamish WA, US
W. Douglas Sheffield - Seatac WA, US
Leif R. Sloan - Seattle WA, US

Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc. - Plano TX

A61N 1/36

607 3, 607 45

Systems and methods for patient interactive neural stimulation and/or chemical substance delivery are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes affecting a target neural population of the patient by providing to the patient at least one of an electromagnetic signal and a chemical substance. The method can further include detecting at least one characteristic of the patient, with the characteristic at least correlated with the patient's performance of an adjunctive therapy task that is performed in association with affecting the target neural population. The method can still further include controlling at least one parameter in accordance with which the target neural population is affected, based at least in part on the detected characteristic.

2010013, May 27, 2010

Feb 2, 2010

12/698409

Andrew D. Firlik - New Canaan CT, US
Bradford Evan Gliner - Sammamish WA, US
Alan J. Levy - Bellevue WA, US
Katrina S. Firlik - New Canaan CT, US

ADVANCED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS, INC. - Plano TX

A61N 1/36

607 45

The present disclosure is directed generally to methods and apparatus for effectuating a change in a neural function of a patient. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes implanting an electrode at a cortical stimulation site selected to promote recovery of the affected neural-function, with the cortical stimulation site being at least proximate to the cortex. The method can further include estimating a threshold for the specific patient at which an electrical signal delivered via the implanted electrode directly triggers a neural reaction associated with the stimulation site in response to the delivered electrical signal, and electrically stimulating the cortical stimulation site by Passing an electrical current through the electrode.