Patents by Inventor David B. Willis

David B. Willis 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: 11944509
    Abstract: An implantable tissue marker device is provided to be placed in a soft tissue site through a surgical incision. The device can include a bioabsorbable body in the form of a spiral and defining a spheroid shape for the device, the spiral having a longitudinal axis, and turns of the spiral being spaced apart from each other in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of markers can be disposed on the body, the markers being visualizable by a radiographic imaging device. The turns of the spiral are sufficiently spaced apart to form gaps that allow soft tissue to infiltrate between the turns and to allow flexibility in the device along the longitudinal axis in the manner of a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: George D. Hermann, David B. Willis, Michael J. Drews, Gail S. Lebovic, James B. Stubbs
  • Patent number: 11534289
    Abstract: Described herein are devices for placement in surgically created soft tissue spaces, potential spaces, or cavities. The implantable devices generally include a bioabsorbable body having an open framework that facilitates attachment of tissue thereto in a manner that helps avoid post-surgical deformities. Methods for using the implantable devices in oncoplastic surgery are further described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Gail S. Lebovic, David B. Willis, George D. Hermann, Jonathan M. Olson
  • Patent number: 11529211
    Abstract: An implantable tissue marker device is provided to be placed in a soft tissue site through a surgical incision. The device can include a bioabsorbable body in the form of a spiral and defining a spheroid shape for the device, the spiral having a longitudinal axis, and turns of the spiral being spaced apart from each other in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of markers can be disposed on the body, the markers being visualizable by a radiographic imaging device. The turns of the spiral are sufficiently spaced apart to form gaps that allow soft tissue to infiltrate between the turns and to allow flexibility in the device along the longitudinal axis in the manner of a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: George D. Hermann, David B. Willis, Michael J. Drews, Gail S. Lebovic, James B. Stubbs
  • Patent number: 11317987
    Abstract: Tissue localization devices and methods of localizing tissue using tissue localization devices are disclosed. The tissue localization device can comprise a handle comprising a delivery control, a delivery needle extending out from the handle, and a localization element within the delivery needle. The localization element can be deployed out of the delivery needle or retracted back into the delivery needle when the delivery control is translated in a first direction or a second direction, respectively. The localization element can be coupled to a flexible tracking wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: George D. Hermann, Jonathan M. Olson, Michael J. Drews, Gail S. Lebovic, David B. Willis
  • Patent number: 11185387
    Abstract: Tissue localization devices and methods of localizing tissue using tissue localization devices are disclosed. The tissue localization device can comprise a handle comprising a delivery control, a delivery needle extending out from the handle, and a localization element within the delivery needle. The localization element can be deployed out of the delivery needle or retracted back into the delivery needle when the delivery control is translated in a first direction or a second direction, respectively. The localization element can be coupled to a flexible tracking wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: HOLOGIC
    Inventors: George D. Hermann, Jonathan M. Olson, Michael J. Drews, Gail S. Lebovic, David B. Willis
  • Patent number: 11135033
    Abstract: Tissue localization devices and methods of localizing tissue using tissue localization devices are disclosed. The tissue localization device can comprise a handle comprising a delivery control, a delivery needle extending out from the handle, and a localization element within the delivery needle. The localization element can be deployed out of the delivery needle or retracted back into the delivery needle when the delivery control is translated in a first direction or a second direction, respectively. The localization element can be coupled to a flexible tracking wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: George D. Hermann, Jonathan M. Olson, Michael J. Drews, Gail S. Lebovic, David B. Willis
  • Patent number: 10524875
    Abstract: Tissue localization devices and methods of localizing tissue using tissue localization devices are disclosed. The tissue localization device can comprise a handle comprising a delivery control, a delivery needle extending out from the handle, and a localization element within the delivery needle. The localization element can be deployed out of the delivery needle or retracted back into the delivery needle when the delivery control is translated in a first direction or a second direction, respectively. The localization element can be coupled to a flexible tracking wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: FOCAL THERAPEUTICS INC.
    Inventors: George D. Hermann, Jonathan M. Olson, Michael J. Drews, Gail S. Lebovic, David B. Willis
  • Patent number: 10500014
    Abstract: An implantable tissue marker device is provided to be placed in a soft tissue site through a surgical incision. The device can include a bioabsorbable body in the form of a spiral and defining a spheroid shape for the device, the spiral having a longitudinal axis, and turns of the spiral being spaced apart from each other in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of markers can be disposed on the body, the markers being visualizable by a radiographic imaging device. The turns of the spiral are sufficiently spared apart to form gaps that allow soft tissue to infiltrate between the turns and to allow flexibility in the device along the longitudinal axis in the manner of a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: FOCAL THERAPEUTICS, INC.
    Inventors: George D. Hermann, David B. Willis, Michael J. Drews, Gail S. Lebovic, James B. Stubbs
  • Patent number: 10413381
    Abstract: An implantable tissue marker device is provided to be placed in a soft tissue site through a surgical incision. The device can include a bioabsorbable body in the form of a spiral and defining a spheroid shape for the device, the spiral having a longitudinal axis, and turns of the spiral being spaced apart from each other in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of markers can be disposed on the body, the markers being visualizable by a radiographic imaging device. The turns of the spiral are sufficiently spaced apart to form gaps that allow soft tissue to infiltrate between the turns and to allow flexibility in the device along the longitudinal axis in the manner of a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: FOCAL THERAPEUTICS, INC.
