Patents by Inventor Erik Thai

Erik Thai 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: 8852163
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for percutaneous intravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Mark E. Deem, Hanson Gifford, III, Denise Zarins, Douglas Sutton, Erik Thai, Mark Gelfand, Howard R. Levin
  • Patent number: 8845629
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Denise Demarais, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Erik Thai, Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand
  • Patent number: 8818514
    Abstract: Methods for intravascularly-induced renal neuromodulation. In some embodiments, a method can include positioning a pair of bipolar electrodes within renal vasculature of a human patient and expanding a balloon within the renal vasculature. The method can further include delivering an electric field via the bipolar electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Erik Thai
  • Patent number: 8808345
    Abstract: The present disclosure comprises handle assemblies for intravascular treatment devices. In one embodiment, a handle assembly comprises an actuator for deflecting a distal region of an intravascular treatment device. In one embodiment, a handle assembly comprises a rotator for rotating an intravascular treatment device independently of the handle assembly. In one embodiment, a handle assembly comprises a rotation limiting element for limiting independent rotation of an intravascular treatment device relative to the handle assembly. Methods and systems for intravascular delivery, deflection and placement of an intravascular treatment device via a handle assembly of the present invention are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Clark, William R. George, Kenneth J. Michlitsch, John Paul Sam, Erik Thai, Andrew Wu
  • Publication number: 20140228739
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for percutaneous intravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Mark E. Deem, Hanson Gifford, III, Denise Zarins, Douglas Sutton, Erik Thai, Mark Gelfand, Howard R. Levin
  • Patent number: 8784463
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Erik Thai, Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand
  • Patent number: 8777942
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for achieving thermally-induced renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a thermal element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Andrew Wu, Benjamin J. Clark, Denise Zarins, Erik Thai
  • Patent number: 8774913
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for intravascularly-induced neuromodulation or denervation. Neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of energy or neuromodulatory agents to target neural matter, or to vascular structures that support the target neural matter. In some embodiments, parameters of the target neural matter, of non-target tissue, or of the apparatus may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the neuromodulation or denervation. Such monitoring data optionally may be utilized for feedback control of the neuromodulation or denervation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Denise Demarais, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Douglas Sutton, Erik Thai, Benjamin J. Clark, Nicolas Zadno
  • Patent number: 8768470
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for percutaneous intravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Mark Deem, Hanson Gifford, III, Denise Demarais, Douglas Sutton, Erik Thai, Mark Gelfand, Howard R. Levin
  • Patent number: 8728075
    Abstract: Multi-directional deflectable catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a catheter treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a thermal element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermally or electrical renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or cool, or otherwise electrically modulate, neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Andrew Wu, Benjamin J. Clark, Denise Zarins, Erik Thai, Kenneth J. Michlitsch, Mark S. Leung
  • Patent number: 8728138
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Erik Thai, Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand
  • Patent number: 8728137
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Denise Zarins, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Erik Thai, Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand
  • Patent number: 8702679
    Abstract: Interventional catheter-based systems and methods are described herein for use in generating an initial pathway through vascular occlusions. The catheter systems generally include two elements. A first element is a Blunt Dissection Catheter including a manually actuated assembly located at the distal tip of the Blunt Dissection Catheter that performs blunt dissection in the vascular occlusion to produce a dissection track, or small pathway through the occlusion. The second element is a Sheath Catheter that serves as a conduit within which the Blunt Dissection Catheter is freely advanced, retracted and rotated. The first and second elements are used in some combination to cross vascular occlusions in both the coronary and peripheral vasculature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventors: Robert K. Deckman, Erik Thai, Amiel R. Aguilar, Benjamin J. Clark, Sergio Salinas, Daniel E. Francis, Kurt D. Sparks
  • Patent number: 8684998
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Denise Demarais, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Erik Thai, Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand
  • Publication number: 20140081259
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for percutaneous intravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Mark E. Deem, Hanson Gifford, III, Denise Zarins, Douglas Sutton, Erik Thai, Mark Gelfand, Howard R. Levin
  • Publication number: 20140058377
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for percutaneous intravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Mark E. Deem, Hanson Gifford, III, Denise Zarins, Douglas Sutton, Erik Thai, Mark Gelfand, Howard R. Levin
  • Patent number: 8652129
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for achieving thermally-induced renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a thermal element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Andrew Wu, Benjamin J. Clark, Denise Zarins, Erik Thai
  • Publication number: 20140018723
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for percutaneous intravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Mark E. Deem, Hanson Gifford, III, Denise Zarins, Douglas Sutton, Erik Thai, Mark Gelfand, Howard R. Levin
  • Publication number: 20140012258
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for intravascularly-induced neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field, e.g., to effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, changes in cytokine upregulation, etc., in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, the intravascular PEF system comprises a catheter having a pair of bipolar electrodes for delivering the PEF, with a first electrode positioned on a first side of an impedance-altering element and a second electrode positioned on an opposing side of the impedance-altering element. A length of the electrodes, as well as a separation distance between the first and second electrodes, may be specified such that, with the impedance-altering element deployed in a manner that locally increases impedance within a patient's vessel, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Denise Demarais, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Erik Thai
  • Patent number: 8548600
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for percutaneous intravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Mark Deem, Hanson Gifford, III, Denise Demarais, Douglas Sutton, Erik Thai, Mark Gelfand, Howard R. Levin