Patents by Inventor Debby Highsmith

Debby Highsmith 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).

  • Publication number: 20260182889
    Abstract: The disclosed technology includes an end effector comprising a plurality of spines extending along a longitudinal axis to define a basket assembly, the plurality of spines configured to bow radially outward from the longitudinal axis to define a radius of curvature with respect to the longitudinal axis and to transition between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. Each spine of the plurality of spines can include a section extending radially outward from the radius of curvature defined by a remainder of each spine. The end effector can further include at least one electrode disposed on the section for each spine of the plurality of spines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2024
    Publication date: July 2, 2026
    Applicant: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Pieter Emmelius VAN NIEKERK, Juan RODRIGUEZ SOTO, Mohammad ABBAS, Debby HIGHSMITH, Babak EBRAHIMI
  • Publication number: 20260182887
    Abstract: The disclosed technology includes an end effector of a medical device. The end effector includes a framework, a flexible circuit including electrodes, an insulative material, and skids. The framework and flexible circuits are disposed on the insulative material. The insulative material includes a first surface disposed a first height from the framework in a height direction of the end effector and includes a first dynamic coefficient of friction. The skids are disposed on the insulative material, each skid comprising a second surface disposed a second height from the framework in the height direction and including a second dynamic coefficient of friction, lower than the first dynamic coefficient of friction. The first surface and the skids are disposed in the height direction such that the first height and each respective second height are one of equal or the respective second height is greater than the first height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2024
    Publication date: July 2, 2026
    Applicant: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Pieter Emmelius VAN NIEKERK, Juan RODRIGUEZ SOTO, Mohammad ABBAS, Debby HIGHSMITH, Babak EBRAHIMI
  • Publication number: 20260183051
    Abstract: Disclosed is a medical probe comprising an elongated shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and a distal electrode disposed at a distal end of the elongated shaft, the distal electrode configured to deliver ablative energy to tissue. The medical probe includes an outer sleeve disposed at least partially around the elongated shaft and a plurality of planar members attached to the outer sleeve and extending radially outward from the longitudinal axis. Each planar member of the plurality of planar members comprises a framework coupled to an outer surface member and an inner surface member opposite the outer surface member. Each of the inner and outer surface members includes a plurality of electrodes diametrically disposed on the inner surface member and outer surface member and the outer sleeve is configured to move axially along the elongated shaft to move the plurality of planar members axially with respect to the distal electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2024
    Publication date: July 2, 2026
    Applicant: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Pieter Emmelius VAN NIEKERK, Shubhayu BASU, Debby HIGHSMITH, Paul SUAREZ, Jamie Lynn HENRIQUEZ, Meir BAR-TAL, Abraham BERGER, Omer BERGER
  • Publication number: 20260183032
    Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a distal tip of a medical probe. The distal tip includes spines extending radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the end effector in an expanded configuration, a membrane connected to the spines, a first flexible circuit disposed on a first surface of the membrane proximate each of the plurality of spines, a second flexible circuit disposed on a second surface of the membrane proximate each of the plurality of spines, a plurality of first pairs of electrodes disposed on the first flexible circuit proximal to one another and a spine of the plurality of spines, and a plurality of second pairs of electrodes disposed on the second flexible circuit proximal to one another and a spine of the plurality of spines such that the first and second pairs of electrodes define a mirror image configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2024
    Publication date: July 2, 2026
    Applicant: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Pieter Emmelius VAN NIEKERK, Paul SUAREZ, Debby HIGHSMITH, Shubhayu BASU, Jamie Lynn HENRIQUEZ, Meir BAR-TAL, Abraham BERGER, Omer BERGER
  • Publication number: 20260183052
