Patents by Inventor Dale E. Just
Dale E. Just 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: 20240058058Abstract: Electrode assemblies include segmented electrodes disposed on a catheter. The segmented electrodes can be constructed at the tip of the catheter or more proximally located. Tip electrodes can be constructed from an electrically-insulative substrate covered with a conductive material. The conductive material can be deposited on the electrically-insulative substrate to form a single tip electrode or multiple segmented electrodes. In some embodiments the tip electrode can include irrigation flow holes for irrigation. A method of manufacturing a tip electrode comprising a thin layer of conductive material deposited on an electrically-insulative substrate is disclosed. Segmented ring electrodes can be constructed from segmented ring electrodes that can be equally separated around a circumference of a catheter. The segmented ring electrodes can be formed into segmented electrode subassemblies that can then be joined to a catheter shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2023Publication date: February 22, 2024Inventors: Dale E. Just, D. Curtis Deno, Ram K. Balachandran, Troy T. Tegg
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Publication number: 20240041408Abstract: An electrode support structure assembly in a body in accordance with one embodiment of the present teachings includes a plug defining a longitudinal axis. The plug includes a lumen extending in an axial direction and including an axial distal end and a distal tip adjacent to the axial distal end of the lumen and including a first channel. The assembly further includes a cap disposed around at least a portion of the plug and including a plurality of apertures and an interior. The assembly further includes a plurality of support members, each support member comprising a distal portion. The cap is configured to constrain relative movement of the distal portions of the plurality of support members with respect to the cap, and the first channel of the plug and at least one of the plurality of support members are configured to direct a fluid after exiting the lumen of the plug.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2023Publication date: February 8, 2024Applicant: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.Inventors: James C. Marrs, Neil D. Hawkinson, Brian M. Monahan, Dale E. Just
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Patent number: 11890427Abstract: A medical device, such as an electrophysiology catheter, has an elongate body including a wall. A reinforcing layer is encapsulated in the wall. The reinforcing layer includes one or more reinforcing fibers having glass cores and polymer claddings. In embodiments, the one or more reinforcing fibers are non-magnetically-susceptible and non-electrically-conductive, facilitating use of the medical device in connection with procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”).Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2018Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.Inventors: Troy T. Tegg, Dale E. Just
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Patent number: 11839423Abstract: Electrode assemblies include segmented electrodes disposed on a catheter. The segmented electrodes can be constructed at the tip of the catheter or more proximally located. Tip electrodes can be constructed from an electrically-insulative substrate covered with a conductive material. The conductive material can be deposited on the electrically-insulative substrate to form a single tip electrode or multiple segmented electrodes. In some embodiments the tip electrode can include irrigation flow holes for irrigation. A method of manufacturing a tip electrode comprising a thin layer of conductive material deposited on an electrically-insulative substrate is disclosed. Segmented ring electrodes can be constructed from segmented ring electrodes that can be equally separated around a circumference of a catheter. The segmented ring electrodes can be formed into segmented electrode subassemblies that can then be joined to a catheter shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2014Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.Inventors: Dale E. Just, D. Curtis Deno, Ram K. Balachandran, Troy T. Tegg
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Patent number: 11826172Abstract: An electrode support structure assembly in a body in accordance with one embodiment of the present teachings includes a plug defining a longitudinal axis. The plug includes a lumen extending in an axial direction and including an axial distal end and a distal tip adjacent to the axial distal end of the lumen and including a first channel. The assembly further includes a cap disposed around at least a portion of the plug and including a plurality of apertures and an interior. The assembly further includes a plurality of support members, each support member comprising a distal portion. The cap is configured to constrain relative movement of the distal portions of the plurality of support members with respect to the cap, and the first channel of the plug and at least one of the plurality of support members are configured to direct a fluid after exiting the lumen of the plug.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2015Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.Inventors: James C. Marrs, Neil D. Hawkinson, Brian M. Monahan, Dale E. Just
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Patent number: 11478300Abstract: The present invention pertains to multiple piece irrigated ablation electrode assemblies wherein the irrigation channels are insulated or separated from at least one temperature sensing mechanism within the distal portion of the electrode assembly. The present invention further pertains to methods for improved assembly and accurate measurement and control of the electrode temperatures while effectively irrigating the device and target areas.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2019Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Huisun Wang, Jeremy D. Dando, Dale E. Just, Allen P. Moore
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Patent number: 11419673Abstract: The present invention relates to steerable access sheath assembly including at least one electrode. Moreover, the present invention relates to a steerable sheath access device for use in cardiovascular procedures. Embodiments of the present invention including steerable access sheaths or introducers may provide cardiovascular access for various ablation tools and devices for the performance of various ablation procedures or procedures involving alternate energy sources.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2016Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: James V. Kauphusman, Allan M. Fuentes, Troy T. Tegg, Dale E. Just
