Patents by Inventor Douglas N. Stephens
Douglas N. Stephens 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).
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Patent number: 11413477Abstract: An ultrasound transmitter device for treating a patient is provided. The ultrasound transmitter device includes an imaging probe; an imaging array; and a therapeutic ultrasound device, wherein the imaging probe is configured to guide the therapeutic ultrasound device to the patients treatment site by use of ultrasound imaging with the imaging array, wherein the therapeutic ultrasound device is configured to produce a controlled intensity of ultrasound energy for treating the patients treatment site, and wherein the imaging probe and the therapeutic ultrasound device are configured to work in conjunction with one another to apply therapeutic ultrasound to tissue or bone graft sites in the patient.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2017Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignees: CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER, THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Dan Gazit, Gadi Pelled, Katherine W. Ferrara, Douglas N. Stephens
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Publication number: 20220079559Abstract: A modular array includes modular array includes one or more array modules. Each array module includes one or more transducer arrays, where each of the one or more transducer arrays includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements; a conducting interposer arranged and configured to provide acoustic absorbing backing for the one or more transducer arrays; and one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). The conducting interposer and the one or more ASICs are in electrical contact with each other at a first direct electrical interface. Additionally, the conducting interposer and the one or more transducer arrays are in electrical contact with each other at a second direct electrical interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2021Publication date: March 17, 2022Applicants: University of Southern California, The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Robert G. Wodnicki, Qifa Zhou, Thomas Matthew Cummins, Douglas N. Stephens, Katherine W. Ferrara
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Patent number: 11134918Abstract: A modular array includes modular array includes one or more array modules. Each array module includes one or more transducer arrays, where each of the one or more transducer arrays includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements; a conducting interposer arranged and configured to provide acoustic absorbing backing for the one or more transducer arrays; and one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). The conducting interposer and the one or more ASICs are in electrical contact with each other at a first direct electrical interface. Additionally, the conducting interposer and the one or more transducer arrays are in electrical contact with each other at a second direct electrical interface.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2017Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignees: University of Southern California, The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Robert G. Wodnicki, Qifa Zhou, Thomas Matthew Cummins, Douglas N. Stephens, Katherine W. Ferrara
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Publication number: 20200078607Abstract: An ultrasound transmitter device for treating a patient is provided. The ultrasound transmitter device includes an imaging probe; an imaging array; and a therapeutic ultrasound device, wherein the imaging probe is configured to guide the therapeutic ultrasound device to the patients treatment site by use of ultrasound imaging with the imaging array, wherein the therapeutic ultrasound device is configured to produce a controlled intensity of ultrasound energy for treating the patients treatment site, and wherein the imaging probe and the therapeutic ultrasound device are configured to work in conjunction with one another to apply therapeutic ultrasound to tissue or bone graft sites in the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2017Publication date: March 12, 2020Applicants: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, The Regents of The University of CaliforniaInventors: Dan GAZIT, Gadi PELLED, Katherine W. FERRARA, Douglas N. STEPHENS
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Publication number: 20200046320Abstract: A modular array includes modular array includes one or more array modules. Each array module includes one or more transducer arrays, where each of the one or more transducer arrays includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements; a conducting interposer arranged and configured to provide acoustic absorbing backing for the one or more transducer arrays; and one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). The conducting interposer and the one or more ASICs are in electrical contact with each other at a first direct electrical interface. Additionally, the conducting interposer and the one or more transducer arrays are in electrical contact with each other at a second direct electrical interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2017Publication date: February 13, 2020Applicants: University of Southern California, Regents of the University of California, DaavisInventors: Robert G. WODNICKI, Qifa ZHOU, Thomas Matthew CUMMINS, Douglas N. STEPHENS, Katherine W. FERRARA
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Publication number: 20110201973Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an ultrasound compatible ablation electrode for use in ultrasound imaging guidance of ablation therapy using RF or the like. In one embodiment, an ultrasound compatible ablation catheter comprises a catheter body having a distal end and an ultrasonic transducer directing ultrasonic beams for imaging a target; and an ablation electrode connected to the catheter body, the ablation electrode having a plastic shell and a metallic coating on the plastic shell which are disposed in a path of the ultrasonic beams of the ultrasonic transducer between the ultrasonic transducer and the target, the metallic coating of the ablation electrode to be energized for ablation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2011Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: ST. JUDE MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Douglas N. STEPHENS, Alan DE LA RAMA, Peter C. CHEN
