Patents Examined by Daniel Fowler
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Patent number: 9198712Abstract: The present invention provides an Electro Surgical Generator (ESG) optimized for lung biopsy. The ESG is exclusively battery operated and fits within the handpiece of modern endoscopic electrosurgical/electrocautery instruments, thereby avoiding wires, adapters, and coupling mechanisms. The ESG is adaptable to generate different waveforms that vary with respect to frequency, pulse width, amplitude, etc. through the use of timing circuits and voltage control (i.e. transformers). The ESG is both energy-efficient and safe. A closed loop feedback system featuring a monitor and controller ensure no more power than necessary is provided to achieve a goal current level. Dynamic Power Control (DPC) and Dynamic Temperature Control (DTC) systems vary power to maintain temperature with the lowest possible power. These features prolong battery life and guard against tissue damage.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2013Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: Chest InnovationsInventors: Salmaan Hameed, Christopher Kilgus, Moshe Zilversmit
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Patent number: 9192422Abstract: A system for performing a surgical procedure includes a source of energy, a surgical instrument, and an impedance matching network. The source of energy is an electrosurgical generator or a microwave generator. The surgical instrument is coupled to the source of energy and receives the energy therefrom. The surgical instrument is adapted to treat tissue with the energy. The impedance matching network is interposed along a path of the energy and matches an input impedance of the source of energy to an output impedance (or thereabouts).Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2011Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Covidien LPInventor: George J. Collins
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Patent number: 9173699Abstract: An endoscopic forceps is provided. A movable blade electrode and a fixed blade electrode form a pair of electrodes. The fixed blade electrode is electrically contacted onto an external electric conductor of a coaxial cable in the sheath conduit. A force application point of the movable blade electrode is connected to a center electric conductor of the coaxial cable. A pivot point of the movable blade electrode is provided on the movable blade electrode. The coaxial cable is slid with respect to the sheath conduit so that parallel moving added to the coaxial cable is transmitted to the movable blade electrode as turnable moving about the pivot point via the force application point of the movable blade electrode. A high frequency wave can be applied between the movable blade electrode and the fixed blade electrode via the external electric conductor and the center electric conductor of the coaxial cable.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2012Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: YAMASHINA SEIKI CO., LTD.Inventors: Makoto Hosaka, Kazuo Abe, Eiichi Uemura
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Patent number: 9173705Abstract: Methods and devices described herein facilitate ablation patterns on the heart within a pericardial sac and without opening or deflating the lungs.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2011Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: nContact Surgical, Inc.Inventors: James G. Whayne, Sidney D. Fleischman
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Patent number: 9173611Abstract: A system and method for assessing effective delivery of ablation therapy to a tissue in a body is provided. A three-dimensional anatomical map of the tissue is generated and displayed with the map defining a corresponding volume. An index is generated corresponding to a location within the volume with the index indicative of a state of ablation therapy at the location. The index may be derived from one or more factors such as the duration an ablation electrode is present at the location, the amount of energy provided, the degree of electrical coupling between an ablation electrode and the tissue at the location and temperature. A visual characteristic (e.g., color intensity) of a portion of the anatomical map corresponding to the location is then altered responsive to the index.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2013Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: D. Curtis Deno, Stephan P. Miller
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Patent number: 9173696Abstract: Systems for nerve and tissue modulation are disclosed. An example system may include an intravascular nerve modulation system including an elongated shaft having a proximal end region and a distal end region. The system may include an expandable frame having one or more electrodes positioned on or about the frame. An actuation assembly including a biasing element, a central shaft, and a piston may be configured to provide for controlled expansion of the expandable frame. The system may further include a control element for controlling the actuation assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.Inventors: Travis J. Schauer, Eric Petersen, Steven R. Larsen
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Patent number: 9168096Abstract: A method for soft tissue destruction comprises applying high voltage pulses causing irreversible electroporation alternating with low amplitude pulses of opposite polarity balanced to provide negligible average current and minimize risk of electrical shock. The method may be accompanied by tissue heating to reduce the electroporation threshold and negative pressure for skin shaping and optimal voltage distribution.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2013Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: INVASIX CORP.Inventor: Michael Kreindel
