Patents by Inventor Geoffrey H. Willis

Geoffrey H. Willis 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: 20220257223
    Abstract: Components for an endoscopic vessel harvesting system suitable for harvesting target vessels such as the saphenous vein or radial artery for cardiac artery bypass graft surgery. The main components of such systems include a vessel dissector and a vessel harvester, both of which work in conjunction with a separately provided endoscope. The vessel dissector is an elongated cannula having a blunt tip for separating layers of facial around vessels. The tip may be movable, and is typically transparent to permit viewing forward of the tip using the endoscope. Internal features of the tip may reduce glare back to the endoscope. Several devices improve visibility through the tip by reducing interference from tissue or fluid on the tip. The vessel harvester also has an elongated cannula for receiving the endoscope. Several tools within the harvester permit manipulation, severing, and sealing of vessels forward of the distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Applicant: MAQUET CARDIOVASCULAR LLC
    Inventors: Liming LAU, Peter L. CALLAS, Michael C. STEWART, Geoffrey H. WILLIS, Ryan C. ABBOTT, Kimberly D. BARKMAN, Albert K. CHIN, Kenny L. DANG, Joseph N. LAMBERTI, Arthur M. LIN, Ravinder D. PAMNANI
  • Patent number: 11389589
    Abstract: Described herein are syringe devices, systems and methods. In general, the syringe may include a first chamber and a cartridge movable within the first chamber. The cartridge may include a cartridge chamber and a valve in fluid communication with the cartridge chamber and the first chamber and having an open configuration and a closed configuration. The valve may allow movement of a liquid out of the cartridge chamber while in a open configuration. The cartridge may also include a second end, movable within the cartridge chamber, and a locking mechanism having a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, the locking mechanism preventing movement of the second end within the cartridge chamber while in the locked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Bee Sight LLC
    Inventors: Martin N. Lee, Jeffrey J. Christian, Michael D. Laufer, Geoffrey H. Willis
  • Patent number: 11141055
    Abstract: Components for an endoscopic vessel harvesting system suitable for harvesting target vessels such as the saphenous vein or radial artery for cardiac artery bypass graft surgery. The main components of such systems include a vessel dissector and a vessel harvester, both of which work in conjunction with a separately provided endoscope. The vessel dissector is an elongated cannula having a blunt tip for separating layers of facial around vessels. The tip may be movable, and is typically transparent to permit viewing forward of the tip using the endoscope. Internal features of the tip may reduce glare back to the endoscope. Several devices improve visibility through the tip by reducing interference from tissue or fluid on the tip. The vessel harvester also has an elongated cannula for receiving the endoscope. Several tools within the harvester permit manipulation, severing, and sealing of vessels forward of the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Maquet Cardiovascular LLC
    Inventors: Liming Lau, Peter L. Callas, Michael C. Stewart, Geoffrey H. Willis, Ryan C. Abbott, Charles J. Adam, Kimberly D. Barkman, Kenny L. Dang, Joseph N. Lamberti, Arthur M. Lin, Ravinder D. Pamnani
  • Patent number: 11134835
    Abstract: A vessel dissector used in conjunction with an endoscope is provided with a lumen for receiving the endoscope; a blunt dissecting tip provided on a distal end of an elongated cannula permitting tissue dissection while viewing internal body structures via an objective lens of the endoscope; and a vessel severing tool extending through at least a portion of the elongated cannula and translatable longitudinally relative to the elongated cannula, and the vessel severing tool comprises an electrode-carrying member translatable circumferentially within an arcuate slot extending through an outer surface of the vessel dissector, wherein the arcuate slot comprises an inner radius, an outer radius and a central radius, wherein the outer radius is greater than the inner radius and the central radius is located between the outer radius and the inner radius so the arcuate slot provides a uniform opening through which the electrode-carrying member can extend and retract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: MAQUET CARDIOVASCULAR LLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey H. Willis, Ryan C. Abbott
  • Publication number: 20210219835
    Abstract: Components for an endoscopic vessel harvesting system suitable for harvesting target vessels such as the saphenous vein or radial artery for cardiac artery bypass graft surgery. The main components of such systems include a vessel dissector and a vessel harvester, both of which work in conjunction with a separately provided endoscope. The vessel dissector is an elongated cannula having a blunt tip for separating layers of facial around vessels. The tip may be movable, and is typically transparent to permit viewing forward of the tip using the endoscope. Internal features of the tip may reduce glare back to the endoscope. Several devices improve visibility through the tip by reducing interference from tissue or fluid on the tip. The vessel harvester also has an elongated cannula for receiving the endoscope. Several tools within the harvester permit manipulation, severing, and sealing of vessels forward of the distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Applicant: MAQUET CARDIOVASCULAR LLC