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Patent number: 11419674Abstract: Method and devices for delivering pulsed RF ablation energy to enable the creation of lesions in tissue are disclosed. The delivery of RF energy is controlled such that the generator power setting remains sufficiently high to form adequate lesions while mitigating against overheating of tissue. An ablation catheter tip having high-thermal-sensitivity comprises a thermally-insulative ablation tip insert supporting at least one temperature sensor and encapsulated, or essentially encapsulated, by a conductive shell. A system for delivering pulsed RF energy to a catheter during catheter ablation comprises an RF generator and a pulse control box operatively connected to the generator and configured to control delivery of pulsatile RF energy to an ablation catheter comprising at least one temperature sensor mounted in its tip. Also disclose is a method of controlling the temperature of an ablation catheter tip while creating a desired lesion using pulsatile delivery of RF energy.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2016Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.Inventors: Troy T. Tegg, Dale E. Just
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Patent number: 11350986Abstract: Method and devices for delivering pulsed RF ablation energy to enable the creation of lesions in tissue are disclosed. The delivery of RF energy is controlled such that the generator power setting remains sufficiently high to form adequate lesions while mitigating against overheating of tissue. An ablation catheter tip having high-thermal-sensitivity comprises a thermally-insulative ablation tip insert supporting at least one temperature sensor and encapsulated, or essentially encapsulated, by a conductive shell. A system for delivering pulsed RF energy to a catheter during catheter ablation comprises an RF generator and a pulse control box operatively connected to the generator and configured to control delivery of pulsatile RF energy to an ablation catheter comprising at least one temperature sensor mounted in its tip. Also disclose is a method of controlling the temperature of an ablation catheter tip while creating a desired lesion using pulsatile delivery of RF energy.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2016Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.Inventors: Troy T. Tegg, Dale E. Just, Gregory K. Olson
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Publication number: 20220079668Abstract: In various embodiments, a catheter comprising an expandable electrode assembly or basket is provided. In specific embodiments, the basket is particularly useful for mapping electrical activity at one or more locations within the heart. The basket can comprise a plurality of bendable or deflectable arms. At least one of the arms may have varied flexibility over its length in the form of one or more discontinuities of stiffness or flexibility at an elbow region or other variances in flexibility over the arm's length. Such variance in flexibility may allow the arm to assume a different bent configuration or respond to external factors more positively than possible with an arm having a static or near static flexibility or stiffness over its length.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2021Publication date: March 17, 2022Inventors: Sacha C. Hall, Dale E. Just, Alan de la Rama, Cary Hata
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Patent number: 11246535Abstract: An electrode support structure assembly is provided comprising an electrode support structure including a plurality of splines. Each of the plurality of splines can have a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The assembly further comprises a first element defining an axis and comprising an outer surface. The outer surface comprises a plurality of slots configured to receive the distal end portion of each of the plurality of splines. The first element is configured such that the distal end portion of each of the plurality of splines may move with respect to each slot. In accordance with some embodiments, the distal end portion of each of the plurality of splines comprises a section configured for engagement with the first element, wherein the section comprises a shoulder.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2018Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Dale E. Just, Troy T. Tegg, Theodore A. Johnson
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Publication number: 20210378736Abstract: A family of catheter electrode assemblies includes a flexible circuit having a plurality of electrical traces and a substrate; a ring electrode surrounding the flexible circuit and electrically coupled with at least one of the plurality of electrical traces; and an outer covering extending over at least a portion of the electrode. A non-contact electrode mapping catheter includes an outer tubing having a longitudinal axis, a deployment member, and a plurality of splines, at least one of the plurality of splines comprising a flexible circuit including a plurality of electrical traces and a substrate, a ring electrode surrounding the flexible circuit and electrically coupled with at least one of the plurality of electrical traces; and an outer covering extending over at least a portion of the ring electrode. A method of constructing the family of catheter electrode assemblies is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2021Publication date: December 9, 2021Inventors: Dale E. Just, Troy T. Tegg, Theodore A. Johnson, Sacha C. Hall
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Patent number: 11154355Abstract: In various embodiments, a catheter comprising an expandable electrode assembly or basket is provided. In specific embodiments, the basket is particularly useful for mapping electrical activity at one or more locations within the heart. The basket can comprise a plurality of bendable or deflectable arms. At least one of the arms may have varied flexibility over its length in the form of one or more discontinuities of stiffness or flexibility at an elbow region or other variances in flexibility over the arm's length. Such variance in flexibility may allow the arm to assume a different bent configuration or respond to external factors more positively than possible with an arm having a static or near static flexibility or stiffness over its length.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2019Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Sacha C. Hall, Dale E. Just, Alan de la Rama, Cary Hata
