Patents Assigned to Medtronic Advanced Energy LLC
  • Publication number: 20170172646
    Abstract: An electrosurgical device having a handpiece including a controller and an electrode assembly extending from the handpiece is disclosed. The electrode assembly includes a monopolar blade and a monopolar electrode. The monopolar blade includes a conductive element partially coated with an insulator and electrically coupled to the controller to selectively deliver a monopolar radiofrequency (RF) cutting signal. The monopolar electrode is spaced apart and electrically isolated from the monopolar blade. The monopolar electrode includes an exposed major conductive surface electrically coupled to the controller to selectively deliver a monopolar RF hemostatic sealing signal with a dispersed fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC ADVANCED ENERGY LLC
    Inventors: Bhavesh Patel, Joseph Sylvester, David Hubelbank, Stephen Polgar, William Siopes, Rajan Patel
  • Publication number: 20170143406
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for cutting and sealing of tissue such as bone and soft tissue. Devices, systems and methods include delivery of energy including bipolar radiofrequency energy for sealing tissue which may be concurrent with delivery of fluid to a targeted tissue site. Devices include debridement devices which may include a fluid source. Devices include inner and outer shafts coaxially maintained and having cutters for debridement of tissue. An inner shaft may include electrodes apart from the cutter to minimize trauma to tissue during sealing or hemostasis. Devices may include a single, thin liner or sheath for electrically isolating the inner and outer shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: Medtronic Advanced Energy LLC
    Inventor: Eliot F. Bloom
  • Patent number: 9592090
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical device includes a handle and an elongated end effector coupled to the handle. The end effector includes an elongated, insulating body having first and second electrodes disposed thereon. The first and second electrodes are separated at the distal end of the insulating body, and a cavity formed in the distal end of the effector is positioned between the first and second electrodes. A fluid-delivery tube is positioned on the body to deliver a conductive fluid to the distal end, adjacent the cavity. During use of the electrosurgical device, delivery of the conductive fluid facilitates formation of an electrical coupling between the electrodes via the tissue being treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Advanced Energy LLC
    Inventor: Vaclav O. Podany
  • Publication number: 20170056099
    Abstract: A multipurpose electrosurgical device is configurable in a bipolar mode and a monopolar mode using a three-conductor electrical input. The device includes a switching mechanism that provides signals corresponding with a first function and a second function in a monopolar mode. The switching mechanism also provides a signal corresponding with a third function in a bipolar mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Medtronic Advanced Energy LLC
    Inventors: David Hubelbank, Roger D. Greeley
  • Publication number: 20170049501
    Abstract: An electrosurgical device includes a handpiece, an electrode tip extending from the handpiece, the electrode tip configured to deliver an RF signal, and a multivariate controller disposed on the handpiece. The multivariate controller is configured to activate the electrode tip and adjust a setting of the RF signal within a range of settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Applicant: Medtronic Advanced Energy LLC
    Inventor: Mark Guirguis
  • Patent number: 9486283
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a fluid-assisted electrosurgical device. The device comprises a first electrode, a second electrode and at least one fluid outlet. In one embodiment, the first electrode has a distal portion with an electrically conductive spherical surface, the second electrode has a distal portion with an electrically conductive spherical surface, and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode have a blade portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC ADVANCED ENERGY LLC
    Inventors: Roger D. Greeley, Donald Earles, David Flanagan, Eliot Bloom, Brian Conley, Jonathan Barry
  • Patent number: 9445858
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical device is disclosed. The bipolar electrosurgical device includes a handle having a shaft and a distal end. The handle can be coupled to a source of electrical energy and a fluid source. A U-shaped first electrode extends distally in a plane from a pair of openings on the distal end of the shaft. The first electrode is in electrical communication with one of an active pole or a return pole of the source of electrical energy. A longitudinal second electrode extends distally from a middle opening on the distal end of the shaft. The second electrode is coplanar to the first electrode and electrically isolated from the first electrode. The second electrode is in electrical communication with the other of the active pole or the return pole of the source of electrical energy. The second electrode forms a lumen configured to be in fluid communication with the fluid source and a fluid opening for dispersing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC ADVANCED ENERGY LLC
    Inventors: Brian M. Conley, Jonathan J. Barry, Roger D. Greeley, Chad M. Greenlaw, Lorenzo C. Vaccarella, Joseph Sylvester
