Peter Erich Konrad

US Patent:

6921413, Jul 26, 2005

Filed:

Aug 15, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/333700

Inventors:

Karthikeyan Mariappan - Mountain View CA, US
Peter Konrad - Old Hickory TN, US

Assignee:

Vanderbilt University - Nashville TN

International Classification:

A61N005/067

US Classification:

607 89, 128898

Abstract:

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.

US Patent:

7167760, Jan 23, 2007

Filed:

Apr 28, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/833504

Inventors:

Benoit M. Dawant - Nashville TN, US
Peter E. Konrad - Old Hickory TN, US
J. Michael Fitzpatrick - Nashville TN, US

Assignee:

Vanderbilt University - Nashville TN

International Classification:

A61N 1/05

US Classification:

607116, 382131, 607 45, 607115, 600378

Abstract:

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.

US Patent:

7794469, Sep 14, 2010

Filed:

Nov 7, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/594700

Inventors:

Changquing C. Kao - Brentwood TN, US
J. Michael Fitzpatrick - Nashville TN, US
Robert F. Labadie - Nashville TN, US
Peter E. Konrad - Old Hickory TN, US

Assignee:

Vanderbilt University - Nashville TN

International Classification:

A61B 19/00

US Classification:

606130

Abstract:

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.

US Patent:

7951181, May 31, 2011

Filed:

Mar 3, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/071060

Inventors:

Jonathon D. Wells - Nashville TN, US
E. Duco Jansen - Nashville TN, US
Peter E. Konrad - Old Hickory TN, US
Changquing C. Kao - Brentwood TN, US

Assignee:

Vanderbilt University - Nashville TN

International Classification:

A61N 5/067

US Classification:

607 89, 128898

Abstract:

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.

US Patent:

7957808, Jun 7, 2011

Filed:

Jan 16, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/653599

Inventors:

Benoit M. Dawant - Nashville TN, US
Pierre-Francois Dominique D'Haese - Nashville TN, US
Peter E. Konrad - Old Hickory TN, US

Assignee:

Vanderbilt University - Nashville TN

International Classification:

A61N 1/18

US Classification:

607 45, 382128, 600378, 600437, 600439, 600544

Abstract:

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.

US Patent:

8152809, Apr 10, 2012

Filed:

Jun 14, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/452513

Inventors:

Changqing Chris Kao - Brentwood TN, US
Peter E. Konrad - Old Hickory TN, US

Assignee:

Vanderbilt University - Nashville TN

International Classification:

A61B 17/00
B23B 51/00
B23G 5/00
B23D 77/00
B27G 15/00

US Classification:

606 80, 408202

Abstract:

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.

US Patent:

8414597, Apr 9, 2013

Filed:

Jun 15, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/161383

Inventors:

Changquing C. Kao - Brentwood TN, US
J. Michael Fitzpatrick - Nashville TN, US
Robert F. Labadie - Nashville TN, US
Peter E. Konrad - Old Hickory TN, US

Assignee:

Vanderbilt University - Nashville TN

International Classification:

A61B 19/00

US Classification:

606130

Abstract:

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.

US Patent:

8498699, Jul 30, 2013

Filed:

Jan 26, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/013816

Inventors:

Jonathon D. Wells - Seattle WA, US
Mark P. Bendett - Kirkland WA, US
James S. Webb - Seattle WA, US
Charles A. Lemaire - Apple Valley MN, US
Austin R. Duke - Nashville TN, US
E. Duco Jansen - Nashville TN, US
Peter E. Konrad - Nashville TN, US

Assignee:

Lockheed Martin Company - Bethesda MD
Vanderbilt University - Nashville TN

International Classification:

A61N 1/00

US Classification:

607 3, 607 88

Abstract:

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.