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Publication number: 20110034809Abstract: An ultrasound transducer assembly of the present invention includes a flexible circuit to which an ultrasound transducer array and integrated circuitry are attached during fabrication of the ultrasound transducer assembly. The flexible circuit comprises a flexible substrate to which the integrated circuitry and transducer elements are attached while the flexible substrate is in a substantially flat shape. The flexible circuit further comprises electrically conductive lines that are deposited upon the flexible substrate. The electrically conductive lines transport electrical signals between the integrated circuitry and the transducer elements. After assembly, the flexible circuit is re-shapable into a final form such as, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2010Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: VOLCANO CORPORATIONInventors: Michael J. Eberle, Douglas N. Stephens, Gary Rizzuti, Horst F. Kiepen, Andreas Hodjicostis
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Patent number: 7846101Abstract: An ultrasound transducer assembly of the present invention includes a flexible circuit to which an ultrasound transducer array and integrated circuitry are attached during fabrication of the ultrasound transducer assembly. The flexible circuit comprises a flexible substrate to which the integrated circuitry and transducer elements are attached while the flexible substrate is in a substantially flat shape. The flexible circuit further comprises electrically conductive lines that are deposited upon the flexible substrate. The electrically conductive lines transport electrical signals between the integrated circuitry and the transducer elements. After assembly, the flexible circuit is re-shapable into a final form such as, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Volcano CorporationInventors: Michael J. Eberle, Douglas N. Stephens, Gary Rizzuti, Horst Kiepen, Andreas Hodjicostis
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Patent number: 7736317Abstract: An ultrasound transducer array (408) includes at least one transducer element (412) having a first (604) and second (606) portions separated by an acoustical discontinuity (520). The first portion (604) has the desired length to form a half-wave k31 resonance, while the second portion (606) has a resonant length for an undesired very low frequency out-of-band k31 resonance. The thickness of the transducer element (412) is designed for k33 half-resonance. Given the design, the transducer element (412) can operate and provide for both forward-looking (514) and side looking (512) elevation apertures. A method is also disclosed for using the disclosed ultrasound transducer (412) in ultrasound imaging.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Volcano CorporationInventors: Douglas N. Stephens, Matthew O'Donnell
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Publication number: 20100068260Abstract: A composition coupled to an agent with a cleavable linker is provided. Specifically, the composition is used for releasing the agent through a temperature-sensitive mechanism at a targeted location in a subject with heat. It is advantageous to applications where there is a need to accurately deploy an agent in a targeted location to reduce adverse side effects or increase efficacy of the agent. A device and method for providing heat at the targeted location in the subject is also provided. The device and method allows release of the agents in a targeted manner and prevents overheating of the targeted location or the tissue surrounding the targeted location. It is advantageous to applications where there is a need to accurately control the temperature in a targeted location in a biological body, for instance, to deploy an agent in the targeted location.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventors: Dustin E. Kruse, Claude Meares, Katherine W. Ferrara, Eric Paoli, Douglas N. Stephens, Jeffrey Day
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Patent number: 7226417Abstract: An ultrasound transducer assembly of the present invention includes a flexible circuit to which an ultrasound transducer array and integrated circuitry are attached during fabrication of the ultrasound transducer assembly. The flexible circuit comprises a flexible substrate to which the integrated circuitry and transducer elements are attached while the flexible substrate is in a substantially flat shape. The flexible circuit further comprises electrically conductive lines that are deposited upon the flexible substrate. The electrically conductive lines transport electrical signals between the integrated circuitry and the transducer elements. After assembly, the flexible circuit is re-shapable into a final form such as, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1996Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Volcano CorporationInventors: Michael J. Eberle, Douglas N. Stephens, Gary Rizzuti, Horst F. Kiepen, Andreas Hodjicostis
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Patent number: 6780157Abstract: An ultrasound transducer array (408) includes at least one transducer element (412) having a first (604) and second (606) portions separated by an acoustical discontinuity (520). The first portion (604) has the desired length to form a half-wave k31 resonance, while the second portion (606) has a resonant length for an undesired very low frequency out-of-band k31 resonance. The thickness of the transducer element (412) is designed for k33 half-resonance. Given the design, the transducer element (412) can operate and provide for both forward-looking (514) and side looking (512) elevation apertures. A method is also disclosed for using the disclosed ultrasound transducer (412) in ultrasound imaging.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Volcano Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: Douglas N. Stephens, Matthew O'Donnell