  • Publication number: 20160249974
    Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps device, including a first arm having a first distal end. A second arm having a second distal end is included, the first arm and the second arm being pivotally coupled together. The first arm includes a first electrode at the first distal end and the second arm includes a second electrode at the second distal end. The first electrode and the second electrode are configured to deliver bipolar radiofrequency energy to the tissue. At least one moveable finger grip is disposed on at least one the first arm and the second arm. The device is transitionable between a first configuration, in which the first arm and the second arm are configured to grasp tissue between the first end and the second end, and a second configuration, in which at least one of the first arm and the second arm defines scissors configured to mechanically cut tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC ADVANCED ENERGY LLC
    Inventors: Tony Asher, Eliot F. Bloom
  • Patent number: 9427281
    Abstract: A catheter system can include an electrical adapter and a catheter. The electrical adapter includes a hollow adapter body having a longitudinally extending channel and an electrical terminal positioned within the channel. The electrical adapter can be configured to connect to an energy source. The catheter can include an elongated body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, and an electrical connector coupled to the proximal end portion. The electrical connector forms the outer periphery of the catheter along a portion of the longitudinal length of the catheter. The electrical terminal and the electrical connector contact each other when the electrical connector is advanced through the channel to an electrical contact position in the channel, and are isolated from each other when the electrical connector is proximal of the electrical contact position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Advanced Energy LLC
    Inventors: Eliot Bloom, Donald Earles
  • Patent number: 9381061
    Abstract: An electrosurgical device includes a first electrode tip connected to a first shaft and spaced from a second electrode tip connected to a second shaft. The first electrode tip serves as a first pole, and the second electrode tip serves as a second pole, of a bipolar electrode configuration. A first fluid outlet opening is defined by a distal end of the first shaft and a portion of the first electrode tip. A second fluid outlet opening is defined by a distal end of the second shaft and a portion of the second electrode tip. At least one recess can be formed in an exterior surface of each of the first and the second electrode tips, providing a fluid flow channel for fluid to flow distally along the respective electrode tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC ADVANCED ENERGY LLC
    Inventors: Michael E. McClurken, Arnold E. Oyola, Jonathan E. Wilson, Christopher W. Maurer, Robert Luzzi, Roger D. Greeley
  • Patent number: 9345541
    Abstract: The invention provides a cartridge assembly to couple a tissue treatment device with an electrosurgical unit, with the cartridge assembly operable with a power delivery apparatus and a fluid delivery apparatus of the electrosurgical unit. The invention also provides an electrosurgical unit comprising a power delivery apparatus and a fluid delivery apparatus operable with the cartridge assembly and a system thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC ADVANCED ENERGY LLC
    Inventors: Roger D. Greeley, Brian M. Conley, David J. Flanagan, Aaron J. Gifford, Steven G. Miller, Blaine T. Murakami, Thomas P. Robinson
  • Patent number: 9333027
    Abstract: A method of producing an electrosurgical device is disclosed. Opposing longitudinal clamshells are formed, and each clamshell includes a face having a generally planar major portion. Longitudinal grooves are formed in a clamshell, and an electrical conductor in a disposed in a groove. The faces are aligned to form an electrical passage including the electrical conductor in the groove and a spaced-apart fluid passage with another groove. The clamshells are welded together to form a shaft member such that the electrical passage and the fluid passage are fluid tight along a major longitudinal portion of the shaft. Electrodes are attached to the distal end of the shaft and are in electrical communication with the electrical conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC ADVANCED ENERGY LLC
    Inventors: Eliot F. Bloom, Lorenzo C. Vaccarella, Chad M. Greenlaw, Roger D. Greeley, Steven G. Miller
  • Patent number: 9254168
    Abstract: Electrosurgical therapy is provided with an electrode array configured to ablate tissue during insertion of the electrode array into tissue being treated. Once the electrode array is fully inserted, deep heating of the treated tissue can be performed by applying an additional waveform to the tissue with the electrode array. Optionally, the electrical waveform can be varied continuously during insertion of the electrode array to control the extent of coagulation at the side walls and at the bottom of the channels produced by tissue ablation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC ADVANCED ENERGY LLC
    Inventor: Daniel V. Palanker
  • Patent number: 9226792
