Patents by Inventor Francis A. Papay

Francis A. Papay 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).

  • Publication number: 20170028175
    Abstract: A system is provided for healing a wound. The system includes a flexible body, a therapeutic agent delivery mechanism, a suction mechanism, and a power source. The flexible body includes a cover film having oppositely disposed first and second surfaces that define a compartment. The compartment includes a first porous material, a second porous material, and at least one electrode disposed therein. The second porous material is disposed between the first porous material and the at least one electrode. The therapeutic agent delivery mechanism and the suction mechanism are fluidly connected to the compartment. The power source is in electrical communication with the at least one electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Inventors: Francis A. Papay, Ji-Feng Chen, Shengqiang Gao
  • Patent number: 9550057
    Abstract: A surgical guide to facilitate delivery of a therapy delivery device into the pterygopalatine fossa of a subject includes a curvilinear body having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the distal and proximal end portions. The proximal end portion is defined by oppositely disposed first and second surfaces. The proximal end portion and the intermediate portion define a longitudinal plane that extends between the proximal and distal end portions. The distal end portion has an arcuate configuration relative to the longitudinal plane and is defined by oppositely disposed third and fourth surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventors: Francis A. Papay, Carl Lance Boling
  • Publication number: 20160367208
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that can employ multi-modal imaging to provide an image with an enhanced resolution. In some instances, the multi-modal imaging can allow an operator to determine and control a tissue margin without the need for intra-operative tissue pathology. The system can include an imaging system that includes a gamma camera to detect a gamma image and an optical imaging modality to detect an optical image. The system can also include a display device to display an enhanced gamma image created based on a function of the optical image. The enhanced gamma image illustrates a characteristic of a disease in the field of view (e.g., a lymphatic pathway, a sentinel lymph node target, or a satellite disease state).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Yang Liu, Francis A. Papay
  • Publication number: 20160166799
    Abstract: A method is provided for treating a neuromuscular defect in a subject. One step of the method includes locating a target nerve. After locating the target nerve, a treatment probe is provided. The treatment probe includes an elongated body member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes an energy delivery mechanism for stimulating or ablating the target nerve, a monitoring mechanism, and a fluid aspiration/delivery mechanism. Next, the target nerve is verified as an appropriate target for ablation by stimulating and then monitoring the target nerve via the energy delivery mechanism and the monitoring mechanism, respectively. After verifying the target nerve, a tumescent fluid is injected into the tissue surrounding the target nerve. An electric current is then delivered to the energy delivery mechanism to substantially ablate the target nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventor: Francis A. Papay
  • Publication number: 20160106974
    Abstract: A surgical guide to facilitate delivery of a therapy delivery device into the pterygopalatine fossa of a subject includes a curvilinear body having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the distal and proximal end portions. The proximal end portion is defined by oppositely disposed first and second surfaces. The proximal end portion and the intermediate portion define a longitudinal plane that extends between the proximal and distal end portions. The distal end portion has an arcuate configuration relative to the longitudinal plane and is defined by oppositely disposed third and fourth surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventor: Francis A. Papay
  • Publication number: 20160081716
    Abstract: A surgical tool configured to facilitate delivery of a neurostimulator to a craniofacial region of a subject includes a handle portion, an elongate shaft having a contoured distal portion, and an insertion groove on the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft is configured to be advanced under a zygomatic bone along a maxillary tuberosity towards a pterygopalatine fossa. The distal portion includes a distal dissecting tip. The insertion groove is configured to receive, support, and guide a medical device or instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Carl Lance Boling, Anthony V. Caparso, Francis A. Papay, Ryan Powell, Jennifer Teng, Morgan Clyburn
  • Publication number: 20160051319
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a treatment probe comprising an elongated body member and a needle portion. The elongated body member can have a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The needle portion can be connected to the distal end portion. The needle portion can include at least one electrode and at least one fluid port. The at least one electrode and the at least one fluid port can be configured to deliver electrical energy and a tumescent fluid, respectively, so that superficial tissue planes overlying a target nerve are protected from inadvertent heat damage as a result of application of electrical energy to a target nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventor: Francis A. Papay
