Patents Examined by Daniel W Fowler
  • Contact assessment between an ablation catheter and tissue
    Patent number: 10888373
    Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating assessment of a nature of contact between an electrode assembly of an ablation catheter and viable body tissue are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a method comprises obtaining a first detected voltage between a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first and second electrodes are positioned along an electrode assembly of the ablation catheter, and wherein the first electrode is distal to the second electrode, obtaining a second detected voltage between the second electrode and a third electrode, the third electrode positioned proximal to the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Epix Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Vincent Koblish, Donghoon Chun, Jessi E. Johnson
  • Vessel sealer and divider
    Patent number: 10881453
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A source of electrosurgical energy is connected to at least one of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of sealing tissue held therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Sean T. Dycus, Darion R. Peterson
  • Visual displays of electrical pathways
    Patent number: 10881446
    Abstract: Surgical tools are provided herein that have a housing and an elongate tool shaft extending from the housing with an end effector on a distal end thereof. The end effectors deliver electrical energy onto and/or through tissue, and the end effectors are configured to display at least one location of one or more paths of the electrical energy through the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventor: Geoffrey S. Strobl
  • Multi-function bi-polar forceps
    Patent number: 10881449
    Abstract: An end effector is disclosed. The end effector includes a first jaw member. The first jaw member comprises a first electrode. The first jaw member defines a first aperture at a distal end. The end effector includes a second jaw member. The second jaw member comprises a second electrode. The second jaw member defines a second aperture at a distal end. The second jaw member is operatively coupled to the first jaw member. The first and second apertures are configured to define a single aperture when the first and second jaw members are in a closed position. The first and second electrodes are configured to deliver energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Chad P. Boudreaux, Aaron C. Voegele, Charles J. Scheib
  • Segmented ground pads for electrophysiology systems
    Patent number: 10874457
    Abstract: Segmented ground pads for electrophysiology systems are disclosed. In an embodiment, a ground pad array system for use with an electrophysiology system comprises: a ground pad comprising a plurality of conductive segments, wherein each conductive segment is capable of being independently activated. The embodiment also includes a plurality of conductive wires coupled to the plurality of conductive segments and a switching apparatus. The switching apparatus is configured to activate one or more conductive segments, wherein the ground pad strip provides a ground path for energy emitted by a catheter of the electrophysiology system, in response to the activation of the one or more conductive segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Esteban Martin Solorzano Zeledon, Adrian Valdelomar
  • Pulsed radiofrequency ablation
    Patent number: 10869719
    Abstract: Ablation systems and methods of the present disclosure are directed toward delivering pulsed radiofrequency (RF) energy to target tissue. The pulsations of the RF energy, combined with cooling at a surface of the target tissue, can advantageously promote local heat transfer in the target tissue to form lesions having dimensions larger than those that can be safely formed in tissue using non-pulsed RF energy under similar conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Affera, Inc.
