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
  • Publication number: 20230157810
    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: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Applicant: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: Gail S. LEBOVIC, David B. WILLIS, George D. HERMANN, Jonathan M. OLSON
  • Publication number: 20230093141
    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: September 27, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Applicant: 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
  • Publication number: 20220273394
    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: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2022
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Applicant: HOLOGIC, INC.
    Inventors: George D. HERMANN, Jonathan M. OLSON, Michael J. DREWS, Gail S. LEBOVIC, David B. WILLIS
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20200113647
    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 23, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: Focal Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: George D. HERMANN, David B. WILLIS, Michael J. DREWS, Gail S. LEBOVIC, James B. STUBBS
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20190336274
    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: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Applicant: FOCAL THERAPEUTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Gail S. LEBOVIC, David B. WILLIS, George D. HERMANN, Jonathan M. OLSON
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20190029773
    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: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: Focal Therapeutics Inc.
    Inventors: George D. HERMANN, Jonathan M. OLSON, Michael J. DREWS, Gail S. LEBOVIC, David B. WILLIS
  • Publication number: 20190029772
    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: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: Focal Therapeutics Inc.
    Inventors: George D. HERMANN, Jonathan M. OLSON, Michael J. DREWS, Gail S. LEBOVIC, David B. WILLIS
  • Publication number: 20190021812
    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: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: Focal Therapeutics Inc.
    Inventors: George D. HERMANN, Jonathan M. OLSON, Michael J. DREWS, Gail S. LEBOVIC, David B. WILLIS
  • Publication number: 20180200020
    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: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    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