    Inventors: Liming LAU, Peter L. CALLAS, Michael C. STEWART, Geoffrey H. WILLIS, Ryan C. ABBOTT, Charles J. ADAM, Kimberly D. BARKMAN, Albert K. CHIN, Kenny L. DANG, Joseph N. LAMBERTI, Arthur M. LIN, Ravinder D. PAMNANI
  • Publication number: 20190380688
    Abstract: Components for an endoscopic vessel harvesting system suitable for harvesting target vessels such as the saphenous vein or radial artery for cardiac artery bypass graft surgery. The main components of such systems include a vessel dissector and a vessel harvester, both of which work in conjunction with a separately provided endoscope. The vessel dissector is an elongated cannula having a blunt tip for separating layers of facial around vessels. The tip may be movable, and is typically transparent to permit viewing forward of the tip using the endoscope. Internal features of the tip may reduce glare back to the endoscope. Several devices improve visibility through the tip by reducing interference from tissue or fluid on the tip. The vessel harvester also has an elongated cannula for receiving the endoscope. Several tools within the harvester permit manipulation, severing, and sealing of vessels forward of the distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Applicant: MAQUET CARDIOVASCULAR LLC
    Inventors: Liming LAU, Peter L. CALLAS, Michael C. STEWART, Geoffrey H. WILLIS, Ryan C. ABBOTT, Charles J. ADAM, Kimberley D. BARKMAN, Albert K. CHIN, Kenny L. DANG, Joseph N. LAMBERTI, Arthur M. LIN, Ravinder D. PAMNANI
  • Publication number: 20190358398
    Abstract: Described herein are syringe devices, systems and methods. In general, the syringe may include a first chamber and a cartridge movable within the first chamber. The cartridge may include a cartridge chamber and a valve in fluid communication with the cartridge chamber and the first chamber and having an open configuration and a closed configuration. The valve may allow movement of a liquid out of the cartridge chamber while in a open configuration. The cartridge may also include a second end, movable within the cartridge chamber, and a locking mechanism having a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, the locking mechanism preventing movement of the second end within the cartridge chamber while in the locked configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Applicant: Bee Sight Limited
    Inventors: Martin N. Lee, Jeffrey J. Christian, Michael D. Laufer, Geoffrey H. Willis
  • Publication number: 20190254645
    Abstract: Components for an endoscopic vessel harvesting system suitable for harvesting target vessels such as the saphenous vein or radial artery for cardiac artery bypass graft surgery. The main components of such systems include a vessel dissector and a vessel harvester, both of which work in conjunction with a separately provided endoscope. The vessel dissector is an elongated cannula having a blunt tip for separating layers of facial around vessels. The tip may be movable, and is typically transparent to permit viewing forward of the tip using the endoscope. Internal features of the tip may reduce glare back to the endoscope. Several devices improve visibility through the tip by reducing interference from tissue or fluid on the tip. The vessel harvester also has an elongated cannula for receiving the endoscope. Several tools within the harvester permit manipulation, severing, and sealing of vessels forward of the distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Applicant: MAQUET CARDIOVASCULAR LLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey H. WILLIS, Ryan C. ABBOTT
  • Patent number: 10322236
    Abstract: Described herein are syringe devices, systems and methods. In general, the syringe may include a first chamber and a cartridge movable within the first chamber. The cartridge may include a cartridge chamber and a valve in fluid communication with the cartridge chamber and the first chamber and having an open configuration and a closed configuration. The valve may allow movement of a liquid out of the cartridge chamber while in a open configuration. The cartridge may also include a second end, movable within the cartridge chamber, and a locking mechanism having a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, the locking mechanism preventing movement of the second end within the cartridge chamber while in the locked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Bee Sight Limited
    Inventors: Martin N. Lee, Jeffrey J. Christian, Michael D. Laufer, Geoffrey H. Willis
  • Patent number: 10299770
    Abstract: Components for an endoscopic vessel harvesting system include a vessel dissector and a vessel harvester. In this case, a vessel dissector is provided that is used in conjunction with an endoscope, and comprises: an elongated cannula including a lumen therein for receiving the endoscope; a blunt dissecting tip provided on a distal end of the elongated cannula that permits an operator of the vessel dissector to dissect tissue while viewing internal body structures via an objective lens of the endoscope; and a vessel severing tool extending through at least a portion of the elongated cannula, wherein the vessel severing tool is capable of translating longitudinally relative to the elongated cannula, and wherein the vessel severing tool comprises an electrode-carrying member that is capable of translating circumferentially within an arcuate slot extending through an outer surface of the vessel dissector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: MAQUET CARDIOVASCULAR LLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey H. Willis, Ryan C. Abbott
