Patents by Inventor Brian Placek

Brian Placek 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).

  • Patent number: 11890134
    Abstract: A system for deploying needles in tissue includes a controller and a visual display. A treatment probe has both a needle and tines deployable from the needle which may be advanced into the tissue. The treatment probe also has adjustable stops which control the deployed positions of both the needle and the tines. The adjustable stops are coupled to the controller so that the virtual treatment and safety boundaries resulting from the treatment can be presented on the visual display prior to actual deployment of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Gynesonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Munrow, Darrin Uecker, Brian Placek, Harry Kwan, David Toub, Cameron D. Hinman, David J. Danitz
  • Publication number: 20230123386
    Abstract: A needle electrode deployment shaft includes a central member and a plurality of needle electrodes. The central member has a plurality of needle advancement channels formed therein. The needle electrodes are disposed within the advancement channels and each advancement channel terminates in a ramp portion which deflects the needles radially outwardly as they are axially advanced. The ramps may be spirally or acutely configured in order to increase the distance through which the needles may be bent as they are axially advanced. Additionally, the central member may have a radially reduced distal tip in order to decrease tissue insertion forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Brian Placek, Robert K. Deckman
  • Patent number: 11583243
    Abstract: A system for deploying needles in tissue includes a controller and a visual display. A treatment probe has both a needle and tines deployable from the needle which may be advanced into the tissue. The treatment probe also has adjustable stops which control the deployed positions of both the needle and the tines. The adjustable stops are coupled to the controller so that the virtual treatment and safety boundaries resulting from the treatment can be presented on the visual display prior to actual deployment of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Gynesonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Munrow, Darrin Uecker, Brian Placek, Harry Kwan, David Toub, Cameron D. Hinman, David J. Danitz
  • Patent number: 11564735
    Abstract: A needle electrode deployment shaft includes a central member and a plurality of needle electrodes. The central member has a plurality of needle advancement channels formed therein. The needle electrodes are disposed within the advancement channels and each advancement channel terminates in a ramp portion which deflects the needles radially outwardly as they are axially advanced. The ramps may be spirally or acutely configured in order to increase the distance through which the needles may be bent as they are axially advanced. Additionally, the central member may have a radially reduced distal tip in order to decrease tissue insertion forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Gynesonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Placek, Robert K. Deckman
  • Publication number: 20210228179
    Abstract: A system for deploying needles in tissue includes a controller and a visual display. A treatment probe has both a needle and tines deployable from the needle which may be advanced into the tissue. The treatment probe also has adjustable stops which control the deployed positions of both the needle and the tines. The adjustable stops are coupled to the controller so that the virtual treatment and safety boundaries resulting from the treatment can be presented on the visual display prior to actual deployment of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Michael A. Munrow, Darrin Uecker, Brian Placek, Harry Kwan, David Toub, Cameron D. Hinman, David J. Danitz
  • Publication number: 20210186455
    Abstract: A system for deploying needles in tissue includes a controller and a visual display. A treatment probe has both a needle and tines deployable from the needle which may be advanced into the tissue. The treatment probe also has adjustable stops which control the deployed positions of both the needle and the tines. The adjustable stops are coupled to the controller so that the virtual treatment and safety boundaries resulting from the treatment can be presented on the visual display prior to actual deployment of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Michael A. Munrow, Darrin Uecker, Brian Placek, Harry Kwan, David Toub, Cameron D. Hinman, David J. Danitz
  • Publication number: 20210015450
    Abstract: A system for imaging and treating tissue comprises a probe having a deflectable distal tip for carrying an imaging array and a delivery needle for advancement within a field of view of the imaging array. Optionally, the needle will carry a plurality of tines which may be selectively radially deployed from the needle. The imaging array will preferably be provided in a separate, removable component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: Robert K. Deckman, Brian Placek, Michael A. Munrow, Craig Gerbi, Jessica Grossman
  • Patent number: 10856838
    Abstract: A system for deploying needles in tissue includes a controller and a visual display. A treatment probe has both a needle and tines deployable from the needle which may be advanced into the tissue. The treatment probe also has adjustable stops which control the deployed positions of both the needle and the tines. The adjustable stops are coupled to the controller so that the virtual treatment and safety boundaries resulting from the treatment can be presented on the visual display prior to actual deployment of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Gynesonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Munrow, Darrin Uecker, Brian Placek, Harry Kwan, David Toub, Cameron D. Hinman, David J. Danitz
  • Patent number: 10610197
    Abstract: A system for imaging and treating tissue comprises a probe having a deflectable distal tip for carrying an imaging array and a delivery needle for advancement within a field of view of the imaging array. Optionally, the needle will carry a plurality of tines which may be selectively radially deployed from the needle. The imaging array will preferably be provided in a separate, removable component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Gynesonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Deckman, Brian Placek, Michael A. Munrow, Craig Gerbi, Jessica Grossman
  • Patent number: 10595819
    Abstract: A system for imaging and treating tissue comprises a probe having a deflectable distal tip for carrying an imaging array and a delivery needle for advancement within a field of view of the imaging array. Optionally, the needle will carry a plurality of tines which may be selectively radially deployed from the needle. The imaging array will preferably be provided in a separate, removable component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Gynesonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Deckman, Brian Placek, Michael A. Munrow, Craig Gerbi, Jessica Grossman
