Patents by Inventor Gregory J. Stahler
Gregory J. Stahler 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: 20140081292Abstract: The apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a flexible sheath instrument, a flexible guide instrument, and a tool. The flexible sheath instrument comprises a first instrument base removably coupleable to an instrument driver and defines a sheath instrument working lumen. The flexible guide instrument comprises a second instrument base removably coupleable to the instrument driver and is threaded through the sheath instrument working lumen. The guide instrument also defines a guide instrument working lumen. The tool is threaded through the guide instrument working lumen. For this embodiment of the apparatus, the sheath instrument and guide instrument are independently controllable relative to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: HANSEN MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Frederic H. Moll, Daniel T. Wallace, Gregory J. Stahler, David F. Moore, Daniel T. Adams, Kenneth M. Martin, Robert G. Younge, Michael R. Zinn, Gunter D. Niemeyer, David Lundmark
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Patent number: 8617102Abstract: The apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a flexible sheath instrument, a flexible guide instrument, and a tool. The flexible sheath instrument comprises a first instrument base removably coupleable to an instrument driver and defines a sheath instrument working lumen. The flexible guide instrument comprises a second instrument base removably coupleable to the instrument driver and is threaded through the sheath instrument working lumen. The guide instrument also defines a guide instrument working lumen. The tool is threaded through the guide instrument working lumen. For this embodiment of the apparatus, the sheath instrument and guide instrument are independently controllable relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Hansen Medical, Inc.Inventors: Frederic H. Moll, Daniel T. Wallace, Gregory J. Stahler, David F. Moore, Daniel T. Adams, Kenneth M. Martin, Robert G. Younge, Michael R. Zinn, Gunter D. Niemeyer, David C. Lundmark
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Publication number: 20130231679Abstract: A robotic catheter system includes a controller with a master input device. An instrument driver is in communication with the controller and has a guide instrument interface including a plurality of guide instrument drive elements responsive to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device. An elongate guide instrument has a base, distal end, and a working lumen, wherein the guide instrument base is operatively coupled to the guide instrument interface. The guide instrument includes a plurality of guide instrument control elements operatively coupled to respective guide drive elements and secured to the distal end of the guide instrument. The guide instrument control elements are axially moveable relative to the guide instrument such that movement of the guide instrument distal end may be controlled by the master input device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2013Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: HANSEN MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Daniel T. Wallace, Frederic H. Moll, Robert G. Younge, Kenneth M. Martin, Gregory J. Stahler, David F. Moore, Daniel T. Adams, Michael R. Zinn, Gunter D. Niemeyer
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Patent number: 8409234Abstract: Robotic instrument systems, apparatus, and methods for controllably rotating a tool or adapter coupled to a distal portion of a medical instrument such as a catheter. An interface, which may be integral with the medical instrument or a component of a separate rotatable apparatus or adapter, is operably coupled, e.g. fixedly coupled, to the distal end of the instrument. A tool, such as a rotatable portion of a collar or tool base, or a working instrument operably coupled thereto, is rotatable relative to the interface. The interface and collar have guide channels. A control element extends through the medical instrument and respective guide channels such that the tool or collar is controllably rotatable about the instrument axis by axial movement of the control element relative to the instrument.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2008Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Hansen Medical, Inc.Inventors: Gregory J. Stahler, Christopher R. Carlson, Robert G. Younge
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Patent number: 8409172Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes an instrument driver and an instrument assembly operatively coupled to the instrument driver such that mechanisms of the instrument driver operate or control movement, operation, or both, of components of the instrument assembly. The instrument assembly components include an elongate flexible guide instrument, an optical light source, a camera and a working tool, wherein the light source, camera, and working tool are carried in one or more lumens of the guide instrument. An operator control station is operatively coupled to the instrument driver via a remote communication link.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2007Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Hansen Medical, Inc.Inventors: Frederic H. Moll, Daniel T. Wallace, Gregory J. Stahler, Christopher R. Carlson, Federico Barbagli
