Patents by Inventor Joseph M. Tartaglia
Joseph M. Tartaglia 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: 20220176140Abstract: Medical devices for generating an aerosol and plasma, e.g., for therapeutic treatment are described. The medical device may include a nebulizer, the nebulizer including an outer compartment, an inner compartment, and a needle radially inward of the inner and outer compartments. The medical device may include at least one electrode and a chamber, wherein a distal-facing surface of the chamber defines at least one plasma outlet and a nozzle in communication with the nebulizer, an end of the electrode being proximate the plasma outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2020Publication date: June 9, 2022Applicant: TheraDep Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael FOURKAS, Denis O'SULLIVAN, Liam O'NEILL, Joseph M. TARTAGLIA
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Patent number: 9808140Abstract: A system for determining the shape of a surgical instrument includes an elongate instrument body having a selectively steerable distal tip, a pair of automatically controlled segments proximal to the selectively steerable distal tip, and a joint that couples the pair of adjacent automatically controlled segments together. An actuator changes an angle of the joint and a position encoder provides information associated with the joint angle. A controller receives the information associated with the angle of the joint and generates a three dimensional model of a shape of the instrument. A method for determining the three dimensional shape of an instrument includes providing axial position data to a controller, providing angular position data to the controller from a respective segment controller, and generating a three-dimensional model of a shape of said instrument using the axial position data and the angular position data.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2014Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Amir Belson, Paul DeWitt Frey, Christine Wei Hsien McElhaney, James Craig Milroy, Robert Matthew Ohline, Joseph M. Tartaglia
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Publication number: 20150005576Abstract: A system for determining the shape of a surgical instrument includes an elongate instrument body having a selectively steerable distal tip, a pair of automatically controlled segments proximal to the selectively steerable distal tip, and a joint that couples the pair of adjacent automatically controlled segments together. An actuator changes an angle of the joint and a position encoder provides information associated with the joint angle. A controller receives the information associated with the angle of the joint and generates a three dimensional model of a shape of the instrument. A method for determining the three dimensional shape of an instrument includes providing axial position data to a controller, providing angular position data to the controller from a respective segment controller, and generating a three-dimensional model of a shape of said instrument using the axial position data and the angular position data.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Amir BELSON, Paul DeWitt FREY, Christine Wei Hsien MCELHANEY, James Craig MILROY, Robert Matthew OHLINE, Joseph M. TARTAGLIA
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Patent number: 8845524Abstract: A steerable endoscope has an elongated body with a selectively steerable distal portion and an automatically controlled proximal portion. The endoscope body is inserted into a patient and the selectively steerable distal portion is used to select a desired path within the patient's body. When the endoscope body is advanced, an electronic motion controller operates the automatically controlled proximal portion to assume the selected curve of the selectively steerable distal portion. Another desired path is selected with the selectively steerable distal portion and the endoscope body is advanced again. As the endoscope body is further advanced, the selected curves propagate proximally along the endoscope body, and when the endoscope body is withdrawn proximally, the selected curves propagate distally along the endoscope body. This creates a serpentine motion in the endoscope body allowing it to negotiate tortuous curves along a desired path through or around and between organs within the body.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2010Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Amir Belson, Paul DeWitt Frey, Christine Wei Hsien McElhaney, James Craig Milroy, Robert Matthew Ohline, Joseph M. Tartaglia
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Patent number: 8721530Abstract: A steerable, tendon-driven endoscope is described herein. The endoscope has an elongated body with a manually or selectively steerable distal portion and an automatically controlled, segmented proximal portion. The steerable distal portion and the segment of the controllable portion are actuated by at least two tendons. As the endoscope is advanced, the user maneuvers the distal portion, and a motion controller actuates tendons in the segmented proximal portion so that the proximal portion assumes the selected curve of the selectively steerable distal portion. By this method the selected curves are propagated along the endoscope body so that the endoscope largely conforms to the pathway selected. When the endoscope is withdrawn proximally, the selected curves can propagate distally along the endoscope body. This allows the endoscope to negotiate tortuous curves along a desired path through or around and between organs within the body.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Ohline, Joseph M. Tartaglia, Amir Belson, Alex T. Roth, Wade A. Keller, Scott C. Anderson, Christopher A. Julian
