Patents by Inventor Benjamin J. Clark

Benjamin J. Clark has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10272246
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for extravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic Adrian Luxembourg S.a.r.l
    Inventors: Mark Deem, Denise Zarins, Douglas Sutton, Hanson Gifford, III, Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand, Benjamin J. Clark
  • Patent number: 10258791
    Abstract: Catheter assemblies for neuromodulation proximate a renal artery bifurcation and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A catheter assembly configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include a shaft having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and two therapeutic arms extending from the distal portion. The shaft can be configured to deliver the distal portion to a treatment site proximate a branch point or bifurcation in a renal blood vessel. The therapeutic arms can include energy delivery elements that are configured to deliver the therapeutically-effective energy to renal nerves proximate the branch point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Neil C. Barman, Robert J. Beetel, Benjamin J. Clark, Andrew Wu, Maria G. Aboytes, Denise Zarins
  • Publication number: 20190090943
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for intravascularly-induced neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field, e.g., to effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, changes in cytokine upregulation, etc., in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, the intravascular PEF system comprises a catheter having a pair of bipolar electrodes for delivering the PEF, with a first electrode positioned on a first side of an impedance-altering element and a second electrode positioned on an opposing side of the impedance-altering element. A length of the electrodes, as well as a separation distance between the first and second electrodes, may be specified such that, with the impedance-altering element deployed in a manner that locally increases impedance within a patient's vessel, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Erik Thai
  • Patent number: 10188445
    Abstract: Neuromodulation cryotherapeutic devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cryotherapeutic device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an elongated shaft having distal portion and a supply lumen along at least a portion of the shaft. The shaft can be configured to locate the distal portion intravascularly at a treatment site proximate a renal artery or renal ostium. The supply lumen can be configured to receive a liquid refrigerant. The cryotherapeutic device can further include a cooling assembly at the distal portion of the shaft. The cooling assembly can include an applicator in fluid communication with the supply lumen and configured to deliver cryotherapeutic cooling to nerves proximate the target site when the cooling assembly is in a deployed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Naomi Buckley, Benjamin J. Clark, Michael Cummins, Danny Donovan, Mark Gelfand, Luke Hughes, Brian Kelly, Gary Kelly, Grace Kelly, John Kelly, Mark S. Leung, Gwenda Francis, Barry Mullins, Karun D. Naga, Stephen Nash, Eric Ryba, Fiachra Sweeney, Vincenzo Tilotta, Roman Turovskiy, Lana Woolley, Denise Zarins, Michael Turovskiy
  • Publication number: 20180353237
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for pulsed electric field neuromodulation via an intra-to-extravascular approach, e.g., to effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, changes in cytokine upregulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, the ITEV PEF system comprises an intravascular catheter having one or more electrodes configured for intra-to-extravascular placement across a wall of patient's vessel into proximity with target neural fibers. With the electrode(s) passing from an intravascular position to an extravascular position prior to delivery of the PEF, a magnitude of applied voltage or energy delivered via the electrode(s) and necessary to achieve desired neuromodulation may be reduced relative to an intravascular PEF system having one or more electrodes positioned solely intravascularly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, BENJAMIN J. CLARK, NICOLAS ZADNO, HANSON GIFFORD, III, ERIK THAI
  • Patent number: 10124195
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Erik Thai, Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand
  • Publication number: 20180311503
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for extravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventors: Mark Deem, Denise Zarins, Douglas Sutton, Hanson Gifford, III, Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand, Benjamin J. Clark
  • Patent number: 10105180
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for intravascularly-induced neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field, e.g., to effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, changes in cytokine upregulation, etc., in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, the intravascular PEF system comprises a catheter having a pair of bipolar electrodes for delivering the PEF, with a first electrode positioned on a first side of an impedance-altering element and a second electrode positioned on an opposing side of the impedance-altering element. A length of the electrodes, as well as a separation distance between the first and second electrodes, may be specified such that, with the impedance-altering element deployed in a manner that locally increases impedance within a patient's vessel, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Erik Thai
  • Patent number: 10039596
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for pulsed electric field neuromodulation via an intra-to-extravascular approach, e.g., to effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, changes in cytokine upregulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, the ITEV PEF system comprises an intravascular catheter having one or more electrodes configured for intra-to-extravascular placement across a wall of patient's vessel into proximity with target neural fibers. With the electrode(s) passing from an intravascular position to an extravascular position prior to delivery of the PEF, a magnitude of applied voltage or energy delivered via the electrode(s) and necessary to achieve desired neuromodulation may be reduced relative to an intravascular PEF system having one or more electrodes positioned solely intravascularly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Benjamin J. Clark, Nicolas Zadno, Hanson Gifford, III, Erik Thai
  • Patent number: 10004550
    Abstract: Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for cryogenically modulating neural structures of the renal plexus by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a catheter treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a cryo-applicator to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Cryogenic renal neuromodulation may be achieved via application of cryogenic temperatures to modulate neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Eric Ryba, Naomi Buckley, Benjamin J. Clark, Danny Donovan, Luke Hughes, Brian Kelly, Gwenda McMullin, Karun D. Naga, Stephen Nash, Roman Turovskiy, Lana Wooley, Denise Zarins, Mark Gelfand, Mark S. Leung
  • Publication number: 20180147005