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Patent number: 8409136Abstract: A robotic catheter system includes a controller with a master input device. An instrument driver is in communication with the controller and has a guide instrument interface including a plurality of guide instrument drive elements responsive to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device. An elongate guide instrument has a base, distal end, and a working lumen, wherein the guide instrument base is operatively coupled to the guide instrument interface. The guide instrument includes a plurality of guide instrument control elements operatively coupled to respective guide drive elements and secured to the distal end of the guide instrument. The guide instrument control elements are axially moveable relative to the guide instrument such that movement of the guide instrument distal end may be controlled by the master input device.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Hansen Medical, Inc.Inventors: Daniel T. Wallace, Frederic H. Moll, Robert G. Younge, Kenneth M. Martin, Gregory J. Stahler, David F. Moore, Daniel T. Adams, Michael R. Zinn, Gunter D. Niemeyer
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Patent number: 8394054Abstract: A robotic catheter system includes a controller with a master input device. An instrument driver is in communication with the controller and has a guide instrument interface including a plurality of guide instrument drive elements responsive to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device. An elongate guide instrument has a base, distal end, and a working lumen, wherein the guide instrument base is operatively coupled to the guide instrument interface. The guide instrument includes a plurality of guide instrument control elements operatively coupled to respective guide drive elements and secured to the distal end of the guide instrument. The guide instrument control elements are axially moveable relative to the guide instrument such that movement of the guide instrument distal end may be controlled by the master input device.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2011Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Hansen Medical, Inc.Inventors: Daniel T. Wallace, Frederic H. Moll, Robert G. Younge, Kenneth M. Martin, Gregory J. Stahler, David F. Moore, Daniel T. Adams, Michael R. Zinn, Gunter D. Niemeyer
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Patent number: 8388556Abstract: A method for estimating the force on a distal end of a working catheter includes positioning a portion of a robotically controlled guide catheter and working catheter into a body lumen wherein a distal end of the working catheter projects distally from a distal end of the guide catheter. The working catheter and guide catheter are dithered with respect to one another using a dithering device operatively connected to a proximal portion of the working catheter. The coupling may occur directly to the working catheter or via a seal such as a Touhy seal. The force experienced by the working catheter at a proximal region is measured through at least one dithering cycle. The force at the distal end of the working catheter is then estimated based on the measured force at the proximal region. The estimated force may be displayed to a physician on, for example, a monitor.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2011Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Hansen Medical, Inc.Inventors: Daniel T. Wallace, Gregory J. Stahler, Alex Goldenberg, Gene Reis, Robert G. Younge, Mathew Clopp, David Camarillo, Toby St. John King
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Publication number: 20120296161Abstract: Systems and methods for controllably traversing a tissue wall. In one embodiment, a distal end of a catheter is positioned and/or repositioned utilizing direct visualization out the distal end of the catheter, as facilitated by an imaging element disposed within the distal tip of the catheter. An inflatable balloon may comprise a portion of the distal tip of the catheter for structural and/or visualization media purposes. A tissue traversing element may be forwarded through a working lumen defined by the catheter and controllably pushed through a tissue wall as observed with the imaging element. The tissue traversing element may comprise sensors and the like to facilitate monitoring of changes in pressure, color, oxygen saturation, flow rate, and echo timing, to determine the position of the tissue traversing member relative to the tissue wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: HANSEN MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Daniel T. WALLACE, Daniel T. ADAMS, Frederic H. MOLL, Gregory J. STAHLER
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Patent number: 8257303Abstract: The apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a flexible sheath instrument, a flexible guide instrument, and a tool. The flexible sheath instrument comprises a first instrument base removably coupleable to an instrument driver and defines a sheath instrument working lumen. The flexible guide instrument comprises a second instrument base removably coupleable to the instrument driver and is threaded through the sheath instrument working lumen. The guide instrument also defines a guide instrument working lumen. The tool is threaded through the guide instrument working lumen. For this embodiment of the apparatus, the sheath instrument and guide instrument are independently controllable relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2011Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Hansen Medical, Inc.Inventors: Frederic H. Moll, Daniel T. Wallace, Gregory J. Stahler, David F. Moore, Daniel T. Adams, Kenneth M. Martin, Robert G. Younge, Michael R. Zinn, Gunter D. Niemeyer, David C. Lundmark
