Patents by Inventor Giovanni Leo
Giovanni Leo 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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Publication number: 20190110835Abstract: A method and apparatus that utilizes a force-time integral for real time estimation of steam pop in catheter-based ablation systems. The apparatus measures the force exerted by a contact ablation probe on a target tissue and an energization parameter delivered to the ablation probe. The exerted force and energization parameter can be utilized to provide an estimation of the probability of steam pop. In one embodiment, the force and energization metrics can be used as feedback to establish a desired contact force and energization level combination to prevent steam popping.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2018Publication date: April 18, 2019Inventors: Giovanni Leo, Hendrik Lambert
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Patent number: 10159528Abstract: A method and apparatus that utilizes a force-time integral for real time estimation of steam pop in catheter-based ablation systems. The apparatus measures the force exerted by a contact ablation probe on a target tissue and an energization parameter delivered to the ablation probe. The exerted force and energization parameter can be utilized to provide an estimation of the probability of steam pop. In one embodiment, the force and energization metrics can be used as feedback to establish a desired contact force and energization level combination to prevent steam popping.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2016Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: ST JUDE MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL HOLDING S.À R.L.Inventors: Giovanni Leo, Hendrik Lambert
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Publication number: 20180339134Abstract: An elongated surgical manipulator apparatus and method of operating enables determination of the shape of a flexible portion of the elongated surgical manipulator and/or the location of an arbitrary point thereon, as well as a measure of a contact force exerted on a distal portion of the manipulator. A plurality of fiber optics are operatively coupled with the manipulator, each of the fiber optics including a plurality of fiber Bragg gratings for determination of the shape and/or position. Each of the fiber optics further includes a fiber optic strain gauge such as a Bragg grating or a Fabry-Perot resonator at a distal portion of the elongated surgical manipulator that is isolated from the strain associated with the bending of the manipulator. The fiber optic strain gauges at the distal portion may thus be used to detect a force vector (magnitude and direction) imposed on the distal portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2018Publication date: November 29, 2018Inventor: Giovanni Leo
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Patent number: 10111607Abstract: A method and apparatus that utilizes a force-time integral for real time estimation of lesion size in catheter-based ablation systems. The apparatus measures the force exerted by a contact ablation probe on a target tissue and integrates the force over an energization time of the ablation probe. The force-time integral can be calculated and utilized to provide an estimated lesion size (depth, volume and/or area) in real time. The force-time integral may also account for variations in the power delivered to the target tissue in real time to provide an improved estimation of the lesion size. In one embodiment, the force metric can be used as feedback to establish a desired power level delivered to the probe to prevent steam popping.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2015Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: ST JUDE MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL HOLDING S.À R.L.Inventors: Giovanni Leo, Dipen Shah, Hendrik Lambert
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Publication number: 20180214215Abstract: A roll-sensing sensor assembly comprises an elongate body defining a first axis. A plurality of electrodes can be disposed about the first axis. A coil can extend along and be disposed about a second axis. In some embodiments, a canting plane of a loop in the coil is nonzero relative to a line perpendicular to and extending from the first axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2016Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventor: Giovanni Leo
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Publication number: 20180206937Abstract: An apparatus and method for diagnosis or treatment of a vessel or organ. The apparatus includes a deformable body such as a catheter having a tissue ablation end effector and an irrigation channel in fluid communication therewith. At least two sensors are disposed within a distal extremity of the deformable body, the sensors being responsive to a wave in a specified range of frequency to detect deformations resulting from a contact force applied to the distal extremity. A microprocessor can be operatively coupled with the sensors to receive outputs therefrom, the microprocessor being configured to resolve a multi-dimensional force vector corresponding to the contact force. In one embodiment, the sensors are fiber Bragg grating sensors, and the wave is injected into the fiber Bragg grating strain sensors from a laser diode.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2018Publication date: July 26, 2018Inventors: Giovanni Leo, Nicolas Aeby, Daniele Inaudi
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Patent number: 9993617Abstract: An elongated surgical manipulator apparatus and method of operating enables determination of the shape of a flexible portion of the elongated surgical manipulator and/or the location of an arbitrary point thereon, as well as a measure of a contact force exerted on a distal portion of the manipulator. A plurality of fiber optics are operatively coupled with the manipulator, each of the fiber optics including a plurality of fiber Bragg gratings for determination of the shape and/or position. Each of the fiber optics further includes a fiber optic strain gauge such as a Bragg grating or a Fabry-Perot resonator at a distal portion of the elongated surgical manipulator that is isolated from the strain associated with the bending of the manipulator. The fiber optic strain gauges at the distal portion may thus be used to detect a force vector (magnitude and direction) imposed on the distal portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2014Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: St. Jude Medical International Holdings S.À R.L.Inventor: Giovanni Leo
