Patents by Inventor Kathleen McMillan
Kathleen McMillan 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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Patent number: 11147623Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of soft tissue includes a source of radiation, a handpiece which is adapted to transmit radiation emitted from the source of radiation to a region of soft tissue, resulting in irradiated soft tissue, said handpiece being positioned adjacent to or in contact with said soft tissue region, a grid element adapted to hold at least one temperature sensor in contact with or embedded in said region of soft tissue, and a microprocessor, which converts a signal from the at least one temperature sensor into a measure of damage produced in at least two components of the irradiated soft tissue, said components comprising at least one normal tissue component and at least one malignant, hypertrophic, diseased, or unwanted component.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2018Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: GRADIANT RESEARCH, LLCInventor: Kathleen McMillan
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Patent number: 10194986Abstract: Disclosed herein are optical assemblies having thin, low profile shapes. These optical assemblies may be used with fiber coupled lasers and other light sources, including high power sources, to irradiate tissue at a wavelength suitable for inducing ablation or coagulation to a target depth, denaturation, thermal modification of a tissue, and/or preferential injury to a target tissue structure. Example optical assemblies can produce substantially uniform illumination patterns that are useful for treating superficial tissue, including the internal or luminal (e.g., esophageal) tissue. Some examples may have capability for cooling superficial tissue or skin, such as a detachable, reusable heat sink for active cooling without consumables, fluid pumps, or other cooling equipment.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2016Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: Gradiant Research, LLCInventors: Kathleen McMillan, Anurag Gupta, James Patrick McGuire, Jr.
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Publication number: 20180325593Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of soft tissue includes a source of radiation, a handpiece which is adapted to transmit radiation emitted from the source of radiation to a region of soft tissue, resulting in irradiated soft tissue, said handpiece being positioned adjacent to or in contact with said soft tissue region, a grid element adapted to hold at least one temperature sensor in contact with or embedded in said region of soft tissue, and a microprocessor, which converts a signal from the at least one temperature sensor into a measure of damage produced in at least two components of the irradiated soft tissue, said components comprising at least one normal tissue component and at least one malignant, hypertrophic, diseased, or unwanted component.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2018Publication date: November 15, 2018Inventor: Kathleen McMillan
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Patent number: 9962225Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of soft tissue includes a source of radiation, a handpiece which is adapted to transmit radiation emitted from the source of radiation to a region of soft tissue, resulting in irradiated soft tissue, said handpiece being positioned adjacent to or in contact with said soft tissue region, a grid element adapted to hold at least one temperature sensor in contact with or embedded in said region of soft tissue, and a microprocessor, which converts a signal from the at least one temperature sensor into a measure of damage produced in at least two components of the irradiated soft tissue, said components comprising at least one normal tissue component and at least one malignant, hypertrophic, diseased, or unwanted component.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2011Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: Gradiant Research, LLCInventor: Kathleen McMillan
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Publication number: 20170304003Abstract: Disclosed herein are optical assemblies having thin, low profile shapes. These optical assemblies may be used with fiber coupled lasers and other light sources, including high power sources, to irradiate tissue at a wavelength suitable for inducing ablation or coagulation to a target depth, denaturation, thermal modification of a tissue, and/or preferential injury to a target tissue structure. Example optical assemblies can produce substantially uniform illumination patterns that are useful for treating superficial tissue, including the internal or luminal (e.g., esophageal) tissue. Some examples may have capability for cooling superficial tissue or skin, such as a detachable, reusable heat sink for active cooling without consumables, fluid pumps, or other cooling equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2016Publication date: October 26, 2017Inventors: Kathleen McMillan, Anurag Gupta, James Patrick McGuire, JR.
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Patent number: 9554856Abstract: Disclosed herein are optical assemblies having thin, low profile shapes. These optical assemblies may be used with fiber coupled lasers and other light sources, including high power sources, to irradiate tissue at a wavelength suitable for inducing ablation or coagulation to a target depth, denaturation, thermal modification of a tissue, and/or preferential injury to a target tissue structure. Example optical assemblies can produce substantially uniform illumination patterns that are useful for treating superficial tissue, including the internal or luminal (e.g., esophageal) tissue. Some examples may have capability for cooling superficial tissue or skin, such as a detachable, reusable heat sink for active cooling without consumables, fluid pumps, or other cooling equipment.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2013Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: GRADIANT RESEARCH, LLCInventors: Kathleen McMillan, Anurag Gupta, James Patrick McGuire, Jr.