    Inventors: Doron Harlev, Andrew Miles Wallace, Luke Tsai
  • Connector
    Patent number: 10873164
    Abstract: A coupling system and related methods are disclosed. The system has a first plug detachably coupled to a first housing, and a first socket detachably coupled to a second housing. The first socket is configured to receive the first plug. The system is movable between a first configuration wherein the first and second housings are not engaged and a second configuration wherein the first and second housings are engaged and the first plug and the first socket are coupled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Eximis Surgical Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Fuchs, Dirk Johnson, William N. Gregg
  • Multi-probe system using bipolar probes and methods of using the same
    Patent number: 10864040
    Abstract: A multi-probe system and a method of lesioning for targeting a region of a vertebral body are disclosed. The method includes inserting a first introducer assembly into a first target location of the vertebral body to provide a first trajectory to access the vertebral body, the first introducer assembly including a first cannula. The method also includes inserting a second introducer assembly into a second target location of the vertebral body to provide a second trajectory to access the vertebral body, the second introducer assembly including a second cannula. The method further includes inserting a first bipolar probe through the first cannula of the first introducer assembly, the first bipolar probe including a first active tip at a distal end of the first bipolar probe, the first active tip including at least two electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Ahmad Khayer Dastjerdi, Robert Harrison, Neil Godara, Michael Same, Kathryn Atwell, Travis Nolan
  • Curved resectoscope
    Patent number: 10864008
    Abstract: A resectoscope having a curved sheath that can be made with different lengths, diameters and radii of curvature to better reach the areas of the bladder that are not accessible with a conventional resectoscope. The device is equipped with a fiber optic scope that follows the curved electrode tube and can transmit images for observing the interior of bladder where the surgical procedure is performed. The device of the present invention further comprises a modified obturator to facilitate the movement of the sheath inside the body, and interior guides on the sheath help move the cutting tool and obturator through the curved portions of the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Inventors: Parviz Yavari, Morteza Yavari
  • Electrically-powered surgical systems
    Patent number: 10856928
    Abstract: Surgical systems and methods are provided for controlling actuation and movement of various surgical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris
  • Catheter sensing and irrigating
    Patent number: 10856937
    Abstract: Ablation systems of the present disclosure facilitate the safe formation of wide and deep lesions. For example, ablation systems of the present disclosure can allow for the flow of irrigation fluid and blood through an expandable ablation electrode, resulting in efficient and effective cooling of the ablation electrode as the ablation electrode delivers energy at a treatment site of the patient. Additionally, or alternatively, ablation systems of the present disclosure can include a deformable ablation electrode and a plurality of sensors that, in cooperation, sense the deformation of the ablation electrode, to provide a robust indication of the extent and direction of contact between the ablation electrode and tissue at a treatment site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Affera, Inc.
    Inventors: Doron Harlev, Ian Matthew Collier, Andrew Miles Wallace, Jonathan Matthew Bond
  • Electrode assembly for catheter system including thermoplastic-based struts
    Patent number: 10856936
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides ablation catheter systems and electrode assemblies or baskets for use in the ablation catheter systems that include struts that are manufactured from a thermoplastic material. In many embodiments, the struts manufactured from a single piece of thermoplastic material. The struts are generally configured to operate in a double diamond formation, although an electrode basket including the struts described herein may include two, three, four or more diamonds, which may be of the same or different sizes. By manufacturing the struts from a thermoplastic material the diamond-shaped struts as described in the present disclosure may be manufactured with sufficient strength without the need for a nitinol frame or adhesives, thus reducing the overall cost of the strut, as well as overall manufacturing time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Nicholas Willard
  • Liner for cryogenic treatment systems
    Patent number: 10849672
    Abstract: Liners for cryogenic treatment systems are described where a cryogenic fluid or gas may be introduced into a liner expanded within a body lumen such as the uterine cavity. The liner may be intentionally sized to be substantially larger than the typical size of the uterine cavity, e.g., 1.2 times (or more), greater than the size of the uterine cavity into which the liner is inserted. Because the liner is sized intentionally larger than the body lumen to be treated, the liner may never fully expand when deployed. But even with folds or portions of the liner being folded upon itself, the liner may remain sufficiently supple such that the resulting uncontrolled folds allow for complete conformance of the liner against the anatomy of the contacted tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Channel Medsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Burnett, William Malecki
  • Vessel sealer and divider
    Patent number: 10849681
    Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The forceps also includes a source of electrical energy connected to each jaw member such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. A generally tube-like cutter is included which is slidably engaged about the elongated shaft and which is selectively movable about the elongated shaft to engage and cut tissue on at least one side of the jaw members while the tissue is engaged between jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Sean T. Dycus, Darion R. Peterson
  • System, device and method for ablation of a vessel's wall from the inside
    Patent number: 10849676
    Abstract: The current invention concerns systems, devices and methods for the ablation of a vessel's wall from the inside, more specifically to implant devices and to the ablation of the wall of one or more pulmonary veins (PV) from the inside, preferably transmural ablation and preferably at the level of the antrum. Hereby, one or more implant devices can be implanted in the vessels and can subsequently be heated by external energy-providing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT TEHCNOLOGIES S.A.
