Patents by Inventor Jean Woloszko
Jean Woloszko 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: 20170290619Abstract: Electrosurgical wands. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are electrosurgical wands having features that reduce contact of tissue with an active electrode of a wand, decrease the likelihood of clogging, and/or increase the visibility within surgical field. For example, wands in accordance with at least some embodiments may comprise standoffs, either along the outer perimeter of the active electrode, or through the main aperture in the active electrode, to reduce tissue contact. Wands in accordance with at least some embodiments may implement slots on the active electrodes to increase bubble aspiration to help keep the visual field at the surgical site clear. Wands in accordance with at least some embodiments may implement aspiration flow pathways within the wand that increase in cross-sectional area to reduce the likelihood of clogging.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2017Publication date: October 12, 2017Inventors: Jean Woloszko, Johnson E. Goode, David A. Cox, Philip M. Tetzlaff
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Publication number: 20170290620Abstract: Electrosurgical methods and systems. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including maintaining plasma proximate to an active electrode in a first energy range, and a second energy range. During periods when plasma is proximate to the active electrode, the illustrative method may include controlling flow of fluid drawn into an aperture of an electrosurgical wand, and in some situations increasing fluid flow drawing into the aperture responsive to the active electrode being in operational relationship with tissue, and in other cases decreasing fluid flow drawing into the aperture responsive to the active electrode being in operational relationship with tissue. Further, during periods when plasma is proximate to the active electrode, the illustrative method may include providing output energy at a default energy setpoint, and then providing output energy at a second energy setpoint.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2017Publication date: October 12, 2017Inventors: Jean Woloszko, Jonathan Gaspredes, David Yuan, Thomas P. Ryan
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Patent number: 9713489Abstract: Electrosurgical methods and systems. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including maintaining plasma proximate to an active electrode in a first energy range, and a second energy range. During periods when plasma is proximate to the active electrode, the illustrative method may include controlling flow of fluid drawn into an aperture of an electrosurgical wand, and in some situations increasing fluid flow drawing into the aperture responsive to the active electrode being in operational relationship with tissue, and in other cases decreasing fluid flow drawing into the aperture responsive to the active electrode being in operational relationship with tissue. Further, during periods when plasma is proximate to the active electrode, the illustrative method may include providing output energy at a default energy setpoint, and then providing output energy at a second energy setpoint.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Jean Woloszko, Jonathan Gaspredes, David Yuan, Thomas P. Ryan
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Patent number: 9693818Abstract: Electrosurgical wands. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are electrosurgical wands having features that reduce contact of tissue with an active electrode of a wand, decrease the likelihood of clogging, and/or increase the visibility within surgical field. For example, wands in accordance with at least some embodiments may comprise standoffs, either along the outer perimeter of the active electrode, or through the main aperture in the active electrode, to reduce tissue contact. Wands in accordance with at least some embodiments may implement slots on the active electrodes to increase bubble aspiration to help keep the visual field at the surgical site clear. Wands in accordance with at least some embodiments may implement aspiration flow pathways within the wand that increase in cross-sectional area to reduce the likelihood of clogging.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Jean Woloszko, Johnson E. Goode, David A. Cox, Philip M. Tetzlaff
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Publication number: 20170172642Abstract: Electrosurgical procedures. At least some of the example methods that include: supplying energy to an active electrode of an electrosurgical wand, the supplying energy to the active electrode by an electrosurgical controller; monitoring an electrical parameter associated with the energy; and determining, based on the electrical parameter, the presence of a wand condition of the electrosurgical wand, the wand condition being at least one selected from the group consisting of: a surface area of the active electrode is less than a predetermined threshold surface area; the surface area of the active electrode is approaching the predetermined threshold surface area; and that the electrosurgical wand is affected by a blockage.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2017Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventors: David Y. Yuan, Jean Woloszko, Jonathan L. Gaspredes, Thomas P. Ryan
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Publication number: 20170143401Abstract: Electrosurgical procedures. At least some of the example methods for detecting that an electrosurgical wand is effected by a blockage, including supplying a high frequency energy to an active electrode of an electrosurgical wand; drawing an electrically conductive fluid from the vicinity of the active electrode; sensing a temperature signal indicative of a temperature of the electrically conductive fluid drawn from the vicinity of the active electrode; and cycling the high frequency energy supplied upon the temperature of the electrically conductive fluid drawn from the vicinity of the active electrode exceeding a first threshold temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2016Publication date: May 25, 2017Inventors: Jean Woloszko, Jonathan L. Gaspredes, Thomas P. Ryan
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Patent number: 9649144Abstract: The present disclosure includes an electrosurgical apparatus for treating tissue at a target site. The apparatus has a shaft with a proximal end and a distal portion, the distal portion comprising a return electrode and electrode support. There is also at least one active electrode on the shaft distal portion, which has a proximal portion and a distal portion and a plurality of aspiration apertures disposed therebetween. These apertures are fluidly connected to a fluid aspiration cavity that is located within the electrode support, and the cavity is connected with a fluid aspiration element that is located along the shaft. The plurality of apertures vary in size and are generally arranged so that the larger sized apertures are disposed towards the electrode proximal portion and the smaller sized apertures are generally located towards the electrode distal portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2016Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Rajitha Aluru, Doug Evans, David A. Cox, Jean Woloszko, Johnson E. Goode, Philip M. Tetzlaff, Gerardo Molina
