Patents by Inventor Brian C. Dougherty

Brian C. Dougherty 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: 20180364137
    Abstract: A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described, as well as alternative systems for tissue preservation and transport. The cutting device includes an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. A temperature control sleeve may be disposed around the tissue collector to control the temperature of the tissue samples. A preservation system may be supplied that is configured to deliver fluids to tissue samples in the tissue collector. A fluid supply sleeve may be disposed about the outer cannula and is selectively positionable along the length of the outer cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph L. MARK, BRIAN C. DOUGHERTY, Alexandra SCHWIER
  • Patent number: 10149695
    Abstract: A surgical instrument may include a housing, a first actuation member configured; a coupler operatively connected to the first actuation member for imparting a reciprocating action to a portion of the instrument, a second actuation member configured for imparting a rotational action to a portion of the instrument, a first cannula operatively connected to the second actuation member, such that the first cannula is configured for rotational movement with respect to the housing, and a wire member at least partially disposed within the first cannula and fixed to the coupler, the wire member configured to rotate and reciprocate with the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 10143366
    Abstract: An illuminating ring assembly is disclosed. The illuminating ring configured to be used with a surgical access element. The illuminating ring assembly comprises a housing defined by a cover and a wall member extending from the cover, wherein the cover and wall member cooperate to define a cavity therein, a light element configured to be disposed with the cavity, and an attachment mechanism configured to selectively attach the housing to a surgical access element. Wherein the cover and the light element both include an opening therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty, Adam Furore, Mick Trompen
  • Patent number: 10080578
    Abstract: A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described. The device includes a handpiece and an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. A delivery sleeve may be selectively provided that is configured to be disposed about the outer cannula for delivery of a variety of devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 10048176
    Abstract: A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described, as well as alternative systems for tissue preservation and transport. The cutting device includes an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. A temperature control sleeve may be disposed around the tissue collector to control the temperature of the tissue samples. A preservation system may be supplied that is configured to deliver fluids to tissue samples in the tissue collector. A fluid supply sleeve may be disposed about the outer cannula and is selectively positionable along the length of the outer cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty, Alexandra Schwier
  • Publication number: 20180092685
    Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed that comprises a shaft member and a pair of electrodes. The shaft member has a pair of electrode channels that open at the distal end of the shaft member, wherein the electrode channels are positioned adjacent to one another. The pair of electrodes are configured to deliver energy, and one of the pair of electrodes are configured to be disposed in each electrode channel such that distal ends of each of the electrodes are arranged to protrude from the distal end of the shaft member. The shaft member further includes at least one lumen opening at the distal end of the shaft member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph L. MARK, Brian C. DOUGHERTY
  • Patent number: 9931105
    Abstract: A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described, as well as alternative systems for tissue preservation and transport. The cutting device includes an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. A temperature control sleeve may be disposed around the tissue collector to control the temperature of the tissue samples. A preservation system may be supplied that is configured to deliver fluids to tissue samples in the tissue collector. A fluid supply sleeve may be disposed about the outer cannula and is selectively positionable along the length of the outer cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty, Alexandra Schwier
  • Publication number: 20180055044
    Abstract: A thermal system for preserving tissue is disclosed. The cooling system comprises a base member, a temperature control sleeve constructed of a thermally conductive material, and a selectively removable lid member. The base member defines a reservoir and receives the temperature control sleeve. The temperature control sleeve at least partially defines a tissue collector chamber that is configured to receive a tissue collector. The temperature control sleeve is in communication with the reservoir. The reservoir is configured to receive a cooling medium. A slit formed within the tissue collection chamber that is sized to receive a tubing connected to the tissue collector therethrough. The lid member is configured to be selectively attached to the base member, and permit access to a tube mount for the tissue collector when the lid is attached to the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph L. MARK, Brian C. DOUGHERTY, Mick TROMPEN
  • Publication number: 20170367731
    Abstract: A surgical access assembly is disclosed. The surgical access assembly comprises an outer sheath and an obturator. The outer sheath is defined by an open distal end and an open proximal end and includes a hollow body portion therebetween. The obturator is defined by a distal end and a proximal end and the distal end further comprises a tapered distal tip member that terminates in a closed radiused distal tip. The obturator is configured to be received within the outer sheath such that the tapered distal tip member protrudes from the open distal end of the outer sheath when the obturator is in an introducing configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph L. MARK, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 9820480
    Abstract: A thermal system for preserving tissue is disclosed. The cooling system comprises a base member, a temperature control sleeve constructed of a thermally conductive material, and a selectively removable lid member. The base member defines a reservoir and receives the temperature control sleeve. The temperature control sleeve at least partially defines a tissue collector chamber that is configured to receive a tissue collector. The temperature control sleeve is in communication with the reservoir. The reservoir is configured to receive a cooling medium. A slit formed within the tissue collection chamber that is sized to receive a tubing connected to the tissue collector therethrough. The lid member is configured to be selectively attached to the base member, and permit access to a tube mount for the tissue collector when the lid is attached to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty, Mick Trompen
