Patents by Inventor Chris Rothe
Chris Rothe 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: 8992420Abstract: Methods and apparatus for off-axis visualization are described herein. An endoluminal tissue manipulation assembly is disclosed which provides for a stable endoluminal platform and which also provides for effective triangulation of tools. Such an apparatus may comprise an optionally shape-lockable elongate body defining a longitudinal axis and adapted for endoluminal advancement in a patient body, at least one articulatable visualization lumen disposed near or at a distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulating visualization lumen being adapted to articulate off-axis relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body, and at least one articulatable tool arm member disposed near or at the distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulatable tool arm member being adapted to articulate off-axis and manipulate a tissue region of interest.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Tracy D. Maahs, Richard C. Ewers, Arvin T. Chang, Chris Rothe, Eugene C. Chen, Marvin C. Elmer, Gilbert Madrid, Kabir Gambhir
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Patent number: 8926634Abstract: Apparatus and methods for manipulating and securing tissue are described herein. In creating tissue folds within the body of a patient, a tissue manipulation assembly may generally have an elongate tubular member, an engagement member slidably disposed through the tubular member and a distal end adapted to engage tissue via a helical member, tissue stabilizing members positioned at the tubular member distal end which are adapted to stabilize tissue therebetween, and a delivery tube pivotable about the tissue stabilizer. The stabilizing members can be adapted to become angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular member. Moreover, one or all the articulation controls and functions can be integrated into a singular handle assembly connectable to the tissue manipulation assembly via a rigid or flexible tubular body.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2007Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Chris A. Rothe, Richard C. Ewers, Cang C. Lam, Vahid Saadat, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
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Publication number: 20140316406Abstract: A method of ablating a tissue region within a blood-filled environment comprises restraining a fluid within a visualization field in a portion of the blood-filled environment and visualizing the tissue region through the fluid within the visualization field. The method also includes transmitting ablating electrical energy from the fluid into the visualized tissue region.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: N. Parker WILLIS, Zachary J. Malchano, Chris A. Rothe, Vahid Saadat, Ruey-Feng Peh, David Miller, Edmond Tam
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Patent number: 8758229Abstract: Axial visualization systems which utilize axially aligned imaging instruments for visualizing through an imaging hood purged of blood via a transparent fluid are described where an imaging element extending from a support shaft may be aligned within a working lumen defined through a deployment catheter. The imaging element may be positioned distal to the hood in its collapsed state and within the hood in its expanded state. The imaging element may be configured to seat itself securely within the catheter or to angle itself to adjust the viewing angle. Additionally, a disposable visualization sheath having a transparent lens may also be utilized to house an imaging instrument therein.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Chris A. Rothe, Ruey-Feng Peh, Edmund Tam
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Publication number: 20140148828Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point and moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to, or in line with, a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point, thereby forming the tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold from a vicinity of the second tissue contact point. Adjustable anchor assemblies; as well as anchor delivery systems, shape-lockable guides and methods for endoluminally performing medical procedures, such as gastric reduction, treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, resection of lesions, and treatment of bleeding sites; are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2012Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: USGI MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Richard C. Ewers, Vahid C. Saadat, Kenneth J. Michlitsch, Chris A. Rothe, Rodney C. Brenneman, Cang C. Lam, Eugene C. Chen
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Patent number: 8709008Abstract: Visual electrode ablation systems are described herein which include a deployment catheter and an attached imaging hood deployable into an expanded configuration. In use, the imaging hood is placed against or adjacent to a region of tissue to be imaged in a body lumen that is normally filled with an opaque bodily fluid such as blood. A translucent or transparent fluid, such as saline, can be pumped into the imaging hood until the fluid displaces any blood, thereby leaving a clear region of tissue to be imaged via an imaging element in the deployment catheter. An electric current may be passed through the fluid such that it passes directly to the tissue region being imaged and the electrical energy is conducted through the fluid without the need for a separate ablation probe or instrument to ablate the tissue being viewed.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2008Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: N. Parker Willis, Zachary J. Malchano, Chris A. Rothe, Vahid Saadat, Ruey-Feng Peh, David Miller, Edmund Tam
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Patent number: 8657805Abstract: Complex steerable catheter visualization and tissue manipulation systems and their methods of use are disclosed herein. The deployment catheter is articulated using various steering mechanisms. Tissue visualization is accomplished from the visualization hood at the distal end of the deployment catheter, the hood having an ability to expand and other features to facilitate visualization and articulation at the tissue surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2008Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Ruey-Feng Peh, Vahid Saadat, Chris A. Rothe