    Abstract: A catheter is presented having a planar end effector with elongated ablation electrodes configured to provide electrical signals to achieve IRE in target tissue. The planar end effector can be aligned along a longitudinal axis of a shaft of the catheter and configured to flex away from the longitudinal axis when making contact with tissue. Bipolar electrical signals can be applied between the elongated ablation electrodes in various pair combinations to achieve PFA. The end effector may also include diagnostic electrodes configured to receive electrical signals from tissue to map tissue, pairs of tissue contact electrodes to determine which portions of the end effector are in contact with tissue, or reference electrodes configured to measure blood voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2024
    Publication date: July 2, 2026
    Applicant: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Pieter Emmelius VAN NIEKERK, Shubhayu BASU, Debby HIGHSMITH, Paul SUAREZ, Meir BAR-TAL, Abraham BERGER, Omer BERGER
  • Publication number: 20260183054
    Abstract: The disclosed technology includes an end effector of a medical probe. The end effector includes spines and a membrane. The spines are coupled to a distal portion of a tubular member, with each spine including a proximal spine end coupled to the distal portion of the tubular member and a free distal end. The membrane and spines are fixed relative to each other to define a single member. The membrane defines a plurality of leaves, each of which, in an expanded configuration, extending curvilinearly outward and being separated from adjacent free distal ends of adjacent leaves of the plurality of leaves. Each leaf includes flexible circuits including electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2024
    Publication date: July 2, 2026
    Applicant: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Pieter Emmelius VAN NIEKERK, Debby HIGHSMITH, Shubhayu BASU, Paul SUAREZ, Jamie Lynn HENRIQUEZ, Meir BAR-TAL, Abraham BERGER, Omer BERGER
  • Publication number: 20260144492
    Abstract: A sensor unit for a medical probe having coils that each have a respective central axis that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the medical probe such that the coils are disposed one or more substrates. A first coil can have conductive surfaces exposed to an external environment while a second coil has its conductive surfaces insulated or sealed from the external environment. The coils can be configured to output 1) physiologic electrical signals (e.g., ECG) received at the at least two exposed windings, and 2) signals indicative of environmental impedance/conductance in the vicinity of the at least two exposed windings. The coils can further be configured to determine a position of the sensor based on magnetic field, determine a curvature of the sensor, directionally measure environmental impedance/conductance, and/or measure temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2026
    Publication date: May 28, 2026
    Applicant: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Lior Botzer, Paul Suarez, Debby Highsmith, Kokou Anani Mawuena Amefia
  • Publication number: 20260060594
    Abstract: A guiding sheath has a hemostatic valve and a central lumen into which a diagnostic or treatment catheter can be introduced and guided into a patient. The hemostatic valve also includes an electrically conducting element or proximity sensing element on its proximal end that interacts with a second electrically conducting element or proximity sensing element on a proximal end of the diagnostic or treatment catheter that can be passed through the central lumen of the guiding sheath and into the patient's heart. The interaction between the two electrically conducting elements or proximity sensing elements enables the location of the distal end of the diagnostic or treatment catheter in the patient's heart without the need for irradiating the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2025
    Publication date: March 5, 2026
    Applicant: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Debby HIGHSMITH, Paul SUAREZ, Brandon TRAN, Tara GOMEZ-HAMPTON, Elijah LI
  • Patent number: 12539084
    Abstract: A sensor unit for a medical probe having coils that each have a respective central axis that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the medical probe such that the coils are disposed one or more substrates. A first coil can have conductive surfaces exposed to an external environment while a second coil has its conductive surfaces insulated or sealed from the external environment. The coils can be configured to output 1) physiologic electrical signals (e.g., ECG) received at the at least two exposed windings, and 2) signals indicative of environmental impedance/conductance in the vicinity of the at least two exposed windings. The coils can further be configured to determine a position of the sensor based on magnetic field, determine a curvature of the sensor, directionally measure environmental impedance/conductance, and/or measure temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2026
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Lior Botzer, Paul Suarez, Debby Highsmith, Kokou Anani Mawuena Amefia
  • Publication number: 20260013771