    Inventors: George D. Hermann, David B. Willis, Michael J. Drews, Gail S. Lebovic, James B. Stubbs
  • Patent number: 9980809
    Abstract: Described herein are devices for placement in surgically created soft tissue spaces, potential spaces, or cavities. The implantable devices generally include a bioabsorbable body having an open framework that facilitates attachment of tissue thereto in a manner that helps avoid post-surgical deformities. Methods for using the implantable devices in oncoplastic surgery are further described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Focal Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gail S. Lebovic, David B. Willis, George D. Hermann, Jonathan M. Olson
  • Patent number: 9913651
    Abstract: Non-expandable space-occupying devices for treating voids within the body are disclosed. The devices can have multiple non-expandable space-occupying elements connected to a flexible leader. Methods of making and using the devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Michael J. Drews, D. Bruce Modesitt, Neil D. Holmgren, David B. Willis
  • Patent number: 9615915
    Abstract: Described herein are devices for placement in surgically created soft tissue spaces, potential spaces, or cavities. The implantable devices generally include a bioabsorbable body having an open framework that facilitates attachment of tissue thereto in a manner that helps avoid post-surgical deformities. Methods for using the implantable devices in oncoplastic surgery are further described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Focal Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gail S. Lebovic, David B. Willis, George D. Hermann, Jonathan M. Olson
  • Patent number: 9561037
    Abstract: Space-occupying devices for treating voids within the body are disclosed. The devices can have multiple elements connected to a flexible leader. The devices can be coated by a binding agent. The devices can also be fillable. Methods of making and using the devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Michael J. Drews, D. Bruce Modesitt, Neil Bruce Holmgren, David B. Willis
  • Patent number: 9005235
    Abstract: Non-expandable space-occupying devices for treating voids within the body are disclosed. The devices can have multiple non-expandable space-occupying elements connected to a flexible leaden. Methods of making and using the devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Michael J. Drews, D. Bruce Modesitt, Neil D. Holmgren, David B. Willis
  • Publication number: 20130289390
    Abstract: An implantable tissue marker device is provided to be placed in a soft tissue site through a surgical incision. The device can include a bioabsorbable body in the form of a spiral and defining a spheroid shape for the device, the spiral having a longitudinal axis, and turns of the spiral being spaced apart from each other in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of markers can be disposed on the body, the markers being visualizable by a radiographic imaging device. The turns of the spiral are sufficiently spaced apart to form gaps that allow soft tissue to infiltrate between the turns and to allow flexibility in the device along the longitudinal axis in the manner of a spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: FOCAL THERAPEUTICS, INC.
    Inventors: George D. Hermann, David B. Willis, Michael J. Drews, Gail S. Lebovic, James B. Stubbs
  • Publication number: 20130289389
    Abstract: An implantable tissue marker device is provided to be placed in a soft tissue site through a surgical incision. The device can include a bioabsorbable body in the form of a spiral and defining a spheroid shape for the device, the spiral having a longitudinal axis, and turns of the spiral being spaced apart from each other in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of markers can be disposed on the body, the markers being visualizable by a radiographic imaging device. The turns of the spiral are sufficiently spaced apart to form gaps that allow soft tissue to infiltrate between the turns and to allow flexibility in the device along the longitudinal axis in the manner of a spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: FOCAL THERAPEUTICS
    Inventors: George D. Hermann, David B. Willis, Michael J. Drews, Gail S. Lebovic, James B. Stubbs
  • Patent number: 8562636
    Abstract: Non-expandable space-occupying devices for treating voids within the body are disclosed. The devices can have multiple non-expandable space-occupying elements connected to a flexible leader. Methods of making and using the devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Michael J. Drews, D. Bruce Modesitt, Neil B. Holmgren, David B. Willis
  • Publication number: 20120303108
    Abstract: Non-expandable space-occupying devices for treating voids within the body are disclosed. The devices can have multiple non-expandable space-occupying elements connected to a flexible leader. Methods of making and using the devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas J. FOGARTY, Michael J. DREWS, D. Bruce MODESITT, Neil HOLMGREN, David B. Willis
  • Patent number: 8262686
    Abstract: Non-expandable space-occupying devices for treating voids within the body are disclosed. The devices can have multiple non-expandable space-occupying elements connected to a flexible leader. Methods of making and using the devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Michael J. Drews, D. Bruce Modesitt, Neil Holmgren, David B. Willis
  • Patent number: 7481821
    Abstract: Non-expandable space-occupying devices for treating voids within the body are disclosed. The devices can have multiple non-expandable space-occupying elements connected to a flexible leader. Methods of making and using the devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas J. Fogarty, Michael J. Drews, D. Bruce Modesitt, Neil Holmgren, David B. Willis