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Publication number: 20140194770Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for the treatment of soft tissue. The apparatus includes a light source and at least two optical assemblies. Each of the optical assemblies includes at least one optical element and a light-transmitting contact surface configured to transmit a substantially uniform distribution of light therethrough. The apparatus further includes at least two optical transmission devices each disposed between the light source and a corresponding one of the at least two optical assemblies. The apparatus also includes a handpiece to which the at least two optical assemblies are attached, and which is adapted to bring the light-transmitting contact surfaces of the at least two optical assemblies in contact with soft tissue disposed therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2014Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: Gradiant Research, LLCInventor: Kathleen McMillan
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Patent number: 8685010Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for the treatment of soft tissue. The apparatus includes a light source and at least two optical assemblies. Each of the optical assemblies includes at least one optical element and a light-transmitting contact surface configured to transmit a substantially uniform distribution of light therethrough. The apparatus further includes at least two optical transmission devices each disposed between the light source and a corresponding one of the at least two optical assemblies. The apparatus also includes a handpiece to which the at least two optical assemblies are attached, and which is adapted to bring the light-transmitting contact surfaces of the at least two optical assemblies in contact with soft tissue disposed therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2009Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Gradiant Research, LLCInventors: Kathleen McMillan, Anurag Gupta, James Patrick McGuire, Jr.
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Publication number: 20130345687Abstract: Disclosed herein are optical assemblies having thin, low profile shapes. These optical assemblies may be used with fiber coupled lasers and other light sources, including high power sources, to irradiate tissue at a wavelength suitable for inducing ablation or coagulation to a target depth, denaturation, thermal modification of a tissue, and/or preferential injury to a target tissue structure. Example optical assemblies can produce substantially uniform illumination patterns that are useful for treating superficial tissue, including the internal or luminal (e.g., esophageal) tissue. Some examples may have capability for cooling superficial tissue or skin, such as a detachable, reusable heat sink for active cooling without consumables, fluid pumps, or other cooling equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2013Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: Gradiant Research, LLCInventors: Kathleen McMillan, Anurag Gupta, James Patrick McGuire, JR.
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Publication number: 20130197473Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of soft tissue includes a source of radiation, a handpiece which is adapted to transmit radiation emitted from the source of radiation to a region of soft tissue, resulting in irradiated soft tissue, said handpiece being positioned adjacent to or in contact with said soft tissue region, a grid element adapted to hold at least one temperature sensor in contact with or embedded in said region of soft tissue, and a microprocessor, which converts a signal from the at least one temperature sensor into a measure of damage produced in at least two components of the irradiated soft tissue, said components comprising at least one normal tissue component and at least one malignant, hypertrophic, diseased, or unwanted component.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2011Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: GRADIANT RESEARCH, LLCInventor: Kathleen McMillan
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Publication number: 20120078160Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for treating bladder cancer. Example apparatus include a laser or other source that generates visible or near-infrared radiation and a cytoscope to deliver and apply the radiation to a treatment site, such as the urothelial surface of the bladder. The radiation alters the permeability of at least one layer of the bladder wall, allowing more efficacious administration of chemotherapeutic or anticancer agent to the bladder lumen during or after application of the radiation. Permeability of the bladder wall may be altered by damaging suburothelial blood vessels, such as those of the lamina propria of the bladder wall, or by damaging the urothelium and suburothelial blood vessels of the bladder in a patient with bladder cancer. Damage to the urothelium induced by the radiation may be of a continuous or discontinuous nature. Treatment may also cause regression or destruction of (pre)malignant tissue in the urothelium and suburothelium.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: Gradiant Research, LLCInventor: Kathleen McMillan
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Publication number: 20110190749Abstract: Disclosed herein are optical assemblies having thin, low profile shapes. These optical assemblies may be used with fiber coupled lasers and other light sources, including high power sources, to irradiate tissue at a wavelength suitable for inducing ablation or coagulation to a target depth, denaturation, thermal modification of a tissue, and/or preferential injury to a target tissue structure. Example optical assemblies can produce substantially uniform illumination patterns that are useful for treating superficial tissue, including the internal or luminal (e.g., esophageal) tissue. Some examples may have capability for cooling superficial tissue or skin, such as a detachable, reusable heat sink for active cooling without consumables, fluid pumps, or other cooling equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2010Publication date: August 4, 2011Inventors: Kathleen McMillan, Anurag Gupta, James Patrick McGuire, JR.
