Patents by Inventor Hong Cao

Hong Cao 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).

  • NERVE ABLATION DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS OF USE
    Publication number: 20140276752
    Abstract: An ablation device is provided for forming one or more lesions on a wall of an artery, such as a renal artery. The device can include an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The device may also include a handle disposed at the proximal end, a distal tip including an electrode disposed at the distal end, and one or a plurality of independently expandable splines proximate the distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: HUISUN WANG, HONG CAO
  • DEFLECTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES
    Publication number: 20140276787
    Abstract: A deflective medical device including a catheter shaft having a distal end, and an ablation electrode disposed at the distal end of the catheter shaft. A deflection body is provided within the catheter shaft, and the deflection body includes a longitudinally extending spine. Multiple slots are formed in the deflection body, and the slots define a group of ribs. A flex member is disposed distal to the deflection body, and an intermediate region is defined between the deflection body and the flex member. A deflection mechanism is coupled to the intermediate region, which includes a retaining member, a collar, and a pull wire coupled to the collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: HUISUN WANG, HONG CAO, KENNETH R. LARSON, JEFFREY A. NYLUND, KATHERINE S. ROUTH, JAMES D. VETSCH
  • MEDICAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MODULATING NERVES
    Publication number: 20140276755
    Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a medical device for modulating nerves. The medical device may include an elongate shaft having a distal region. Two or more electrodes may be positioned adjacent to the distal end region of the elongate shaft. A control unit may supply power and control algorithms to the electrodes. The control algorithm may allow the electrodes to be operated simultaneously and individually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: HONG CAO, HUISUN WANG
  • Irrigated ablation catheter system with pulsatile flow to prevent thrombus
    Publication number: 20140257282
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ablation catheter which controls the temperature and reduces the coagulation of biological fluids on an electrode of a catheter, prevents the impedance rise of tissue in contact with the electrode, and maximizes the potential energy transfer to the tissue, thereby allowing an increase in the lesion size produced by the ablation. The electrode includes passages positioned to allow saline flow out of an inner cavity of the electrode. This fluid flow is pulsatile to increase turbulence, reducing areas of stagnant flow, and produces a desired cooling effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Huisun Wang, Jeremy D. Dando, Hong Cao
  • POWERED PULL WIRE DESIGN FOR ABLATION CATHETERS
    Publication number: 20140257130
    Abstract: Medical devices such as pull wire catheters and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. A pull wire catheter may include an elongate tubular member having a proximal end region, a distal end region and a lumen extending between the proximal end region and the distal end region. A therapeutic element may be disposed at the distal end region. A pull wire may extend through the lumen to the distal end region and may be fixed to the distal end region such that relative movement between the pull wire and the tubular member proximal region alters the distal end region. The pull wire may have a core comprising a first material having a first conductivity and a cladding comprising a second material having a second conductivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: HONG CAO, KENNETH R. LARSON, HUISUN WANG, JOHN C. BUMP
  • Device and method for real-time lesion estimation during ablation
    Publication number: 20140243813
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are ablation systems and methods for providing feedback on lesion formation in real-time. The methods and systems assess absorptivity of tissue based on a degree of electric coupling or contact between an ablation electrode and the tissue. The absorptivity can then be used, along with other information, including, power levels and activation times, to provide real-time feedback on the lesions being created. Feedback may be provided, for example, in the form of estimated lesion volumes and other lesion characteristics. The methods and systems can provide estimated treatment times to achieve a desired lesion characteristic for a given degree of contact, as well as depth of a lesion being created. The degree of contact may be measured using different techniques, including the phase angle techniques and a coupling index.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Saurav Paul, Hong Cao
  • Method for displaying catheter electrode-tissue contact in electro-anatomic mapping and navigation system
    Patent number: 8755860
    Abstract: An electrode coupling output system associated with an electrode catheter that provides indication to the physician via the navigation system, concerning the electrical coupling of an electrode, such as an ablative or mapping electrode, with a patient. The indication may be provided by changing the color or other display characteristics of the electrode on the navigation system display or by way of providing a waveform indicating the electrode coupling. In this manner, electrode coupling information is provided to a physician in a manner that minimizes physician distraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Sauray Paul, Hong Cao
