Patents by Inventor Andrew Wu

Andrew Wu has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20150257815
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods for evaluating the success of a treatment applied to tissue in a patient, such as a radio frequency ablative treatment used to neuromodulate nerves associated with the renal artery. A system monitors parameters or values generated during the course of a treatment. Feedback provided to an operator is based on the monitored values and relates to an assessment of the likelihood that a completed treatment was technically successful. In other embodiments, parameters or values generated during the course of an incomplete treatment (such as due to high temperature or high impedance conditions) may be evaluated to provide additional instructions or feedback to an operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Sowmya Ballakur, Robert J. Beetel, Paul Friedrichs, David Herzfeld, Andrew Wu, Denise Zarins, Mark S. Leung
  • Publication number: 20150238253
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for achieving thermally-induced renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a thermal element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew Wu, Benjamin J. Clark, Denise Zarins, Erik Thai
  • Patent number: 9066720
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods for evaluating the success of a treatment applied to tissue in a patient, such as a radio frequency ablative treatment used to neuromodulate nerves associated with the renal artery. A system monitors parameters or values generated during the course of a treatment. Feedback provided to an operator is based on the monitored values and relates to an assessment of the likelihood that a completed treatment was technically successful. In other embodiments, parameters or values generated during the course of an incomplete treatment (such as due to high temperature or high impedance conditions) may be evaluated to provide additional instructions or feedback to an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Sowmya Ballakur, Robert Beetel, Paul Friedrichs, Andrew Wu, Denise Zarins, David Herzfeld, Mark S. Leung
  • Patent number: 9023037
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen. Apparatus may be positioned within a body lumen of a patient and may deliver energy at a first lengthwise and angular position to create a less-than-full circumferential treatment zone at the first position. The apparatus also may deliver energy at one or more additional lengthwise and angular positions within the body lumen to create less-than-full circumferential treatment zone(s) at the one or more additional positions that are offset lengthwise and angularly from the first treatment zone. Superimposition of the first treatment zone and the one or more additional treatment zones defines a non-continuous circumferential treatment zone without formation of a continuous circumferential lesion. Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for achieving such non-continuous circumferential treatment are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Andrew Wu, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
  • Publication number: 20150073514
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.I.
    Inventors: Vincent Ku, Andrew Wu
  • Publication number: 20150057654
    Abstract: Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a catheter treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver an energy delivery element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermal or electrical renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or cool, or otherwise electrically modulate, neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Mark S. Leung, Benjamin J. Clark, Kenneth J. Michlitsch, Erik Thai, Andrew Wu, Denise Zarins
  • Patent number: 8956352
    Abstract: Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to a treatment device having a multi-electrode array configured to be delivered to a renal blood vessel. The array is selectively transformable between a delivery or low-profile state (e.g., a generally straight shape) and a deployed state (e.g., a radially expanded, generally helical shape). The multi-electrode array is sized and shaped so that the electrodes or energy delivery elements contact an interior wall of the renal blood vessel when the array is in the deployed (e.g., helical) state. The electrodes or energy delivery elements are configured for direct and/or indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or otherwise electrically modulate neural fibers that contribute to renal function or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Kevin Mauch, Mario Alvarado, Robert Beetel, William Chang, Justin Goshgarian, Leonila Rivera, Sukyoung Shin, Michele Silver, Sina Som, Andrew Wu, Denise Zarins, Juanita Sanchez-Cole, Maria G. Aboytes
  • Publication number: 20140336631
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for achieving thermally-induced renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a thermal element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Andrew Wu, Benjamin J. Clark, Denise Zarins, Erik Thai
  • Patent number: 8870863
    Abstract: Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a catheter treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver an energy delivery element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermal or electrical renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or cool, or otherwise electrically modulate, neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Mark S. Leung, Benjamin J. Clark, Kenneth J. Michlitsch, Erik Thai, Andrew Wu, Denise Zarins
  • Publication number: 20140303618
    Abstract: Multi-directional deflectable catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a catheter treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a thermal element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermally or electrical renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or cool, or otherwise electrically modulate, neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Andrew Wu, Benjamin J. Clark, Denise Zarins, Erik Thai, Kenneth J. Michlitsch, Mark S. Leung