  • Publication number: 20170312404
    Abstract: Multiple surgical devices that may be used during surgical procedures are shown and described herein. A surgical device includes an outer cannula and an inner member that has a pair of electrodes positioned at a distal end. The inner member defines an aspiration delivery channel with an opening. A handle assembly actuates the outer cannula relative to the inner member, thereby adjusting a size of the opening of the aspiration delivery channel. In another exemplary configuration, an irrigation hub is provided to deliver irrigation through the surgical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph L. MARK, Brian C. DOUGHERTY
  • Patent number: 9795440
    Abstract: Multiple surgical devices that may be used during surgical procedures are shown and described herein. A surgical device includes an outer cannula and an inner member that has a pair of electrodes positioned at a distal end. The inner member defines an aspiration delivery channel with an opening. The inner member further defines a pair of electrode channels within which the electrodes are positioned. A handle assembly actuates the outer cannula relative to the inner member, thereby adjusting a size of the opening of the aspiration delivery channel. An irrigation hub is provided to deliver irrigation through the surgical device to the electrode channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 9782220
    Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed that comprises a shaft member and a pair of electrodes. The shaft member has a pair of electrode channels that open at the distal end of the shaft member, wherein the electrode channels are positioned adjacent to one another. The pair of electrodes are configured to deliver energy, and one of the pair of electrodes are configured to be disposed in each electrode channel such that distal ends of each of the electrodes are arranged to protrude from the distal end of the shaft member. The shaft member further includes at least one lumen opening at the distal end of the shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 9775672
    Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed that comprises a sleeve member, a shaft member and a pair of electrodes. The shaft member extends distally of the sleeve member and has a pair of electrode channels that open at the distal end of the shaft member, wherein the electrode channels are positioned adjacent to one another. The pair of electrodes are configured to deliver energy, and one of the pair of electrodes are configured to be disposed in each electrode channel such that distal ends of each of the electrodes are arranged to protrude from the distal end of the shaft member. An irrigation annulus is formed about the electrodes. The shaft member further includes at least one lumen opening at the distal end of the shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 9770261
    Abstract: A surgical access assembly is disclosed. The surgical access assembly comprises an outer sheath and an obturator. The outer sheath is defined by an open distal end and an open proximal end and includes a hollow body portion therebetween. The obturator is defined by a distal end and a proximal end and the distal end further comprises a tapered distal tip member that terminates in a closed radiused distal tip. The obturator is configured to be received within the outer sheath such that the tapered distal tip member protrudes from the open distal end of the outer sheath when the obturator is in an introducing configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Amin Kassam, Brian C. Dougherty, Chad LaMar
  • Publication number: 20170265894
    Abstract: Selectively lockable holding arrangements for a surgical access assembly are disclosed. One holding arrangement includes a body portion, an engagement barrel and a retaining member configured as a hook at a distal end of the body portion. The engagement barrel is position on a proximal end of the body portion and is configured to be selectively rotated about the body portion when operatively connected to a surgical holding arrangement. A rotation brake is mounted on the body section. The rotation brake is selectively operable to lock the engagement barrel against rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph L. MARK, Brian C. DOUGHERTY, Katina VOLITICH
  • Publication number: 20170265893
    Abstract: Selectively lockable holding arrangements for a surgical access assembly are disclosed. One holding arrangement includes a body portion, an engagement barrel and a retaining member configured as a hook at a distal end of the body portion. The engagement barrel is position on a proximal end of the body portion and is configured to be selectively rotated about the body portion when operatively connected to a surgical holding arrangement. A rotation brake is mounted on the body section. The rotation brake is selectively operable to lock the engagement barrel against rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph L. MARK, Brian C. DOUGHERTY, Chad LAMAR
  • Patent number: 9737648
    Abstract: Multiple surgical devices that may be used during surgical procedures are shown and described herein. A surgical device includes an outer cannula and an inner member that has a pair of electrodes positioned at a distal end. The inner member defines an aspiration delivery channel with an opening. A handle assembly actuates the outer cannula relative to the inner member, thereby adjusting a size of the opening of the aspiration delivery channel. In another exemplary configuration, an irrigation hub is provided to deliver irrigation through the surgical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mark, Brian C. Dougherty
  • Publication number: 20170128150
    Abstract: A tissue removal system may include a tissue removal device including a handpiece and an upper housing, and configured with an outer cannula having an outer cannula opening for severing tissue, an inner cannula disposed in the outer cannula and reciprocal within the outer cannula, an illumination device having a sleeve arranged at least partially on the outer cannula, and a fiber optic channel defining an opening and arranged offset from the sleeve, and a light source arranged within the channel and configured to supply light from the opening to a surgical site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph L. MARK, Brian C. DOUGHERTY
  • Publication number: 20170000579
    Abstract: A navigation stylet assembly is disclosed. The navigation stylet comprises a navigation element, a handle, and an attachment member configured to be attached to a navigation array. The handle is attached to the navigation element, and the navigation element is partially disposed within the handle and exits the handle so as to be oriented at an angle that extends away from a central axis disposed through a body element of the navigation element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph L. MARK, Brian C. DOUGHERTY