Patents Examined by Roy D. Gibson
  • Patent number: 8679110
    Abstract: A catheter includes a plurality of primary leads to deliver energy for ligating a hollow anatomical structure. Each of the primary leads includes an electrode located at the working end of the catheter. Separation is maintained between the primary leads such that each primary lead can individually receive power of selected polarity. The primary leads are constructed to expand outwardly to place the electrodes into apposition with an anatomical structure. High frequency energy can be applied from the leads to create a heating effect in the surrounding tissue of the anatomical structure. The diameter of the hollow anatomical structure is reduced by the heating effect, and the electrodes of the primary leads are moved closer to one another. Where the hollow anatomical structure is a vein, energy is applied until the diameter of the vein is reduced to the point where the vein is occluded. In one embodiment, a secondary lead is surrounded by the primary leads, and extends beyond the primary leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Arthur W. Zikorus, Mark P. Parker, Christopher S. Jones, Douglas M. Petty, Brian E. Farley, Joseph M. Tartaglia
  • Patent number: 8515554
    Abstract: A radiometric heating/sensing probe for radiating electromagnetic waves of a first frequency capable of heating tissue and detecting electromagnetic waves of a second frequency emitted by the tissue indicating tissue temperature. The probe includes a dual frequency antenna, a signal transmitting path to the antenna and a signal receiving path from the antenna to a radiometer. A diplexer connected between those paths inside the probe includes a quarter wave stub in the form of a shorted slab line-type transmission line in the signal transmitting path. The entire probe package is only about 0.4 in. long and 0.08 in. in diameter so that it can be used in many minimally invasive applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Meridian Medical Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Carr
  • Patent number: 8353906
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dehydrating, electro-oxidizing, or electro-reducing a target tissue is described. The apparatus utilizes an electrochemical probe or other device to deliver one or more beneficial agents into the target tissue. Water from the target tissue provides a precursor that may be split by electrolysis to generate the beneficial agent. Alternatively, water is provided from an external source to generate the beneficial agent. The beneficial agent facilitates in situ oxidation and/or reduction of a material within the tissue. One type of beneficial agent is ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashok V. Joshi, James Steppan
  • Patent number: 8052680
    Abstract: A process for preventing atrial premature contractions originating within a pulmonary vein from being conducted into the left atrium of a human heart. More specifically, an ablation lesion is formed which electrically isolates the located source of the atrial premature contraction in the pulmonary vein from connection with the left atrium and blocks passage of the atrial premature contraction originating from the located source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Hassett, John F. Swartz, Michael C. Bednarek
  • Patent number: 8021358
    Abstract: A tool kit for interchanging tools within an at least partially closed area is provided. The tool kit includes at least one tool, each tool being preferably provided within a tubular housing, and adapted to pivot out from the tool kit so that they can be attached to a receiving tool. The tool is designed to be returned to the tool kit after use, and if desired, switched with a different tool. In one embodiment, a surgical system permitting surgical tools to be interchanged within a patient's body is provided. A method of interchanging surgical tools within a patient's body is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: CareFusion 2200, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Doyle, Jimmy C. Caputo
  • Patent number: 8016823
    Abstract: This invention relates to surgical instruments for applying energy to tissue using a a vapor-to-liquid phase transition which delivers large amount of energy to the targeted tissue. In one embodiment, the system is configured for volumetric removal of tissue by means of high velocity ejection of a vapor media from a first vapor port proximate to soft tissue wherein the vapor-to-liquid phase change of the media applies energy to the tissue. The system provides a second port coupled to a suction source that cooperates with the first vapor port to suction tissue debris from the targeted site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Tsunami MedTech, LLC
    Inventor: John H. Shadduck
  • Patent number: 8007496
    Abstract: A method of treating a tissue region (e.g., a tumor) is provided. The method comprises introducing a delivery sheath within an anatomical conduit that supplies the tissue region with a fluid (e.g., blood or air). The anatomical conduit may be any naturally occurring conduit within a patient. The method further comprises expanding an occlusive device (e.g., a balloon) associated with the delivery sheath, such that the conduit is at least partially occluded to reduce the flow of fluid through the conduit. The method further comprises introducing a tissue treatment catheter within the delivery sheath, advancing the treatment catheter from the delivery sheath through an aperture in a wall of the conduit adjacent the tissue region, and conveying thermal energy from (i.e., hyperthermia) or to the treatment catheter (i.e., hypothermia) to treat (e.g., by ablating) the tissue region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Rioux, Jeffrey V. Bean
  • Patent number: 8007525
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the internal body temperature of a patient. According to the present invention, a catheter is inserted through an incision into a large blood vessel of a patient. By selectively heating or cooling a portion of the catheter lying within the blood vessel, heat may be transferred to or from blood flowing within the vessel and the patient's body temperature may thereby be increased or decreased as desired. The invention will find use in treating undesirable conditions of hypothermia and hyperthermia, or for inducing a condition of artificial hypothermia when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: ZOLL Circulation, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Ginsburg
  • Patent number: 7998182
    Abstract: An endovascular heat transfer device which can have a smooth exterior surface, or a surface with ridges and grooves. The device can have a plurality of elongated, articulated segments, with each having such a surface. A flexible joint connects adjacent elongated, articulated segments. The flexible joints can be bellows or flexible tubes. An inner lumen is disposed within the heat transfer segments. The inner lumen is capable of transporting a pressurized working fluid to a distal end of the heat transfer element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Innercool Therapies, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Dobak, III, Juan C. Lasheras, Randell L. Werneth
  • Patent number: 7998183
    Abstract: A heat generating body wherein three or more plural sectional exothermic parts are provided at intervals via a sectioned part which is a heat seal part. The sectional exothermic parts have a heat generating composition capable of causing heat generation upon contact with oxygen in air and are at least constituted of three kinds of a low temperature sectional exothermic part, a middle temperature sectional exothermic part and a high temperature sectional exothermic part. A maximum temperature of the high temperature sectional exothermic part is higher than a maximum temperature of the low temperature sectional exothermic part. A maximum temperature of the middle temperature sectional exothermic part is between a maximum temperature of the high temperature sectional exothermic part and a maximum temperature of the low temperature sectional exothermic part. The middle temperature sectional exothermic part is constituted of plural sectional exothermic parts having a different maximum temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Mycoal Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshihiro Dodo
  • Patent number: 7993331
    Abstract: A method of treating unwanted hair is disclosed. The method comprises: transmitting acoustic waves through the hair so as to generate heat at a follicle, a dermal papilla, a hair bulge and/or a germinal matrix of the hair. The heat itself is sufficient to damage or destroy the follicle, the dermal papilla, the hair bulge and/or the germinal matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Applisonix Ltd.