  • Patent number: 8808345
    Abstract: The present disclosure comprises handle assemblies for intravascular treatment devices. In one embodiment, a handle assembly comprises an actuator for deflecting a distal region of an intravascular treatment device. In one embodiment, a handle assembly comprises a rotator for rotating an intravascular treatment device independently of the handle assembly. In one embodiment, a handle assembly comprises a rotation limiting element for limiting independent rotation of an intravascular treatment device relative to the handle assembly. Methods and systems for intravascular delivery, deflection and placement of an intravascular treatment device via a handle assembly of the present invention are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Clark, William R. George, Kenneth J. Michlitsch, John Paul Sam, Erik Thai, Andrew Wu
  • Patent number: 8777942
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for achieving thermally-induced renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a thermal element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Andrew Wu, Benjamin J. Clark, Denise Zarins, Erik Thai
  • Patent number: 8740896
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen. Apparatus may be positioned within a body lumen of a patient and may deliver energy at a first lengthwise and angular position to create a less-than-full circumferential treatment zone at the first position. The apparatus also may deliver energy at one or more additional lengthwise and angular positions within the body lumen to create less-than-full circumferential treatment zone(s) at the one or more additional positions that are offset lengthwise and angularly from the first treatment zone. Superimposition of the first treatment zone and the one or more additional treatment zones defines a non-continuous circumferential treatment zone without formation of a continuous circumferential lesion. Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for achieving such non-continuous circumferential treatment are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Andrew Wu, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
  • Patent number: 8728075
    Abstract: Multi-directional deflectable catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a catheter treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a thermal element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermally or electrical renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or cool, or otherwise electrically modulate, neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Andrew Wu, Benjamin J. Clark, Denise Zarins, Erik Thai, Kenneth J. Michlitsch, Mark S. Leung
  • Patent number: 8721637
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen. Apparatus may be positioned within a body lumen of a patient and may deliver energy at a first lengthwise and angular position to create a less-than-full circumferential treatment zone at the first position. The apparatus also may deliver energy at one or more additional lengthwise and angular positions within the body lumen to create less-than-full circumferential treatment zone(s) at the one or more additional positions that are offset lengthwise and angularly from the first treatment zone. Superimposition of the first treatment zone and the one or more additional treatment zones defines a non-continuous circumferential treatment zone without formation of a continuous circumferential lesion. Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for achieving such non-continuous circumferential treatment are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Andrew Wu, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
  • Patent number: 8710877
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to detect current for an output load with an inductor. The system includes a high side power transistor a low side power transistor coupled to the high side power transistor; and a controller coupled to the high and low side power transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Adaptive Digital Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Wile, Andrew Wu
  • Publication number: 20140114305
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues. In some embodiments, thermally-induced renal neuromodulation is achieved via delivery of a pulsed thermal therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC ARDIAN LUXEMBOURG S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Andrew Wu, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Mark Gelfand, Howard R. Levin
  • Patent number: 8652133
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen. Apparatus may be positioned within a body lumen of a patient and may deliver energy at a first lengthwise and angular position to create a less-than-full circumferential treatment zone at the first position. The apparatus also may deliver energy at one or more additional lengthwise and angular positions within the body lumen to create less-than-full circumferential treatment zone(s) at the one or more additional positions that are offset lengthwise and angularly from the first treatment zone. Superimposition of the first treatment zone and the one or more additional treatment zones defines a non-continuous circumferential treatment zone without formation of a continuous circumferential lesion. Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for achieving such non-continuous circumferential treatment are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Andrew Wu, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
  • Patent number: 8652129
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for achieving thermally-induced renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a thermal element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Andrew Wu, Benjamin J. Clark, Denise Zarins, Erik Thai
  • Patent number: 8626300
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues. In some embodiments, thermally-induced renal neuromodulation is achieved via delivery of a pulsed thermal therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Denise Demarais, Andrew Wu, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Mark Gelfand, Howard R. Levin