    Abstract: A medical probe including an end effector is herein disclosed. The end effector includes a flexible insulative material extending along a plane, a framework disposed in the flexible insulative material, and a flexible circuit disposed in the flexible insulative material and spaced apart from the framework. The flexible circuit includes a central branch segment, a plurality of outer branch segments, and a plurality of electrodes. The central branch segment extends along a longitudinal axis of the plane. The outer branch segments extend along the plane a distance away from the longitudinal axis, with at least some of the outer branch segments extending distal to the central branch segment thereby defining a recess in a distal end of the end effector. The electrodes are disposed along the central branch and the plurality of outer branch segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2025
    Publication date: January 15, 2026
    Applicant: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Pieter Emmelius VAN NIEKERK, Debby HIGHSMITH, Juan RODRIGUEZ SOTO, Babak EBRAHIMI, Mohammad ABBAS, Pedro D. PEDROSO
  • Publication number: 20250366757
    Abstract: A flexible circuit is herein disclosed. The flexible circuit is intended for insertion into an internal body cavity of a patient. The flexible circuit includes a flexible substrate comprising a bio-compatible material and extending along a substrate plane, a plurality of electrodes disposed on the flexible substrate, and a conductive wire routed along the flexible substrate and connected to one or more of the plurality electrodes by a stitch pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2025
    Publication date: December 4, 2025
    Applicant: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Pieter Emmelius VAN NIEKERK, Babak EBRAHIMI, Debby HIGHSMITH, Mohammad ABBAS, Juan RODRIGUEZ SOTO, Jamie HENRIQUEZ, Audrey Claire GOO
  • Patent number: 12465268
    Abstract: A guiding sheath has a hemostatic valve and a central lumen into which a diagnostic or treatment catheter can be introduced and guided into a patient. The hemostatic valve also includes an electrically conducting element or proximity sensing element on its proximal end that interacts with a second electrically conducting element or proximity sensing element on a proximal end of the diagnostic or treatment catheter that can be passed through the central lumen of the guiding sheath and into the patient's heart. The interaction between the two electrically conducting elements or proximity sensing elements enables the location of the distal end of the diagnostic or treatment catheter in the patient's heart without the need for irradiating the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2025
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Debby Highsmith, Paul Suarez, Brandon Tran, Tara Gomez-Hampton, Elijah Li
  • Publication number: 20250194983
    Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a medical probe. The medical probe includes an elongated body, a flexible circuit and one or more electrodes. The elongated body extends along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end, defines a lumen, and includes a tube and outer wall jacket. The tube extends along the longitudinal axis and includes slits that permit the elongated body to deflect relative to the longitudinal axis. The outer wall jacket surrounds the tube. The flexible circuit is disposed on the outer wall jacket. The one or more electrodes are disposed on the flexible circuit and are designed to be placed in contact with tissue of an organ.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2024
    Publication date: June 19, 2025
    Inventors: Paul SUAREZ, Debby HIGHSMITH, Mark STANLEY, Kevin RORICK, Zahir CHAUDHRY
  • Publication number: 20250177055
    Abstract: The disclosed technology includes medical probe that includes an elongated shaft, a guidewire, coils, and electrodes. The elongated shaft extends along a longitudinal axis and is dimensioned to be inserted into a vein of Marshall. The guidewire extends through a lumen in the elongated shaft. The coils are connected to the distal dip of the elongated shaft and each coil is configured to generate a current when subjected to a magnetic field, the current being indicative of a position of the respective coil. The electrodes are connected to the distal tip. Each electrode is designed to (i) sense anatomical signals in the vein of Marshall and provide electrical signals which are indicative of the anatomical signals or (ii) convey ablation energy to a target tissue region proximal the vein of Marshall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2023
    Publication date: June 5, 2025
    Inventors: Paul SUAREZ, Debby HIGHSMITH, Kokou Anani Mawuena AMEFIA, Meir BAR-TAL, Abraham BERGER
  • Patent number: 12268413
    Abstract: A tool to determine a pre-puncture needle shape to provide a desired approach to a target location based on measured patient anatomy is disclosed herein. Anatomical relationship between an outlet of an access vessel and a desired puncture sight on the interatrial septum is used to determine the pre-puncture needle shape. The tool may be used to provide a recommended preferred needle shape from a collection of predetermined needle shapes (e.g. commercially available needle shapes) and/or recommend a bent shape to which a physician may modify a predetermined needle shape to fit. Additionally, or alternatively, the tool may be used to provide a recommended preferred needle shape to manufacturers to create a bespoke needle shape for a given patient and/or a recommended preferred needle shape for patient cohort having similar anatomy within the cohort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Debby Highsmith, Joaquin Kurz