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Patent number: 9155588Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an ablation device used in the treatment of atrial fibrillation comprise an elongate shaft and a positioning mechanism adjacent the distal end of the shaft. The positioning mechanism is adapted to facilitate location of an anatomic structure and also to anchor the elongate shaft adjacent the anatomic structure. The positioning mechanism comprises an electrode for stimulating the anatomic structure as well as sensing electrical signals. Also, an energy delivery element is adjacent the distal end of the shaft and is adapted to stimulate the anatomic structure and create a zone of ablation that blocks abnormal electrical activity thereby reducing or eliminating atrial fibrillation in the patient.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: VYTRONUS, INC.Inventors: Hira V. Thapliyal, David A. Gallup, James W. Arenson, Robert A. Brommer
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Patent number: 9155584Abstract: A cryogenic device having a filter device fluidly connected between a valve and a cooling fluid cartridge. The filter device filters solid and fluid impurities received from the cartridge. The filter device also captures fluid impurities from the cryogenic device when not in use.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: MyoScience, Inc.Inventors: Michael Fourkas, Eric Ryba, Jesse Rosen, Punit Govenji
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Patent number: 9155587Abstract: Visual electrode ablation systems are described herein which include a deployment catheter and an attached imaging hood deployable into an expanded configuration. In use, the imaging hood is placed against or adjacent to a region of tissue to be imaged in a body lumen that is normally filled with an opaque bodily fluid such as blood. A translucent or transparent fluid, such as saline, can be pumped into the imaging hood until the fluid displaces any blood, thereby leaving a clear region of tissue to be imaged via an imaging element in the deployment catheter. An electric current may be passed through the fluid such that it passes directly to the tissue region being imaged and the electrical energy is conducted through the fluid without the need for a separate ablation probe or instrument to ablate the tissue being viewed.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2009Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: N. Parker Willis, Zachary J. Malchano, Chris A. Rothe, Vahid Saadat, Ruey-Feng Peh, David Miller, Edmund Tam
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Patent number: 9155590Abstract: A medical system is provided, including an ablation system having at least one ablation element and a sensor, a generator operable to deliver radiofrequency ablation energy to the ablation element. A power supply defines a duty cycle and provides a voltage to the generator, and the power supply has a duty cycle modulator and an amplitude modulator. A processor is connected to the power supply, the generator, and the sensor. The processor obtains a feedback signal from the sensor, and adjusts the duty cycle modulator and the amplitude modulator according to the feedback signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: Medtronic Ablation Frontiers, LLCInventor: Charu P. Mathur
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Patent number: 9149325Abstract: An apparatus for operating on tissue includes an end effector assembly, a body, and a shaft. The shaft extends from the body to the end effector assembly. The body is operable to communicate with the end effector assembly via the shaft. The end effector assembly includes a pair of pivoting jaws and a firing beam. The firing beam is operable to advance distally through slots in the jaws to close the jaws. One of the jaws comprises a plurality of segments that are movable relative to each other. The segments may be joined by living hinges, pivoting hinges, or sliding features. One of the jaws may be formed by a combination of a distally projecting tongue of the shaft and two members that are secured above and below the tongue, respectively. An end effector jaw may also include a resiliently biased electrode cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2013Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Inventors: Barry C. Worrell, Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jerome R. Morgan, Michael S. Cropper, Michael J. Vendely, David C. Yates, David A. Witt, David K. Norvell
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Patent number: 9138283Abstract: In a high-frequency knife, a through hole that extends in the direction of an axis is formed on a radial outer side of a second electrode in a larger-diameter portion, and a distance increasing portion increases a creeping distance along an external surface of the larger-diameter portion between an outer peripheral surface of the second electrode exposed to the outside and an opening of the through hole on a proximal end side.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2014Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP.Inventor: Fuminori Wake
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Patent number: 9138578Abstract: Endovascular catheters and control wires for operating the catheters and associated systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed include a catheter apparatus having an elongated shaft, a therapeutic assembly at a distal portion of the shaft, and a handle at a proximal portion of the shaft. An actuator is located at the handle and operably coupled to the therapeutic assembly via a tuned control member extending through the shaft. The tuned control member includes a control wire and a tuning component attached to one another within the shaft. The tuned control member is configured to achieve a desired tuned force-displacement response by modifying the stress-strain response that a non-tuned control wire would ordinarily provide without the intervening tuning component.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2013Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.L.Inventors: Vincent Ku, Andrew Wu