  • Publication number: 20190269456
    Abstract: A needle electrode deployment shaft includes a central member and a plurality of needle electrodes. The central member has a plurality of needle advancement channels formed therein. The needle electrodes are disposed within the advancement channels and each advancement channel terminates in a ramp portion which deflects the needles radially outwardly as they are axially advanced. The ramps may be spirally or acutely configured in order to increase the distance through which the needles may be bent as they are axially advanced. Additionally, the central member may have a radially reduced distal tip in order to decrease tissue insertion forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Applicant: Gynesonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Placek, Robert K. Deckman
  • Patent number: 10321951
    Abstract: A needle electrode deployment shaft includes a central member and a plurality of needle electrodes. The central member has a plurality of needle advancement channels formed therein. The needle electrodes are disposed within the advancement channels and each advancement channel terminates in a ramp portion which deflects the needles radially outwardly as they are axially advanced. The ramps may be spirally or acutely configured in order to increase the distance through which the needles may be bent as they are axially advanced. Additionally, the central member may have a radially reduced distal tip in order to decrease tissue insertion forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Gynesonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Placek, Robert K. Deckman
  • Publication number: 20180318026
    Abstract: A disposable sheath is provided for a radiofrequency ablation device which includes both an ultrasonic imaging probe and a detachable needle advancement assembly. The sheath includes a distal region which conforms closely to a shaft of the ultrasonic imaging probe but drapes more loosely over a handle of the ultrasonic imaging probe. The disposable sheath allows attachment features on both the ultrasonic imaging probe and the needle advancement assembly to be easily visualized and easily connected together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Gynesonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Placek
  • Publication number: 20180070916
    Abstract: A system for imaging and treating tissue comprises a probe having a deflectable distal tip for carrying an imaging array and a delivery needle for advancement within a field of view of the imaging array. Optionally, the needle will carry a plurality of tines which may be selectively radially deployed from the needle. The imaging array will preferably be provided in a separate, removable component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Robert K. Deckman, Brian Placek, Michael A. Munrow, Craig Gerbi, Jessica Grossman
  • Publication number: 20180042572
    Abstract: A system for deploying needles in tissue includes a controller and a visual display. A treatment probe has both a needle and tines deployable from the needle which may be advanced into the tissue. The treatment probe also has adjustable stops which control the deployed positions of both the needle and the tines. The adjustable stops are coupled to the controller so that the virtual treatment and safety boundaries resulting from the treatment can be presented on the visual display prior to actual deployment of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Michael A. Munrow, Darrin Uecker, Brian Placek, Harry Kwan, David Toub, Cameron D. Hinman, David J. Danitz
  • Patent number: 9861336
    Abstract: A system for deploying needles in tissue includes a controller and a visual display. A treatment probe has both a needle and tines deployable from the needle which may be advanced into the tissue. The treatment probe also has adjustable stops which control the deployed positions of both the needle and the tines. The adjustable stops are coupled to the controller so that the virtual treatment and safety boundaries resulting from the treatment can be presented on the visual display prior to actual deployment of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Gynesonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Munrow, Darrin Uecker, Brian Placek, Harry Kwan, David Toub, Cameron D. Hinman, David J. Danitz
  • Publication number: 20170332998
    Abstract: A system for imaging and treating tissue comprises a probe having a deflectable distal tip for carrying an imaging array and a delivery needle for advancement within a field of view of the imaging array. Optionally, the needle will carry a plurality of tines which may be selectively radially deployed from the needle. The imaging array will preferably be provided in a separate, removable component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Applicant: Gynesonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Deckman, Brian Placek, Michael A. Munro, Craig Gerbi, Jessica Grossman
  • Publication number: 20160113621
    Abstract: A system for imaging and treating tissue comprises a probe having a deflectable distal tip for carrying an imaging array and a delivery needle for advancement within a field of view of the imaging array. Optionally, the needle will carry a plurality of tines which may be selectively radially deployed from the needle. The imaging array will preferably be provided in a separate, removable component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Robert K. Deckman, Brian Placek, Michael A. Munrow, Craig Gerbi, Jessica Grossman
  • Patent number: 8992427
    Abstract: A system for deploying needles in tissue includes a controller and a visual display. A treatment probe has both a needle and tines deployable from the needle which may be advanced into the tissue. The treatment probe also has adjustable stops which control the deployed positions of both the needle and the tines. The adjustable stops are coupled to the controller so that the virtual treatment and safety boundaries resulting from the treatment can be presented on the visual display prior to actual deployment of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Gynesonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Munrow, Darrin Uecker, Brian Placek, Harry Kwan, David Toub, Cameron D. Hinman, David J. Danitz
  • Publication number: 20140073910
    Abstract: A system for deploying needles in tissue includes a controller and a visual display. A treatment probe has both a needle and tines deployable from the needle which may be advanced into the tissue. The treatment probe also has adjustable stops which control the deployed positions of both the needle and the tines. The adjustable stops are coupled to the controller so that the virtual treatment and safety boundaries resulting from the treatment can be presented on the visual display prior to actual deployment of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: GYNESONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Munrow, Darrin Uecker, Brian Placek, Harry Kwan, David Toub, Cameron D. Hinman, David J. Danitz