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Patent number: 8574243Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point and moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to, or in line with, a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point, thereby forming the tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold from a vicinity of the second tissue contact point. Adjustable anchor assemblies; as well as anchor delivery systems, shape-lockable guides and methods for endoluminally performing medical procedures, such as gastric reduction, treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, resection of lesions, and treatment of bleeding sites; are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2003Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Vahid C. Saadat, Kenneth Jerome Michlitsch, Rich C. Ewers, Chris Rothe, Rodney Brenneman, Cang Lam, Eugene Chen
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Patent number: 8562516Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for obtaining endoluminal access. An elongate body is configured for insertion within a body lumen, conduit, organ, orifice, passageway or cavity, the elongate body having a working axis and a distal region, and an articulating element disposed near the distal region, the articulating element configured to articulate off-axis from the working axis of the elongate body. The elongate may achieve access in an endoluminal or a laparoscopic fashion. Methods of using the apparatus are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: USGI Medical Inc.Inventors: Vahid Saadat, John A. Cox, Chris Rothe
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Patent number: 8512229Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for obtaining endoluminal access. An elongate body is configured for insertion within a body lumen, conduit, organ, orifice or passageway, the elongate body having a working axis and a distal region, and an articulating element disposed near the distal region, the articulating element configured to articulate off-axis from the working axis of the elongate body. Methods of using apparatus of the present invention are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2004Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: USGI Medical Inc.Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Desmond Birkett, Chris Rothe, Tracy Maahs
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Publication number: 20130172726Abstract: In vivo visualization systems are described which facilitate tissue treatment by a user in utilizing real time visualized tissue images with generated three-dimensional models of the tissue region of interest, such as the left atrial chamber of a subject's heart. Directional indicators on the visualized tissue as well as the imaging systems may be utilized while other variations may utilize image rotation or manipulation of visualized tissue regions to facilitate catheter control. Moreover, visualized tissue regions may be combined with imaged tissue regions as well as navigational information to further facilitate tissue treatments.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2010Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: Voyage Medical, Inc.Inventors: Vahid SAADAT, Zachary J. MALCHANO, Jason Paul WATSON, Antony Jonathan FIELDS, Chris A. ROTHE, Bryan WYLIE, Veerappan SWAMINATHAN
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Publication number: 20130131448Abstract: Flow reduction hood systems are described which facilitate the visualization of tissue regions through a clear fluid. Such a system may include an imaging hood having one or more layers covering the distal opening and defines one or more apertures which control the infusion and controlled retention of the clearing fluid into the hood. In this manner, the amount of clearing fluid may be limited and the clarity of the imaging of the underlying tissue through the fluid within the hood may be maintained for relatively longer periods of time by inhibiting, delaying, or preventing the infusion of surrounding blood into the viewing field. The aperture size may be controlled to decrease or increase through selective inflation of the membrane or other mechanisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2013Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: VOYAGE MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Vahid SAADAT, Edmund TAM, Chris A. ROTHE, David MILLER, Ruey-Feng PEH
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Patent number: 8419613Abstract: Tissue visualization device having a fluid barrier is described herein where an imaging hood is temporarily sealed against a region of tissue to be treated while under direct visualization. Such a system may include a deployment catheter and an attached imaging hood deployable into an expanded configuration. The imaging hood is placed against or adjacent to the tissue to be imaged in a body lumen that is normally filled with an opaque bodily fluid such as blood. A field of view of the imaging element can be expanded and the blood can also be purged in part by inflating a balloon beyond the imaging hood where the balloon is integrally formed along an interior surface of the hood.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2011Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Voyage Medical, Inc.Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Ruey-Feng Peh, Edmund Tam, Amir A. Abolfathi, Chris A. Rothe
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Patent number: 8417321Abstract: Flow reduction hood systems are described which facilitate the visualization of tissue regions through a clear fluid. Such a system may include an imaging hood having one or more layers covering the distal opening and defines one or more apertures which control the infusion and controlled retention of the clearing fluid into the hood. In this manner, the amount of clearing fluid may be limited and the clarity of the imaging of the underlying tissue through the fluid within the hood may be maintained for relatively longer periods of time by inhibiting, delaying, or preventing the infusion of surrounding blood into the viewing field. The aperture size may be controlled to decrease or increase through selective inflation of the membrane or other mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2011Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Voyage Medical, IncInventors: Vahid Saadat, Edmund Tam, Chris A. Rothe, David Miller, Ruey-Feng Peh