  • Publication number: 20180035988
    Abstract: Components for an endoscopic vessel harvesting system suitable for harvesting target vessels such as the saphenous vein or radial artery for cardiac artery bypass graft surgery. The main components of such systems include a vessel dissector and a vessel harvester, both of which work in conjunction with a separately provided endoscope. The vessel dissector is an elongated cannula having a blunt tip for separating layers of facial around vessels. The tip may be movable, and is typically transparent to permit viewing forward of the tip using the endoscope. Internal features of the tip may reduce glare back to the endoscope. Several devices improve visibility through the tip by reducing interference from tissue or fluid on the tip. The vessel harvester also has an elongated cannula for receiving the endoscope. Several tools within the harvester permit manipulation, severing, and sealing of vessels forward of the distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Maquet Cardiovascular LLC
    Inventors: Liming LAU, Peter L. CALLAS, Michael C. STEWART, Geoffrey H. WILLIS, Ryan C. ABBOTT, Charles J. ADAM, Kimberley D. BARKMAN, Albert K. CHIN, Kenny L. DANG, Joseph N. LAMBERTI, Arthur M. LIN, Ravi PAMNANI
  • Publication number: 20180000470
    Abstract: Components for an endoscopic vessel harvesting system suitable for harvesting target vessels such as the saphenous vein or radial artery for cardiac artery bypass graft surgery. The main components of such systems include a vessel dissector and a vessel harvester, both of which work in conjunction with a separately provided endoscope. The vessel dissector is an elongated cannula having a blunt tip for separating layers of facial around vessels. The tip may be movable, and is typically transparent to permit viewing forward of the tip using the endoscope. Internal features of the tip may reduce glare back to the endoscope. Several devices improve visibility through the tip by reducing interference from tissue or fluid on the tip. The vessel harvester also has an elongated cannula for receiving the endoscope. Several tools within the harvester permit manipulation, severing, and sealing of vessels forward of the distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Maquet Cardiovascular LLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey H. WILLIS, Joseph N. LAMBERTI, Ryan C. ABBOTT
  • Publication number: 20170347996
    Abstract: Components for an endoscopic vessel harvesting system suitable for harvesting target vessels such as the saphenous vein or radial artery for cardiac artery bypass graft surgery. The main components of such systems include a vessel dissector and a vessel harvester, both of which work in conjunction with a separately provided endoscope. The vessel dissector is an elongated cannula having a blunt tip for separating layers of facial around vessels. The tip may be movable, and is typically transparent to permit viewing forward of the tip using the endoscope. Internal features of the tip may reduce glare back to the endoscope. Several devices improve visibility through the tip by reducing interference from tissue or fluid on the tip. The vessel harvester also has an elongated cannula for receiving the endoscope. Several tools within the harvester permit manipulation, severing, and sealing of vessels forward of the distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: Maquet Cardiovascular LLC
    Inventors: Liming LAU, Peter L. CALLAS, Michael C. STEWART, Geoffrey H. WILLIS, Ryan C. ABBOTT, Charles J. ADAM, Kimberley D. BARKMAN, Albert K. CHIN, Kenny L. DANG, Joseph N. LAMBERTI, Arthur M. LIN, Ravi PAMNANI
  • Patent number: 9770230
    Abstract: Components for an endoscopic vessel harvesting system suitable for harvesting target vessels such as the saphenous vein or radial artery for cardiac artery bypass graft surgery. The main components of such systems include a vessel dissector and a vessel harvester, both of which work in conjunction with a separately provided endoscope. The vessel dissector is an elongated cannula having a blunt tip for separating layers of facial around vessels. The tip may be movable, and is typically transparent to permit viewing forward of the tip using the endoscope. Internal features of the tip may reduce glare back to the endoscope. Several devices improve visibility through the tip by reducing interference from tissue or fluid on the tip. The vessel harvester also has an elongated cannula for receiving the endoscope. Several tools within the harvester permit manipulation, severing, and sealing of vessels forward of the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: MAQUET CARDIOVASCULAR LLC
    Inventors: Liming Lau, Geoffrey H. Willis, Albert K. Chin, Arthur M. Lin
  • Publication number: 20170182249