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Patent number: 9907618Abstract: An apparatus and method for diagnosis or treatment of a vessel or organ. The apparatus includes a deformable body such as a catheter having a tissue ablation end effector and an irrigation channel in fluid communication therewith. At least two sensors are disposed within a distal extremity of the deformable body, the sensors being responsive to a wave in a specified range of frequency to detect deformations resulting from a contact force applied to the distal extremity. A microprocessor can be operatively coupled with the sensors to receive outputs therefrom, the microprocessor being configured to resolve a multi-dimensional force vector corresponding to the contact force. In one embodiment, the sensors are fiber Bragg grating sensors, and the wave is injected into the fiber Bragg grating strain sensors from a laser diode.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2014Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: ST JUDE MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL HOLDING S.À R.L.Inventors: Giovanni Leo, Nicolas Aeby, Daniele Inaudi
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Publication number: 20170209667Abstract: A fiber optic force sensing assembly for detecting forces imparted at a distal end of a catheter assembly. The structural member may include segments adjacent each other in a serial arrangement, with gaps located between adjacent segments that are bridged by flexures. Fiber optics are coupled to the structural member. In one embodiment, each fiber optic has a distal end disposed adjacent one of the gaps and oriented for emission of light onto and for collection of light reflected from a segment adjacent the gap. The optical fibers cooperate with the deformable structure to provide a change in the intensity of the reflected light, or alternatively to provide a variable gap interferometer for sensing deformation of the structural member. In another embodiment, the gaps are bridged by fiber Bragg gratings that reflect light back through the fiber optic at central wavelengths that vary with the strain imposed on the grating.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2017Publication date: July 27, 2017Inventors: Nicolas Aeby, Giovanni Leo
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Publication number: 20170196479Abstract: A medical device, system, and method having a flexible shaft and a multi-core fiber within the flexible shaft. The multi-core fiber includes a plurality of optical cores dedicated for shape sensing sensors, and a plurality of optical cores dedicated for force sensing sensors. A medical device flexing structure assembly can comprise a multi-core fiber comprising a plurality of cores, and a flexing structure comprising at least one slot. Each of the plurality of cores can comprise a fiber Bragg grating, and the flexing structure can be configured to bend in response to a force imparted on the flexing structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2017Publication date: July 13, 2017Inventors: Yu Liu, John W. Sliwa, Jiayin Liu, Giovanni Leo, Troy T. Tegg
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Patent number: 9597036Abstract: A fiber optic force sensing assembly for detecting forces imparted at a distal end of a catheter assembly. The structural member may include segments adjacent each other in a serial arrangement, with gaps located between adjacent segments that are bridged by flexures. Fiber optics are coupled to the structural member. In one embodiment, each fiber optic has a distal end disposed adjacent one of the gaps and oriented for emission of light onto and for collection of light reflected from a segment adjacent the gap. The optical fibers cooperate with the deformable structure to provide a change in the intensity of the reflected light, or alternatively to provide a variable gap interferometer for sensing deformation of the structural member. In another embodiment, the gaps are bridged by fiber Bragg gratings that reflect light back through the fiber optic at central wavelengths that vary with the strain imposed on the grating.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: St. Jude Medical International Holding S.à r.l.Inventors: Nicolas Aeby, Giovanni Leo
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Publication number: 20170007323Abstract: A method and apparatus that utilizes a force-time integral for real time estimation of steam pop in catheter-based ablation systems. The apparatus measures the force exerted by a contact ablation probe on a target tissue and an energization parameter delivered to the ablation probe. The exerted force and energization parameter can be utilized to provide an estimation of the probability of steam pop. In one embodiment, the force and energization metrics can be used as feedback to establish a desired contact force and energization level combination to prevent steam popping.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2016Publication date: January 12, 2017Inventors: Giovanni Leo, Dipen Shah, Hendrik Lambert
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Publication number: 20160213282Abstract: A method and apparatus that utilizes a force-time integral for real time estimation of lesion size in catheter-based ablation systems. The apparatus measures the force exerted by a contact ablation probe on a target tissue and integrates the force over an energization time of the ablation probe. The force-time integral can be calculated and utilized to provide an estimated lesion size (depth, volume and/or area) in real time. The force-time integral may also account for variations in the power delivered to the target tissue in real time to provide an improved estimation of the lesion size. In one embodiment, the force metric can be used as feedback to establish a desired power level delivered to the probe to prevent steam popping.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2015Publication date: July 28, 2016Inventors: Giovanni Leo, Dipen Shah, Hendrik Lambert
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Patent number: 9393068Abstract: A method and apparatus that utilizes a force-time integral for real time estimation of steam pop in catheter-based ablation systems. The apparatus measures the force exerted by a contact ablation probe on a target tissue and an energization parameter delivered to the ablation probe. The exerted force and energization parameter can be utilized to provide an estimation of the probability of steam pop. In one embodiment, the force and energization metrics can be used as feedback to establish a desired contact force and energization level combination to prevent steam popping.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2011Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: ST. JUDE MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL HOLDING S.À R.L.Inventors: Giovanni Leo, Hendrik Lambert
