Patents Assigned to Old Dominion University Research Foundation
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Patent number: 11820976Abstract: Systems and methods of enhancing membrane permeabilization in a cell are provided. An example method includes disposing the cell between a first electrode and a second electrode and applying a plurality of electrical pulses between the first electrode and the second electrode. In the systems and methods, the plurality of electrical pulses include at least two trains of pulses separated by an interval greater than about 10 s. Further, the amplitude of the electrical pulses is selected to be greater than about 0.2 kV/cm.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2021Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: Old Dominion University Research FoundationInventors: Olga Pakhomova, Andrei G. Pakhomov
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Patent number: 11672594Abstract: An apparatus and methods for performing ablation of myocardial tissues are disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of ablation electrode configurations to which nanosecond pulsed electric fields are applied. The methods relate to therapies to treat cardiac arrhythmias, such as, atrial fibrillation and scar-related ventricular tachycardia, amongst others. The affected myocardial tissues are ablated creating a plurality of lesions enabled by the nanosecond pulsed electric fields applied to either penetrating electrodes, endo-endo electrodes, or endo-epi electrodes. Different electrophysiological tests are performed to assess the application of nanosecond pulsed electric field ablation to specific desired tissue location within the heart. Test results show the potential to overcome limitations of current ablation therapies, thereby providing patients and doctors a superior treatment for cardiac arrhythmias.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2020Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Old Dominion University Research FoundationInventor: Christian W. Zemlin
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Patent number: 11351368Abstract: Methods and apparatuses (systems, devices, etc.) for treating biological tissue to evoke one or more desirable biological and/or physiological effects using pulsed electric fields in the sub-microsecond range at very low electric field strength (e.g., less than 1 kV/cm) but at high (e.g., megahertz) frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2019Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: Old Dominion University Research FoundationInventors: Andrei G. Pakhomov, Shu Xiao, Olga N. Pakhomova, Maura Casciola
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Patent number: 11128682Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method comprising sending context information from a mobile wireless device through a control channel to a network server; receiving a policy at the mobile wireless device from the network server, wherein the policy assigns a video streaming bit rate to the mobile wireless device based on the context information; and implementing the policy to control a video streaming session between the mobile wireless device and a media server over a data channel. The context information may include information about the mobile wireless device and/or a user of the mobile wireless device. The policy may be different for each mobile wireless device. Other embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2018Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignees: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P., Old Dominion University Research FoundationInventors: Emir Halepovic, Ibrahim Ben Mustafa, Tamer Nadeem
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Patent number: 10982206Abstract: Methods of enhancing membrane permeabilization in a cell are provided. A method includes disposing the cell between a first electrode and a second electrode and applying a plurality of electrical pulses between the first electrode and the second electrode. In the method, the plurality of electrical pulses include at least two trains of pulses separated by an interval greater than about 10 s. Further, the amplitude of the electrical pulses is selected to be greater than about 0.2 kV/cm.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2018Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Old Dominion University Research FoundationInventors: Olga Pakhomova, Andrei G. Pakhomov
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Patent number: 10905874Abstract: Methods for a new, drug-free therapy for treating solid skin tumors through the application of nanosecond pulsed electric fields (“nsPEFs”) are provided. In one embodiment of the invention, the cells are melanoma cells, and the applied nsPEFs penetrate into the interior of tumor cells and cause tumor cell nuclei to rapidly shrink and tumor blood flow to stop. This new technique provides a highly localized targeting of tumor cells with only minor effects on overlying skin.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2018Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignees: Eastern Virginia Medical School, Old Dominion University Research FoundationInventors: Richard Nuccitelli, Stephen J. Beebe, Karl H. Schoenbach
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Patent number: 10881447Abstract: Systems and methods for treating or manipulating biological tissues are provided. In the systems and methods, a biological tissue is placed in contact with an array of electrodes. Electrical pulses are then applied between a bias voltage bus and a reference voltage bus of a distributor having switching elements associated with each of the electrodes. The switching elements provide a first contact position for coupling electrodes to bias voltage bus, a second contact position for coupling electrodes to the reference voltage bus, and a third contact position for isolating electrodes from the high and reference voltage buses. The switching elements are operated over various time intervals to provide the first contact position for first electrodes, a second contact position for second electrodes adjacent to the first electrodes, and a third contact position for a remainder of the electrodes adjacent to the first and second electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2017Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: Old Dominion University Research FoundationInventors: Karl Schoenbach, Richard Heller