    Abstract: Described herein are syringe devices, systems and methods. In general, the syringe may include a first chamber and a cartridge movable within the first chamber. The cartridge may include a cartridge chamber and a valve in fluid communication with the cartridge chamber and the first chamber and having an open configuration and a closed configuration. The valve may allow movement of a liquid out of the cartridge chamber while in a open configuration. The cartridge may also include a second end, movable within the cartridge chamber, and a locking mechanism having a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, the locking mechanism preventing movement of the second end within the cartridge chamber while in the locked configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventors: Martin N. LEE, Jeffrey J. CHRISTIAN, Michael D. LAUFER, Geoffrey H. WILLIS
  • Patent number: 9610113
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus and methods for severing and welding tissue, in particular blood vessels. The apparatus includes an elongated shaft having a pair of relatively movable jaws at a distal end thereof. A first heating element on one of the jaws is adapted to heat up to a first temperature and form a welded region within the tissue, while a second heating element on one of the jaws is adapted to heat up to a second temperature and sever the tissue within the welded region. The first and second heating elements may be provided on the same or opposite jaws. A control handle provided on the proximal end of the elongated shaft includes controls for opening and closing the jaws, and may include an actuator for sending current through the first and second heating elements. The first and second heating elements may be electrically connected in series, and the first heating element may be bifurcated such that it conducts about one half of the current as the second heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: MAQUET CARDIOVASCULAR LLC
    Inventors: Liming Lau, Arnold M. Escano, Jerry Jarrard, Samuel Ho, Ryan C. Abbott, Arthur M. Lin, Jesse McQuiston, Peter L. Callas, Geoffrey H. Willis, Michael C. Stewart, Kimberly D. Otto, Joseph N. Lamberti, Kenny L. Dang
  • Patent number: 9539391
    Abstract: Described herein are syringe devices, systems and methods. In general, the syringe may include a first chamber and a cartridge movable within the first chamber. The cartridge may include a cartridge chamber and a valve in fluid communication with the cartridge chamber and the first chamber and having an open configuration and a closed configuration. The valve may allow movement of a liquid out of the cartridge chamber while in a open configuration. The cartridge may also include a second end, movable within the cartridge chamber, and a locking mechanism having a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, the locking mechanism preventing movement of the second end within the cartridge chamber while in the locked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Shi Zi Technology, Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin N. Lee, Jeffrey J. Christian, Michael D. Laufer, Geoffrey H. Willis
  • Publication number: 20160310117
    Abstract: Forming a proximal anastomosis on an aortic wall includes method and instrumentation and apparatus for forming an aortic puncture and inserting into the vessel through the puncture a fluid-impervious sealing element with a protruding retainer. An anastomosis of a graft vessel over the puncture is partially completed with the retainer of the sealing element protruding through the partial anastomosis. The retainer facilitates removal of the sealing element from the partial anastomosis prior to completion of the procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Applicant: MAQUET Cardiovascular LLC
    Inventors: Albert K. Chin, Dwight Morejohn, Charles S. Taylor, Steven B. Choi, Eugene Reis, John W. Davis, Geoffrey H. Willis, Edwarda Pineda, Kushal P. Vepa
  • Patent number: 9345461
    Abstract: Forming a proximal anastomosis on an aortic wall includes method and instrumentation and apparatus for forming an aortic puncture and inserting into the vessel through the puncture a fluid-impervious sealing element with a protruding retainer. An anastomosis of a graft vessel over the puncture is partially completed with the retainer of the sealing element protruding through the partial anastomosis. The retainer facilitates removal of the sealing element from the partial anastomosis prior to completion of the procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: MAQUET Cardiovascular LLC
    Inventors: Albert K. Chin, Dwight Morejohn, Charles S. Taylor, Steven B. Choi, Eugene Reis, John W. Davis, Geoffrey H. Willis, Edward A. Pineda, Kushal P. Vepa
  • Publication number: 20150190576
    Abstract: Described herein are syringe devices, systems and methods. In general, the syringe may include a first chamber and a cartridge movable within the first chamber. The cartridge may include a cartridge chamber and a valve in fluid communication with the cartridge chamber and the first chamber and having an open configuration and a closed configuration. The valve may allow movement of a liquid out of the cartridge chamber while in a open configuration. The cartridge may also include a second end, movable within the cartridge chamber, and a locking mechanism having a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, the locking mechanism preventing movement of the second end within the cartridge chamber while in the locked configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Publication date: July 9, 2015
    Applicant: SHI ZI TECHNOLOGY, LTD.
    Inventors: Martin N. LEE, Jeffrey J. CHRISTIAN, Michael D. LAUFER, Geoffrey H. WILLIS