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Publication number: 20160128768Abstract: An irrigated finned ablation head that provides enhanced cooling. The irrigated finned ablation head comprises a plurality of radial fins that are distributed about a central axis and that extend axially from a common base. The plurality of fins are arranged to define a central passageway along the central axis, as well as a plurality of slots therebetween, the slots extending in an axial direction along the irrigated finned ablation head. In one embodiment, the central passageway extends through the irrigated finned ablation head, defining an opening at the distal extremity, with the slots extending from the base to the opening. In another embodiment, the irrigated finned ablation head includes a cap portion at a distal portion that is common to all the radial fins, so that the slots are terminated at the distal portion of the irrigated finned ablation head. The radial flow distribution along the central axis can be tailored by the configuration of the central passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2015Publication date: May 12, 2016Inventors: Giovanni Leo, Nicolas Aeby
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Patent number: 9237920Abstract: A method and apparatus that utilizes a force-time integral for real time estimation of lesion size in catheter-based ablation systems. The apparatus measures the force exerted by a contact ablation probe on a target tissue and integrates the force over an energization time of the ablation probe. The force-time integral can be calculated and utilized to provide an estimated lesion size (depth, volume and/or area) in real time. The force-time integral may also account for variations in the power delivered to the target tissue in real time to provide an improved estimation of the lesion size. In one embodiment, the force metric can be used as feedback to establish a desired power level delivered to the probe to prevent steam popping.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2014Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holding S.À.R.L.Inventors: Giovanni Leo, Dipen Shah, Hendrik Lambert
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Patent number: 9179968Abstract: An irrigated finned ablation head that provides enhanced cooling. The irrigated finned ablation head comprises a plurality of radial fins that are distributed about a central axis and that extend axially from a common base. The plurality of fins are arranged to define a central passageway along the central axis, as well as a plurality of slots therebetween, the slots extending in an axial direction along the irrigated finned ablation head. In one embodiment, the central passageway extends through the irrigated finned ablation head, defining an opening at the distal extremity, with the slots extending from the base to the opening. In another embodiment, the irrigated finned ablation head includes a cap portion at a distal portion that is common to all the radial fins, so that the slots are terminated at the distal portion of the irrigated finned ablation head. The radial flow distribution along the central axis can be tailored by the configuration of the central passageway.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: ST. JUDE MEDICAL LUXEMBOURG HOLDING S.À.R.L.Inventors: Giovanni Leo, Nicolas Aeby
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Publication number: 20150216612Abstract: An apparatus and method for diagnosis or treatment of a vessel or organ. The apparatus includes a deformable body such as a catheter having a tissue ablation end effector and an irrigation channel in fluid communication therewith. At least two sensors are disposed within a distal extremity of the deformable body, the sensors being responsive to a wave in a specified range of frequency to detect deformations resulting from a contact force applied to the distal extremity. A microprocessor can be operatively coupled with the sensors to receive outputs therefrom, the microprocessor being configured to resolve a multi-dimensional force vector corresponding to the contact force. In one embodiment, the sensors are fiber Bragg grating sensors, and the wave is injected into the fiber Bragg grating strain sensors from a laser diode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2014Publication date: August 6, 2015Inventors: Giovanni Leo, Nicolas Aeby, Daniele Inaudi
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Patent number: 8961436Abstract: Apparatus is provided for diagnosing or treating an organ or vessel, wherein a device having at least two optical fiber sensors disposed in a distal extremity thereof is coupled to processing logic programmed to compute a multi-dimensional force vector responsive to detected changes in the optical characteristics of the optical fiber sensors arising from deflection of the distal extremity resulting from contact with the tissue of the wall of the organ or vessel. The force vector may be used to facilitate manipulation of the catheter either directly or automatically using a robotic system.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holding S.á.r.l.Inventors: Giovanni Leo, Nicolas Aeby, Daniele Inaudi
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Patent number: 8932288Abstract: An apparatus and method for diagnosis or treatment of a vessel or organ. The apparatus includes a deformable body such as a catheter having a tissue ablation end effector and an irrigation channel in fluid communication therewith. At least two sensors are disposed within a distal extremity of the deformable body, the sensors being responsive to a wave in a specified range of frequency to detect deformations resulting from a contact force applied to the distal extremity. A microprocessor can be operatively coupled with the sensors to receive outputs therefrom, the microprocessor being configured to resolve a multi-dimensional force vector corresponding to the contact force. In one embodiment, the sensors are fiber Bragg grating sensors, and the wave is injected into the fiber Bragg grating strain sensors from a laser diode.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2011Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Endosense SAInventors: Giovanni Leo, Nicolas Aeby, Daniele Inaudi