    Inventors: Amir Barzilay, Alon Goren, Abraham Dayan, Vladimir Furman, Assaf Guterman, Yehuda Niv
  • Patent number: 7993337
    Abstract: A circumferential ablation device assembly which is adapted to forming a circumferential conduction block in a pulmonary vein is described. The assembly includes a circumferential oblation clement which is adapted to ablate a circumferential region of tissue along a pulmonary vein wall which circumscribes the pulmonary vein lumen, thereby transecting the electrical conductivity of the pulmonary vein against conduction along its longitudinal axis and into the left atrium. The circumferential ablation element includes an expandable member with a working length that is adjustable from a radially collapsed position to a radially expanded position. An equatorial band circumscribes the outer surface of the working length and is adapted to ablate tissue adjacent thereto when actuated by an ablation actuator. A pattern of insulators may be included over an ablation element which otherwise spans the working length in order to form the equatorial band described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Michael D. Lesh
  • Patent number: 7993382
    Abstract: The present invention is a non-invasive method for reducing fat in a patient by administering a therapeutically effective amount of niacin and applying laser energy to targeted external regions of a patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C Shanks, Ryan Maloney
  • Patent number: 7985220
    Abstract: A system and method for transmitting electro surgical energy from a generator to an electrosurgical instrument are provided. The electrosurgical system includes a generator adapted to generate electrosurgical energy for treating tissue. The generator includes one or more active output terminals which supply energy to the tissue. The active output terminals are operatively connected to one or more supply lines. The generator also includes one or more return output terminal which returns energy from the tissue. The return output terminals are operatively connected to at least one return line. The system also includes an electrosurgical instrument operatively connected to the one or more supply lines and one or more return electrodes operatively connected to one or more return lines. The system further includes an electrosurgical cable including one or more supply lines and one or more return lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Coviden AG
    Inventor: James H. Orszulak
  • Patent number: 7981147
    Abstract: A method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction. Heat is applied to the outside of the eyelid to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands. The application of heat assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. A force may also be applied to the outside of the patient's eyelid to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in the eyelid that causes convective heat loss. Thus, the application of force can further increase the temperature level and/or reduce the time to reach desired temperature levels for removing obstructions or occlusions. Reaching increased temperature levels may improve the melting, loosening, or softening of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands while reducing the amount of time to reach desired temperature levels and/or aid in reducing discomfort to the patient during treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Stephen M. Grenon, Timothy R. Willis, Benjamin Tyson Gravely
  • Patent number: 7976538
    Abstract: A method of treating fibroadenomas with optimized freezing periods at a single freezing temperature and minimal thawing time between freezing periods, and a system for accomplishing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Sanarus Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Russell L. DeLonzor
  • Patent number: 7976541
    Abstract: Probes that are sensitive to electrode/tissue contact and that are configured to connect an electrode to a power supply and/or provide an indication when the desired level of electrode/tissue contact has been achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: David McGee, Walter Harvey Crompton, Jr., Robert Bryan
  • Patent number: 7976543
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus employed in surgery involving making precise incisions in vessels of the body, particularly cardiac blood vessels in coronary revascularization procedures conducted on the stopped or beating heart are disclosed. Such incisions are created by applying an elongated electrosurgical cutting electrode to the outer surface of the vessel wall in substantially parallel alignment with the body vessel axis, the elongated electrosurgical cutting electrode having a predetermined cutting electrode length exceeding the cutting electrode width. RF energy is applied between the electrosurgical cutting electrode and the ground electrode at an energy level and for a duration sufficient to cut an elongated slit through the vessel wall where the elongated electrosurgical cutting electrode is applied to the surface of the vessel wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Cynthia T. Clague, Philip J. Haarstad, Scott E. Jahns, James R. Keogh, Christopher P. Olig, Raymond W. Usher
  • Patent number: 7979139
    Abstract: A radio frequency diathermy application device, including a flexible pad and a flexible coil structure coupled to and supported by the pad The flexible coil structure has a flexible spiral-like primary winding and a flexible spiral-like secondary winding coupled to the primary winding, the primary and secondary windings each substantially lying in separate substantially parallel planes when the pad is in an unflexed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: ReGear Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason A. Beens, Scott R. Hinson, Daniel E. Nesthus
  • Patent number: RE42724
    Abstract: A novel device and method for performing cardiac ablations includes a therapeutic instrument, for example, an ablation catheter, to which is mounted a flexible, braided electrode. The electrode configuration is selected so that it has a desired surface area for proper heat convection properties. RF energy is delivered to the electrode to heat and thereby ablate local heart tissue, with the electrode having good convection abilities to protect against coagulation, embolisms, and other undesirable effects of ablation procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary S. Falwell, Donald Patterson