Patents by Inventor James K. Lee
James K. Lee 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: 20230414263Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue. The devices and methods may include insertion of first and second elongated members into the space between two tissue layers, with an augmenting elongated member at least partially inserted therebetween to form a distraction device between the tissues to be distracted. At least one of the first and second elongated members may be formed of a flexible core member with a plurality of rigid veneer members spaced along the length of the core member. At least one of the elongated members may include a shaping member that automatically moves from a generally linear configuration to a generally less linear configuration. A deployment catheter may include a deformable distal end to allow augmentation of the tissue distraction device during implantation. An injection aid may be provided for introducing a filler material into an interior defined by a deployed tissue distraction device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2023Publication date: December 28, 2023Inventors: Patricia McHale, James K. Lee, Douglas M. Lorang, Laurent B. Schaller, Sandeep Kunwar, Richard G. Fessler, Frederick Serrahsu, Helson Pacheco-Serrant
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Patent number: 11583327Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue. The devices and methods may include insertion of first and second elongated members into the space between two tissue layers, with an augmenting elongated member at least partially inserted therebetween to form a distraction device between the tissues to be distracted. At least one of the first and second elongated members may be formed of a flexible core member with a plurality of rigid veneer members spaced along the length of the core member. At least one of the elongated members may include a shaping member that automatically moves from a generally linear configuration to a generally less linear configuration. A deployment catheter may include a deformable distal end to allow augmentation of the tissue distraction device during implantation. An injection aid may be provided for introducing a filler material into an interior defined by a deployed tissue distraction device.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2019Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.Inventors: Patricia McHale, James K. Lee, Douglas M. Lorang, Laurent B. Schaller, Sandeep Kunwar, Richard G. Fessler, Frederick Serrahsu, Helson Pacheco-Serrant
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Publication number: 20220110650Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting tissue in the intervertebral disc space that includes a barrier member having a first configuration for insertion into the disc space and a second configuration when deployed within the disc space. The second configuration of the barrier member is adapted to at least partially define a perimeter of a working region within the disc space. The apparatus also includes a tissue disruption tool configured for insertion into the working region.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2021Publication date: April 14, 2022Inventors: Andrew Huffmaster, Jeffrey L. Emery, Ricardo J. Simmons, Douglas M. Lorang, Jeffrey A. Doelling, Russell Borg, Laurent B. Schaller, Ebrahim M. Quddus, Sandeep Kunwar, James K. Lee, Timothy J. McGrath
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Patent number: 11224453Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting tissue in the intervertebral disc space that includes a barrier member having a first configuration for insertion into the disc space and a second configuration when deployed within the disc space. The second configuration of the barrier member is adapted to at least partially define a perimeter of a working region within the disc space. The apparatus also includes a tissue disruption tool configured for insertion into the working region.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2019Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: Spinal Elements, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Huffmaster, Jeffrey L. Emery, Ricardo J. Simmons, Douglas M. Lorang, Jeffrey A. Doelling, Russell Borg, Laurent B. Schaller, Ebrahim M. Quddus, Sandeep Kunwar, James K. Lee, Timothy J. McGrath
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Publication number: 20210052322Abstract: A catheter enables real-time light measurements, for example, without limitation, diffuse reflectance, fluorescence, etc., from biological materials, such as tissue (including blood), while performing RF ablation. The catheter tip design isolates illumination and collection paths within the tip electrode such that light for illuminating the tissue of interest (e.g., cardiac tissue or blood) is isolated within the tip electrode from light that returns from the tissue to the catheter tip, and vice versa. Such a design advantageously avoids saturation of the optical detector, and ensures diffusion of the illumination light within the medium of interest. The catheter has a catheter body and a tip electrode with a shell wall and a hollow cavity. The shell wall has at least an illumination opening and a collection opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2020Publication date: February 25, 2021Inventor: James K. LEE
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Publication number: 20200345401Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue. The devices and methods may include insertion of first and second elongated members into the space between two tissue layers, with an augmenting elongated member at least partially inserted therebetween to form a distraction device between the tissues to be distracted. At least one of the first and second elongated members may be formed of a flexible core member with a plurality of rigid veneer members spaced along the length of the core member. At least one of the elongated members may include a shaping member that automatically moves from a generally linear configuration to a generally less linear configuration. A deployment catheter may include a deformable distal end to allow augmentation of the tissue distraction device during implantation. An injection aid may be provided for introducing a filler material into an interior defined by a deployed tissue distraction device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2019Publication date: November 5, 2020Inventors: Patricia McHale, James K. Lee, Douglas M. Lorang, Laurent B. Schaller, Sandeep Kunwar, Richard G. Fessler, Frederick Serrahsu, Helson Pacheco-Serrant