  • Compounds as hypoxia mimetics, and compositions and uses thereof
    Patent number: 8742138
    Abstract: This invention relates to new compounds that can serve as hypoxia mimetics. This invention also relates to methods of increasing HIF levels or activity in a subject or treating a condition associated with HIF levels or activity in a subject by administering to the subject at least one of these compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignees: Betta Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xinshan Kang, Wei Long, Cunbo Ma, Yanping Wang, Hong Cao, Yinxiang Wang, Fenlai Tan, Yunyan Hu
  • Ablation catheter with thermally mediated catheter body for mitigating blood coagulation and creating larger lesion
    Patent number: 8734442
    Abstract: An ablation catheter is provided for ablating internal tissue of a patient. The catheter includes a distal end that is adapted to be inserted into a body cavity relative to a desired location therein (e.g., within the heart). An ablation electrode is connected relative to the distal end of the catheter for providing ablation energy to patient tissue. A heat sink is provided that is in thermal contact with the ablation electrode. The heat sink, in addition to being in thermal contact with the ablation electrode, is electrically isolated from the ablation electrode. This allows the heat sink to conduct heat away from the ablation electrode without dissipating electrical energy from the electrode. In this regard, the heat sink may prevent build-up of excess heat within the electrode that may result in blood coagulation and/or tissue charring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Hong Cao, Xiaoping Guo, Yitzhak I. Shai, Michael Yang, Kedar R. Belhe, Saurav Paul, Riki C. Thao
  • Handle set for ablation catheter with indicators of catheter and tissue parameters
    Patent number: 8728077
    Abstract: An electrode coupling output system provides indication to the physician, via electrode guidance instrumentation, concerning the electrical coupling of an electrode, such as an ablative or mapping electrode, with a patient. The output can be provided to the physician via an output device incorporated into the handle set of the electrode catheter. For example, a visual, audio or mechanical output can be provided via the handle set. Additionally or alternatively, the output can be provided to the physician via a navigation system. The indication may be provided by changing the color or other display characteristics of the electrode on the navigation system display or by way of providing a waveform indicating the electrode coupling. In this manner, electrode coupling information is provided to a physician in a manner that minimizes physician distraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Saurav Paul, Kedar Ravindra Belhe, Hong Cao, Chou Thao, James A. Hassett
  • Device and method for real-time lesion estimation during ablation
    Patent number: 8702690
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are ablation systems and methods for providing feedback on lesion formation in real-time. The methods and systems assess absorptivity of tissue based on a degree of electric coupling or contact between an ablation electrode and the tissue. The absorptivity can then be used, along with other information, including, power levels and activation times, to provide real-time feedback on the lesions being created. Feedback may be provided, for example, in the form of estimated lesion volumes and other lesion characteristics. The methods and systems can provide estimated treatment times to achieve a desired lesion characteristic for a given degree of contact, as well as depth of a lesion being created. The degree of contact may be measured using different techniques, including the phase angle techniques and a coupling index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Saurav Paul, Hong Cao
  • Irrigated ablation catheter system with pulsatile flow to prevent thrombus
    Patent number: 8690870
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ablation catheter which controls the temperature and reduces the coagulation of biological fluids on an electrode of a catheter, prevents the impedance rise of tissue in contact with the electrode, and maximizes the potential energy transfer to the tissue, thereby allowing an increase in the lesion size produced by the ablation. The electrode includes passages positioned to allow saline flow out of an inner cavity of the electrode. This fluid flow is pulsatile to increase turbulence, reducing areas of stagnant flow, and produces a desired cooling effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Huisun Wang, Jeremy D. Dando, Hong Cao
  • FABRIC ELECTRODE HEAD
    Publication number: 20140066926
    Abstract: An electrode head is disclosed that utilizes electrically conductive or dissipative fabric to exchange electrical energy with tissue. This electrode head may be used for any appropriate application, such as a catheter electrode, a return electrode, or the like. Any appropriate function may be provided by this electrode head, such as tissue ablation, tissue mapping, or providing an electrical ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Saurav Paul, Riki Chou Thao, Hong Cao, Kedar Ravindra Belhe
  • RENAL RF ABLATION SYSTEM WITH A MOVABLE VIRTUAL ELECTRODE AND RELATED METHODS OF USE
    Publication number: 20140066915
