Patents by Inventor Brendan J. Oberkircher

Brendan J. Oberkircher 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: 20190183674
    Abstract: A system for storing and delivering a predetermined amount of fluid includes a syringe including a barrel, a flange disposed at the proximal end of the barrel, and a plunger assembly configured to be received in the lumen of the barrel. The plunger assembly includes a piston and a plunger rod. The plunger rod is removably couplable to the piston at the distal end of the plunger rod and includes a thumb press flange at the proximal end of the plunger rod. The system further includes a stop feature that is removably couplable to the syringe or the plunger assembly. The stop feature is configured to arrest distal advancement of the plunger assembly relative to the syringe when the plunger assembly reaches a predetermined position relative to the syringe. The stop thus ensures that a predetermined amount of fluid remains in the barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Inventors: Mark C. Tsai, Brian M. Gatton, JR., Michael F. Keane, Isaac J. Khan, Brendan J. Oberkircher, Daniel W. Price
  • Patent number: 10322028
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering therapeutic agent to an eye comprises a body, a cannula, a hollow needle, an actuation assembly, and a detection/visualization system. The cannula extends distally from the body and is sized and configured to be insertable between a choroid and a sclera of a patient's eye. The actuation assembly is operable to actuate the needle relative to the cannula to thereby drive a distal portion of the needle along an exit axis. The cannula may be inserted through a sclerotomy incision and advanced through the choroid to deliver the therapeutic agent adjacent to the potential space between the neurosensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium layer. The detection/visualization system is operable to detect or visualize penetration of the choroid of a patient's eye and provide feedback to the operator and/or automatic control of the apparatus based on penetration of the choroid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: ORBIT BIOMEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Daniel W. Price, Brendan J. Oberkircher, Saeed Sokhanvar, Daniel J. Yasevac, Michel Bruehwiler, Leah R. Soffer, Gregory W. Johnson, William D. Dannaher, Stefan Troller, Urban Schnell, Jean Christophe Roulet, Alain Saurer, Michael F. Keane
  • Publication number: 20190142634
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering therapeutic agent to an eye comprises a body, a cannula, a hollow needle, and an actuation assembly. The cannula extends distally from the body and is sized and configured to be insertable between a choroid and a sclera of a patient's eye. The actuation assembly is operable to actuate the needle relative to the cannula to thereby drive a distal portion of the needle along an exit axis that is obliquely oriented relative to the longitudinal axis of the cannula. The cannula may be inserted through a sclerotomy incision to position a distal end of the cannula at a posterior region of the eye, between the choroid and sclera. The needle may be advanced through the choroid to deliver the therapeutic agent adjacent to the potential space between the neurosensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium layer, adjacent to the area of geographic atrophy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Brendan J. Oberkircher, Daniel W. Price, Michael F. Keane, Saeed Sokhanvar, Daniel J. Yasevac, Michel G. Bruehwiler, Leah R. Soffer, Isaac J. Khan, Benjamin L. Ko, Christopher D. Riemann, Nathan D. Grubbs
  • Publication number: 20190142635
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering therapeutic agent to an eye comprises a body, a cannula, a hollow needle, and an actuation assembly. The cannula extends distally from the body and is sized and configured to be insertable between a choroid and a sclera of a patient's eye. The actuation assembly is operable to actuate the needle relative to the cannula to thereby drive a distal portion of the needle along an exit axis that is obliquely oriented relative to the longitudinal axis of the cannula. The cannula may be inserted through a sclerotomy incision to position a distal end of the cannula at a posterior region of the eye, between the choroid and sclera. The needle may be advanced through the choroid to deliver the therapeutic agent adjacent to the potential space between the neurosensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium layer, adjacent to the area of geographic atrophy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Brendan J. Oberkircher, Daniel W. Price, Michael F. Keane, Saeed Sokhanvar, Daniel J. Yasevac, Michel G. Bruehwiler, Leah R. Soffer, Isaac J. Khan, Benjamin L. Ko, Christopher D. Riemann, Nathan D. Grubbs
  • Patent number: 10258502
    Abstract: A system for storing and delivering a predetermined amount of fluid includes a syringe including a barrel, a flange disposed at the proximal end of the barrel, and a plunger assembly configured to be received in the lumen of the barrel. The plunger assembly includes a piston and a plunger rod. The plunger rod is removably couplable to the piston at the distal end of the plunger rod and includes a thumb press flange at the proximal end of the plunger rod. The system further includes a stop feature that is removably couplable to the syringe or the plunger assembly. The stop feature is configured to arrest distal advancement of the plunger assembly relative to the syringe when the plunger assembly reaches a predetermined position relative to the syringe. The stop thus ensures that a predetermined amount of fluid remains in the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: ORBIT BIOMEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Mark C. Tsai, Brian M. Gatton, Jr., Michael F. Keane, Isaac J. Khan, Brendan J. Oberkircher, Daniel W. Price
  • Patent number: 10226379
