Patents by Inventor David J. Little

David J. Little 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: 11944371
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical device including an outer shaft, an inner shaft, first and second electrode surfaces, and an irrigation channel. The outer shaft defines a lumen, a proximal end and a distal end forming a cutting window. The inner shaft is rotatably disposed within the outer shaft, and defines a distal portion forming a cutting tip. The cutting tip and the cutting window combine to define a cutting implement. The first and second electrode surfaces are electrically isolated, and are formed at the cutting implement. The irrigation channel extends parallel to the outer shaft, and terminates in at least one outlet port. The outlet port is proximally spaced from the cutting window and is located radially outside of the outer shaft. Fluid (e.g., saline) is emitted at the exterior surface of the device near the cutting window and is readily present for interacting with the electrode surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: John R Prisco, Eric P. Detmers, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, Patrick Richart, Jose Valdez
  • Publication number: 20230293864
    Abstract: A method of limiting an inflation system pressure for dilating a region of a patient’s nasal sinus passageways. The method includes grasping an inflation device. The inflation device includes a syringe including a plunger slidably disposed within a barrel, a connector for fluidly connecting an outlet of the syringe with a surgical instrument balloon, and a mechanical pressure indicator associated with the syringe, the mechanical pressure indicator including a housing and an indicator body disposed within the housing. The method also includes delivering the surgical instrument balloon to a patient’s paranasal sinus target area, operating the plunger within the barrel of the syringe to deliver pressurized fluid to the surgical instrument balloon, and transitioning the indicator body to extend outside of the housing when a predetermined inflation pressure of the surgical instrument balloon is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenjeng Li, David J. Little
  • Publication number: 20230256215
    Abstract: A sinus dilation instrument useful with a navigation system and including a handle, a rigid probe, a balloon, and an identifier device. The probe extends from the handle, forms a curved segment, and carries the balloon. The identifier device is programmed to generate a signal indicative of an instrument identification assigned to the instrument, and is a frontal, maxillary or sphenoid sinus instrument. The signal is formatted to be recognized by an IGS. Once connected, the IGS recognizes the instrument and can retrieve information indicative of a spatial location of the balloon, for example via an instrument tracking device. A surgeon can “plug and play” the sinus dilation instrument with the IGS to perform a procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Robert K. Vaccaro, Charles Franklin Scott Carpenter, David J. Little, II, Ali Mowlai-Ashtiani, Matthew J. Nadeau, Dana Andrew Oliver
  • Patent number: 11666738
    Abstract: A sinus dilation instrument useful with a navigation system and including a handle, a rigid probe, a balloon, and an identifier device. The probe extends from the handle, forms a curved segment, and carries the balloon. The identifier device is programmed to generate a signal indicative of an instrument identification assigned to the instrument, and is a frontal, maxillary or sphenoid sinus instrument. The signal is formatted to be recognized by an IGS. Once connected, the IGS recognizes the instrument and can retrieve information indicative of a spatial location of the balloon, for example via an instrument tracking device. A surgeon can “plug and play” the sinus dilation instrument with the IGS to perform a procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Vaccaro, Charles Franklin Scott Carpenter, David J. Little, II, Ali Mowlai-Ashtiani, Matthew J. Nadeau, Dana A. Oliver
  • Patent number: 11660433
    Abstract: A method of limiting an inflation system pressure for dilating a region of a patient's nasal sinus passageways. The method includes grasping an inflation device. The inflation device includes a syringe including a plunger slidably disposed within a barrel, a connector for fluidly connecting an outlet of the syringe with a surgical instrument balloon, and a mechanical pressure indicator associated with the syringe, the mechanical pressure indicator including a housing and an indicator body disposed within the housing. The method also includes delivering the surgical instrument balloon to a patient's paranasal sinus target area, operating the plunger within the barrel of the syringe to deliver pressurized fluid to the surgical instrument balloon, and transitioning the indicator body to extend outside of the housing when a predetermined inflation pressure of the surgical instrument balloon is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenjeng Li, David J. Little
  • Publication number: 20220151597
    Abstract: A surgical system which may include a controller, a data entry device, a powered surgical handpiece and a surgical tool adapted to couple to the surgical handpiece. The surgical handpiece can include motor direction control and feedback, safety stop features, stimulation and nerve integrity monitoring, a tool connector assembly configured to retain a variety of surgical tools and optional navigation and/or electric ratcheting features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC XOMED, INC
    Inventors: Michael L. Koltz, Christopher L. Fair, Michael S. Ferrell, Andrzej Klimaszewski, David J. Little, II, Manfred K. Luedi, Gerould Norman, Robert K. Vaccaro
  • Publication number: 20220104871
