Patents Examined by Ronald Hupczey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10595925
    Abstract: An instrument and method for tissue thermotherapy including an inductive heating means to generate a vapor phase media that is used for interstitial, intraluminal, intracavity or topical tissue treatment. In one method, the vapor phase media is propagated from a probe outlet to provide a controlled vapor-to-liquid phase change in an interface with tissue to thereby apply ablative thermal energy delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Tsunami MedTech, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Hoey, John H. Shadduck
  • Patent number: 10582963
    Abstract: System and methods of an electrosurgical controller having multiple modes of operation that are configured for treatment of a specific targeted tissue type and the electrosurgical effect desired where the treatment and effect are provided by a single controller and an electrosurgical probe. The electrosurgical controller includes an integrated fluid control apparatus or pump where activation of the controller allows for selective energy delivery and corresponding fluid volume flow rates. The electrosurgical probe includes a fluid transport lumen and is in communication with the controller and the pump for operation of the probe in the various user selected modes with accompanying energy delivery and fluid control directed to the desired treatment and surgical effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: ArthroCare Corporation
    Inventors: Jean Woloszko, Duane W. Marion, Johnson E. Goode, George Morrison, David Yuan
  • Patent number: 10575896
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes mutually movable instrument legs each comprising one or more electrode faces between which tissue can be clamped and treated in electrothermal manner. The movement of the instrument legs relative to each other can be delimited by at least two spacers which are spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of the instrument legs and act on the instrument legs. At least one electrode face portion subjected to deflection in a closed position of the instrument legs is formed to be bow-shaped, in particular concave, the curvature being contrary to the bending direction to be expected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Aesculap AG
    Inventors: Christoph Rothweiler, Eugen Herner, Christian Huber
  • Patent number: 10575892
    Abstract: Various forms are directed to systems and methods apparatus for operating a surgical instrument that includes an adapter configured to couple to a generator. The generator configured to provide an energy signal for treating tissue The adapter includes at least one input port configured to receive the energy signal from the generator, where the energy signal includes an energy component comprising one or more energy modalities. An energy storage circuit is configured to charge and store energy from the generator as a DC output. The adapter also includes at least one output port configured to couple to one or more surgical instruments for treating tissue. The one or more energy modalities comprises any one of an ultrasonic, a bipolar radio frequency (RF), a monopolar RF, a reversible electroporation, an irreversible electroporation, or a microwave component, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Danziger, David C. Yates, Jeffrey L. Aldridge, Joseph E. Scholler, Douglas P. Sterlina, Christopher A. Dums, Jonathan M. Bonte, Abby C. Albers
  • Patent number: 10568689
    Abstract: A surgical snare comprising a means of delivering thermal plasma on to biological tissue encircled by the snare. The snare may be “cold” snare, i.e. formed from insulating material, or active, i.e. connected to receive RF and/or microwave energy to be radiated into the area encircled by the snare. The surgical snare may thus deliver into biological tissue encircled by a retractable loop any one of (i) a plasma to perform surface coagulation, (ii) a non-ionising microwave field (in the absence of plasma) to perform coagulation at a deeper level, and (iii) an RF field to assist with cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: CREO MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Hancock, Malcolm White
  • Patent number: 10548661
    Abstract: A retractable, multi-tined radiofrequency (RF) probe operable for applying RF energy to tissue for therapeutic purposes, the probe having a tubular elongate member defining an interior and having a proximal end and an opposite distal end; a handle element at the proximal end of the elongate member; and an electrode element at the distal end of the elongate member, the electrode element comprising a tip portion and a plurality of tines, each of the plurality of tines being positionable in a retracted configuration within the interior of the tip portion and/or the elongate member and in a deployed configuration that extends outward of the tip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Diros Technology Inc.