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Patent number: 9649148Abstract: Electrosurgical systems and methods are described herein, the system including an electrosurgical probe with an active electrode disposed near the probe distal end, a system with a power supply for delivery of voltage to the active electrode and a controller that receives and processes a signal from a current sensor and a temperature sensor. The current sensor measures the current output of the power supply and the temperature sensor is adjacent an electrically conductive fluid located at a target site. The controller may be programmed to operate in a low voltage mode that limits the power supply to a low voltage output so as to determine whether the current output from the current sensor is within a current output range. This range is defined by predetermined upper and lower limits that are modified by at least one measured value.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2014Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Jean Woloszko, Jonathan L. Gaspredes, Scott A. Armstrong
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Publication number: 20170112562Abstract: System and methods of an electrosurgical controller having multiple modes of operation that are configured for treatment of a specific targeted tissue type and the electrosurgical effect desired where the treatment and effect are provided by a single controller and an electrosurgical probe. The electrosurgical controller includes an integrated fluid control apparatus or pump where activation of the controller allows for selective energy delivery and corresponding fluid volume flow rates. The electrosurgical probe includes a fluid transport lumen and is in communication with the controller and the pump for operation of the probe in the various user selected modes with accompanying energy delivery and fluid control directed to the desired treatment and surgical effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2016Publication date: April 27, 2017Inventors: Jean Woloszko, Duane W. Marion, Johnson E. Goode, George Morrison, David Yuan
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Publication number: 20170095285Abstract: An electrosurgical wand for treating tissue at a target site within or on a patient's body is described, having an elongate shaft with a handle and a distal end portion. The distal end portion has an active electrode, an insulative spacer body and a return electrode; the active electrode supported by the insulative spacer body and spaced away from the return electrode. The active electrode has both lateral and medial edge surfaces. The insulative spacer body has an aspiration cavity fluidly connected with an aspiration lumen, and at least one tapered aperture extending beyond at least one of the electrode medial edge surfaces and directed to the aspiration cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventors: Johnson E. Goode, Mark Bieberich, Philip M. Tetzlaff, Jean Woloszko
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Patent number: 9597142Abstract: Electrosurgical procedures. At least some of the example methods that include: supplying energy to an active electrode of an electrosurgical wand, the supplying energy to the active electrode by an electrosurgical controller; monitoring an electrical parameter associated with the energy; and determining, based on the electrical parameter, the presence of a wand condition of the electrosurgical wand, the wand condition being at least one selected from the group consisting of: a surface area of the active electrode is less than a predetermined threshold surface area; the surface area of the active electrode is approaching the predetermined threshold surface area; and that the electrosurgical wand is affected by a blockage.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: David Y. Yuan, Jean Woloszko, Jonathan L. Gaspredes, Thomas P. Ryan
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Patent number: 9561069Abstract: An electrosurgical wand. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are electrosurgical wands including an elongate housing that defines a handle end and a distal end, a first discharge aperture on the distal end of the elongate housing, a first active electrode of conductive material disposed on the distal end of the elongate housing, a first return electrode of conductive material disposed within the first fluid conduit, and an aspiration aperture on the distal end of the elongate housing fluidly coupled to a second fluid conduit.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: David A. Cox, Johnson E. Goode, Philip M. Tetzlaff, Jean Woloszko
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Patent number: 9526556Abstract: An electrosurgical wand for treating tissue at a target site within or on a patient's body is described, having an elongate shaft with a handle and a distal end portion. The distal end portion has an active electrode, an insulative spacer body and a return electrode; the active electrode supported by the insulative spacer body and spaced away from the return electrode. The active electrode has both lateral and medial edge surfaces. The insulative spacer body has an aspiration cavity fluidly connected with an aspiration lumen, and at least one tapered aperture extending beyond at least one of the electrode medial edge surfaces and directed to the aspiration cavity.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2014Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Johnson E. Goode, Mark Bieberich, Philip M. Tetzlaff, Jean Woloszko
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Publication number: 20160310203Abstract: A method comprising sealing a vessel residing within tissue between jaws of forceps by sensing an amount of tissue held within the forceps, the sensing by passing electrical current through the tissue by way of the forceps. The method comprises heating the tissue using electrical current, the heating such that impedance of the tissue changes at a first predetermined rate, the first predetermined rate selected based on the sensing. The method comprises desiccating the tissue using electrical current, such that the impedance of the tissue changes at a second predetermined rate different than the first predetermined rate. The method comprises ceasing application of the electrical current to the tissue when impedance of the tissue reaches a predetermined value. Sensing the amount of tissue held within the forceps comprises varying electrical current flowing through the tissue through the forceps such that impedance of the tissue changes at a third predetermined rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2016Publication date: October 27, 2016Inventors: Jonathan L. Gaspredes, Robert P. Lathrop, Thomas P. Ryan, David J. Miller, Jean Woloszko, Philip M. Tetzlaff