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering therapeutic agent to an eye includes a body, a cannula, a hollow needle, and an actuation assembly. The cannula extends distally from the body and is sized and configured to be insertable between a choroid and a sclera of a patient's eye. The actuation assembly is operable to actuate the needle relative to the cannula to thereby drive a distal portion of the needle along an exit axis that is obliquely oriented relative to the longitudinal axis of the cannula. The cannula may be inserted through a sclerotomy incision to position a distal end of the cannula at a posterior region of the eye, between the choroid and sclera. The needle may be advanced through the choroid to deliver the therapeutic agent adjacent to the potential space between the neurosensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium layer, adjacent to the area of geographic atrophy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: ORBIT BIOMEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Brendan J. Oberkircher, Daniel W. Price, Michael F. Keane, Saeed Sokhanvar, Daniel J. Yasevac, Michel G. Bruehwiler, Leah R. Soffer, Isaac J. Khan, Benjamin L. Ko, Christopher D. Riemann, Nathan D. Grubbs
  • Patent number: 10219936
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering therapeutic agent to an eye comprises a body, a cannula, a hollow needle, a cannula actuation assembly, and a needle actuation assembly. The cannula extends distally from the body and is sized and configured to be insertable between a choroid and a sclera of a patient's eye. The cannula actuation assembly is operable to actuate the cannula relative to the body. The needle actuation assembly is operable to actuate the needle relative to the cannula. The cannula may be inserted through a sclerotomy to position a distal end of the cannula at a posterior region of the eye, between the choroid and sclera. The needle may be advanced through the choroid to deliver the therapeutic agent adjacent to the potential space between the neurosensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium layer, adjacent to the area of geographic atrophy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: ORBIT BIOMEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Benjamin L. Ko, Robert H. Roth, Thomas E. Meyer, Paul D. Gordon, Isaac J. Khan, Daniel W. Price, Brendan J. Oberkircher
  • Publication number: 20180256394
    Abstract: A method includes inserting a flexible cannula between a sclera and a choroid of an eye. The needle is advanced from a distal end of the flexible cannula, such that the needle pierces the choroid to access a subretinal space of the eye. The needle is used to aspirate fluid from the subretinal space. The fluid may be present from a retinal detachment, a macular hemorrhage, or other condition present before the procedure begins. The method may further include injecting the fluid in the subretinal space via the needle, in which case the fluid may be a balanced salt solution or other bleb fluid. The method may further include injecting a therapeutic agent into the subretinal space after aspirating the bleb fluid. The volume of injected bleb fluid may be greater than the volume of injected therapeutic agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel W. Price, Brendan J. Oberkircher, Daniel J. Prenger, Geoffrey King, Isaac J. Khan, Michael F. Keane, Benjamin L. Ko
  • Patent number: 10064752
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering therapeutic agent to an eye comprises a body, a cannula, a hollow needle, and an automated actuation assembly. The cannula extends distally from the body and is sized and configured to be insertable between a choroid and a sclera of a patient's eye. The actuation assembly is operable to actuate the needle relative to the cannula to thereby drive a distal portion of the needle along an exit axis that is obliquely oriented relative to the longitudinal axis of the cannula. The cannula may be inserted through a sclerotomy to position a distal end of the cannula at a posterior region of the eye, between the choroid and sclera. The needle may be advanced through the choroid to deliver the therapeutic agent adjacent to the potential space between the neurosensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium layer, adjacent to the area of geographic atrophy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: ORBIT BIOMEDICAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Daniel W. Price, Isaac J. Khan, Brendan J. Oberkircher, Saeed Sokhanvar, Daniel J. Yasevac, Michel Bruehwiler, Leah R. Soffer, Mohammadreza Ramerzanifard, Mary Carter
  • Publication number: 20180200108
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a cannula, a conduit, and a magnetic element. The cannula extends distally from the body. The cannula is flexible and has a distal end. The cannula defines a lumen distally terminating at the distal end. The cannula is sized and configured to pass between a sclera layer and a choroid layer in a human eye. The conduit is in fluid communication with the lumen. The magnetic element is positioned in the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel W. Price, Brendan J. Oberkircher, Daniel J. Prenger, Geoffrey King, Isaac J. Khan, Michael F. Keane
  • Publication number: 20170360607
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an injector, a first fluid conduit, a second fluid line, and a control module. The injector includes a body, a flexible cannula, a flexible needle, and a sensor. The needle is configured to translate relative to the cannula. The sensor is operable to detect a position of the needle relative to the cannula. The first and second fluid lines are coupled with the needle. The control module is in communication with the sensor, with the first fluid conduit, and with the second fluid conduit. The control module is configured to provide delivery of a first fluid through the first conduit to the needle based on a signal from the sensor. The control module is further configured to provide delivery of a second fluid through the second conduit to the needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel W. Price, Brendan J. Oberkircher, Daniel J. Prenger, Geoffrey King, Thomas E. Meyer, Benjamin L. Ko
  • Publication number: 20170360605
