Patents by Inventor Christopher Thomas Beeckler

Christopher Thomas Beeckler 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).

  • Catheter tip with microelectrodes
    Patent number: 10517667
    Abstract: Apparatus, having an insertion tube that is configured to be inserted into a body cavity. The apparatus also includes a distal tip connected to the insertion tube, the distal tip having an external surface and a cavity formed in the external surface, the cavity being surrounded by a region of the external surface having a curvature. The apparatus further includes a microelectrode configured to fit into the cavity so that a surface of the microelectrode is contoured, located and oriented to conform with the curvature of the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Christopher Thomas Beeckler, Rowan Olund Hettel
  • CATHETER WITH IRRIGATED TIP ELECTRODE WITH POROUS SUBSTRATE AND HIGH DENSITY SURFACE MICRO-ELECTRODES
    Publication number: 20190380775
    Abstract: A catheter has a multifunctional “virtual” tip electrode with a porous substrate and a multitude of surface microelectrodes. The surface microelectrodes are in close proximity to each other and in a variety of configurations so as to sense tissue for highly localized intracardiac signal detection, and high density local electrograms and mapping. The porous substrate allows for flow of conductive fluid for ablating tissue. The surface microelectrodes can be formed via a metallization process that allows for any shape or size and close proximity, and the fluid “weeping” from the porous substrate provides more uniform irrigation in the form of a thin layer of saline. The delivery of RF power to the catheter tip is based on the principle of “virtual electrode,” where the conductive saline flowing through the porous tip acts as the electrical connection between the tip electrode and the heart surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Inventors: Athanassios Papaioannou, Christopher Thomas Beeckler, Assaf Govari
  • Enhanced Large-Diameter Balloon Catheter
    Publication number: 20190365464
    Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a shaft, a balloon made of an expandable membrane, a flexible substrate, one or more electrodes, and one or more radiopaque flags. The shaft is configured for insertion into a heart of a patient. The balloon is fitted at a distal end of the shaft. The flexible substrate is disposed on the membrane. The one or more electrodes are disposed over the flexible substrate and have a fishbone configuration. The one or more radiopaque flags are coupled to the expandable membrane, wherein the one or more radiopaque flags include a serpentine pattern so that the radiopaque flags fold in conformance with flexible substrate as the expandable membrane is collapsed into a compressed or folded configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Christopher Thomas Beeckler, Joseph Thomas Keyes, Kevin Justin Herrera
  • Heat Transfer Through a Catheter Tip
    Publication number: 20190357972
    Abstract: Described embodiments include an apparatus that includes a flexible electrically-insulating substrate, including an inner surface and an outer surface, and shaped to define (i) multiple narrower channels passing between the inner surface and the outer surface, and (ii) one or more wider channels passing between the inner surface and the outer surface. The apparatus further includes an outer layer of an electrically-conducting metal covering at least part of the outer surface, an inner layer of the electrically-conducting metal covering at least part of the inner surface, a plating layer of the electrically-conducting metal that plates the wider channels such as to connect the outer layer to the inner layer, and respective columns of the electrically-conducting metal that fill the narrower channels such as to connect the outer layer to the inner layer. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher Thomas Beeckler, Joseph Thomas Keyes, Assaf Govari, Yigal Ultchin, Meir Bar-tal
  • HEAT TRANSFER THROUGH A CATHETER TIP
    Publication number: 20190357973
    Abstract: Described embodiments include a catheter tip that includes an outer layer of a thermally-conducting metal; an inner layer of a thermally-conducting metal; a polymer layer between the inner and outer layer; and a plurality of thermal bridges selectively positioned between the inner and outer layers and through the polymer layer thereby significantly increasing the heat transfer of the catheter tip through the polymer layer. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Applicant: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher Thomas BEECKLER, Joseph Thomas KEYES, Assaf GOVARI, Yigal ULTCHIN, Meir BAR-TAL
  • Basket catheter with microelectrode array distal tip
    Patent number: 10470714
    Abstract: A catheter adapted for greater mapping resolution and location precision has a basket-shaped, high density electrode assembly for large-area mapping, and an integrated distal tip providing an array of ultra-high density microelectrodes for acute focal mapping. The basket-shaped electrode assembly 18 has a plurality of electrode-carrying spines and the distal tip has a nonmetallic, electrically insulating substrate body with indentations in which microelectrodes are positioned in a manner that the outer surface is generally flush with the outer surface of the substrate body to present a generally smooth, atraumatic distal tip profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Andres Claudio Altmann, Assaf Govari, Christopher Thomas Beeckler, Rowan Olund Hettel
  • PREPARATION OF MICRO-ELECTRODES
    Publication number: 20190336021
    Abstract: A method, consisting of providing a metal wire having a wire diameter and an end, and positioning a conductor at a distance from the end of the wire. The method further includes creating an electrical discharge between the conductor and the end, while setting the distance and an electrical potential of the discharge, so as to create a bead of a predefined size on the end. The method also includes assembling the wire with the created bead into an invasive probe, so that the bead is positioned at an outer surface of the probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Christopher Thomas Beeckler, Joseph Thomas Keyes