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Patent number: 11065052Abstract: A family of catheter electrode assemblies includes a flexible circuit having a plurality of electrical traces and a substrate; a ring electrode surrounding the flexible circuit and electrically coupled with at least one of the plurality of electrical traces; and an outer covering extending over at least a portion of the electrode. A non-contact electrode mapping catheter includes an outer tubing having a longitudinal axis, a deployment member, and a plurality of splines, at least one of the plurality of splines comprising a flexible circuit including a plurality of electrical traces and a substrate, a ring electrode surrounding the flexible circuit and electrically coupled with at least one of the plurality of electrical traces; and an outer covering extending over at least a portion of the ring electrode. A method of constructing the family of catheter electrode assemblies is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2019Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Dale E. Just, Troy T. Tegg, Theodore A. Johnson, Sacha C. Hall
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Publication number: 20210161472Abstract: An electrophysiology catheter is provided. In one embodiment, the catheter includes an elongate, deformable shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a basket electrode assembly coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The basket electrode assembly has a proximal end and a distal end and is configured to assume a compressed state and an expanded state. The electrode assembly further includes one or more tubular splines having a plurality of electrodes disposed thereon and a plurality of conductors. Each of the plurality of conductors extends through the tubular spline from a corresponding one of the plurality of electrodes to the proximal end of the basket electrode assembly. The tubular splines are configured to assume a non-planar (e.g., a twisted or helical) shape in the expanded state.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2021Publication date: June 3, 2021Inventors: Braden J. Eliason, D. Curtis Deno, Eric J. Voth, Dale E. Just
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Patent number: 10932723Abstract: An electrophysiology catheter is provided. In one embodiment, the catheter includes an elongate, deformable shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a basket electrode assembly coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The basket electrode assembly has a proximal end and a distal end and is configured to assume a compressed state and an expanded state. The electrode assembly further includes one or more tubular splines having a plurality of electrodes disposed thereon and a plurality of conductors. Each of the plurality of conductors extends through the tubular spline from a corresponding one of the plurality of electrodes to the proximal end of the basket electrode assembly. The tubular splines are configured to assume a non-planar (e.g., a twisted or helical) shape in the expanded state.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2018Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Braden J. Eliason, D. Curtis Deno, Eric J. Voth, Dale E. Just
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Patent number: 10874832Abstract: Embodiments include a catheter shaft (12) having an elongated structure with a distal portion (18) and proximal portion (16). The distal portion (18) can include a distal tip (36), a proximal connector (38), and a plurality of pivoting hollow cylindrical segments (40) disposed between the proximal connector (38) and distal tip (36) along a longitudinal axis extending through the elongated structure. A plurality of connections (42, 44) can be disposed along diametrically opposed sides of the distal portion (18) and configured to connect the distal tip (36), the pivoting hollow cylindrical segments (40), and the proximal connector (38). A diametrically opposed pair of tabs (54-1, 54-2) can extend from an inner wall of each of the pivoting hollow cylindrical segments (40) to form first and second pullwire tunnels (81-1, 81-2). First and second pullwires (52-1, 52-2) can extend through the first and second pullwire tunnels (81-1, 81-2).Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2017Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.Inventors: Dale E. Just, Troy T. Tegg
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Publication number: 20190290357Abstract: In various embodiments, a catheter comprising an expandable electrode assembly or basket is provided. In specific embodiments, the basket is particularly useful for mapping electrical activity at one or more locations within the heart. The basket can comprise a plurality of bendable or deflectable arms. At least one of the arms may have varied flexibility over its length in the form of one or more discontinuities of stiffness or flexibility at an elbow region or other variances in flexibility over the arm's length. Such variance in flexibility may allow the arm to assume a different bent configuration or respond to external factors more positively than possible with an arm having a static or near static flexibility or stiffness over its length.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2019Publication date: September 26, 2019Inventors: Sacha C. Hall, Dale E. Just, Alan de la Rama, Cary Hata
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Publication number: 20190239811Abstract: An electrode support structure assembly is provided comprising an electrode support structure including a plurality of splines. Each of the plurality of splines can have a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The assembly further comprises a first element defining an axis and comprising an outer surface. The outer surface comprises a plurality of slots configured to receive the distal end portion of each of the plurality of splines. The first element is configured such that the distal end portion of each of the plurality of splines may move with respect to each slot. In accordance with some embodiments, the distal end portion of each of the plurality of splines comprises a section configured for engagement with the first element, wherein the section comprises a shoulder.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2018Publication date: August 8, 2019Inventors: Dale E. Just, Troy T. Tegg, Theodore A. Johnson
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Publication number: 20190223758Abstract: A composite planarity member for a medical device that can comprise a planarity member and a tracking sensor coupled to the planarity member. A catheter that can comprise a tip electrode, a catheter body comprising a lumen, the catheter coupled to the tip electrode, and a composite planarity member comprising a planarity member and a flat coil coupled to the planarity member, wherein the composite planarity member is disposed within the lumen of the catheter body.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2017Publication date: July 25, 2019Inventor: Dale E. Just