    Inventors: George Peter Darmos, Ilya Gavrilov, Peter George Darmos
  • Patent number: 10543037
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods for positioning a neuromodulation device at a treatment site and evaluating the effects of therapeutic energy delivery applied to tissue in a patient. Before, during and/or after therapeutic energy delivery, a system can monitor parameters or values relevant to efficacious neuromodulation by emitting and detecting diagnostic energy at the treatment site. Feedback provided to an operator is based on the monitored values and relates to a relative position of the treatment device at the treatment site, as well as assessment of the likelihood that a completed treatment was technically successful.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC ARDIAN LUXEMBOURG S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Jignesh M. Shah
  • Patent number: 10531918
    Abstract: Electrosurgical forceps for delivering microwave energy into biological tissue from a non-resonant unbalanced lossy transmission line structure located within or formed by the jaws of the forceps. The transmission line structure may be formed across the gap between the jaw element by opposed conductive elements, which are respectively electrically connected to inner and outer conductors of a coaxial cable. Alternatively, each jaw element may comprise its own lossy transmission line, whereby a power splitter is used to divide microwave energy from the coaxial cable. The forceps may be used endoscopically in the gastrointestinal tract or laparoscopically or in open surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: CREO MEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Hancock, Malcolm White
  • Patent number: 10531907
    Abstract: A method of treating bowel diseases includes introducing a fluid into a portion of a patient's colon and applying energy thereto from an external energy source such that the fluid and the energy cooperate to treat tissue of the portion of the patient's colon in contact with the fluid. Another method of treating inflammatory bowel diseases includes sealing a portion of a patient's colon, introducing an electrically-conductive fluid thereto, and energizing an electrode disposed therein to treat tissue of the portion of the patient's colon in contact with the electrically-conductive fluid. Another method of treating inflammatory bowel diseases includes sealing a portion of a patient's colon and introducing a heated fluid at a temperature equal to or above 60° C. to treat tissue of the portion of the patient's colon in contact with the heated fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Robert M. Sharp, Darion R. Peterson, Duane E. Kerr, Arlen K. Ward, Anthony B. Ross, Rebecca J. Coulson, William H. Nau, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10532230
    Abstract: Methods for treating skin and subcutaneous tissue with energy such as ultrasound energy are disclosed. In various embodiments, ultrasound energy is applied at a region of interest to affect tissue by cutting, ablating, micro-ablating, coagulating, or otherwise affecting the subcutaneous tissue to conduct numerous procedures that are traditionally done invasively in a non-invasive manner. Methods of lifting sagging tissue on a face and/or neck are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Guided Therapy Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Peter G. Barthe, Michael H. Slayton, Inder Raj S. Makin
  • Patent number: 10525288
    Abstract: A method and system for noninvasive face lifts and deep tissue tightening are disclosed. An exemplary method and treatment system are configured for the imaging, monitoring, and thermal injury to treat the SMAS region. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the exemplary method and system are configured for treating the SMAS region by first, imaging of the region of interest for localization of the treatment area and surrounding structures, second, delivery of ultrasound energy at a depth, distribution, timing, and energy level to achieve the desired therapeutic effect, and third to monitor the treatment area before, during, and after therapy to plan and assess the results and/or provide feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Guided Therapy Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Michael H. Slayton, Peter G. Barthe, Inder Raj S. Makin, Brian D. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 10499980
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to devices, methods, and systems for the treatment of tissue using energy delivery. Specifically, certain embodiments may be used for the treatment of lung tissue, such as lung nodules, using RF ablation, via a catheter provided with a first electrode attached to a distal end of the catheter, wherein the first electrode is hollow, wherein the first electrode comprises a piercing tip configured to pierce through an airway all and a second electrode received in a movable manner within the first electrode, wherein the second electrode is extendable from the first electrode to form a first extended configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Spiration, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon J. Shuman, Hugo Xavier Gonzalez, Sean D. Alm, Peter Hoffman
  • Patent number: 10499919
    Abstract: A catheter system includes a proximal base having a distal diagonal end surface and a distal tip connected to the proximal base and movable relative to the proximal base, wherein the distal tip has a proximal diagonal end surface. The distal diagonal end surface and the proximal diagonal end surface contact opposing sides of a tissue portion to create the fistula. A peripheral edge defines the proximal distal end surface. A proximal point is disposed on the peripheral edge. The proximal point comprises a shortened angle and a fully radiused edge relative to a remaining portion of the peripheral edge and a relief recess is disposed on a distal end of the proximal base, both for the purpose of minimizing tissue snagging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Avenu Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Seth Arnold Foerster
  • Patent number: 10492787