  • Catheter with Flow Diverter and Force Sensor
    Publication number: 20190336210
    Abstract: A catheter probe comprises an insertion tube, and a distal end with a distal electrode, a force sensor to detect force on the distal electrode, and an irrigated electrode mounted on a coupling member of the force sensor, which has a tubular form surrounding a central space occupied by components, including force sensing coils. A fluid diverter that passes fluid to the proximal irrigated electrode is configured as an insert or an integrated projection of the coupling member, which configuration minimizes its space demand within the coupling member. Thus, the diameter of the distal end need not be increased. The fluid diverter has a proximal entry opening and a distal exit opening connected by a fluid passage with at least a radial branch and at least an axial branch. The irrigated electrode is mounted over the distal exit opening to receive fluid from the fluid passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher Thomas Beeckler, Assaf Govari, Rowan Olund Hettel, Tom Allen Ditter
  • Flexible Multi-Arm Catheter with Diametrically Opposed Sensing Electrodes
    Publication number: 20190314083
    Abstract: A medical instrument includes a shaft, multiple flexible spines and multiple electrodes. The shaft is configured for insertion into a body of a patient. The multiple flexible spines have respective first ends that are connected to a distal end of the shaft and respective second ends that are free-standing and unanchored. The spines are bent proximally such that the second ends are more proximal than the first ends. Each of the flexible spines includes a tensile layer configured to cause the flexible spine to bend proximally. The multiple electrodes are disposed over the flexible spines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: Kevin Justin Herrera, Christopher Thomas Beeckler, Joseph Thomas Keyes, Assaf Govari
  • SPECTRAL SENSING OF ABLATION
    Publication number: 20190290358
    Abstract: A method for tissue assessment includes ablating tissue at a site within a body of a living subject using an invasive probe applied to the site. At a first stage in ablation of the tissue, first measurements are made of scattered light intensities from the site at a plurality of different wavelengths. At a second stage in the ablation of the tissue, subsequent to the first stage, second measurements are made of the scattered light intensities from the site at the plurality of different wavelengths. Progress of the ablation is assessed by computing different, respective measures of change in the scattered light intensities at the different wavelengths occurring between the first and second measurements, and comparing the respective measures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: Assaf GOVARI, Christopher Thomas BEECKLER, Joseph Thomas KEYES, Vadim GLINER
  • Catheter with irrigated tip electrode with porous substrate and high density surface micro-electrodes
    Patent number: 10390880
    Abstract: A catheter has a multifunctional “virtual” tip electrode with a porous substrate and a multitude of surface microelectrodes. The surface microelectrodes are in close proximity to each other and in a variety of configurations so as to sense tissue for highly localized intracardiac signal detection, and high density local electrograms and mapping. The porous substrate allows for flow of conductive fluid for ablating tissue. The surface microelectrodes can be formed via a metallization process that allows for any shape or size and close proximity, and the fluid “weeping” from the porous substrate provides more uniform irrigation in the form of a thin layer of saline. The delivery of RF power to the catheter tip is based on the principle of “virtual electrode,” where the conductive saline flowing through the porous tip acts as the electrical connection between the tip electrode and the heart surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Athanassios Papaioannou, Christopher Thomas Beeckler, Assaf Govari
  • Catheter with flow diverter and force sensor
    Patent number: 10363090
    Abstract: A catheter probe comprises an insertion tube, and a distal end with a distal electrode, a force sensor to detect force on the distal electrode, and an irrigated electrode mounted on a coupling member of the force sensor, which has a tubular form surrounding a central space occupied by components, including force sensing coils. A fluid diverter that passes fluid to the proximal irrigated electrode is configured as an insert or an integrated projection of the coupling member, which configuration minimizes its space demand within the coupling member. Thus, the diameter of the distal end need not be increased. The fluid diverter has a proximal entry opening and a distal exit opening connected by a fluid passage with at least a radial branch and at least an axial branch. The irrigated electrode is mounted over the distal exit opening to receive fluid from the fluid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher Thomas Beeckler, Assaf Govari, Rowan Olund Hettel, Tom Allen Ditter
  • CATHETER WITH COAXIAL THERMOCOUPLE
    Publication number: 20190223952
    Abstract: An improved thermocouple includes a drawn coaxial thermocouple wire pair having a more precise “hot” junction at which a first and second metallic material electrically connect with each other for measuring temperature. Adapted for use with an electrophysiologic catheter, the improved thermocouple comprising an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end. The body includes a core of a first metallic material, a first coaxial layer of ceramic material, and a second coaxial layer of a second metallic material. The thermocouple further includes a solder cap on the distal end, the solder cap electrically connecting the core and the second layer at the distal end. A method of manufacturing includes drawing the body through a die, and applying solder on a distal end of the body to electrically connect the two metallic materials at the distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventor: Christopher Thomas Beeckler