  • Patent number: 9265562
    Abstract: A method is provided for treating a neuromuscular defect in a subject. One step of the method includes locating a target nerve. After locating the target nerve, a treatment probe is provided. The treatment probe includes an elongated body member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes an energy delivery mechanism for stimulating or ablating the target nerve, a monitoring mechanism, and a fluid aspiration/delivery mechanism. Next, the target nerve is verified as an appropriate target for ablation by stimulating and then monitoring the target nerve via the energy delivery mechanism and the monitoring mechanism, respectively. After verifying the target nerve, a tumescent fluid is injected into the tissue surrounding the target nerve. An electric current is then delivered to the energy delivery mechanism to substantially ablate the target nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventor: Francis A. Papay
  • Patent number: 9220524
    Abstract: A surgical tool configured to facilitate delivery of a neurostimulator to a craniofacial region of a subject includes a handle portion, an elongate shaft having a contoured distal portion, and an insertion groove on the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft is configured to be advanced under a zygomatic bone along a maxillary tuberosity towards a pterygopalatine fossa. The distal portion includes a distal dissecting tip. The insertion groove is configured to receive, support, and guide a medical device or instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignees: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Autonomic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Lance Boling, Anthony V. Caparso, Francis A. Papay, Ryan Powell, Jennifer Teng, Morgan Clyburn
  • Patent number: 9211133
    Abstract: A surgical guide to facilitate delivery of a therapy delivery device into the pterygopalatine fossa of a subject includes a curvilinear body having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the distal and proximal end portions. The proximal end portion is defined by oppositely disposed first and second surfaces. The proximal end portion and the intermediate portion define a longitudinal plane that extends between the proximal and distal end portions. The distal end portion has an arcuate configuration relative to the longitudinal plane and is defined by oppositely disposed third and fourth surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventor: Francis A. Papay
  • Patent number: 9204925
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a treatment probe comprising an elongated body member and a needle portion. The elongated body member can have a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The needle portion can be connected to the distal end portion. The needle portion can include at least one electrode and at least one fluid port. The at least one electrode and the at least one fluid port can be configured to deliver electrical energy and a tumescent fluid, respectively, so that superficial tissue planes overlying a target nerve are protected from inadvertent heat damage as a result of application of electrical energy to a target nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventor: Francis A. Papay
  • Publication number: 20150302536
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer-readable storage media for presenting a virtual information presentation to a user are described. A virtual information presentation system may be configured to present an information presentation process to a user configured based on an objective, a subject and/or information associated with the user. For example, an objective may include obtaining consent for a medical procedure or a clinical research project. In another example, an objective may include confirming user understanding of a particular subject, such as job training. The information may be presented using lifelike avatars and other graphic elements to immerse the user in the information presentation process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. WAHL, Francis PAPAY
  • Publication number: 20150142120
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for treating obstructive sleep apnea in a subject. The system can include a power source and a neuromuscular stimulator in electrical communications with the power source. The neuromuscular stimulator can include a controller and at least one electrode. The controller can be configured to receive certain power and stimulation parameters associated with a therapy signal from the power source. The at least one electrode can be configured to deliver the therapy signal to a target tissue associated with control of a posterior base of the tongue of the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Francis A. Papay
  • Publication number: 20150119793
    Abstract: A method is provided for treating a neuromuscular defect in a subject. One step of the method includes locating a target nerve. After locating the target nerve, a treatment probe is provided. The treatment probe includes an elongated body member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes an energy delivery mechanism for stimulating or ablating the target nerve, a monitoring mechanism, and a fluid aspiration/delivery mechanism. Next, the target nerve is verified as an appropriate target for ablation by stimulating and then monitoring the target nerve via the energy delivery mechanism and the monitoring mechanism, respectively. After verifying the target nerve, a tumescent fluid is injected into the tissue surrounding the target nerve. An electric current is then delivered to the energy delivery mechanism to substantially ablate the target nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Francis A. Papay