    Abstract: Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a catheter treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver an energy delivery element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermal or electrical renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or cool, or otherwise electrically modulate, neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Inventors: Justin Goshgarian, Benjamin J. Clark, Rajeshkumar Dhamodharasamy, Mark S. Leung, Maria G. Aboytes
  • Publication number: 20180116715
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for intravascularly-induced neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field, e.g., to effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, changes in cytokine upregulation, etc., in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, the intravascular PEF system comprises a catheter having a pair of bipolar electrodes for delivering the PEF, with a first electrode positioned on a first side of an impedance-altering element and a second electrode positioned on an opposing side of the impedance-altering element. A length of the electrodes, as well as a separation distance between the first and second electrodes, may be specified such that, with the impedance-altering element deployed in a manner that locally increases impedance within a patient's vessel, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Erik Thai
  • Patent number: 9956410
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for extravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Mark Deem, Denise Zarins, Douglas Sutton, Hanson Gifford, III, Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand, Benjamin J. Clark
  • Publication number: 20180104005
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen. Apparatus may be positioned within a body lumen of a patient and may deliver energy at a first lengthwise and angular position to create a less-than-full circumferential treatment zone at the first position. The apparatus also may deliver energy at one or more additional lengthwise and angular positions within the body lumen to create less-than-full circumferential treatment zone(s) at the one or more additional positions that are offset lengthwise and angularly from the first treatment zone. Superimposition of the first treatment zone and the one or more additional treatment zones defines a non-continuous circumferential treatment zone without formation of a continuous circumferential lesion. Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for achieving such non-continuous circumferential treatment are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Andrew Wu, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
  • Publication number: 20180014486
    Abstract: A computer implemented system for a vertical farming system comprising at least a first crop growth module and operating in an environmentally-controlled growing chamber, the control system comprising sensors for measuring environmental growing conditions in the environmentally-controlled growing chamber over time to generate environmental condition data, a device configured for measuring a crop characteristic of a crop grown in the crop growth module of the environmentally-controlled growing chamber to generate crop growth data and a processing device comprising software modules for receiving the environmental condition data and the crop growth data; applying an algorithm to the environmental condition data and the crop growth data to generate an improved environmental growing condition and generating instructions for adjustment of the environmental growing conditions in or around the growth module in the environmentally-controlled growing chamber to the improved environmental growing condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Jaremy CREECHLEY, Jack OSLAN, Nate MAZONSON, Nathaniel R. STOREY, Daniel COOK, Philip E. BEATTY, John L. WHITCHER, Christopher K. CONWAY, Ernest LEARN, Michael DUFFY, Russell VARONE, Russell FIELD, William R. GEORGE, Rob JENSEN, Benjamin J. CLARK, Matthew BARNARD, Matteo MELANI
  • Publication number: 20180014471
    Abstract: A multi-stage, plant growing system is configured for high density growth and crop yields and includes among other things, towers or vertical growth columns, an enclosed controlled environmental growth chamber, interchangeable growth modules, and control systems capable of machine learning wherein the crops are optimally spaced and continually staged in their planting cycles utilizing special growth modules to provide an accelerated and continuous annual production yield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Rob JENSEN, Jack OSLAN, Nate MAZONSON, Nathaniel R. STOREY, Daniel COOK, Philip E. BEATTY, John L. WHITCHER, Christopher K. CONWAY, Ernest LEARN, Michael DUFFY, Russell VARONE, Russell FIELD, William R. GEORGE, Matthew BARNARD, Benjamin J. CLARK, Jaremy CREECHLEY
  • Publication number: 20180014485
    Abstract: A plant growing system configured for high density crop growth and yield, including an environmentally-controlled growing chamber and a vertical growth column within, the column configured to support a hydroponic plant growth module which is configured for containing and supporting plant growth media for containing and supporting a root structure of at least one gravitropic crop plant growing therein and for detachably mounting to the vertical growth column, the hydroponic plant growth module including a lateral growth opening to allow the plant to grow laterally through toward a light emitting source, a nutrient supply system to direct aqueous crop nutrient solution through an upper opening of the hydroponic plant growth module, an airflow source to direct airflow away from the growth opening and through an under-canopy of the plant, so as to disturb the boundary layer, and a control system for regulating, at least one growing condition in an area in or adjacent to the under-canopy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: John L. WHITCHER, Jack OSLAN, Nate MAZONSON, Nathaniel R. STOREY, Daniel COOK, Philip E. BEATTY, Matthew BARNARD, Christopher K. CONWAY, Ernest LEARN, Michael DUFFY, Russell VARONE, Russell FIELD, William R. GEORGE, Rob JENSEN, Benjamin J. CLARK, Jaremy CREECHLEY, Matteo MELANI
  • Publication number: 20180000509
    Abstract: The present technology is directed generally to devices, systems, and methods for capturing and cutting fibrous and trabeculated structures (such as synechiae) in vessel lumens. In one embodiment, the present technology includes an intraluminal tissue modifying system configured to capture the fibrous structures, put the fibrous structures in tension, and controllably cut through the fibrous structures without applying appreciable additional force to the vessel wall. The system may include an expandable capture device and a cutting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Fletcher T. Wilson, David Batten, Benjamin J. Clark, Michi Garrison
  • Patent number: 9855097
    Abstract: Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a catheter treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver an energy delivery element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermal or electrical renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or cool, or otherwise electrically modulate, neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Justin Goshgarian, Benjamin J. Clark, Rajeshkumar Dhamodharasamy, Mark S. Leung, Maria G. Aboytes
  • Publication number: 20170361100
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for extravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Mark Deem, Denise Zarins, Douglas Sutton, Hanson Gifford, III, Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand, Benjamin J. Clark