Patents by Inventor Chou Thao
Chou Thao 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).
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Patent number: 11331136Abstract: An electrode for use on a medical device is disclosed. The electrode may have a main body of electrically conductive material extending along an axis and may have a proximal end and a distal end. The electrode may also include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tracking coil disposed in the body. The MRI tracking coil may comprise electrically insulated wire. A catheter including an electrode, as well as a method for determining the location of an electrode, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2017Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Saurav Paul, Troy T. Tegg, Chou Thao, Harry A. Puryear
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Flexible conductive polymer based conformable device and method to create linear endocardial lesions
Patent number: 10905494Abstract: An ablation device for creating linear lesions comprises a flexible support structure defining at least a partial curve; and an electrode disposed on the flexible support structure. The electrode comprises a pressure sensitive conductive composite that is configured for electrical communication with an electrical conductor and a flexible conductive outer covering that covers at least a portion of the pressure sensitive conductive composite. Electrical resistance of the pressure sensitive conductive composite varies inversely in proportion to pressure that is applied to the pressure sensitive conductive composite. Methods of creating linear lesions are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2011Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: ST. JUDE MEDICAL, ATRIAL FIBRILLATION DIVISION, INCInventors: Saurav Paul, Riki Chou Thao -
Patent number: 10085798Abstract: A catheter assembly for assessing contact between the catheter assembly and tissue is disclosed. The assembly includes a catheter shaft and a pressure sensitive conductive composite member whose electrical resistance varies with pressure applied to the catheter assembly. The assembly also includes at least one measurement terminal to permit the measurement of changes in the electrical characteristics of the pressure sensitive conductive composite member. The assembly may optionally include a measurement device to measure resistance, impedance and/or other electrical characteristics. The assembly may utilize a reference electrode secured to the patient's tissue, which permits the measurement device to measure changes between the reference electrode and the at least one measurement terminal. Optionally, the assembly may include a conductive outer layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Hong Cao, Chou Thao, Saurav Paul
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Publication number: 20180271593Abstract: The present invention is directed to bipolar ablation systems. A bipolar electrode system for ablation therapy is disclosed, including a pressure-sensitive conducting composite layer and a pair of electrodes in electrical conductive contact or communication with the pressure-sensitive conducting composite layer. Energy (e.g., ablation energy) is delivered via the pressure-sensitive conductive composition when sufficient pressure is applied to transform the pressure-sensitive conductive composite to an electrical conductor. An electrically insulative flexible layer, which may include a passageway for a fill material is also disclosed. In some embodiments, the systems can also be used for targeted delivery of compounds, such as drugs, using a bipolar electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2018Publication date: September 27, 2018Inventors: Saurav Paul, Harry A. Puryear, Riki Chou Thao, Hong Cao
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Publication number: 20180154129Abstract: A contact sensing assembly including a catheter and an electrode including a tip portion and a base portion, and a generally central axis, with the electrode being connected to a distal end of the catheter. Optical sensor(s) may be provided for emitting and/or receiving an optical signal, with a part of the optical signal being transverse to the central axis. Optical interference member(s) may be provided for interfering with the optical signal. A method for sensing contact force exerted by an electrode on a tissue includes directing an optical signal along a portion of a catheter, emitting and/or receiving an optical signal, with a part of the optical signal being at a predetermined angle relative to the central axis, and sensing changes in intensity of the optical signal based on displacement associated with the electrode tip portion based on the contact force exerted by the electrode on the tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2017Publication date: June 7, 2018Inventors: Saurav Paul, Troy T. Tegg, Reed R. Heimbecher, Richard E. Stehr, Riki Chou Thao
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Patent number: 9855410Abstract: A contact sensing assembly including a catheter and an electrode including a tip portion and a base portion, and a generally central axis, with the electrode being connected to a distal end of the catheter. Optical sensor(s) may be provided for emitting and/or receiving an optical signal, with a part of the optical signal being transverse to the central axis. Optical interference member(s) may be provided for interfering with the optical signal. A method for sensing contact force exerted by an electrode on a tissue includes directing an optical signal along a portion of a catheter, emitting and/or receiving an optical signal, with a part of the optical signal being at a predetermined angle relative to the central axis, and sensing changes in intensity of the optical signal based on displacement associated with the electrode tip portion based on the contact force exerted by the electrode on the tissue.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2009Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Saurav Paul, Troy T. Tegg, Reed R. Heimbecher, Richard E. Stehr, Riki Chou Thao