    Inventor: Glenn Van Langenhove
  • Bipolar end effector apparatus for a surgical instrument
    Patent number: 10849680
    Abstract: An end effector apparatus for a surgical instrument is disclosed including a housing having a first jaw mounted on a revolute joint and providing a first electrical conduction path between the housing and the first jaw. A second jaw is mounted on a revolute joint within the housing and is insulated from the housing, the jaws each having a manipulating portion and a lever arm. A yoke is received within the housing and mechanically coupled to the lever arms and to a control link and is moveable in response to movements of the control link to cause opening and closing of the jaws, the yoke being electrically insulated from the housing and the first jaw. A second electrical conduction path is provided between the control link and the second jaw. The electrical conduction paths facilitate conduction of an electrocauterization current through tissue grasped between the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: TITAN MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Rene Robert, Jonathan Hess Hills, Timothy Norman Johnson
  • Devices and methods for treating lung tumors
    Patent number: 10842560
    Abstract: An ablation catheter configured to ablate tissue in a lung of a patient including: a flexible shaft that advances endobronchially into an airway of the lung and has an outer diameter of 2.0 mm or less; an ablation electrode attached to a distal portion of the flexible shaft and to deliver radiofrequency (RF) electrical current to the tissue and conductively connectable to an RF electrical energy source external to the patient; wherein an outer diameter of an assembly of the flexible shaft and the ablation electrode is no greater than 2.0 mm; a liquid outlet on the distal portion and configured to be in fluid communication with a source of hypertonic saline solution; and a first occluder attached to the flexible shaft proximal to the ablation electrode and proximal to the liquid outlet, wherein the first occluder is configured to expand to occlude the airway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Zidan Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Dorin Panescu, Shashank Raina, Mark Gelfand, Mark Leung, Simplicio Velilla
  • System and method for power control of electrosurgical resonant inverters
    Patent number: 10842563
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator is disclosed. The generator includes an RF output stage configured to generate at least one electrosurgical waveform including a plurality of cycles; at least one sensor coupled to the RF output stage, the at least one sensor configured to measure a voltage and a current of the at least one electrosurgical waveform; and a controller coupled to the at least one sensor and the RF output stage, the controller including a proportional-integral-derivative controller having at least one of voltage limiter or a current limiter, the proportional-integral-derivative controller configured to saturate the RF output stage based on voltage-current characteristics of the RF output stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: James A. Gilbert, Joshua H. Johnson, Eric J. Larson, Brian L. Roberts, Braddon M. Van Slyke
  • Catheter sensing and irrigating
    Patent number: 10842558
    Abstract: Ablation systems of the present disclosure facilitate the safe formation of wide and deep lesions. For example, ablation systems of the present disclosure can allow for the flow of irrigation fluid and blood through an expandable ablation electrode, resulting in efficient and effective cooling of the ablation electrode as the ablation electrode delivers energy at a treatment site of the patient. Additionally, or alternatively, ablation systems of the present disclosure can include a deformable ablation electrode and a plurality of sensors that, in cooperation, sense the deformation of the ablation electrode, to provide a robust indication of the extent and direction of contact between the ablation electrode and tissue at a treatment site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Affera, Inc.
    Inventors: Doron Harlev, Ian Matthew Collier, Andrew Miles Wallace
  • Vessel sealer and divider
    Patent number: 10835309
    Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The forceps also includes a source of electrical energy connected to each jaw member such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. A generally tube-like cutter is included which is slidably engaged about the elongated shaft and which is selectively movable about the elongated shaft to engage and cut tissue on at least one side of the jaw members while the tissue is engaged between jaw members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Sean T. Dycus, Darion R. Peterson