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Publication number: 20120209174Abstract: The apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a flexible sheath instrument, a flexible guide instrument, and a tool. The flexible sheath instrument comprises a first instrument base removably coupleable to an instrument driver and defines a sheath instrument working lumen. The flexible guide instrument comprises a second instrument base removably coupleable to the instrument driver and is threaded through the sheath instrument working lumen. The guide instrument also defines a guide instrument working lumen. The tool is threaded through the guide instrument working lumen. For this embodiment of the apparatus, the sheath instrument and guide instrument are independently controllable relative to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: HANSEN MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Frederic H. MOLL, Daniel T. Wallace, Gregory J. Stahler, David F. Moore, Daniel T. Adams, Kenneth M. Martin, Robert G. Younge, Michael R. Zinn, Gunter D. Niemeyer, David Lundmark
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Publication number: 20120071895Abstract: Anti-buckling devices for supporting flexible elongated members are described herein. In one variation, an anti-buckling device includes a first coupler for coupling to a first device, a second coupler for coupling to a second device that is configured to position a catheter member, a first set of support members coupled between the first coupler and the second coupler, and a plurality of holders coupled to the support members, the holders configured for supporting the catheter member, wherein the first set of support members form a support frame that can be extended by moving the first and second couplers away from each other, and can be collapsed by moving the first and second couplers towards each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Inventors: Gregory J. Stahler, Enrique Romo, Aaron M. Weiss
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Publication number: 20120065467Abstract: The apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a flexible sheath instrument, a flexible guide instrument, and a tool. The flexible sheath instrument comprises a first instrument base removably coupleable to an instrument driver and defines a sheath instrument working lumen. The flexible guide instrument comprises a second instrument base removably coupleable to the instrument driver and is threaded through the sheath instrument working lumen. The guide instrument also defines a guide instrument working lumen. The tool is threaded through the guide instrument working lumen. For this embodiment of the apparatus, the sheath instrument and guide instrument are independently controllable relative to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: HANSEN MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Frederic H. Moll, Daniel T. Wallace, Gregory J. Stahler, David F. Moore, Daniel T. Adams, Kenneth M. Martin, Robert G. Younge, Michael R. Zinn, Gunter D. Niemeyer, David Lundmark
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Patent number: 8108069Abstract: A robotic instrument system and method, comprising at least two instrument drive assemblies each detachably coupled to a respective instrument assembly. Each instrument assembly comprising an elongate, flexible guide instrument configured to be inserted into a patient's body. The instrument drive assemblies comprise one or more motors configure to operate a respective instrument assembly. One or more controllers are operatively coupled to the instrument drive assemblies. The method comprises maneuvering a distal end of each of the respective guide instruments into a patient's heart by actuating the respective drive assembly performing a procedure controlled by the one or more controllers.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Hansen Medical, Inc.Inventors: Gregory J. Stahler, Frederic H. Moll
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Publication number: 20120004668Abstract: A robotic catheter system includes a controller with a master input device. An instrument driver is in communication with the controller and has a guide instrument interface including a plurality of guide instrument drive elements responsive to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device. An elongate guide instrument has a base, distal end, and a working lumen, wherein the guide instrument base is operatively coupled to the guide instrument interface. The guide instrument includes a plurality of guide instrument control elements operatively coupled to respective guide drive elements and secured to the distal end of the guide instrument. The guide instrument control elements are axially moveable relative to the guide instrument such that movement of the guide instrument distal end may be controlled by the master input device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2011Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: HANSEN MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Daniel T. Wallace, Frederic H. Moll, Robert G. Younge, Kenneth M. Martin, Gregory J. Stahler, David F. Moore, Daniel T. Adams, Michael R. Zinn, Gunter D. Niemeyer