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body and a pair of rigid legs extending from the body. The body includes an engagement feature configured to engage a deployment instrument. The legs are parallel with each other. Each leg has a sharp tip. The legs both extend along a plane. The body defines a guide opening. The guide opening is oriented transversely relative to the plane associated with the legs. The guide opening is sized to receive a cannula having a generally flat profile. The guide opening is configured to guide the cannula through a sclerotomy at a substantially tangential orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Brendan J. Oberkircher, Benjamin L. Ko, Robert H. Roth, Mark S. Ortiz, Thomas E. Meyer, Franklin S. Busch, Isaac J. Khan, Michael F. Keane, Anna R. Raymond, Jacob W. Schubert
  • Publication number: 20170360606
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a pad assembly, an injector assembly, an injector driver, and a fluid source. The pad assembly is sized and configured to be placed on a forehead of a patient. The injector assembly includes a body, a flexible cannula, and a needle. The body is configured to be removably secured to the pad assembly. The cannula is sized to be inserted through an incision in an eye of a patient. The needle is slidably disposed in the cannula. The injector driver is operable to drive the needle longitudinally relative to the flexible cannula. The fluid source assembly is in fluid communication with the needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel W. Price, Brendan J. Oberkircher, James G. Lee, Clinton Denlinger, Daniel J. Prenger, Geoffrey King, Scott Uhland, Mark C. Tsai, Michael F. Keane, Isaac J. Khan, Benjamin L. Ko, Thomas E. Meyer, Denis P. Turner
  • Publication number: 20170258988
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a cannula, and a needle. The cannula is flexible and extends distally from the body. The needle is slidably disposed in the cannula. The needle includes a sharp distal tip and a curved portion. The needle is configured to translate relative to the cannula between a proximal position and a distal position. The distal tip is configured to be positioned inside the cannula when the needle is in the proximal position. The distal tip is configured to be positioned outside the cannula when the needle is in the distal position. The needle is resiliently biased to extend along a curve through the curved portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas E. Meyer, Benjamin L. Ko, Isaac J. Khan, Daniel W. Price, Brendan J. Oberkircher, Michael F. Keane
  • Publication number: 20170056052
    Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a body, an actuation assembly, a shaft assembly, an ultrasonic blade, and a movable member. The body is configured to receive an ultrasonic transducer. The actuation assembly includes a first activation member and a second activation member. The first activation member is operable to trigger activation of the ultrasonic blade in a first power mode. The second activation member is operable to trigger activation of the ultrasonic blade in a second power mode. The movable member is configured to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the movable member is configured to permit access to the first activation member and prevent access to the second activation member. In the second position, the movable member is configured to permit access to the second activation member and prevent access to the first activation member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Benjamin D. Dickerson, Brendan J. Oberkircher
  • Publication number: 20160081849
    Abstract: A system for storing and delivering a predetermined amount of fluid includes a syringe including a barrel, a flange disposed at the proximal end of the barrel, and a plunger assembly configured to be received in the lumen of the barrel. The plunger assembly includes a piston and a plunger rod. The plunger rod is removably couplable to the piston at the distal end of the plunger rod and includes a thumb press flange at the proximal end of the plunger rod. The system further includes a stop feature that is removably couplable to the syringe or the plunger assembly. The stop feature is configured to arrest distal advancement of the plunger assembly relative to the syringe when the plunger assembly reaches a predetermined position relative to the syringe. The stop thus ensures that a predetermined amount of fluid remains in the barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Mark C. Tsai, Brian M. Gatton, JR., Michael F. Keane, Isaac J. Khan, Brendan J. Oberkircher, Daniel W. Price
  • Publication number: 20160074217
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering therapeutic agent to an eye comprises a body, a cannula, a hollow needle, and an automated actuation assembly. The cannula extends distally from the body and is sized and configured to be insertable between a choroid and a sclera of a patient's eye. The actuation assembly is operable to actuate the needle relative to the cannula to thereby drive a distal portion of the needle along an exit axis that is obliquely oriented relative to the longitudinal axis of the cannula. The cannula may be inserted through a sclerotomy to position a distal end of the cannula at a posterior region of the eye, between the choroid and sclera. The needle may be advanced through the choroid to deliver the therapeutic agent adjacent to the potential space between the neurosensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium layer, adjacent to the area of geographic atrophy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Daniel W. Price, Isaac J. Khan, Brendan J. Oberkircher, Saeed Sokhanvar, Daniel J. Yasevac, Michel Bruehwiler, Leah R. Soffer, Reza Fard, Mary Carter
  • Patent number: D785173
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, LLC
    Inventors: Brendan J. Oberkircher, Cory G. Kimball, Bryce Hansen
  • Patent number: D803396
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: ETHICON LLC
    Inventors: Brendan J. Oberkircher, Cory G. Kimball
  • Patent number: D818122
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: ETHICON LLC
    Inventors: Brendan J. Oberkircher, Cory G. Kimball