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Patent number: 9675410Abstract: An electrode for use on a medical device is disclosed. The electrode may have a main body of electrically conductive material extending along an axis and may have a proximal end and a distal end. The electrode may also include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tracking coil disposed in the body. The MRI tracking coil may comprise electrically insulated wire. A catheter including an electrode, as well as a method for determining the location of an electrode, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2007Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Saurav Paul, Troy T. Tegg, Chou Thao, Harry Puryear
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Patent number: 9283025Abstract: An electrode catheter and a method for assessing electrode-tissue contact and coupling are disclosed. An exemplary electrode catheter comprises an electrode adapted to apply electrical energy. A measurement circuit is adapted to measure impedance between the electrode and ground as the electrode approaches a target tissue. A processor determines a contact and coupling condition for the target tissue based at least in part on reactance of the impedance measured by the measurement circuit. In another exemplary embodiment, the electrode catheter determines the contact and coupling condition based at least in part on a phase angle of the impedance.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2006Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Saurav Paul, Kedar Ravindra Belhe, Hong Cao, Chou Thao
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Patent number: 9271782Abstract: An electrode catheter and a method for assessing electrode-tissue contact and coupling are disclosed. An exemplary electrode catheter comprises an electrode adapted to apply electrical energy. A measurement circuit is adapted to measure impedance between the electrode and ground as the electrode approaches a target tissue. A processor determines a contact and coupling condition for the target tissue based at least in part on reactance of the impedance measured by the measurement circuit. In another exemplary embodiment, the electrode catheter determines the contact and coupling condition based at least in part on a phase angle of the impedance.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2006Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Saurav Paul, Kedar Ravindra Belhe, Hong Cao, Chou Thao
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Patent number: 9254163Abstract: An electrode catheter and a method for assessing electrode-tissue contact and coupling are disclosed. An exemplary electrode catheter comprises an electrode adapted to apply electrical energy. A measurement circuit is adapted to measure impedance between the electrode and ground as the electrode approaches a target tissue. A processor determines a contact and coupling condition for the target tissue based at least in part on reactance of the impedance measured by the measurement circuit. In another exemplary embodiment, the electrode catheter determines the contact and coupling condition based at least in part on a phase angle of the impedance.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2012Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Saurav Paul, Hong Cao, Kedar Ravindra Belhe, Chou Thao
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Patent number: 8998890Abstract: An electrode catheter and a method for assessing electrode-tissue contact and coupling are disclosed. An exemplary electrode catheter comprises an electrode adapted to apply electrical energy. A measurement circuit is adapted to measure impedance between the electrode and ground as the electrode approaches a target tissue. A processor determines a contact and coupling condition for the target tissue based at least in part on reactance of the impedance measured by the measurement circuit. In another exemplary embodiment, the electrode catheter determines the contact and coupling condition based at least in part on a phase angle of the impedance.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Saurav Paul, Hong Cao, Chou Thao
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Publication number: 20140364843Abstract: An electrode coupling output system provides indication to the physician, via electrode guidance instrumentation, concerning the electrical coupling of an electrode, such as an ablative or mapping electrode, with a patient. The output can be provided to the physician via an output device incorporated into the handle set of the electrode catheter. For example, a visual, audio or mechanical output can be provided via the handle set. Additionally or alternatively, the output can be provided to the physician via a navigation system. The indication may be provided by changing the color or other display characteristics of the electrode on the navigation system display or by way of providing a waveform indicating the electrode coupling. In this manner, electrode coupling information is provided to a physician in a manner that minimizes physician distraction.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Applicant: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Saurav Paul, Ravindra Kedar Belhe, Hong Cao, Chou Thao, James A. Hassett
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Publication number: 20140228713Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for assessing tissue contact, e.g., for mapping, tissue ablation, or other procedures. An exemplary tissue contact sensing system comprises a flexible tip device. At least one piezoelectric sensor is housed within the flexible tip device. The at least one piezoelectric sensor is responsive to contact stress of the flexible tip device by generating electrical signals corresponding to the amount of contact stress. An output device is electrically connected to the at least one piezoelectric sensor. The output device receives the electrical signals for assessing tissue contact by the flexible tip device. Methods for assembling and using the flexible tip device are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Chou Thao, Saurav Paul