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Patent number: 10813690Abstract: A catheter enables real-time light measurements, for example, without limitation, diffuse reflectance, fluorescence, etc., from biological materials, such as tissue (including blood), while performing RF ablation. The catheter tip design isolates illumination and collection paths within the tip electrode such that light for illuminating the tissue of interest (e.g., cardiac tissue or blood) is isolated within the tip electrode from light that returns from the tissue to the catheter tip, and vice versa. Such a design advantageously avoids saturation of the optical detector, and ensures diffusion of the illumination light within the medium of interest. The catheter has a catheter body and a tip electrode with a shell wall and a hollow cavity. The shell wall has at least an illumination opening and a collection opening.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2019Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: BIOSENSE WEBSTER, INC.Inventor: James K. Lee
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Patent number: 10814100Abstract: A deflectable device, such as a catheter, is provided that includes a hinge that enhances the ability of the device to deflect or bend within a predetermined plane. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular catheter body having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending therethrough. A distal segment is provided distal to the distal end of the catheter body. A tubular hinge is provided between the distal end of the catheter body and the proximal end of the distal segment. The hinge has an axis and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The tube includes at least one slot, and preferably a plurality of slots, extending part of the way through the hinge generally transverse to the axis of the hinge.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2019Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin D. McDaniel, Martin F. O'Sullivan, James K. Lee
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Patent number: 10653479Abstract: A catheter for ablating tissue is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated generally-tubular catheter body having proximal and distal ends. An electrode assembly is provided at the distal end of the catheter body. The electrode assembly including a porous electrode arrangement that is generally transverse to the catheter body. The porous electrode arrangement comprises one or more electrodes electrically connected to a suitable energy source and a porous sleeve mounted in surrounding relation to the one or more electrodes and defining an open space between the porous sleeve and the one more electrodes. One or more irrigation openings fluidly connect the open space to a lumen extending through the catheter through which fluid can pass. In use, fluid passes through the lumen in the catheter, through the one or more irrigation openings, into the open space and through the porous sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2016Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: BIOSENSE WEBSTER, INC.Inventors: Martin O'Sullivan, James K. Lee, Irma Hill
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Publication number: 20190247114Abstract: A catheter enables real-time light measurements, for example, without limitation, diffuse reflectance, fluorescence, etc., from biological materials, such as tissue (including blood), while performing RF ablation. The catheter tip design isolates illumination and collection paths within the tip electrode such that light for illuminating the tissue of interest (e.g., cardiac tissue or blood) is isolated within the tip electrode from light that returns from the tissue to the catheter tip, and vice versa. Such a design advantageously avoids saturation of the optical detector, and ensures diffusion of the illumination light within the medium of interest. The catheter has a catheter body and a tip electrode with a shell wall and a hollow cavity. The shell wall has at least an illumination opening and a collection opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2019Publication date: August 15, 2019Inventor: James K. LEE
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Publication number: 20190216482Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting tissue in the intervertebral disc space that includes a barrier member having a first configuration for insertion into the disc space and a second configuration when deployed within the disc space. The second configuration of the barrier member is adapted to at least partially define a perimeter of a working region within the disc space. The apparatus also includes a tissue disruption tool configured for insertion into the working region.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2019Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: Andrew Huffmaster, Jeffrey L. Emery, Ricardo J. Simmons, Douglas M. Lorang, Jeffrey A. Doelling, Russell Borg, Laurent B. Schaller, Ebrahim M. Quddus, Sandeep Kunwar, James K. Lee, Timothy J. McGrath
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Patent number: 10314605Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting tissue in the intervertebral disc space that includes a barrier member having a first configuration for insertion into the disc space and a second configuration when deployed within the disc space. The second configuration of the barrier member is adapted to at least partially define a perimeter of a working region within the disc space. The apparatus also includes a tissue disruption tool configured for insertion into the working region.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2015Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Benvenue Medical, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Huffmaster, Jeffrey L. Emery, Ricardo J. Simmons, Douglas M. Lorang, Jeffrey A. Doelling, Russell Borg, Laurent B. Schaller, Ebrahim M. Quddus, Sandeep Kunwar, James K. Lee, Timothy J. McGrath
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Publication number: 20190151616Abstract: A deflectable device, such as a catheter, is provided that includes a hinge that enhances the ability of the device to deflect or bend within a predetermined plane. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular catheter body having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending therethrough. A distal segment is provided distal to the distal end of the catheter body. A tubular hinge is provided between the distal end of the catheter body and the proximal end of the distal segment. The hinge has an axis and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The tube includes at least one slot, and preferably a plurality of slots, extending part of the way through the hinge generally transverse to the axis of the hinge.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2019Publication date: May 23, 2019Inventors: Benjamin D. McDaniel, Martin F. O'Sullivan, James K. Lee