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Publication number: 20030015037Abstract: An ultrasound transducer array (408) includes at least one transducer element (412) having a first (604) and second (606) portions separated by an acoustical discontinuity (520). The first portion (604) has the desired length to form a half-wave k31 resonance, while the second portion (606) has a resonant length for an undesired very low frequency out-of-band k31 resonance. The thickness of the transducer element (412) is designed for k33 half-resonance. Given the design, the transducer element (412) can operate and provide for both forward-looking (514) and side looking (512) elevation apertures. A method is also disclosed for using the disclosed ultrasound transducer (412) in ultrasound imaging.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2002Publication date: January 23, 2003Applicant: Jomed Inc.Inventors: Douglas N. Stephens, Matthew O'Donnell
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Publication number: 20020157472Abstract: An ultrasound transducer array (408) includes at least one transducer element (412) having a first (604) and second (606) portions separated by an acoustical discontinuity (520). The first portion (604) has the desired length to form a half-wave k31 resonance, while the second portion (606) has a resonant length for an undesired very low frequency out-of-band k31 resonance. The thickness of the transducer element (412) is designed for k33 half-resonance. Given the design, the transducer element (412) can operate and provide for both forward-looking (514) and side looking (512) elevation apertures. A method is also disclosed for using the disclosed ultrasound transducer (412) in ultrasound imaging.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2002Publication date: October 31, 2002Applicant: Jomed Inc.Inventors: Douglas N. Stephens, Matthew O'Donnell
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Patent number: 6457365Abstract: An ultrasound transducer array (408) includes at least one transducer element (412) having a first (604) and second (606) portions separated by an acoustical discontinuity (520). The first portion (604) has the desired length to form a half-wave k31 resonance, while the second portion (606) has a resonant length for an undesired very low frequency out-of-band k31 resonance. The thickness of the transducer element (412) is designed for k33 half-resonance. Given the design, the transducer element (412) can operate and provide for both forward-looking (514) and side looking (512) elevation apertures. A method is also disclosed for using the disclosed ultrasound transducer (412) in ultrasound imaging.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2000Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: EndoSonics CorporationInventors: Douglas N. Stephens, Matthew O'Donnell
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Patent number: 6224586Abstract: A catheter position guide (100) includes a first open channel (104) along the length of the position guide (100) designed to receive a catheter (202). An optional second channel (112) substantially on the opposite side of the first channel (104) is designed to receive a guide wire (204). One or more hubs (106, 108) help retain the catheter position guide's proximal end (110) to a pullback device (310).Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: EndoSonics CorporationInventor: Douglas N. Stephens
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Patent number: 5921931Abstract: A blood flow detection and imaging method and system is described for displaying images in accordance with signals transmitted from an intravascular ultrasound transducer probe. The image processor includes means for independently designating persistence factors for smoothing calculated speed and power of the dynamic portion of a field of view within a vasculature. Furthermore, the designation of a particular image point within a field of view as a dynamic image point (such as a blood flow region) as opposed to a static image point (such as a tissue region) is determined by averaging signal values for image points proximate to an image point of interest over both time and space.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1997Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: EndoSonics CorporationInventors: Matthew O'Donnell, Michael J. Eberle, Douglas N. Stephens, Gerald Litzza, Randy Ziegenbein, David Bleam, Ching-Chen Wu
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Patent number: 5453575Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for imaging blood flow from within a vasculature. An ultrasound catheter probe carrying an ultrasound transducer array is inserted within a blood vessel. The transducer array emits ultrasound excitation signals and receives ultrasound echo waveforms reflected from blood and tissue in a region of the vasculature. A series of the echo waveforms resulting from a series of excitation signals are combined in a manner such that the echo signals from static features in the region, such as tissue and plaque, are significantly attenuated. The combined signal primarily represents the relatively dynamic features in the region (i.e. the blood flow). A blood flow image is constructed from the combined signal. The blood flow image is colorized and combined with an image of the relatively static features in the region. Thereafter, the combined image is displayed on a video display.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1994Date of Patent: September 26, 1995Assignee: Endosonics CorporationInventors: Matthew O'Donnell, Michael J. Eberle, Douglas N. Stephens, Gerald L. Litzza, Daniel S. Haviland
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Patent number: 4917097Abstract: An in vivo imaging device is provided for producing real-time images of small, moving or stationary cavities and surrounding tissue structure. The imaging device includes a probe assembly of very small dimensions and preferably sufficiently small to fit within cavities having a diameter on the order of that of a human coronary artery. The probe assembly may be mounted to a positioning device such as a catheter, which allows for the use of, for example, conventional guiding catheters and guide wires.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1987Date of Patent: April 17, 1990Assignee: Endosonics CorporationInventors: Andrew P. Proudian, deceased, Michael J. Eberle, Adam D. Savakus, Horst F. Kiepen, Douglas N. Stephens, David H. Rammler