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical device including an outer shaft, an inner shaft, first and second electrode surfaces, and an irrigation channel. The outer shaft defines a lumen, a proximal end and a distal end forming a cutting window. The inner shaft is rotatably disposed within the outer shaft, and defines a distal portion forming a cutting tip. The cutting tip and the cutting window combine to define a cutting implement. The first and second electrode surfaces are electrically isolated, and are formed at the cutting implement. The irrigation channel extends parallel to the outer shaft, and terminates in at least one outlet port. The outlet port is proximally spaced from the cutting window and is located radially outside of the outer shaft. Fluid (e.g., saline) is emitted at the exterior surface of the device near the cutting window and is readily present for interacting with the electrode surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Prisco, Eric P. Detmers, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, Patrick Richart, Jose Valdez
  • Publication number: 20220096147
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical device is disclosed that operates in a mechanical cutting mode and a hemostasis mode. The device includes a housing and a blade assembly extending from the housing. The blade assembly forms a cutting tip and cutting window at a distal end region to provide mechanical cutting of tissue and first and second electrode assemblies to provide electrical energy to tissue. The first electrode assembly includes an outer shaft defining a first electrode surface and the second electrode assembly includes an electrode body extending along and electrically isolated from an outer shaft and defining a U-shape in cross section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Prisco, Eric P. Detmers, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, Patrick Richart, Jose Valdez
  • Patent number: 11272909
    Abstract: A surgical system which may include a controller, a data entry device, a powered surgical handpiece and a surgical tool adapted to couple to the surgical handpiece. The surgical handpiece can include motor direction control and feedback, safety stop features, stimulation and nerve integrity monitoring, a tool connector assembly configured to retain a variety of surgical tools and optional navigation and/or electric ratcheting features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC XOMED, INC.
    Inventors: Michael L. Koltz, Christopher L. Fair, Michael S. Ferrell, Andrzej Klimaszewski, David J. Little, II, Manfred K. Luedi, Gerould Norman, Robert K. Vaccaro
  • Patent number: 11207130
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical device including an outer shaft, an inner shaft, first and second electrode surfaces, and an irrigation channel. The outer shaft defines a lumen, a proximal end and a distal end forming a cutting window. The inner shaft is rotatably disposed within the outer shaft, and defines a distal portion forming a cutting tip. The cutting tip and the cutting window combine to define a cutting implement. The first and second electrode surfaces are electrically isolated, and are formed at the cutting implement. The irrigation channel extends parallel to the outer shaft, and terminates in at least one outlet port. The outlet port is proximally spaced from the cutting window and is located radially outside of the outer shaft. Fluid (e.g., saline) is emitted at the exterior surface of the device near the cutting window and is readily present for interacting with the electrode surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Prisco, Eric P. Detmers, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, Patrick Richart, Jose Valdez
  • Patent number: 11197714
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical device is disclosed that operates in a mechanical cutting mode and a hemostasis mode. The device includes a housing and a blade assembly extending from the housing. The blade assembly forms a cutting tip and cutting window at a distal end region to provide mechanical cutting of tissue and first and second electrode assemblies to provide electrical energy to tissue. The first electrode assembly includes an outer shaft defining a first electrode surface and the second electrode assembly includes an electrode body extending along and electrically isolated from an outer shaft and defining a U-shape in cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Prisco, Eric P. Detmers, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, Patrick Richart, Jose Valdez
  • Publication number: 20200338326
    Abstract: A method of limiting an inflation system pressure for dilating a region of a patient's nasal sinus passageways. The method includes grasping an inflation device. The inflation device includes a syringe including a plunger slidably disposed within a barrel, a connector for fluidly connecting an outlet of the syringe with a surgical instrument balloon, and a mechanical pressure indicator associated with the syringe, the mechanical pressure indicator including a housing and an indicator body disposed within the housing. The method also includes delivering the surgical instrument balloon to a patient's paranasal sinus target area, operating the plunger within the barrel of the syringe to deliver pressurized fluid to the surgical instrument balloon, and transitioning the indicator body to extend outside of the housing when a predetermined inflation pressure of the surgical instrument balloon is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenjeng Li, David J. Little
  • Patent number: 10737077