    Abstract: Tissue ablation devices and methods for using tissue ablation devices are disclosed. A tissue ablation device may include an elongate guide member having a distal section defined by a sidewall defining a lumen and having a plurality of openings. The distal section may have a helical shape in a released configuration. The tissue ablation device also may include an electrode having a distal end slideable within the distal section of the guide member. The electrode catheter may have an ablation element disposed thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Pu Zhou, Huisun Wang, HONG CAO
  • Ablation catheter electrode having multiple thermal sensors and method of use
    Publication number: 20130338664
    Abstract: The invention relates to electrodes used in ablation catheter devices, where the electrodes contain two or more thermal sensors at different positions within the electrode that are capable of detecting temperature differences along the external surface of the electrode. In preferred embodiments, the thermal sensors are separated by one or more thermal insulating members and the thermal sensors are positioned near the external surface of the electrode at about the same distance from the end of the electrode, so that temperature measurements can indicate the position of the electrode with respect to the tissue desired to be ablated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Huisun Wang, Hong Cao, Jeremy D. Dando
  • Ablation catheter with thermally mediated catheter body for mitigating blood coagulation and creating larger lesion
    Publication number: 20130338663
    Abstract: An ablation catheter is provided for ablating internal tissue of a patient. The catheter includes a distal end that is adapted to be inserted into a body cavity relative to a desired location therein (e.g., within the heart). An ablation electrode is connected relative to the distal end of the catheter for providing ablation energy to patient tissue. A heat sink is provided that is in thermal contact with the ablation electrode. The heat sink, in addition to being in thermal contact with the ablation electrode, is electrically isolated from the ablation electrode. This allows the heat sink to conduct heat away from the ablation electrode without dissipating electrical energy from the electrode. In this regard, the heat sink may prevent build-up of excess heat within the electrode that may result in blood coagulation and/or tissue charring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Hong Cao, Xiaoping Guo, Yitzhak I. Shai, Michael Yang, Kedar Ravindra Belhe, Saurav Paul, Riki Chou Thao
  • Novel Glucagon Like Peptide Analogs, Composition, and Method of Use
    Publication number: 20130203672
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel analogs of glucagon like peptide and compositions that are useful for up-regulating insulin expression in mammals and for treating diabetes. In particular, these peptide derivatives have a peptide mimic linker and provides long duration of action for the treatment of diabetes and other insulinotropic peptide related diseases, gastrointestinal function and activities associated with glucagon levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Shaojing Hu, Fenlai Tan, Yanping Wang, Cunbo Ma, Yunyan Hu, Hong Cao, Xiangdong Zhao, Wei Long, Yinxiang Wang, Lieming Ding
  • Pressure-sensitive flexible polymer bipolar electrode
    Publication number: 20130190754
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to bipolar ablation systems. A bipolar electrode system for ablation therapy is disclosed, including a pressure-sensitive conducting composite layer and a pair of electrodes in electrical conductive contact or communication with the pressure-sensitive conducting composite layer. Energy (e.g., ablation energy) is delivered via the pressure-sensitive conductive composition when sufficient pressure is applied to transform the pressure-sensitive conductive composite to an electrical conductor. An electrically insulative flexible layer, which may include a passageway for a fill material is also disclosed. In some embodiments, the systems can also be used for targeted delivery of compounds, such as drugs, using a bipolar electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Saurav Paul, Harry A. Puryear, Riki Thao, Hong Cao
  • Curved ablation catheter
    Patent number: 8486062
    Abstract: A curved ablation catheter imparts ablative energy to target tissue, for example, along a trabecular slope, e.g., in the right atrium along the isthmus between the ostium of the inferior vena cava and the tricuspid valve. The catheter is formed with a preset curvature that, when deployed, both translates linearly and increases in radius to aid in the formation of spot or continuous linear lesions. A method of treating atrial flutter employs the curved ablation catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Kedar Ravindra Belhe, Saurav Paul, Hong Cao, John Avi Roop
  • Ablation catheter electrode having multiple thermal sensors and method of use
    Patent number: 8460285
    Abstract: The invention relates to electrodes used in ablation catheter devices, where the electrodes contain two or more thermal sensors at different positions within the electrode that are capable of detecting temperature differences along the external surface of the electrode. In preferred embodiments, the thermal sensors are separated by one or more thermal insulating members and the thermal sensors are positioned near the external surface of the electrode at about the same distance from the end of the electrode, so that temperature measurements can indicate the position of the electrode with respect to the tissue desired to be ablated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Huisun Wang, Hong Cao, Jeremy D. Dando