Patents by Inventor Christopher Widenhouse
Christopher Widenhouse 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).
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Publication number: 20230240737Abstract: Cryosurgical devices, such as cryosurgical probes (cryoprobes) are disclosed. Some example embodiments may include a cryogenic probe comprising an elongated tube at least partially housing or delineating a fluid supply conduit and a fluid exhaust conduit, the elongated tube including a distal ablation section terminating at a closed distal end, the elongated tube including at least one stagnant fluid pocket interposing an exterior of the conduit and at least one of the fluid supply conduit and the fluid exhaust conduit, and a housing at least partially circumscribing at least a portion of a proximal end of the elongated tube and receiving or delineating at least a portion of the fluid supply conduit and a portion of the fluid exhaust conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2023Publication date: August 3, 2023Applicant: AtriCure, Inc.Inventors: Stefan Skorich, David Wilson, Todd Frangolis, Christopher Widenhouse, Frank Fago
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Publication number: 20230200880Abstract: Electrosurgical pericardiotomy devices are disclosed. An example electrosurgical pericardiotomy device configured to create an opening through a pericardium may include an end effector comprising a tip portion and at least one electrosurgical electrode. The tip portion may include an opening configured to engage a target portion of a pericardium, and the tip portion may be configured, upon application of vacuum to the tip portion, to separate the target portion of the pericardium from an external surface of a heart. The electrosurgical electrode may be disposed proximate the tip portion so that, with vacuum applied to the tip portion, the target portion of the pericardium contacts the electrosurgical electrode. The electrosurgical electrode may be configured to create an opening through the target portion of the pericardium using electrosurgical energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2022Publication date: June 29, 2023Applicant: AtriCure, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Widenhouse, Jacob Luisi, Rachel Lauren Budke
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Publication number: 20230200882Abstract: Pericardiotomy devices are disclosed. An example pericardiotomy device includes an elongated shaft and an end effector disposed distally on the shaft. The end effector includes a tip portion and a penetrating element. The tip portion includes an opening configured to engage a target portion of a pericardium and is configured, upon application of vacuum to the tip portion, to separate the target portion of the pericardium from an external surface of a heart. The penetrating element is disposed within the tip portion so that, with vacuum applied to the tip portion, the penetrating element is operative to create an opening in the target portion of the pericardium.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2022Publication date: June 29, 2023Applicant: AtriCure, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Widenhouse, Jacob Luisi, Rachel Lauren Budke, Christoph Lewis Gillum
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Patent number: 11628007Abstract: Cryosurgical devices, such as cryosurgical probes (cryoprobes) are disclosed. Some example embodiments may include an elongated shaft at least partially housing or delineating a fluid supply conduit and a fluid exhaust conduit, the elongated shaft including a distal ablation section terminating at a closed distal end, a housing at least partially circumscribing at least a portion of a proximal end of the elongated shaft and receiving or delineating at least a portion of the fluid supply conduit and a portion of the fluid exhaust conduit; and/or a flow restricting element in fluid communication with the fluid exhaust conduit, the flow restricting element regulating the flow of fluid through at least a portion of the fluid exhaust conduit.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2019Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: AtriCure, Inc.Inventors: Stefan Skorich, David Wilson, Todd Frangolis, Christopher Widenhouse, Frank Fago
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Publication number: 20230067890Abstract: Cryogenic devices and methods of using and manufacturing cryogenic devices are disclosed. An exemplary cryogenic device may include an enclosed distal tip delineating a cavity in fluid communication with an egress orifice and an ingress orifice, where at least a portion of an exterior of the distal tip comprises a thermal application zone; an exhaust conduit in fluid communication with the egress orifice; a supply conduit in fluid communication with the ingress orifice, the supply conduit helically extending around at least a portion of the exhaust conduit; and/or a deformable wrap at least partially circumscribing the supply conduit and leaving exposed the thermal application zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2021Publication date: March 2, 2023Applicant: AtriCure, Inc.Inventors: Stefan Stefanov, Geni M. Giannotti, Christopher Widenhouse, Jonathon McHale
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Publication number: 20230063557Abstract: Cryogenic probes and related methods are disclosed. An example cryogenic probe may include a distal ablation tip and an elongated, generally tubular shaft extending proximally from the ablation tip. The shaft may include a flexible thermoplastic body, a supply conduit extending through the body, and/or an exhaust conduit extending through the body. At least one of the supply conduit and the exhaust conduit may be embedded within the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2021Publication date: March 2, 2023Applicant: AtriCure, Inc.Inventors: Saloni Jaikamal, Geni M. Giannotti, Christopher Widenhouse, Jonathon McHale, Stefan Stefanov
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Publication number: 20220361886Abstract: Medical devices and instruments, particularly appliers that may be used to apply occlusion devices such as occlusion clips on anatomical structures, are disclosed. Some example clip appliers may include an activation lever configured to open and close an occlusion clip releasably mounted in an end effector. Some example clip appliers may include a deployment trigger configured to release the occlusion clip from the end effector. Some example clip appliers may include a shaft extending between a handle and the end effector that is rotatable and/or bendable.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2022Publication date: November 17, 2022Applicant: AtriCure, IncInventors: Christopher Widenhouse, Frank Fago, Jonathan McHale, Edward Biehle, Heidi Koett, Erica Schwab