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Patent number: 10792088Abstract: The methods disclosed herein are directed towards improving ablation efficiency associated with applying nanosecond electric pulses (nsEP) to tissue. In particular, applying nsEP to tissue can open pores in the cellular membranes of the tissue. These pores can be kept open longer by cooling the tissue. The combined application of nsEP and the cooling of tissue may have synergistic effects on triggering apoptosis of cells in the tissue. This allows for numerous practical benefits associated with nsEP-based tissue ablation to be realized. For instance, nsEP of lower pulse strength or lower numbers of pulses to be used, which can be provided by smaller pulse generators operating on less power.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2017Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Old Dominion University Research FoundationInventors: Claudia Muratori, Andrei G. Pakhomov, Olga N. Pakhomova
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Patent number: 10786303Abstract: An apparatus and methods for performing ablation of myocardial tissues are disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of ablation electrode configurations to which nanosecond pulsed electric fields are applied. The methods relate to therapies to treat cardiac arrhythmias, such as, atrial fibrillation and scar-related ventricular tachycardia, amongst others. The affected myocardial tissues are ablated creating a plurality of lesions enabled by the nanosecond pulsed electric fields applied to either penetrating electrodes, endo-endo electrodes, or endo-epi electrodes. Different electrophysiological tests are performed to assess the application of nanosecond pulsed electric field ablation to specific desired tissue location within the heart. Test results show the potential to overcome limitations of current ablation therapies, thereby providing patients and doctors a superior treatment for cardiac arrhythmias.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2018Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: Old Dominion University Research FoundationInventor: Christian W. Zemlin
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Publication number: 20200177652Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method comprising sending context information from a mobile wireless device through a control channel to a network server; receiving a policy at the mobile wireless device from the network server, wherein the policy assigns a video streaming bit rate to the mobile wireless device based on the context information; and implementing the policy to control a video streaming session between the mobile wireless device and a media server over a data channel. The context information may include information about the mobile wireless device and/or a user of the mobile wireless device. The policy may be different for each mobile wireless device. Other embodiments are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2018Publication date: June 4, 2020Applicants: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P., Old Dominion University Research FoundationInventors: Emir Halepovic, Ibrahim Ben Mustafa, Tamer Nadeem
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Patent number: 10668278Abstract: Catheter devices can include an elongate housing extending along a major axis, the elongate housing comprising a first end an opening. The catheter devices can also include an electrode assembly disposed in the elongate housing and including deformable electrodes with respective electrode distal ends, where the electrode distal ends each consist of respective member portions and respective tip portions. The electrode assembly is slidably movable within the housing along the major axis to allow the electrode distal end portions to transition between a first retracted position and a second extended position. The catheter device is configured such that an average distance between the tip portions in the second position is configured to be greater than an average distance between the tip portions in the first position the tip portions are positioned substantially in a same plane when the electrode assembly is in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2015Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Old Dominion University Research FoundationInventors: Richard Heller, Chen Yeong-Jer
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Patent number: 10660693Abstract: Systems and methods for treatment of a biological tissues including target tissues and other tissues. The method includes elevating a temperature of the target tissues above a physiological temperature of the biological tissues to treatment temperature, and generating an electric field extending through at least a portion of the target tissues using a pre-defined sequence of short voltage pulses applied between at least two electrodes. In the method, the treatment temperature is maintained during the generating. Further, the pre-defined sequence is selected such that a magnitude of the electric field generated is sufficient to induce electromanipulation in the portion of the target tissues without substantially elevating of the temperature of the portion of the target tissues above the treatment temperature.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2018Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: Old Dominion University Research FoundationInventors: Karl H. Schoenbach, Richard Heller, James Camp, Stephen P. Beebe, Shu Xiao, Amy Donate
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Patent number: 10653880Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for delivering an agent into a cell through the application of nanosecond pulse electric fields (“nsPEF's”). The method includes circuitry for delivery of an agent into a cell via known methods followed by the application of nanosecond pulse electric fields to said cell in order to facilitate entry of the agent into the nucleus of the cell. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of enhancing gene expression in a cell comprising the application of nanosecond pulse electric fields to said cell. An apparatus for generating long and short pulses according to the present invention is also provided. The apparatus includes a pulse generator capable of producing a first pulse having a long duration and low voltage amplitude and a second pulse having a short duration and high voltage amplitude.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2017Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignees: Eastern Virginia Medical School, Old Dominion University Research FoundationInventors: Stephen J. Beebe, Karl H. Schoenbach