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Patent number: 8052636Abstract: The apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a flexible sheath instrument, a flexible guide instrument, and a tool. The flexible sheath instrument comprises a first instrument base removably coupleable to an instrument driver and defines a sheath instrument working lumen. The flexible guide instrument comprises a second instrument base removably coupleable to the instrument driver and is threaded through the sheath instrument working lumen. The guide instrument also defines a guide instrument working lumen. The tool is threaded through the guide instrument working lumen. For this embodiment of the apparatus, the sheath instrument and guide instrument are independently controllable relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2006Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Hansen Medical, Inc.Inventors: Frederic H. Moll, Daniel T. Wallace, Gregory J. Stahler, David F. Moore, Daniel T. Adams, Kenneth M. Martin, Robert G. Younge, Michael R. Zinn, Gunter D. Niemeyer, David Lundmark
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Publication number: 20110270273Abstract: A robotic surgical system (100) includes an instrument driver (106) that is mounted on an operation table (104), and an instrument assembly (108) is operatively coupled to the instrument driver (106), wherein the instrument assembly (108) includes a flexible guide instrument and a component instrument carried in a lumen of the guide instrument, the component instrument including a light source, camera and laser energy fiber.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: HANSEN MEDICAL, INCInventors: Frederic H. Moll, Daniel T. Wallace, Gregory J. Stahler, Christopher R. Carlson, Federico Barbagli
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Publication number: 20110238083Abstract: The apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a flexible sheath instrument, a flexible guide instrument, and a tool. The flexible sheath instrument comprises a first instrument base removably coupleable to an instrument driver and defines a sheath instrument working lumen. The flexible guide instrument comprises a second instrument base removably coupleable to the instrument driver and is threaded through the sheath instrument working lumen. The guide instrument also defines a guide instrument working lumen. The tool is threaded through the guide instrument working lumen. For this embodiment of the apparatus, the sheath instrument and guide instrument are independently controllable relative to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2011Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: HANSEN MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Frederic H. Moll, Daniel T. Wallace, Gregory J. Stahler, David F. Moore, Daniel T. Adams, Kenneth M. Martin, Robert G. Younge, Michael R. Zinn, Gunter D. Niemeyer, David Lundmark
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Publication number: 20110230896Abstract: A robotic catheter system includes a controller with a master input device. An instrument driver is in communication with the controller and has a guide instrument interface including a plurality of guide instrument drive elements responsive to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device. An elongate guide instrument has a base, distal end, and a working lumen, wherein the guide instrument base is operatively coupled to the guide instrument interface. The guide instrument includes a plurality of guide instrument control elements operatively coupled to respective guide drive elements and secured to the distal end of the guide instrument. The guide instrument control elements are axially moveable relative to the guide instrument such that movement of the guide instrument distal end may be controlled by the master input device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: HANSEN MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Daniel T. Wallace, Frederic H. Moll, Robert G. Younge, Kenneth M. Martin, Gregory J. Stahler, David F. Moore, Daniel T. Adams, Michael R. Zinn, Gunter D. Niemeyer
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Patent number: 8021326Abstract: A robotic medical system comprises an operator control station having a master input device, a catheter instrument, and an instrument driver in communication with the operator control station. The catheter instrument includes an elongate flexible catheter member, a flexible control element extending within the catheter member, and a proximal drivable assembly configured to axially move the control element relative to the catheter member to perform a kinematic function at a distal end of the catheter member. The instrument driver is configured to operate the drivable assembly to axially move the control element in response to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device. The drivable assembly is mounted to the instrument driver, thereby providing mechanically close relationship between the drivable assembly and the instrument driver.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2005Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Hansen Medical, Inc.Inventors: Frederic H. Moll, Daniel T. Wallace, Robert G. Younge, Kenneth M. Martin, Gregory J. Stahler, David F. Moore, Daniel T. Adams, Michael R. Zinn, Gunter D. Niemeyer