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Patent number: 11439406Abstract: Medical devices and instruments, particularly appliers that may be used to apply occlusion devices such as occlusion clips on anatomical structures, are disclosed. Some example clip appliers may include an activation lever configured to open and close an occlusion clip releasably mounted in an end effector. Some example clip appliers may include a deployment trigger configured to release the occlusion clip from the end effector. Some example clip appliers may include a shaft extending between a handle and the end effector that is rotatable and/or bendable.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2018Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: AtriCure, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Widenhouse, Frank Fago, Jonathan McHale, Edward Biehle, Heidi Koett, Erica Schwab
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Publication number: 20200085485Abstract: Cryosurgical devices, such as cryosurgical probes (cryoprobes) are disclosed. Some example embodiments may include an elongated shaft at least partially housing or delineating a fluid supply conduit and a fluid exhaust conduit, the elongated shaft including a distal ablation section terminating at a closed distal end, a housing at least partially circumscribing at least a portion of a proximal end of the elongated shaft and receiving or delineating at least a portion of the fluid supply conduit and a portion of the fluid exhaust conduit; and/or a flow restricting element in fluid communication with the fluid exhaust conduit, the flow restricting element regulating the flow of fluid through at least a portion of the fluid exhaust conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2019Publication date: March 19, 2020Applicant: AtriCure, Inc.Inventors: Stefan Skorich, David Wilson, Todd Frangolis, Christopher Widenhouse, Frank Fago
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Publication number: 20190142428Abstract: Medical devices and instruments, particularly appliers that may be used to apply occlusion devices such as occlusion clips on anatomical structures, are disclosed. Some example clip appliers may include an activation lever configured to open and close an occlusion clip releasably mounted in an end effector. Some example clip appliers may include a deployment trigger configured to release the occlusion clip from the end effector. Some example clip appliers may include a shaft extending between a handle and the end effector that is rotatable and/or bendable.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2018Publication date: May 16, 2019Applicant: AtriCure, IncInventors: Christopher Widenhouse, Frank Fago, Jonathan McHale, Edward Biehle, Heidi Koett, Erica Schwab
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Publication number: 20090171375Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for regulating a hydraulic restriction system including a restriction device. In general, the methods and devices can allow for non-invasive, transient pressure control. The methods and devices can also, in some embodiments, mechanically regulate pressure of the restriction device without using any electrical components that may need to be powered to operate over extended periods of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2007Publication date: July 2, 2009Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.Inventors: Jonathan A. Coe, Christopher Widenhouse, Thomas E. Adams, Juan S. Ezolino, David Martin
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Publication number: 20070225748Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a distal protection and embolic material retrieval device with improved apposition to both large and small vessel walls of varying geometries for enhancing the filtering of embolic material during intravascular procedures while allowing for the passage of blood is provided. The device includes a filter basket designed to maximize apposition of the filtering portion to that of the vessel wall and may include struts which provide circumferential support to the filtering membrane and thereby minimizing or eliminating in-folding of the filter basket. Thin film materials may also be utilized for the filtering membrane of the filter basket. In addition one can incorporate biological and/or pharmaceutical agents in combination with the present invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2004Publication date: September 27, 2007Inventors: Jin Park, Huisun Wang, Christopher Widenhouse
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Publication number: 20070185519Abstract: A method for aiding a surgical procedure, the method uses the steps of providing a surgical instrument with an elongated shaft having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis therebetween, the distal end having an end effector attached thereto, the shaft having a first strip running along the longitudinal axis and attached to the end effector, and a second strip, parallel to the first strip, running along the longitudinal axis from the distal end of the shaft to the distal end of the end effector where it is attached thereto, the end effector comprising a plurality of spaced apart links disposed along the longitudinal axis between the distal end of the end effector the distal end of the shaft such that the strips run through the links, and each link is attached to at least one strip. The method also includes the steps of inserting the instrument to a desired location in a body and curving the instrument by moving the first strip proximally.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2006Publication date: August 9, 2007Inventors: William Hassler, Christopher Widenhouse
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Publication number: 20070173685Abstract: A method of implanting a surgically implantable band, the method comprising the steps of providing a band with an elongated body member having a first end with a first latching member positioned thereon, and a second end with a second latching member positioned thereon. The first latching member has a suture tab extender extending therefrom. The suture tab extender has a suture attached thereto. The second end has a gripping section positioned thereon shaped and dimensioned to facilitate gripping as the gastric band extender is passed through the second latching member. The method further includes the step of positioning the band around an anatomical structure and latching the band around the structure by placing the suture tab extender through the second latching member and thereafter coupling the first and second latching members. The method further involves the step of removing the suture tab extender from the band.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2006Publication date: July 26, 2007Inventors: Kristin Jambor, Jeffrey Wiley, Lauren Weaner, Dustin Jensen, Patrick Swindon, Christopher Widenhouse