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Patent number: 9456865Abstract: Electrosurgical system and related methods that include: producing energy by a generator of an electrosurgical controller, the generator comprises a first terminal coupled to a first electrode of an electrosurgical wand, and the generator comprises a second terminal coupled to a second electrode of the electrosurgical wand; forming, responsive to the energy, a plasma proximate to the first electrode, and acting as a current return by the second electrode; reducing energy output of the generator such that the plasma proximate the first electrode is extinguished, the reducing energy output during periods of time when the electrosurgical controller is commanded to produce energy; producing energy from the generator with the first terminal coupled to the first electrode and the second terminal coupled to the second electrode; and forming, responsive to the energy, a plasma proximate to the second electrode, and acting as a current return by the first electrode.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Jean Woloszko, Johnson E. Goode, III, Philip M. Tetzlaff
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Patent number: 9357993Abstract: An innovative bone anchor and methods for securing soft tissue, such as tendons, to bone, which permit a suture attachment that lies entirely beneath the cortical bone surface. The suturing material between the soft tissue and the bone anchor may be secured without the need for tying a knot. The suture attachment to the bone anchor involves the looping of a length of suture around a suture return member or path within the bone anchor, tightening the suture and attached soft tissue, and compressing the suture against the bone anchor. The bone anchor may be a tubular body having a lumen with a locking plug that compresses the suture therein. One of the components of the locking structure may include a deformable or flexible section, member, or surface. The locking plug may include a shaft and an enlarged head that interferes with the tubular body to provide a positive stop.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Seth A. Foerster, Francis Vijay, Jean Woloszko
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Publication number: 20160151108Abstract: System and method for selectively applying electrical energy to structures within or on the surface of a patient's body and controlling the flow of an electrically conductive fluid from the application site to provide or maintain a desired operating condition of the electrosurgical device. An electrosurgical probe is in communication with a fluid transport apparatus through a fluid transport lumen having an opening at an end proximate the application site and disposed proximate the electrosurgical probe. A controller in communication with the fluid transport apparatus provides control signals to the fluid transport apparatus in response to at least one operating parameter associated with the system. Based on the received control signals, the fluid transport apparatus adjusts a flow rate of the electrically conductive fluid at the application site through the fluid transport lumen in response to at least one operating parameter associated with the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2016Publication date: June 2, 2016Inventor: Jean Woloszko
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Publication number: 20160143683Abstract: The present disclosure includes an electrosurgical apparatus for treating tissue at a target site. The apparatus has a shaft with a proximal end and a distal portion, the distal portion comprising a return electrode and electrode support. There is also at least one active electrode on the shaft distal portion, which has a proximal portion and a distal portion and a plurality of aspiration apertures disposed therebetween. These apertures are fluidly connected to a fluid aspiration cavity that is located within the electrode support, and the cavity is connected with a fluid aspiration element that is located along the shaft. The plurality of apertures vary in size and are generally arranged so that the larger sized apertures are disposed towards the electrode proximal portion and the smaller sized apertures are generally located towards the electrode distal portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2016Publication date: May 26, 2016Inventors: Rajitha Aluru, Doug Evans, David A. Cox, Jean Woloszko, Johnson E. Goode, Philip M. Tetzlaff, Gerardo Molina
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Patent number: 9333024Abstract: System and methods of an electrosurgical controller having multiple modes of operation that are configured for treatment of a specific targeted tissue type and the electrosurgical effect desired where the treatment and effect are provided by a single controller and an electrosurgical probe. The electrosurgical controller includes an integrated fluid control apparatus or pump where activation of the controller allows for selective energy delivery and corresponding fluid volume flow rates. The electrosurgical probe includes a fluid transport lumen and is in communication with the controller and the pump for operation of the probe in the various user selected modes with accompanying energy delivery and fluid control directed to the desired treatment and surgical effect.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2013Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Jean Woloszko, Duane W. Marion, Johnson E. Goode, George Morrison, David Yuan
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Patent number: 9254164Abstract: System and method for selectively applying electrical energy to structures within or on the surface of a patient's body and controlling the flow of an electrically conductive fluid from the application site to provide or maintain a desired operating condition of the electrosurgical device. An electrosurgical probe is in communication with a fluid transport apparatus through a fluid transport lumen having an opening at an end proximate the application site and disposed proximate the electrosurgical probe. A controller in communication with the fluid transport apparatus provides control signals to the fluid transport apparatus in response to at least one operating parameter associated with the system. Based on the received control signals, the fluid transport apparatus adjusts a flow rate of the electrically conductive fluid at the application site through the fluid transport lumen in response to at least one operating parameter associated with the system.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2014Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventor: Jean Woloszko