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to battery packs for use with surgical instruments. The battery packs may comprise a plurality of cells and at least a portion of the plurality of cells may not be electrically connected to one another. The battery packs may comprise a switch or other mechanism for interconnecting the plurality of cells and may also comprise, or be used in conjunction with, a discharge switch or plug configured to electrically connect an anode of the battery pack to a cathode of the battery pack, for example, via a resistive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Bret W. Smith, David C. Yates, Daniel J. Abbott, Richard F. Schwemberger, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 10492850
    Abstract: An electrosurgical generator and associated methods determine a real part of the impedance of treated tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes an output stage, a plurality of sensors, and a controller that controls the output stage. The controller includes a signal processor that determines an RMS voltage, an RMS current, an average power, and a real part of the impedance of the treated tissue based on measured voltage and current by using a plurality of averaging filters. The controller controls the output stage to generate electrosurgical energy based on at least the determined real part of the impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Donald W. Heckel, Andrey Belous
  • Patent number: 10492852
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft defining a lumen, an end effector assembly disposed at the distal end portion of the shaft, a drive plate, a first electrical wire, and a wire guide. The end effector assembly includes a first electrically-conductive tissue-treating surface. The drive plate extends through the lumen of the shaft and operably engages the end effector assembly such that movement of the drive plate through the lumen of the shaft manipulates the end effector assembly. The first electrical wire also extends through the lumen of the shaft and is configured to supply energy to the first electrically-conductive tissue-treating surface. The wire guide is engaged to a distal portion of the drive plate and is configured to move through the lumen of the shaft in conjunction with the drive plate. The wire guide is also configured to receive the first electrical wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Purvishkumar H. Soni, Stephen J. Stamm
  • Patent number: 10492811
    Abstract: An endoscopic includes a handle, a tubular member, a control member, and an end effector assembly. The handle has a stationary member and a movable member. The movable member includes a constrained curved path for passage of the control member. The tubular member has an end coupled to the stationary member and a distal end rotatably coupled to the end effector assembly. The control member extends through the curved path, the tubular member, and is coupled to the end effector assembly. A knob is attached to the movable member and control member. Displacement of the movable member relative to the stationary member causes actuation of the end effector assembly, and rotation of the knob on the movable member causes the control member to rotate within both the constrained curved path and the tubular member, and results in rotation of the end effector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Slatr Surgical Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Charles R. Slater
  • Patent number: 10485602
    Abstract: A cryosurgical apparatus with a temperature regulator. For better therapeutic success, it is desirable to set the temperature applied to a cryosurgical instrument as exactly as possible. Conventional apparatuses have corresponding temperature sensors allowing the regulation of the cooling power in the cryosurgical instrument such that the cooling power corresponds to a predefined value. However, the dimensions of some temperature sensors prevent them from being provided within a cryoprobe. Furthermore, suitable temperature sensors are expensive and have low durability. This problem is solved by the disclosed temperature regulator for regulating the temperature of a cryoprobe, which supplies an at least partly liquid refrigerant at a first pressure to an evaporation region such that the coolant evaporates at least temporarily under the presence of a second pressure for cooling a cooling portion of the cryoprobe. A pressure setting means that sets at least the second pressure is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: ERBE ELEKTROMEDIZIN GMBH
    Inventor: Franz Geiselhart
  • Patent number: 10478247
    Abstract: A medical device may include an expandable energy delivery array reciprocally movable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The expandable energy delivery array may include a first assembly having a first proximal end piece, a first distal end piece, and one or more first energy transfer elements extending between the first proximal and first distal end pieces, and a second assembly having a second proximal end piece, a second distal end piece, and one or more second energy transfer elements extending between the second proximal and second distal end pieces. The second proximal end piece may be proximal to the first proximal end piece and the second distal end piece may be distal to the first distal end piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Karl Litscher, Joseph A. Levendusky, Man Minh Nguyen, Paul Mannion, T J Byrne
  • Patent number: 10478245
    Abstract: An energizable surgical attachment is configured for positioning about a shaft of a surgical instrument. The energizable surgical attachment includes an outer sheath defining a lumen extending longitudinally through the outer sheath, an energizable rod member coupled to the outer sheath, a connector attachment electrically coupled to the energizable rod member, and at least one o-ring disposed within the lumen of the outer sheath. At least a portion of the energizable rod member extends distally from the distal end of the outer sheath. The o-ring(s) are configured to establish a fluid-tight seal between the outer sheath and the shaft of the surgical instrument and to bias the outer sheath towards a stationary position relative to the shaft of the surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Townsend, Grant T. Sims