  • Publication number: 20240306914
    Abstract: Described embodiments include an apparatus that includes an expandable structure, configured for insertion into a body of a subject, and a plurality of conducting elements coupled to the expandable structure. Each of the conducting elements comprises a respective coil and has an insulated portion that is electrically insulated from tissue of the subject, and an uninsulated portion configured to exchange signals with the tissue, while in contact with the tissue. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Applicant: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Meir BAR-TAL, Michael LEVIN, Avi REUVENI, Debby HIGHSMITH, Ariel GARCIA, Daniel OSADCHY, Shmuel AUERBACH
  • Publication number: 20240206906
    Abstract: A tool to determine a pre-puncture needle shape to provide a desired approach to a target location based on measured patient anatomy is disclosed herein. Anatomical relationship between an outlet of an access vessel and a desired puncture sight on the interatrial septum is used to determine the pre-puncture needle shape. The tool may be used to provide a recommended preferred needle shape from a collection of predetermined needle shapes (e.g. commercially available needle shapes) and/or recommend a bent shape to which a physician may modify a predetermined needle shape to fit. Additionally, or alternatively, the tool may be used to provide a recommended preferred needle shape to manufacturers to create a bespoke needle shape for a given patient and/or a recommended preferred needle shape for patient cohort having similar anatomy within the cohort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2022
    Publication date: June 27, 2024
    Inventors: Debby HIGHSMITH, Joaquin KURZ
  • Publication number: 20240197255
    Abstract: A sensor unit for a medical probe having coils that each have a respective central axis that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the medical probe such that the coils are disposed one or more substrates. A first coil can have conductive surfaces exposed to an external environment while a second coil has its conductive surfaces insulated or sealed from the external environment. The coils can be configured to output 1) physiologic electrical signals (e.g., ECG) received at the at least two exposed windings, and 2) signals indicative of environmental impedance/conductance in the vicinity of the at least two exposed windings. The coils can further be configured to determine a position of the sensor based on magnetic field, determine a curvature of the sensor, directionally measure environmental impedance/conductance, and/or measure temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2023
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Inventors: Lior Botzer, Paul Suarez, Debby Highsmith, Kokou Anani Mawuena Amefia
  • Publication number: 20240197230
    Abstract: A sensor for a medical probe having one or more coils with at least two exposed winding portions. The one or more coils can be configured to output 1) electrocardiogram (ECG) signals received at the at least two exposed windings, and 2) signals indicative of environmental impedance/conductance in the vicinity of the at least two exposed windings. The one or more coils can further be configured to determine a position of the sensor based on magnetic field, determine a curvature of the sensor, directionally measure environmental impedance/conductance, and/or measure temperature. Insulated portions of the one or more coils can be interleaved with the at least two exposed winding portions. The sensor can be integral to a catheter or guide wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2023
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Inventors: Lior Botzer, Paul Suarez, Debby Highsmith, Kokou Anani Mawuena Amefia
  • Publication number: 20240123191
    Abstract: A stabilized coronary sinus catheter system having a proximal section and a distal section with a memory shape portion, and a tip, distal of the memory shape portion. A handle having a body, a tip deflection actuator, a memory shape portion deployment actuator, and an axis. The tip is in line with the axis and the tip deflection actuator is at a first position. The tip is deflected out of alignment with the axis when the tip deflection actuator is at a second position. A third position is a delivery configuration where the memory shape portion and the tip are in line with the axis. The memory shape portion deployment actuator is at a first location. A deployed configuration allows the memory shape portion to form a predetermined shape conforming to the shape of the coronary sinus when the memory shape portion deployment actuator is at a second location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Debby HIGHSMITH, Meir BAR-TAL, Mohammed PINNJARA