Patents by Inventor Christopher Brace

Christopher Brace 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: 9095360
    Abstract: A dual slot microwave probe for tissue ablation provides axially spaced slots producing an improved heating pattern with reduced axial extent. Degradation in this heating pattern caused by the addition of ceramic support elements and/or fluid cooling is realized through a feeding structure delivering separate sources of microwave energy to the different slots of the probe aligned with the slots of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jason Chiang, Christopher Brace
  • Publication number: 20130267940
    Abstract: A dual slot microwave probe for tissue ablation provides axially spaced slots producing an improved heating pattern with reduced axial extent. Degradation in this heating pattern caused by the addition of ceramic support elements and/or fluid cooling is realized through a feeding structure delivering separate sources of microwave energy to the different slots of the probe aligned with the slots of the probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Jason Chiang, Christopher Brace
  • Publication number: 20080045938
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and devices for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In particular, the present invention relates to systems and devices for the delivery of energy with a linear array of antenna components having optimized energy delivery characteristics. In certain embodiments, methods are provided for treating a tissue region (e.g., a tumor) through application of energy with the systems and devices of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: Micrablate
    Inventors: Daniel van der Weide, Fred Lee, Paul Laeseke, Christopher Brace
  • Publication number: 20080033424
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and devices for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In particular, the present invention relates to systems and devices for the delivery of energy with heat transfer ability. In some embodiments, the systems and devices also have variable characteristic impedance as a result of the use of heat transfer materials. In certain embodiments, methods are provided for treating a tissue region (e.g., a tumor) through application of energy with the systems and devices of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: Micrablate
    Inventors: Daniel van der Weide, Fred Lee, Paul Laeseke, Christopher Brace
  • Publication number: 20070288079
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and devices for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In particular, the present invention relates to systems and devices for the delivery of energy with optimized characteristic impedance. In certain embodiments, methods are provided for treating a tissue region (e.g., a tumor) through application of energy with the systems and devices of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: Micrablate
    Inventors: Daniel van der Weide, Fred Lee, Paul Laeseke, Christopher Brace
  • Publication number: 20070282319
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and devices for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In particular, the present invention relates to systems and devices for the delivery of energy employing a center fed dipole component. In certain embodiments, methods are provided for treating a tissue region (e.g., a tumor) through application of energy with the systems and devices of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: Micrablate, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel van der Weide, Fred Lee, Paul Laeseke, Christopher Brace
  • Publication number: 20070055224
    Abstract: A microwave device that can be used to effectively treat esophageal pathologies comprises a coaxial, triaxial or quadraxial microwave antenna housed in an esophageal dilator or balloon. The device can be introduced into the esophagus alongside or through an endoscope, and will deliver microwave energy to tissue. This energy heats the affected tissue, which subsequently undergoes necrosis thereby eliminating the potential of the tissue to undergo malignant transformation. The dilator or balloon is used to keep the antenna in the center of the lumen allowing for symmetrical heating of the esophagus. The depth of penetration of the coagulation effect can be varied depending on the amount of power that is applied, the location of the antenna relative to the tissue, and the duration of the power application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Fred Lee, Christopher Brace, Paul Laeseke, Daniel Weide, Deepak Gopal, Patrick Pfau, Lisa Sampson
  • Publication number: 20070049918
    Abstract: A method and system delivers microwave energy to a vessel, such as a vein for the treatment of varicose veins, in a controllable heating pattern and to provide relatively fast heating and ablation of the vessel. The method and system comprises a microwave delivery device for heating the vessel, and a microwave power source for supplying microwave power to the delivery device. The method and system may also include a cooling system, a temperature monitoring, feedback and control system, an ultrasound or other imaging device, and/or a device for assuring generally uniform energy delivery in the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Daniel van der Weide, Fred Lee, Christopher Brace, Paul Laeseke
  • Publication number: 20070016180
    Abstract: A medical instrument or device used to decrease blood loss during surgery and/or other medical procedures. The device includes a microwave antenna housed in a handset (or laparoscopic probe) that is placed in close proximity to the tissue of interest. The device runs in the microwave spectrum and receives power from a from a microwave generator. When turned on (triggered), the device delivers microwave energy to tissue, providing a cutting or cautery effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Fred Lee, Christopher Brace, Paul Laeseke, Daniel van der Weide
  • Publication number: 20060276780
    Abstract: A method and device delivers microwave power to an antenna through a coaxial cable utilizing air or other gases as its dielectric core. The cable includes supports made of low-loss materials to keep the inner conductor centered in the cable, and defining spaces therebetween for the air or gas. Channels in the supports allow the air or gas to circulate in the cable. The gas may be chilled or cooled to provide an addition level of heat dissipation. The device enables delivery of large amounts of power to tissue without undue heating of the feed cable or peripheral tissues, and without increasing the diameter of the feeding cable or antenna, keeping the antenna safe for percutaneous use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Publication date: December 7, 2006
    Inventors: Christopher Brace, Daniel van der Weide, Paul Laeseke, Fred Lee