  • Publication number: 20150105858
    Abstract: A prosthetic implant includes an anterior surface, configured for at least partial contact with an underside of a patient's facial soft tissue. A posterior surface is oppositely placed to the anterior surface. The posterior surface is configured for at least partial contact with a patient's facial bony tissue when the anterior surface is in at least partial contact with the patient's facial soft tissue. An implant body is defined by the anterior and posterior surfaces and extends transversely therebetween. A selected portion of the posterior surface has a texture that mechanically differs from a texture of a majority of the anterior surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Francis A. Papay, Jessie San, Nicholas T. Wilkins, Cameron J. Fordyce
  • Publication number: 20150073216
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an endoscope for facilitating a medical procedure by creating an anatomic space in or adjacent a target bodily tissue to be imaged. The endoscope can comprise a flexible, elongate tubular member defining a central lumen and an expandable dissecting member coupled to a distal end of the tubular member. The tubular member can further include at least one imaging channel extending longitudinally therethrough. The at least one imaging channel can include a visualization system for conveying an image from the distal end of the tubular member to a user. The expandable dissecting member can define a channel in fluid communication with the central lumen of the tubular member. The expandable dissecting member can extend beyond the distal end of the tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Francis A. Papay
  • Patent number: 8920816
    Abstract: A method is provided for treating a neuromuscular defect in a subject. One step of the method includes locating a target nerve. After locating the target nerve, a treatment probe is provided. The treatment probe includes an elongated body member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes an energy delivery mechanism for stimulating or ablating the target nerve, a monitoring mechanism, and a fluid aspiration/delivery mechanism. Next, the target nerve is verified as an appropriate target for ablation by stimulating and then monitoring the target nerve via the energy delivery mechanism and the monitoring mechanism, respectively. After verifying the target nerve, a tumescent fluid is injected into the tissue surrounding the target nerve. An electric current is then delivered to the energy delivery mechanism to substantially ablate the target nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventor: Francis A. Papay
  • Publication number: 20140276195
    Abstract: Methods for intra-operatively monitoring nerve evoked potentials such as somatosensory nerve evoked potentials during a surgical procedure. The methods include orthrodromic and antidromic monitoring of nerve evoked potentials. Monitoring includes navigating the surgical pathway to avoid insult to anatomical tissue, minimizing activation of sensory nerves that result in undesirable side effects in a patient, and determining the suitable location for placement of an implantable medical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicants: Autonomic Technologies, Inc., THE CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Francis A. Papay, Mike Hardage, Anthony V. Caparso, Benjamin D. Pless
  • Publication number: 20130310821
    Abstract: A method is provided for treating a neuromuscular defect in a subject. One step of the method includes locating a target nerve. After locating the target nerve, a treatment probe is provided. The treatment probe includes an elongated body member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes an energy delivery mechanism for stimulating or ablating the target nerve, a monitoring mechanism, and a fluid aspiration/delivery mechanism. Next, the target nerve is verified as an appropriate target for ablation by stimulating and then monitoring the target nerve via the energy delivery mechanism and the monitoring mechanism, respectively. After verifying the target nerve, a tumescent fluid is injected into the tissue surrounding the target nerve. An electric current is then delivered to the energy delivery mechanism to substantially ablate the target nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: THE CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATION
    Inventor: Francis A. Papay
  • Publication number: 20130281967
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a treatment probe comprising an elongated body member and a needle portion. The elongated body member can have a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The needle portion can be connected to the distal end portion. The needle portion can include at least one electrode and at least one fluid port. The at least one electrode and the at least one fluid port can be configured to deliver electrical energy and a tumescent fluid, respectively, so that superficial tissue planes overlying a target nerve are protected from inadvertent heat damage as a result of application of electrical energy to a target nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: THE CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATION
    Inventor: Francis A. Papay