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Patent number: 10363093Abstract: A method of inducing local cell death in patient tissue is provided. The method includes generating first and second radiation, conveying the radiation to a focusing element, and focusing the radiation on a target with the focusing element. A system for inducing local cell death in patient tissue is also provided. The system includes a power source for generating narrowband and/or ultra-wideband radiation, and a focusing element for focusing the radiation on a target.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2016Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Old Dominion University Research FoundationInventors: Karl H. Schoenbach, Shu Xiao
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Patent number: 10328259Abstract: A system for treatment of biological tissues is provided. The system can deliver electric pulses to a targeted region within a biological tissue. The system includes an antenna assembly and a lens. The antenna assembly is configured to generate and direct electromagnetic radiation. The lens is configured to be positioned between a surface of the biological tissue and the antenna assembly. The lens can have a plurality of lossy portions. The lens can be configured to be adjustable to create a patient-specific desired electric field distribution by selective positioning of the plurality of lossy portions within the lens.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2018Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Old Dominion University Research FoundationInventors: Shu Xiao, Andrei Pakhomov, Karl H. Schoenbach
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Patent number: 10070914Abstract: Systems and methods for treatment of a biological tissues comprising target tissues and other tissues. The method includes elevating a temperature of the target tissues above a physiological temperature of the biological tissues to treatment temperature, and generating an electric field extending through at least a portion of the target tissues using a pre-defined sequence of short voltage pulses applied between at least two electrodes. In the method, the treatment temperature is maintained during the generating. Further, the pre-defined sequence is selected such that a magnitude of the electric field generated is sufficient to induce electromanipulation in the portion of the target tissues without substantially elevating of the temperature of the portion of the target tissues above the treatment temperature.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2012Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: Old Dominion University Research FoundationInventors: Karl H. Schoenbach, Richard Heller, James Camp, Stephen P. Beebe, Shu Xiao, Amy Donate
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Publication number: 20180154142Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for stimulating an immune response to a disease in a subject, which involves passing sub-microsecond long pulses of electric fields having an amplitude between 5 kV/cm and 68 kV/cm through an abnormal growth of a subject sufficient to suppress myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) or regulatory T cell (Treg) production, increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) production, or stimulate dendritic cell activation in the subject.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2017Publication date: June 7, 2018Applicant: Old Dominion University Research FoundationInventors: Siqi Guo, Stephen J. Beebe, Richard Heller
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Publication number: 20180110557Abstract: The methods disclosed herein are directed towards improving ablation efficiency associated with applying nanosecond electric pulses (nsEP) to tissue. In particular, applying nsEP to tissue can open pores in the cellular membranes of the tissue. These pores can be kept open longer by cooling the tissue. The combined application of nsEP and the cooling of tissue may have synergistic effects on triggering apoptosis of cells in the tissue. This allows for numerous practical benefits associated with nsEP-based tissue ablation to be realized. For instance, nsEP of lower pulse strength or lower numbers of pulses to be used, which can be provided by smaller pulse generators operating on less power.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2017Publication date: April 26, 2018Applicant: Old Dominion University Research FoundationInventors: Claudia Muratori, Andrei G. Pakhomov, Olga N. Pakhomova
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Publication number: 20180110978Abstract: Methods for treating tumors employing HSp90 inhibitors in combination with nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) are disclosed. The methods are directed to induce regulated cell death (RCD) in tumor cells and tissues. Further, Hsp90 inhibitors in combination with nsPEF are used at low non-toxic concentrations, thereby reducing the side-effects associated with these drugs. Additionally, nsPEFs are employed at lower electric fields and/or with fewer number of pulses than when nsPEFs are employed alone. Further, the mechanisms by which nsPEFs and Hsp90 inhibitors act upon cancer cells are different, thereby combining these treatments results in a synergistic effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2016Publication date: April 26, 2018Applicant: Old Dominion University Research FoundationInventors: Stephen J. BEEBE, John D. CATRAVAS
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Patent number: 9943684Abstract: Methods for a new, drug-free therapy for treating solid skin tumors through the application of nanosecond pulsed electric fields (“nsPEFs”) are provided. In one embodiment of the invention, the cells are melanoma cells, and the applied nsPEFs penetrate into the interior of tumor cells and cause tumor cell nuclei to rapidly shrink and tumor blood flow to stop. This new technique provides a highly localized targeting of tumor cells with only minor effects on overlying skin.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignees: Eastern Virginia Medical School, Old Dominion University Research FoundationInventors: Richard Nuccitelli, Stephen J. Beebe, Karl H. Schoenbach