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Publication number: 20130041214Abstract: Methods and apparatus for off-axis visualization are described herein. An endoluminal tissue manipulation assembly is disclosed which provides for a stable endoluminal platform and which also provides for effective triangulation of tools. Such an apparatus may comprise an optionally shape-lockable elongate body defining a longitudinal axis and adapted for endoluminal advancement in a patient body, at least one articulatable visualization lumen disposed near or at a distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulating visualization lumen being adapted to articulate off-axis relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body, and at least one articulatable tool arm member disposed near or at the distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulatable tool arm member being adapted to articulate off-axis and manipulate a tissue region of interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: USGI MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Tracy D. Maahs, Richard C. Ewers, Arvin T. Chang, Chris Rothe, Eugene C. Chen, Marvin C. Elmer, Gilbert Madrid, Kabir Gambhir
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Publication number: 20130023731Abstract: Tissue visualization devices and variations thereof are described herein where such devices may utilize a variety of methods for facilitating clearing of the device of opaque bodily fluids and sealing between the device and the underlying tissue surface. Additionally, methods and devices for enhancing navigation of the device through a patient body are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: VOYAGE MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Vahid SAADAT, Chris A. ROTHE, Edmund A. TAM, Ruey-Feng PEH
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Patent number: 8343175Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point and moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to, or in line with, a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point, thereby forming the tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold from a vicinity of the second tissue contact point. Adjustable anchor assemblies; as well as anchor delivery systems, shape-lockable guides and methods for endoluminally performing medical procedures, such as gastric reduction, treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, resection of lesions, and treatment of bleeding sites; are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Richard C. Ewers, Vahid Saadat, Kenneth J. Michlitsch, Chris A. Rothe, Rodney C. Brenneman, Cang C. Lam, Eugene G. Chen
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Patent number: 8333012Abstract: Electrode placement and connection systems are described which allow for the electrical connection and maintenance of one or more electrodes positioned on a substrate which is subjected to a variety of mechanical stresses. Such a system may include an imaging hood having an aperture through which transparent fluid is flowed and one or more electrodes positioned along or about the hood. As the hood is configured between a low-profile and opened configuration, these electrodes may remain electrically coupled despite the mechanical stresses subjected to the electrodes and the connections thereto.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2009Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Voyage Medical, Inc.Inventors: Chris A. Rothe, Isidro M. Gandionco, Edmund Tam, Vahid Saadat, David Miller, Zachary J. Malchano, Veerappan Swaminathan
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Publication number: 20120296348Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating and securing tissue are described herein. In creating tissue folds within the body of a patient, a tissue manipulation assembly may generally have an elongate tubular member, an engagement member slidably dispose through the tubular member and a distal end adapted to engage tissue via a helical member, tissue stabilizing members positioned at the tubular member distal end which are adapted to stabilize tissue therebetween, and a delivery tube pivotable about the tissue stabilizer. The stabilizing members can be adapted to become angled relative to longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular member. Moreover, one or all the articulation controls and functions can be integrated into a singular handle assembly connectable to the tissue manipulation assembly via a rigid or flexible tubular body.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: USGI MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Richard C. Ewers, Cang C. Laduca, Robert A. Vaughan, Chris Rothe, Kenneth J. Michlitsch
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Patent number: 8277373Abstract: Methods and apparatus for off-axis visualization are described herein. An endoluminal tissue manipulation assembly is disclosed which provides for a stable endoluminal platform and which also provides for effective triangulation of tools. Such an apparatus may comprise an optionally shape-lockable elongate body defining a longitudinal axis and adapted for endoluminal advancement in a patient body, at least one articulatable visualization lumen disposed near or at a distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulating visualization lumen being adapted to articulate off-axis relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body, and at least one articulatable tool arm member disposed near or at the distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulatable tool arm member being adapted to articulate off-axis and manipulate a tissue region of interest.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.Inventors: Tracy D. Maahs, Richard C. Ewers, Arvin T. Chang, Chris Rothe, Eugene C. Chen, Marvin C. Elmer, Gilbert Madrid, Kabir Gambhir