Patents by Inventor David N. Heard

David N. Heard 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: 7553309
    Abstract: A system and method for heat ablation of tissue in which energy is sequentially applied to at least two electrodes inserted into tissue. The system is comprised of a radiofrequency (RF) source for supplying RF energy, at least two electrodes configured to apply RF energy to tissue, at least one return electrode for returning the RF energy to the RF source, and a controller configured to sequentially apply the RF energy to each of the at least two electrodes. The sequential delivery of energy is determined by the measured current and voltage, the calculated impedance at each of the electrodes and the timing for each electrode. An internal load may be activated with the previously activated channel and remain on until the next channel is activated to avoid the generator from having an open circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Steven P. Buysse, Gary Dobbins, Brandon Gay, David N. Heard, James W. McPherson
  • Publication number: 20090054891
    Abstract: A system and method for heat ablation of tissue in which energy is sequentially applied to at least two electrodes inserted into tissue. The system is comprised of a radiofrequency (RF) source for supplying RF energy, at least two electrodes configured to apply RF energy to tissue, at least one return electrode for returning the RF energy to the RF source, and a controller configured to sequentially apply the RF energy to each of the at least two electrodes. The sequential delivery of energy is determined by the measured current and voltage, the calculated impedance at each of the electrodes and the timing for each electrode. An internal load may be activated with the previously activated channel and remain on until the next channel is activated to avoid the generator from having an open circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Steven P. Buysse, Gary Dobbins, Brandon Gay, David N. Heard, James W. McPherson
  • Patent number: 7137980
    Abstract: A closed-loop control system has a user interface for allowing a user to select at least one pre-surgical parameter. The system also has a sensor module for continually sensing at least one of electrical and physical properties proximate a surgical site and generating at least one signal and a control module for continually receiving the selected parameter from the user interface and the at least one signal from the sensor module. The system processes the signal in accordance with the parameter using at least one of a microprocessor, computer algorithm and a mapping. The control module generates a corresponding control signal relating to the signal from the sensor module, and provides the control signal to the generator. The control module has number of loop control modules with a first loop control module providing a ratio of a real time parameter value to a desired parameter value. The real time parameter value is from the signal from the sensor module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventors: Steven P. Buysse, Bret S. Felton, David N. Heard, David Keppel, Ronald J. Podhajsky, Dale F. Schmaltz, Robert H. Wham, Edward C. Meagher, Kate R. Lawes, David A. Schechter, Chelsea Shields, Philip M. Tetzlaff
  • Publication number: 20040015163
    Abstract: A closed-loop control system is disclosed for use with an electrosurgical generator that generates electrosurgical energy. The closed loop control system includes a user interface for allowing a user to select at least one pre-surgical parameter, such as the type of surgical instrument operatively connected to the generator, the type of tissue and the desired surgical effect. A sensor module is also included for continually sensing at least one of electrical and physical properties proximate a surgical site and generating at least one signal relating thereto. The system also includes a control module for continually receiving the at least one selected pre-surgical parameter from the user interface and each of the signals from the sensor module, and processing each of the signals in accordance with the at least one pre-surgical parameter using at least one of a microprocessor, computer algorithm and a mapping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Steven P. Buysse, Bret S. Felton, David N. Heard, David Keppel, Ronald J. Podhajsky, Dale F. Schmaltz, Robert H. Wham, Edward C. Meagher, Kate R. Lawes, David A. Schechter, Chelsea Shields, Philip M. Tetzlaff