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for cutting and sealing of tissue such as bone and soft tissue. Devices, systems and methods include delivery of energy including bipolar radiofrequency energy for sealing tissue which may be concurrent with delivery of fluid to a targeted tissue site. Devices include debridement devices which may include a fluid source. Devices include inner and outer shafts coaxially maintained and having cutters for debridement of tissue. An inner shaft may include electrodes apart from the cutter to minimize trauma to tissue during sealing or hemostasis. Devices may include a single, thin liner or sheath for electrically isolating the inner and outer shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC ADVANCED ENERGY LLC
    Inventor: Eliot F. Bloom
  • Patent number: 9138289
    Abstract: This invention provides an electrosurgical device comprising a handle, a shaft member distal to the handle, a first electrode tip and a second electrode tip at a distal end of the shaft member with the first electrode tip laterally spaced from the second electrode tip, and an electrode sheath movable to cover and uncover a side of the electrode tips while a distal end of the electrode tips is uncovered to treat tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC ADVANCED ENERGY LLC
    Inventors: Brian M. Conley, Roger D. Greeley, Christopher W. Maurer, Anthony R. DePasqua
  • Patent number: 9131980
    Abstract: An electrosurgical device includes a tubular shaft defining a shaft lumen, and a tubular electrode defining an electrode lumen, the electrode being coupled to the shaft. In a straight configuration, the electrode is configured to retain fluid within the electrode lumen, and, in a bent configuration, the electrode is configured to release fluid from within the electrode lumen to an exterior of the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC ADVANCED ENERGY LLC
    Inventor: Eliot F. Bloom
  • Publication number: 20150238256
    Abstract: The invention provides a cartridge assembly to couple a tissue treatment device with an electrosurgical unit, with the cartridge assembly operable with a power delivery apparatus and a fluid delivery apparatus of the electrosurgical unit. The invention also provides an electrosurgical unit comprising a power delivery apparatus and a fluid delivery apparatus operable with the cartridge assembly and a system thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC ADVANCED ENERGY LLC
    Inventors: Roger D. Greeley, Brian M. Conley, David J. Flanagan, Aaron J. Gifford, Steven G. Miller, Blaine T. Murakami, Thomas P. Robinson
  • Patent number: 9050113
    Abstract: A cartridge assembly to couple an electrosurgical device to treat tissue with an electrosurgical unit includes a cartridge member to operate with a power delivery apparatus of the electrosurgical unit and a fluid delivery apparatus of the electrosurgical unit. An electrosurgical unit includes a power delivery apparatus and a fluid delivery apparatus arranged to operate with a cartridge member to be located in a cartridge receptacle of the electrosurgical unit. An electrosurgical device includes a first electrode spaced alongside the second electrode, with each electrode having a blade shaped member. Each blade shaped member has opposing sides bounded by edges, with the edges having a medial edge and a lateral edge. At least one fluid outlet is adjacent each blade shaped member, and each fluid outlet is in fluid communication with a fluid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC ADVANCED ENERGY LLC
    Inventors: Eliot F. Bloom, Brian M. Conley, Jonathan J. Barry, Roger D. Greeley, Steven G. Miller, Chad M. Greenlaw
  • Patent number: 9023040
    Abstract: A cutting device for tissue separation includes a cutting edge using electrical energy such as RF power that is coupled to, but thermally insulated from, a catheter in an elongated medical device. Thermal insulation between a ring-type cutting device and the catheter is provided by a gap, slots within the ring, and/or slanted slots within the ring. In one embodiment, tissue separation occurs by rotation of a ring-type electrically-powered cutting edge having internal cross-bar elements. In an alternate embodiment, tissue separation occurs by longitudinal movement of an offset electrically-powered cutting edge that is pressed against tissue by an inflatable balloon. In a further alternate embodiment, a cutting edge is coupled longitudinally to a catheter, is provided electrical energy by wired connection to the braided catheter, but is thermally isolated from the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Advanced Energy LLC
    Inventors: Eliot F. Bloom, Denise C. Lane, Vaclav O. Podany, Brian M. Conley
  • Patent number: 9018983
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for electrosurgery including tissue coagulation using very high voltage pulses of electrical energy applied to the electrosurgical probe. This minimizes heating of the surrounding tissue in the probe and is especially suitable for precise and limited coagulation and fulguration without excessive tissue charring or other damage. The power at rated load of the applied pulses to the probe is typically over 300W and the duration of the on time is very short, so each group of pulse bursts is of relatively low duty cycle. An RF generator is also provided for delivering electrical energy to an electrosurgical probe with the proper characteristics, including fast switching times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Advanced Energy LLC
    Inventor: Alexander B. Vankov