  • BALLOON CATHETER WITH INTERNAL DISTAL END
    Publication number: 20190201669
    Abstract: A catheter adapted to slidably receive a hollow shaft through its lumen. An expandable balloon is attached to the distal portion of the hollow shaft. A nose piece disposed at the front face of the balloon forms a connection between the balloon and the distal portion of the hollow shaft. When the balloon is expanded the nose piece does not protrude beyond the front face of the balloon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Christopher Thomas Beeckler, Joseph Thomas Keyes
  • Measurement of tissue thickness using ultrasound and force measurements
    Patent number: 10327734
    Abstract: Wall thickness of a cavity is determined by inserting a catheter into contact with a wall of a cavity in a body of a subject. The distal segment of the catheter is provided with a contact force sensor and an ultrasound transducer. The transducer is actuated to acquire ultrasound reflection data from the wall of the cavity, and while the transducer is actuated, the catheter is reciprocated against the wall of the cavity and the contact force measured between the catheter and the wall of the cavity. The reflection data is correlated with the contact force. A set of the correlated reflection data having the highest correlation with the contact force is identified. The tissue thickness between the inner surface and the identified set of the reflection data is calculated according to the time-of-flight therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Christopher Thomas Beeckler, Andres Claudio Altmann, Yaron Ephrath
  • Balloon Catheter with Bulbous Shaped Radiofrequency (RF) Ablation Electrodes
    Publication number: 20190183567
    Abstract: A medical instrument includes a shaft, an inflatable balloon and a Radiofrequency (RF) ablation electrode. The shaft is configured for insertion into a body of a patient. The inflatable balloon is coupled to a distal end of the shaft. The RF ablation electrode is disposed on an external surface of the balloon and has a distal edge configured to reduce electric field angular gradients of an RF electric field emitted from the distal edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Christopher Thomas Beeckler
  • BALLOON CATHETER DISTAL END COMPRISING ELECTRODES AND THERMOCOUPLES
    Publication number: 20190175262
    Abstract: A method for producing a medical instrument, the method includes coupling a balloon-based distal end of the medical instrument to a jig that sets the distal end to an expanded position. While the distal end is coupled to the jig, one or more electrodes are disposed on an outer surface of the distal end, one or more openings are formed in a wall of the distal end, and are threaded through the openings respective leads coupled to at least one of respective sensors and electrodes that are mounted on the outer surface of the distal end. One or more patches that cover the openings and couple the at least one of respective sensors and electrodes to the outer surface of the distal end, are coupled on the outer surface of the distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: ASSAF GOVARI, Christopher Thomas Beeckler, Andres Claudio Altmann
  • Spectral sensing of ablation
    Patent number: 10314650
    Abstract: A method for tissue assessment includes ablating tissue at a site within a body of a living subject using an invasive probe applied to the site. At a first stage in ablation of the tissue, first measurements are made of scattered light intensities from the site at a plurality of different wavelengths. At a second stage in the ablation of the tissue, subsequent to the first stage, second measurements are made of the scattered light intensities from the site at the plurality of different wavelengths. Progress of the ablation is assessed by computing different, respective measures of change in the scattered light intensities at the different wavelengths occurring between the first and second measurements, and comparing the respective measures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL) LTD.
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Christopher Thomas Beeckler, Joseph Thomas Keyes, Vadim Gliner
  • Catheter with coaxial thermocouple
    Patent number: 10285754
    Abstract: An improved thermocouple includes a drawn coaxial thermocouple wire pair having a more precise “hot” junction at which a first and second metallic material electrically connect with each other for measuring temperature. Adapted for use with an electrophysiologic catheter, the improved thermocouple comprising an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end. The body includes a core of a first metallic material, a first coaxial layer of ceramic material, and a second coaxial layer of a second metallic material. The thermocouple further includes a solder cap on the distal end, the solder cap electrically connecting the core and the second layer at the distal end. A method of manufacturing includes drawing the body through a die, and applying solder on a distal end of the body to electrically connect the two metallic materials at the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventor: Christopher Thomas Beeckler
  • ALL-IN-ONE SPIRAL CATHETER
    Publication number: 20190125437
    Abstract: Medical catheterization is carried out by introducing a catheter into a heart, sliding the catheter through a sheath that encloses a multi-electrode probe into a chamber of the heart. The sheath is retracted to expose the probe. As the sheath is retracted the exposed probe expands into a spiral configuration, and the electrodes contact the endocardial surface of the chamber at multiple contact points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Applicant: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Christopher Thomas Beeckler, Joseph Thomas Keyes, Kevin Justin Herrera