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Publication number: 20100160904Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for the treatment of soft tissue. The apparatus includes a light source and at least two optical assemblies. Each of the optical assemblies includes at least one optical element and a light-transmitting contact surface configured to transmit a substantially uniform distribution of light therethrough. The apparatus further includes at least two optical transmission devices each disposed between the light source and a corresponding one of the at least two optical assemblies. The apparatus also includes a handpiece to which the at least two optical assemblies are attached, and which is adapted to bring the light-transmitting contact surfaces of the at least two optical assemblies in contact with soft tissue disposed therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: Gradiant Research, LLCInventors: Kathleen McMillan, Anurag Gupta, James Patrick McGuire, JR.
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Publication number: 20080269733Abstract: A method for treating wrinkles in skin involves the use of a beam of pulsed, scanned or gated continuous wave laser or incoherent radiation. The method comprises generating a beam of radiation, directing the beam of radiation to a targeted dermal region between 100 microns and 1.2 millimeters below a wrinkle in the skin, and thermally injuring collagen in the targeted dermal region. The beam of radiation has a wavelength of between 1.3 and 1.8 microns. The method may include cooling an area of the skin above the targeted dermal region while partially denaturing the collagen in the targeted dermal region. The method may also include cooling an area of the skin above the targeted dermal region prior to thermally injuring collagen in the targeted dermal region.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventors: R. Rox Anderson, Edward Victor Ross, James C. Hsia, Kathleen McMillan
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Publication number: 20050256515Abstract: A method for treating wrinkles in skin involves the use of a beam of pulsed, scanned or gated continuous wave laser or incoherent radiation. The method comprises generating a beam of radiation, directing the beam of radiation to a targeted dermal region between 100 microns and 1.2 millimeters below a wrinkle in the skin, and thermally injuring collagen in the targeted dermal region. The beam of radiation has a wavelength of between 1.3 and 1.8 microns. The method may include cooling an area of the skin above the targeted dermal region while partially denaturing the collagen in the targeted dermal region. The method may also include cooling an area of the skin above the targeted dermal region prior to thermally injuring collagen in the targeted dermal region.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2005Publication date: November 17, 2005Inventors: R. Anderson, Edward Ross, James Hsia, Kathleen McMillan
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Publication number: 20040143247Abstract: A method for treating wrinkles in skin involves the use of a beam of pulsed, scanned or gated continuous wave laser or incoherent radiation. The method comprises generating a beam of radiation, directing the beam of radiation to a targeted dermal region between 100 microns and 1.2 millimeters below a wrinkle in the skin, and thermally injuring collagen in the targeted dermal region. The beam of radiation has a wavelength of between 1.3 and 1.8 microns. The method may include cooling an area of the skin above the targeted dermal region while partially denaturing the collagen in the targeted dermal region. The method may also include cooling an area of the skin above the targeted dermal region prior to thermally injuring collagen in the targeted dermal region.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventors: R. Rox Anderson, Edward Victor Ross, James C. Hsia, Kathleen McMillan
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Publication number: 20040073277Abstract: Treatment of neoplastic or non-neoplastic dermatological conditions is achieved by administration and photodynamic activation of photosensitizers and pro-photosensitizers by coherent and/or incoherent light. The treatment does not cause clinically signification side effects such as purpura of the treated skin.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventors: Roy G. Geronemus, Macrene Renee Alexiades-Armenakas, Kathleen McMillan
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Publication number: 20040048842Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating certain skin disorders, including, for example, psoriasis. Pulsed or scanned coherent or incoherent radiation, when applied to a target region, both activates a photosensitizer disposed within the region and induces selective photothermolysis of blood vessels disposed within region. The combination of photodynamic therapy and selective photothermal damage in the target region provides an effective and long lasting treatment of the skin disorder.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Kathleen McMillan
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Patent number: 6659999Abstract: A method for treating wrinkles in skin involves the use of a beam of pulsed, scanned or gated continuous wave laser or incoherent radiation. The method comprises generating a beam of radiation, directing the beam of radiation to a targeted dermal region between 100 microns and 1.2 millimeters below a wrinkle in the skin, and thermally injuring collagen in the targeted dermal region. The beam of radiation has a wavelength of between 1.3 and 1.8 microns. The method may include cooling an area of the skin above the targeted dermal region while partially denaturing the collagen in the targeted dermal region. The method may also include cooling an area of the skin above the targeted dermal region prior to thermally injuring collagen in the targeted dermal region.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2000Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Candela CorporationInventors: R. Rox Anderson, Edward Victor Ross, Jr., James C. Hsia, Kathleen McMillan
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Publication number: 20010034319Abstract: A method of selectively enhancing the effect of photothermal vascular targeting on tumor regression by administration of a bioreductive agent is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2001Publication date: October 25, 2001Inventors: Kathleen McMillan, Frederic M. Durville