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Patent number: 8679110Abstract: A catheter includes a plurality of primary leads to deliver energy for ligating a hollow anatomical structure. Each of the primary leads includes an electrode located at the working end of the catheter. Separation is maintained between the primary leads such that each primary lead can individually receive power of selected polarity. The primary leads are constructed to expand outwardly to place the electrodes into apposition with an anatomical structure. High frequency energy can be applied from the leads to create a heating effect in the surrounding tissue of the anatomical structure. The diameter of the hollow anatomical structure is reduced by the heating effect, and the electrodes of the primary leads are moved closer to one another. Where the hollow anatomical structure is a vein, energy is applied until the diameter of the vein is reduced to the point where the vein is occluded. In one embodiment, a secondary lead is surrounded by the primary leads, and extends beyond the primary leads.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2008Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Arthur W. Zikorus, Mark P. Parker, Christopher S. Jones, Douglas M. Petty, Brian E. Farley, Joseph M. Tartaglia
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Publication number: 20130268036Abstract: A method of delivering therapy to a vein. In one embodiment, the method includes the following steps: inserting a structural sheath into the vein, the structural sheath being configured to prevent collapse of the vein due to spasm or via the administration of tumescent anesthesia; advancing a vapor delivery shaft into the catheter sheath; positioning a vapor delivery tip of the vapor delivery shaft distally of the catheter sheath; and delivering vapor to the vein through the vapor delivery tip to, e.g., shrink the vein with the vapor. The invention also includes a vapor delivery catheter system adapted to perform the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventors: Sean Morris, Joseph M. Tartaglia, Daniel Recinella, Kimberly McCarthy, Lowell S. Kabnick
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Publication number: 20130123888Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating vapor within a catheter are provided which may include any number of features. One feature is generating vapor with a fiber optic, laser fiber optic, or fiber optic bundle within a catheter. Another feature is sensing a temperature of the fiber optic, and adjusting the power delivered to the electrode array to fully generate vapor within the catheter. Another feature is delivering the vapor to a vein of a patient for vein reduction therapy.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2010Publication date: May 16, 2013Inventors: Wilfred J Samson, Joseph M. Tartaglia, Jerome Jackson, Steven H. Trebotich, Grant Michael Glaze, Chun-Chih Cheng
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Patent number: 8267931Abstract: A catheter includes a plurality of expandable primary leads to deliver energy to a fallopian tube, a vein such as a hemorrhoid or an esophageal varix, or another hollow anatomical structure requiring ligation or occlusion. Each of the primary leads includes an electrode located at the working end of the catheter. Separation is maintained between the primary leads such that the leads can receive power of selected polarity. The primary leads are constructed to expand outwardly to place the electrodes into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure. High frequency energy can be applied from the leads to create a heating effect in the surrounding tissue of the anatomical structure. The diameter of the hollow anatomical structure is reduced by the heating effect, and the electrodes of the primary leads are moved closer to one another.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: Brian E. Farley, Christopher S. Jones, Mark P. Parker, Joseph M. Tartaglia, Arthur W. Zikorus
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Publication number: 20110306836Abstract: A steerable, tendon-driven endoscope is described herein. The endoscope has an elongated body with a manually or selectively steerable distal portion and an automatically controlled, segmented proximal portion. The steerable distal portion and the segment of the controllable portion are actuated by at least two tendons. As the endoscope is advanced, the user maneuvers the distal portion, and a motion controller actuates tendons in the segmented proximal portion so that the proximal portion assumes the selected curve of the selectively steerable distal portion. By this method the selected curves are propagated along the endoscope body so that the endoscope largely conforms to the pathway selected. When the endoscope is withdrawn proximally, the selected curves can propagate distally along the endoscope body. This allows the endoscope to negotiate tortuous curves along a desired path through or around and between organs within the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Ohline, Joseph M. Tartaglia, Amir Belson, Alex T. Roth, Wade A. Keller, Scott C. Anderson, Christopher A. Julian