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Patent number: 10265123Abstract: A catheter enables real-time light measurements, for example, without limitation, diffuse reflectance, fluorescence, etc., from biological materials, such as tissue (including blood), while performing RF ablation. The catheter tip design isolates illumination and collection paths within the tip electrode such that light for illuminating the tissue of interest (e.g., cardiac tissue or blood) is isolated within the tip electrode from light that returns from the tissue to the catheter tip, and vice versa. Such a design advantageously avoids saturation of the optical detector, and ensures diffusion of the illumination light within the medium of interest. The catheter has a catheter body and a tip electrode with a shell wall and a hollow cavity. The shell wall has at least an illumination opening and a collection opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2017Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: BIOSENSE WEBSTER, INC.Inventor: James K. Lee
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Patent number: 10182734Abstract: A catheter for ablating tissue is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated generally-tubular catheter body having proximal and distal ends. An electrode assembly is provided at the distal end of the catheter body. The electrode assembly including a porous electrode arrangement that is generally transverse to the catheter body. The porous electrode arrangement comprises one or more electrodes electrically connected to a suitable energy source and a porous sleeve mounted in surrounding relation to the one or more electrodes and defining an open space between the porous sleeve and the one more electrodes. One or more irrigation openings fluidly connect the open space to a lumen extending through the catheter through which fluid can pass. In use, fluid passes through the lumen in the catheter, through the one or more irrigation openings, into the open space and through the porous sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2003Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.Inventors: Martin O'Sullivan, James K. Lee, Irma Hill
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Patent number: 10183150Abstract: A deflectable device, such as a catheter, is provided that includes a hinge that enhances the ability of the device to deflect or bend within a predetermined plane. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular catheter body having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending therethrough. A distal segment is provided distal to the distal end of the catheter body. A tubular hinge is provided between the distal end of the catheter body and the proximal end of the distal segment. The hinge has an axis and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The tube includes at least one slot, and preferably a plurality of slots, extending part of the way through the hinge generally transverse to the axis of the hinge.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin D. McDaniel, Martin F. O'Sullivan, James K. Lee
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Publication number: 20170232234Abstract: A deflectable device, such as a catheter, is provided that includes a hinge that enhances the ability of the device to deflect or bend within a predetermined plane. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular catheter body having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending therethrough. A distal segment is provided distal to the distal end of the catheter body. A tubular hinge is provided between the distal end of the catheter body and the proximal end of the distal segment. The hinge has an axis and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The tube includes at least one slot, and preferably a plurality of slots, extending part of the way through the hinge generally transverse to the axis of the hinge.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2017Publication date: August 17, 2017Inventors: Benjamin D. McDaniel, Martin F. O'Sullivan, James K. Lee
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Publication number: 20170143418Abstract: A catheter enables real-time light measurements, for example, without limitation, diffuse reflectance, fluorescence, etc., from biological materials, such as tissue (including blood), while performing RF ablation. The catheter tip design isolates illumination and collection paths within the tip electrode such that light for illuminating the tissue of interest (e.g., cardiac tissue or blood) is isolated within the tip electrode from light that returns from the tissue to the catheter tip, and vice versa. Such a design advantageously avoids saturation of the optical detector, and ensures diffusion of the illumination light within the medium of interest. The catheter has a catheter body and a tip electrode with a shell wall and a hollow cavity. The shell wall has at least an illumination opening and a collection opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2017Publication date: May 25, 2017Inventor: James K. Lee
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Patent number: 9636482Abstract: A deflectable device, such as a catheter, is provided that includes a hinge that enhances the ability of the device to deflect or bend within a predetermined plane. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular catheter body having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending therethrough. A distal segment is provided distal to the distal end of the catheter body. A tubular hinge is provided between the distal end of the catheter body and the proximal end of the distal segment. The hinge has an axis and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The tube includes at least one slot, and preferably a plurality of slots, extending part of the way through the hinge generally transverse to the axis of the hinge.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2014Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin D. McDaniel, Martin F. O'Sullivan, James K. Lee
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Publication number: 20170027641Abstract: A catheter for ablating tissue is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated generally-tubular catheter body having proximal and distal ends. An electrode assembly is provided at the distal end of the catheter body. The electrode assembly including a porous electrode arrangement that is generally transverse to the catheter body. The porous electrode arrangement comprises one or more electrodes electrically connected to a suitable energy source and a porous sleeve mounted in surrounding relation to the one or more electrodes and defining an open space between the porous sleeve and the one more electrodes. One or more irrigation openings fluidly connect the open space to a lumen extending through the catheter through which fluid can pass. In use, fluid passes through the lumen in the catheter, through the one or more irrigation openings, into the open space and through the porous sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2016Publication date: February 2, 2017Inventors: Martin O'Sullivan, James K. Lee, Irma Hill