    Abstract: A method of limiting an inflation system pressure for dilating a region of a patient's nasal sinus passageways. The method includes grasping an inflation device. The inflation device includes a syringe including a plunger slidably disposed within a barrel, a connector for fluidly connecting an outlet of the syringe with a surgical instrument balloon, and a mechanical pressure indicator associated with the syringe, the mechanical pressure indicator including a housing and an indicator body disposed within the housing. The method also includes delivering the surgical instrument balloon to a patient's paranasal sinus target area, operating the plunger within the barrel of the syringe to deliver pressurized fluid to the surgical instrument balloon, and transitioning the indicator body to extend outside of the housing when a predetermined inflation pressure of the surgical instrument balloon is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Medtronix Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenjeng Li, David J. Little
  • Publication number: 20200008787
    Abstract: A surgical system which may include a controller, a data entry device, a powered surgical handpiece and a surgical tool adapted to couple to the surgical handpiece. The surgical handpiece can include motor direction control and feedback, safety stop features, stimulation and nerve integrity monitoring, a tool connector assembly configured to retain a variety of surgical tools and optional navigation and/or electric ratcheting features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC XOMED, INC
    Inventors: Michael L. Koltz, Christopher L. Fair, Michael S. Ferrel, Andrzej Klimaszewski, David J. Little, Manfred K. Luedi, Gerould Norman, Robert K. Vaccaro
  • Patent number: 10456122
    Abstract: A surgical system which may include a controller, a data entry device, a powered surgical handpiece and a surgical tool adapted to couple to the surgical handpiece. The surgical handpiece can include motor direction control and feedback, safety stop features, stimulation and nerve integrity monitoring, a tool connector assembly configured to retain a variety of surgical tools and optional navigation and/or electric ratcheting features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Koltz, Christopher L. Fair, Michael S. Ferrell, Andrzej Klimaszewski, David J. Little, II, Manfred K. Luedi, Gerould Norman, Robert K. Vaccaro
  • Publication number: 20190321609
    Abstract: A sinus dilation instrument useful with a navigation system and including a handle, a rigid probe, a balloon, and an identifier device. The probe extends from the handle, forms a curved segment, and carries the balloon. The identifier device is programmed to generate a signal indicative of an instrument identification assigned to the instrument, and is a frontal, maxillary or sphenoid sinus instrument. The signal is formatted to be recognized by an IGS. Once connected, the IGS recognizes the instrument and can retrieve information indicative of a spatial location of the balloon, for example via an instrument tracking device. A surgeon can “plug and play” the sinus dilation instrument with the IGS to perform a procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Vaccaro, Charles Franklin Scott Carpenter, David J. Little, II, Ali Mowlai-Ashtiani, Matthew J. Nadeau, Dana A. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20190314080
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical device is disclosed that operates in a mechanical cutting mode and a hemostasis mode. The device includes a housing and a blade assembly extending from the housing. The blade assembly forms a cutting tip and cutting window at a distal end region to provide mechanical cutting of tissue and first and second electrode assemblies to provide electrical energy to tissue. The first and second electrode assemblies can each include a rotary connection assembly to allow spatial orientation of the cutting window relative to the housing and/or cutting tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Prisco, Eric P. Detmers, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, Patrick Richart, Jose Valdez
  • Patent number: 10441959
    Abstract: A spray head having multiple openings arranged to provide at spray coverage throughout at least 90 degrees from the spray head central axis. The spray head may be used for applying tissue sealants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC XOMED, INC.
    Inventors: Ethan G. Sherman, David J. Little, Wei Chen, John R. Prisco, Matthew J. Friend, Matthew F. Myntti, Tom Zelmer, Cyan Godfrey, Roy Attride
  • Patent number: 10376302
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical device is disclosed that operates in a mechanical cutting mode and a hemostasis mode. The device includes a housing and a blade assembly extending from the housing. The blade assembly forms a cutting tip and cutting window at a distal end region to provide mechanical cutting of tissue and first and second electrode assemblies to provide electrical energy to tissue. The first and second electrode assemblies can each include a rotary connection assembly to allow spatial orientation of the cutting window relative to the housing and/or cutting tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Prisco, Eric P. Detmers, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, Patrick Richart, Jose Valdez
  • Patent number: 10363401
    Abstract: A sinus dilation instrument useful with a navigation system and including a handle, a rigid probe, a balloon, and an identifier device. The probe extends from the handle, forms a curved segment, and carries the balloon. The identifier device is programmed to generate a signal indicative of an instrument identification assigned to the instrument, and is a frontal, maxillary or sphenoid sinus instrument. The signal is formatted to be recognized by an IGS. Once connected, the IGS recognizes the instrument and can retrieve information indicative of a spatial location of the balloon, for example via an instrument tracking device. A surgeon can “plug and play” the sinus dilation instrument with the IGS to perform a procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Vaccaro, Charles Franklin Scott Carpenter, David J. Little, II, Ali Mowlai-Ashtiani, Matthew J. Nadeau, Dana A. Oliver