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Publication number: 20070106364Abstract: An intraluminal medical device delivery system that distributes forces more uniformly across an intraluminal medical device during loading and delivery of the device to an intended treatment site. A support member provided on an inner member of a catheter delivery system helps to more uniformly distribute forces across the device by crimping the device over the support member so as to place the support member in a mechanically compressed state during delivery of the device to the intended treatment site. The support member is preferably comprised of a material having a modulus of elasticity that increases when the material is compressed. The mechanical nature of the support member provides increased stability to the device during loading and delivery thereof without providing heat or other preformed or additional mechanical members to the support member. Repositioning of the device is available due to the stability of the device when mounted on the support member.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2005Publication date: May 10, 2007Inventors: Jon Buzzard, Bruce Hoo, Karen Jackson, Francisco Valdes, Christopher Widenhouse
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Publication number: 20070016229Abstract: A removable suture tab extender for a gastric band is shaped and dimensioned for selective attachment to a first end of the gastric band, the gastric band including a latching mechanism composed of a first latching member positioned at the first end of the gastric band and a second latching member positioned at a second end of the gastric band. The gastric band extender includes an elongated body member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the elongated body member is shaped and dimensioned for coupling with the first latching member. The second end of the elongated body member includes a gripping section shaped and dimensioned to facilitate gripping thereof as the gastric band extender is passed through the second latching member.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2006Publication date: January 18, 2007Inventors: Kristin Jambor, Jeffrey Wiley, Lauren Weaner, Dustin Jensen, Patrick Swindon, Christopher Widenhouse
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Publication number: 20060149312Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a distal protection and embolic material retrieval device with improved apposition to both large and small vessel walls of varying geometries for enhancing the filtering of embolic material during intravascular procedures while allowing for the passage of blood is provided. The device includes a filter basket designed to maximize apposition of the filtering portion to that of the vessel wall and may include struts which provide circumferential support to the filtering membrane and thereby minimizing or eliminating in-folding of the filter basket. Thin film materials may also be utilized for the filtering membrane of the filter basket. In addition one can incorporate biological and/or pharmaceutical agents in combination with the present invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2004Publication date: July 6, 2006Inventors: Edward Arguello, Jin Park, Huisan Wang, Lalith Wijeratne, Christopher Widenhouse
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Publication number: 20060149313Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a distal protection and embolic material retrieval device with improved apposition to both large and small vessel walls of varying geometries for enhancing the filtering of embolic material during intravascular procedures while allowing for the passage of blood is provided. The device includes a filter basket designed to maximize apposition of the filtering portion to that of the vessel wall and may include struts which provide circumferential support to the filtering membrane and thereby minimizing or eliminating in-folding of the filter basket. Thin film materials may also be utilized for the filtering membrane of the filter basket. In addition one can incorporate biological and/or pharmaceutical agents in combination with the present invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2004Publication date: July 6, 2006Inventors: Edward Arguello, Huisun Wang, Christopher Widenhouse, Lalith Wijeratne
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Publication number: 20050079365Abstract: Disclosed is a method for modifying the surface properties of a silicone or siloxane-based polymer or copolymer substrate comprising, (1) exposing the surface to a basic aqueous resolution comprising a substance capable of graft-polymerization with the silicone or siloxane-based polymer or copolymer substrate, the aqueous solution having a pH above about 8.0, the exposure to the basic aqueous solution being for a time sufficient to enhance the graft-polymerization and (2) subjecting the surface and basic solution to conditions whereby the polymerizable substance is polymerized to form a graft-polymerized coating on the surface. Also disclosed are compositions of matter prepared by the above-described process as well as articles manufactured therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2004Publication date: April 14, 2005Inventors: Christopher Widenhouse, Eugene Goldberg, Hasseeb Jabbar, Daniel Urbaniak
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Publication number: 20050043789Abstract: A device comprising a substrate having a surface for contacting blood wherein the surface has a continuum of thrombus-resistant polymeric material coated on and extending into the substrate to anchor the coating thereon. The device may be prepared by a method comprising: (a) contacting the substrate with a solution of monomer or oligomer in a solvent to wet the surface and impregnate the substrate below the surface to a substantial depth; (b) removing the solvent to form a continuum of the monomer or oligomer on the surface and within the substrate to a substantial depth; and (c) polymerizing the monomer or oligomer to form a substantial continuum of polymer coating on the surface and extending to a substantial depth in the substrate, thereby firmly anchoring the polymer coating on the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2004Publication date: February 24, 2005Inventors: Christopher Widenhouse, Eugene Goldberg, James Seeger