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Publication number: 20110065993Abstract: A steerable endoscope has an elongated body with a selectively steerable distal portion and an automatically controlled proximal portion. The endoscope body is inserted into a patient and the selectively steerable distal portion is used to select a desired path within the patient's body. When the endoscope body is advanced, an electronic motion controller operates the automatically controlled proximal portion to assume the selected curve of the selectively steerable distal portion. Another desired path is selected with the selectively steerable distal portion and the endoscope body is advanced again. As the endoscope body is further advanced, the selected curves propagate proximally along the endoscope body, and when the endoscope body is withdrawn proximally, the selected curves propagate distally along the endoscope body. This creates a serpentine motion in the endoscope body allowing it to negotiate tortuous curves along a desired path through or around and between organs within the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventors: Amir Belson, Paul DeWitt Frey, Christine Wei Hsien McElhaney, James Craig Milroy, Robert Matthew Ohline, Joseph M. Tartaglia
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Patent number: 7901402Abstract: A catheter includes a first plurality of expandable leads and a second plurality of expandable leads separate and longitudinally spaced-apart from the first plurality to deliver energy to a hollow anatomical structure, such as vein, fallopian tube, hemorrhoid, esophageal varix, to effectively ligate that structure. Each of the leads includes an electrode located at the distal end of the respective electrode lead. Polarizations of the leads may be selected to achieve the power distribution desired. Each electrode lead includes an outward bend such that when a movable sheath is moved out of contact with the leads, they expand outwardly into apposition with an inner wall of the structure to be ligated. High frequency energy can be applied from the leads to create a heating effect in the surrounding tissue of the anatomical structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2008Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group, LPInventors: Christopher S Jones, Arthur W Zikorus, Mark P Parker, Brian E. Farley, Joseph M Tartaglia
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Publication number: 20100198209Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating hemorrhoids are provided. One feature of a vapor therapy apparatus is generating vapor with an electrode array in an elongate shaft. The apparatus may include a vapor delivery needle for delivering high temperature condensable vapor to a hemorrhoid. In some embodiments, the delivery needle is inserted into a hemorrhoid and a vapor of approximately 104-120 degrees Celsius is delivered into the hemorrhoid. The vapor can be delivered for approximately 1-5 seconds.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventor: Joseph M. Tartaglia
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Publication number: 20100094088Abstract: A steerable, tendon-driven endoscope is described herein. The endoscope has an elongated body with a manually or selectively steerable distal portion and an automatically controlled, segmented proximal portion. The steerable distal portion and the segment of the controllable portion are actuated by at least two tendons. As the endoscope is advanced, the user maneuvers the distal portion, and a motion controller actuates tendons in the segmented proximal portion so that the proximal portion assumes the selected curve of the selectively steerable distal portion. By this method the selected curves are propagated along the endoscope body so that the endoscope largely conforms to the pathway selected. When the endoscope is withdrawn proximally, the selected curves can propagate distally along the endoscope body. This allows the endoscope to negotiate tortuous curves along a desired path through or around and between organs within the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventors: Robert M. Ohline, Joseph M. Tartaglia, Amir Belson, Alex T. Roth, Wade A. Keller, Scott C. Anderson, Christopher A. Julian
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Publication number: 20090137998Abstract: A catheter includes a plurality of primary leads to deliver energy for ligating a hollow anatomical structure. Each of the primary leads includes an electrode located at the working end of the catheter. Separation is maintained between the primary leads such that each primary lead can individually receive power of selected polarity. The primary leads are constructed to expand outwardly to place the electrodes into apposition with an anatomical structure. High frequency energy can be applied from the leads to create a heating effect in the surrounding tissue of the anatomical structure. The diameter of the hollow anatomical structure is reduced by the heating effect, and the electrodes of the primary leads are moved closer to one another. Where the hollow anatomical structure is a vein, energy is applied until the diameter of the vein is reduced to the point where the vein is occluded. In one embodiment, a secondary lead is surrounded by the primary leads, and extends beyond the primary leads.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2008Publication date: May 28, 2009Inventors: Arthur W. Zikorus, Mark P. Parker, Christopher S. Jones, Douglas M. Petty, Brian E. Farley, Joseph M. Tartaglia