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Patent number: 9113926Abstract: A dielectric spacer for use during microwave ablation of tissue is disclosed. The dielectric spacer includes a housing having a predetermined thickness and a skin-contacting bottom surface. The housing is configured to be filled with a dielectric material having a predetermined dielectric permittivity. The housing is further configured to be placed on the tissue in proximity with at least one microwave antenna assembly, wherein the thickness and the dielectric permittivity are configured to shift a maximum voltage standing wave ratio of the at least one microwave antenna assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Kaylen J. Haley, Kenlyn S. Bonn
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Patent number: 9113910Abstract: Apparatus for curative ablation are provided to achieve the inactivation or destruction of fibrillar myocardium of the so-called AF nests. In addition, fibrillar myocardium may be identified and mapped by spectral analysis and phase study of the tissue during sinus rhythm. The procedure may be performed by transseptal puncture using only one catheter for ablation and mapping. The methods may be used to localize the application targets even during an arrhythmia.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Jose Carlos Pachon Mateos, Enrique Indalecio Pachon Mateos
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Patent number: 9113941Abstract: An endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto that supports a pair of jaws disposed at a distal end thereof. A drive assembly having a drive shaft with a proximal end is operable to move the jaws relative to one another from an open to closed positions. A knife assembly is operable to advance a knife through tissue disposed between the jaws and includes a flange disposed thereon. A knife lockout is included that has a flange configured to engage the proximal end of the drive shaft and a lockout arm configured to engage the flange of the knife assembly to prevent movement thereof. Movement of the jaws to the closed position causes the proximal end of the drive shaft to engage the flange on the lockout which causes the lockout arm to disengage the flange on the knife assembly to permit advancement of the knife.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2013Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: John J. Kappus, Thomas J. Gerhardt, Jr., Wayne Siebrecht, Larry Johnson
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Patent number: 9113897Abstract: A surgical instrument a reusable component and a disposable component selectively separable from and engagable with the reusable component. The disposable component includes an end effector and a mechanical actuator operable to induce mechanical movement of the end effector. The reusable component is configured for providing electrosurgical energy to the disposable component when engaged with the disposable component. A physical mating feature is configured to maintain engagement between the reusable and disposable components when the reusable and disposable components are engaged, and an electrical mating feature is configured to transmit electrical energy between the disposable and reusable components when the disposable and reusable components are engaged. All mechanical motion resulting from operation of the mechanical actuator may be contained within the disposable component.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Christopher A. Deborski, Russell D. Hempstead, Keir Hart
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Patent number: 9113903Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto, the shaft including jaw members at a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes a drive assembly which moves the jaw member relative to one another for manipulating tissue and a knife assembly for cutting tissue disposed between jaw members. The forceps also includes a knife lockout mechanism operatively connected to the drive assembly. Movement of the drive assembly moves the knife lockout mechanism from a first orientation in obstructive relationship with the knife bar to prevent movement thereof to a second position which allows selective, unencumbered movement of the knife assembly to cut tissue disposed between the jaw members.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2012Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: Covidien LPInventor: Jeffrey R. Unger
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Patent number: 9108037Abstract: A tissue ablation system facilitates lesioning deep tissue while preventing damage to superficial tissue and includes a probe having a distal end portion, at least one transducer carried on the distal end portion, and at least one acoustically transparent heat removal element thermally coupled to a target tissue within the beam path of the transducer. The transducer delivers acoustic energy to the tissue through the heat removal element in order to ablate the tissue; the heat removal element removes sufficient thermal energy from the tissue volume to prevent thermal necrosis in superficial tissue. The heat removal element may be a heat sink or a convective element. An optional temperature sensor provides advisory data to a practitioner and/or is coupled to a feedback control system operable to control delivery of acoustic energy to the tissue and/or a rate of thermal energy removal therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2009Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: John W. Sliwa, Stephen A. Morse, John P. Goetz
