Patents by Inventor Chris J. Diederich

Chris J. Diederich 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: 20210339054
    Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Will Nau, David S. Bradford
  • Patent number: 11052267
    Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Will Nau, David S. Bradford
  • Patent number: 10898254
    Abstract: A long-term implantable ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly effected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, William H. Nau, David S. Bradford
  • Patent number: 10603522
    Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Will Nau, David S. Bradford
  • Patent number: 10589131
    Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Will Nau, David S. Bradford
  • Patent number: 10272271
    Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Will Nau, David S. Bradford
  • Publication number: 20190118005
    Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Will Nau, David S. Bradford
  • Publication number: 20190118004
    Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Will Nau, David S. Bradford
  • Publication number: 20190118003
    Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Will Nau, David S. Bradford
  • Patent number: 10232195
    Abstract: Transurethral ultrasound treatment system and methods that provide targeted treatment zones outside urethra via an applicator with multiple sectors, a urethral cooling balloon, and bladder positioning balloon for directed application in muscle tissue. In one embodiment, the system and methods are configured to generate thermal lesions via simultaneous sonication or activation of two separate sectors from a tubular device, with an inactive zone directed toward vaginal wall or nerves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: ACOUSTIC MEDSYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Chris J. Diederich, Everette C. Burdette, Jeffery H. Wootton
  • Patent number: 10035009
    Abstract: A method of treating pancreatic cancer includes: inserting a device into a stomach or a duodenum; securing at least a portion of the device in position relative to the stomach or the duodenum; and delivering ultrasonic energy from the device to treat a target site in a pancreas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Frank Graham Sommer, Chris J. Diederich
  • Publication number: 20180064484
    Abstract: A long-term implantable ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly effected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, William H. Nau, David S. Bradford
  • Patent number: 9770280
    Abstract: A long-term implantable ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, William H. Nau, Jr., David S. Bradford
  • Publication number: 20150202467
    Abstract: Transurethral ultrasound treatment system and methods that provide targeted treatment zones outside urethra via an applicator with multiple sectors, a urethral cooling balloon, and bladder positioning balloon for directed application in muscle tissue. In one embodiment, the system and methods are configured to generate thermal lesions via simultaneous sonication or activation of two separate sectors from a tubular device, with an inactive zone directed toward vaginal wall or nerves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicants: ACOUSTIC MEDSYSTEMS, INC., THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Chris J. Diederich, Everette C. Burdette, Jeffery H. Wootton
  • Publication number: 20150196743
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for shielding non-target tissues and organs during thermotherapy, brachytherapy or other treatment of a diseased target tissue. The apparatus includes a catheter shaft having input and output lumens and at least one inflatable balloon. A plurality of input lumens within the catheter shaft allows the passage of liquid or gas through an input port and into the interior of the balloon thereby inflating the balloon. The gas or liquid can then be cycled through the inflated balloon through an output port and output lumen and out of the catheter shaft. Temperature sensors or other sensors may be attached to the balloon or catheter to monitor temperature or other conditions at the treatment site. The catheter is positioned between the target tissue or organ and sensitive non-target tissues in proximity to the target tissue and inflated causing a physical separation of tissues as well as a physical shield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicants: ACOUSTIC MEDSYSTEMS, INC., THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Chris J. Diederich, Dana Deardorff
  • Publication number: 20150141876
    Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Will Nau, David S. Bradford
  • Publication number: 20150018727
    Abstract: A high-power ultrasound heating applicator for minimally-invasive thermal treatment of uterine fibroids or myomas. High-Intensity interstitial ultrasound, applied with minimally-invasive laparoscopic or hysteroscopic procedures, is used to effectively treat fibroids within the myometrium in lieu of major surgery. The applicators are configured with high-power capabilities and thermal penetration to treat large volumes of fibroid tissue (>70 cm3) in short treatment times (3-20 minutes), while maintaining three-dimensional control of energy delivery to thermally destroy the target volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicants: ACOUSTIC MEDSYSTEMS, INC., THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Chris J. Diederich, Will H. Nau, Alison F. Jacoby, Dana L. Deardorff, Everette C. Burdette
  • Patent number: 8915949
    Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, Will Nau, David S. Bradford
  • Publication number: 20140288544
    Abstract: A long-term implantable ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly effected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Chris J. Diederich, Jeffrey C. Lotz, William H. Nau, JR., David S. Bradford
  • Patent number: 8790281
    Abstract: A high-power ultrasound heating applicator for minimally-invasive thermal treatment of uterine fibroids or myomas. High-intensity interstitial ultrasound, applied with minimally-invasive laparoscopic or hysteroscopic procedures, is used to effectively treat fibroids within the myometrium in lieu of major surgery. The applicators are configured with high-power capabilities and thermal penetration to treat large volumes of fibroid tissue (>70 cm3) in short treatment times (3-20 minutes), while maintaining three-dimensional control of energy delivery to thermally destroy the target volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, Acoustic Medsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris J. Diederich, Will Nau, Alison Jacoby, Dana Deardorff, Everette C. Burdette