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Publication number: 20090054884Abstract: A catheter includes a plurality of expandable primary leads to deliver energy to a fallopian tube, a vein such as a hemorrhoid or an esophageal varix, or another hollow anatomical structure requiring ligation or occlusion. Each of the primary leads includes an electrode located at the working end of the catheter. Separation is maintained between the primary leads such that the leads can receive power of selected polarity. The primary leads are constructed to expand outwardly to place the electrodes into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure. High frequency energy can be applied from the leads to create a heating effect in the surrounding tissue of the anatomical structure. The diameter of the hollow anatomical structure is reduced by the heating effect, and the electrodes of the primary leads are moved closer to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventors: Brian E. Farley, Christopher S. Jones, Mark P. Parker, Joseph M. Tartaglia, Arthur W. Zikorus
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Publication number: 20090005775Abstract: A catheter includes a first plurality of expandable leads and a second plurality of expandable leads separate and longitudinally spaced-apart from the first plurality to deliver energy to a hollow anatomical structure, such as vein, fallopian tube, hemorrhoid, esophageal varix, to effectively ligate that structure. Each of the leads includes an electrode located at the distal end of the respective electrode lead. Polarizations of the leads may be selected to achieve the power distribution desired. Each electrode lead includes an outward bend such that when a movable sheath is moved out of contact with the leads, they expand outwardly into apposition with an inner wall of the structure to be ligated. High frequency energy can be applied from the leads to create a heating effect in the surrounding tissue of the anatomical structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: VNUS Medical Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Christopher S. Jones, Arthur W. Zikorus, Mark P. Parker, Brian E. Farley, Joseph M. Tartaglia
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Publication number: 20080214893Abstract: An endoscope with guiding apparatus is provided. The endoscope has an elongate body with a steerable distal portion, an automatically controlled portion, a flexible and passively manipulated proximal portion, and an externally controlled and manipulatable guiding apparatus. The guiding apparatus may be positioned within the endoscope or may be positioned adjacent to the endoscope. An interlocking device is provided to slidably interlock the guiding apparatus and the endoscope. When the guide is in a flexible state, it can conform to a curve or path defined by the steerable distal portion and the automatically controlled portion. The guide can then be selectively rigidized to assume that curve or path. Once rigidized, the endoscope can be advanced along the guide in a monorail or “piggy-back” fashion so that the flexible proximal portion follows the curve held by the guide until the endoscope reaches a next point of curvature within a body lumen.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2008Publication date: September 4, 2008Inventors: Joseph M. Tartaglia, Wade A. Keller, Amir Belson, Arthur R. Ratchford
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Patent number: 7406970Abstract: A catheter includes a plurality of primary leads to deliver energy for ligating a hollow anatomical structure. Each of the primary leads includes an electrode located at the working end of the catheter. Separation is maintained between the primary leads such that each primary lead can individually receive power of selected polarity. The primary leads are constructed to expand outwardly to place the electrodes into apposition with an anatomical structure. High frequency energy can be applied from the leads to create a heating effect in the surrounding tissue of the anatomical structure. The diameter of the hollow anatomical structure is reduced by the heating effect, and the electrodes of the primary leads are moved closer to one another. Where the hollow anatomical structure is a vein, energy is applied until the diameter of the vein is reduced to the point where the vein is occluded. In one embodiment, a secondary lead is surrounded by the primary leads, and extends beyond the primary leads.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2004Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: VNUS Medical Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Arthur W. Zikorus, Mark P. Parker, Christopher S. Jones, Douglas M. Petty, Brian E. Farley, Joseph M. Tartaglia
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Patent number: RE45638Abstract: Apparatus and methods for percutaneously performing myocardial revascularization are provided using a catheter having an end region that is directable to contact a patient's endocardium at a plurality of positions. A cutting head is disposed within a lumen of the catheter and coupled to a drive tube that rotates and reciprocates the drive shaft. One or more stabilizing elements are disposed on the distal end to retain the catheter in position when the cutting head is actuated. The cutting head and drive tube include a lumen through which severed tissue is aspirated. Mechanisms and methods are provided for providing the operator with information to assess the desirability of treating a proposed site. Mechanisms also are provided for controlling the maximum extension of the cutting head beyond a distal endface of the catheter, independent of the degree of tortuosity imposed on the catheter.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2002Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.Inventors: Joseph M. Tartaglia, Vahid Saadat, Eric W. Leopold, Peter K. Park, Susan Philip