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Patent number: 8728077Abstract: An electrode coupling output system provides indication to the physician, via electrode guidance instrumentation, concerning the electrical coupling of an electrode, such as an ablative or mapping electrode, with a patient. The output can be provided to the physician via an output device incorporated into the handle set of the electrode catheter. For example, a visual, audio or mechanical output can be provided via the handle set. Additionally or alternatively, the output can be provided to the physician via a navigation system. The indication may be provided by changing the color or other display characteristics of the electrode on the navigation system display or by way of providing a waveform indicating the electrode coupling. In this manner, electrode coupling information is provided to a physician in a manner that minimizes physician distraction.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Saurav Paul, Kedar Ravindra Belhe, Hong Cao, Chou Thao, James A. Hassett
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Patent number: 8679109Abstract: An electrode catheter and a method for assessing catheter-tissue contact for tissue ablation are disclosed. An exemplary electrode catheter comprises a flexible catheter shaft. At least one piezoelectric sensor is oriented coaxial to the flexible catheter shaft. The at least one piezoelectric sensor is responsive to movement of the flexible catheter shaft by generating electrical signals corresponding to the amount of movement. The system may also include an output device electrically connected to the at least one piezoelectric sensor. The output device receives the electrical signals for dynamically assessing a level of contact between the flexible catheter shaft and a moving tissue. In another exemplary embodiment, the system may be implemented in a hydrodynamic environment.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Saurav Paul, Chou Thao, Kedar Ravindra Belhe, Reed R. Heimbecher
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Patent number: 8672936Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for assessing tissue contact, e.g., for mapping tissue ablation or other procedures. An exemplary tissue contact sensing system comprises a flexible tip device. At least one piezoelectric sensor is housed within the flexible tip device. The at least one piezoelectric sensor is responsive to contact stress of the flexible tip device by generating electrical signals corresponding to the amount of contact stress. An output device is electrically connected to the at least one piezoelectric sensor. The output device receives the electrical signals for assessing tissue contact by the flexible tip device. Methods for assembling and using the flexible tip device are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Chou Thao, Saurav Paul
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Publication number: 20140066926Abstract: An electrode head is disclosed that utilizes electrically conductive or dissipative fabric to exchange electrical energy with tissue. This electrode head may be used for any appropriate application, such as a catheter electrode, a return electrode, or the like. Any appropriate function may be provided by this electrode head, such as tissue ablation, tissue mapping, or providing an electrical ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Saurav Paul, Riki Chou Thao, Hong Cao, Kedar Ravindra Belhe
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Publication number: 20130338663Abstract: An ablation catheter is provided for ablating internal tissue of a patient. The catheter includes a distal end that is adapted to be inserted into a body cavity relative to a desired location therein (e.g., within the heart). An ablation electrode is connected relative to the distal end of the catheter for providing ablation energy to patient tissue. A heat sink is provided that is in thermal contact with the ablation electrode. The heat sink, in addition to being in thermal contact with the ablation electrode, is electrically isolated from the ablation electrode. This allows the heat sink to conduct heat away from the ablation electrode without dissipating electrical energy from the electrode. In this regard, the heat sink may prevent build-up of excess heat within the electrode that may result in blood coagulation and/or tissue charring.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Inventors: Hong Cao, Xiaoping Guo, Yitzhak I. Shai, Michael Yang, Kedar Ravindra Belhe, Saurav Paul, Riki Chou Thao
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FLEXIBLE CONDUCTIVE POLYMER BASED CONFORMABLE DEVICE AND METHOD TO CREATE LINEAR ENDOCARDIAL LESIONS
Publication number: 20130172874Abstract: An ablation device for creating linear lesions comprises a flexible support structure defining at least a partial curve; and an electrode disposed on the flexible support structure. The electrode comprises a pressure sensitive conductive composite that is configured for electrical communication with an electrical conductor and a flexible conductive outer covering that covers at least a portion of the pressure sensitive conductive composite. Electrical resistance of the pressure sensitive conductive composite varies inversely in proportion to pressure that is applied to the pressure sensitive conductive composite. Methods of creating linear lesions are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2011Publication date: July 4, 2013Inventors: Saurav Paul, Riki Chou Thao -
Patent number: 8449537Abstract: An ablation catheter is provided for ablating internal tissue of a patient. The catheter includes a distal end that is adapted to be inserted into a body cavity relative to a desired location therein (e.g., within the heart). An ablation electrode is connected relative to the distal end of the catheter for providing ablation energy to patient tissue. A heat sink is provided that is in thermal contact with the ablation electrode. The heat sink, in addition to being in thermal contact with the ablation electrode, is electrically isolated from the ablation electrode. This allows the heat sink to conduct heat away from the ablation electrode without dissipating electrical energy from the electrode. In this regard, the heat sink may prevent build-up of excess heat within the electrode that may result in blood coagulation and/or tissue charring.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Hong Cao, Xiaoping Guo, Isaac Shai, Michael Yang, Kedar Ravindra Belhe, Saurav Paul, Chou Thao