Patents by Inventor Joe Abelleira
Joe Abelleira 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: 20220361946Abstract: A controllable stiffness endoscope overtube includes an overtube shaft including an inner sheath defining an access lumen and an outer sheath surrounding the inner sheath from proximal to distal end of inner sheath to define an annulus therebetween having a proximal portion with a vacuum connection. The sheath distal ends are longitudinally fixed to one another and sized to receive an endoscope. The outer sheath has a constant outer diameter over at least a distal portion of the annulus proximate to the distal ends of the sheaths. A vacuum device is fluidically connected to the vacuum connection and applies vacuum to the annulus. Responsive thereto, annulus pressure is lowered, the sheaths are drawn together, and the overtube shaft is stiffened over at least the distal portion to stiffen and maintain a current shape of the overtube shaft over at least the distal portion of the annulus.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2022Publication date: November 17, 2022Applicant: Syn Variflex, LLCInventors: Kevin W. Smith, Matthew A. Palmer, M. Sean McBrayer, Thomas O. Bales, JR., Derek Dee Deville, Joe Abelleira
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Patent number: 11382690Abstract: A method for operating a catheter provides a mechanical stiffener to a catheter shaft portion, the shaft comprising an inner sheath having a distal end and an outer surface and defining an access lumen extending distally to the distal end and an outer sheath having an inner surface surrounding the inner sheath distally to the distal end, defining an annulus between the outer and inner surfaces, the annulus having a connection at which vacuum applies to the annulus, and having a substantially constant outer diameter over the portion to the distal end. A tool is shaped and sized to pass through the access lumen and past the distal end. The portion is placed in an increased stiffened state by applying vacuum to create a stable base with at least a shaft segment within the anatomy that atraumatically resists reaction forces applied to the shaft by the tool.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2019Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Syn Variflex, LLCInventors: Kevin W. Smith, Matthew A. Palmer, M. Sean McBrayer, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., Derek Dee Deville, Joe Abelleira
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Patent number: 11376065Abstract: A controllable stiffness catheter includes a shaft comprising inner and outer sheaths, the sheaths each having proximal and distal ends. The outer surrounds the inner from the proximal to the distal end of the inner sheath, defining an annulus therebetween including a proximal portion having a vacuum connection to which vacuum is applied. The distal ends of the sheaths are longitudinally fixed to one another and sized for neurological vascular procedures. The outer has a substantially constant outer diameter over a distal portion of the annulus proximate to the distal ends. A vacuum device fluidically connects to the vacuum connection and is configured to apply vacuum thereto. Responsive to vacuum, annulus pressure lowers to draw the sheaths toward one another and stiffen the shaft over at least the distal portion to substantially and passively stiffen and maintain a current shape of the shaft over at least the distal portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2021Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: Syn Variflex, LLCInventors: Kevin W. Smith, Matthew A. Palmer, M. Sean McBrayer, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., Derek Dee Deville, Joe Abelleira
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Publication number: 20210307825Abstract: A controllable stiffness catheter includes a shaft comprising inner and outer sheaths, the sheaths each having proximal and distal ends. The outer surrounds the inner from the proximal to the distal end of the inner sheath, defining an annulus therebetween including a proximal portion having a vacuum connection to which vacuum is applied. The distal ends of the sheaths are longitudinally fixed to one another and sized for neurological vascular procedures. The outer has a substantially constant outer diameter over a distal portion of the annulus proximate to the distal ends. A vacuum device fluidically connects to the vacuum connection and is configured to apply vacuum thereto. Responsive to vacuum, annulus pressure lowers to draw the sheaths toward one another and stiffen the shaft over at least the distal portion to substantially and passively stiffen and maintain a current shape of the shaft over at least the distal portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2021Publication date: October 7, 2021Applicant: Syn Variflex, LLCInventors: Kevin W. Smith, Matthew A. Palmer, M. Sean McBrayer, Thomas O. Bales, JR., Derek Dee Deville, Joe Abelleira
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Publication number: 20200015889Abstract: A method for operating a catheter provides a mechanical stiffener to a catheter shaft portion, the shaft comprising an inner sheath having a distal end and an outer surface and defining an access lumen extending distally to the distal end and an outer sheath having an inner surface surrounding the inner sheath distally to the distal end, defining an annulus between the outer and inner surfaces, the annulus having a connection at which vacuum applies to the annulus, and having a substantially constant outer diameter over the portion to the distal end. A tool is shaped and sized to pass through the access lumen and past the distal end. The portion is placed in an increased stiffened state by applying vacuum to create a stable base with at least a shaft segment within the anatomy that atraumatically resists reaction forces applied to the shaft by the tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2019Publication date: January 16, 2020Applicant: Syn Variflex, LLCInventors: Kevin W. Smith, Matthew A. Palmer, M. Sean McBrayer, Thomas O. Bales, JR., Derek Dee Deville, Joe Abelleira
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Patent number: 10463427Abstract: A controllable stiffness catheter comprising a shaft comprising an inner sheath defining an access lumen, an outer sheath surrounding the inner sheath and defining an annulus therebetween, the annulus having a vacuum connection at which a vacuum is applied to the annulus, and a mechanical stiffener disposed at least at a portion of the annulus.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2018Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: Syn Variflex, LLCInventors: Kevin W. Smith, Matthew A. Palmer, M. Sean McBrayer, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., Derek Dee Deville, Joe Abelleira
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Patent number: 10159527Abstract: A method for delivering RF energy to living tissue includes the steps of extending a guidewire to a tissue treatment site in a body. A controllable stiffness catheter is provided with a stiffness device having non-metallic properties and a temperature-changing device. The stiffness device is in a stiff state below a given temperature and in a soft state above the given temperature. While supplying power to the temperature-changing device, the catheter is threaded along the guidewire up to the treatment site in the soft state. Power is removed from the temperature-changing device to alter the non-metallic properties of the stiffness device and directly result in a change of the stiffness device to the stiff state without straightening the catheter. The RF energy supply device is physically contacted with the treatment site and RF energy is delivered to the treatment site from the RF energy supply device.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2016Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: Syntheon, LLCInventors: Kevin W. Smith, Matthew A. Palmer, M. Sean McBrayer, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., Derek Dee Deville, Joe Abelleira
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Publication number: 20180199991Abstract: A controllable stiffness catheter comprises a shaft comprising an inner sheath defining an access lumen, an outer sheath surrounding the inner sheath and defining an annulus therebetween, the annulus having a vacuum connection at which a vacuum is applied to the annulus, and a mechanical stiffener disposed at least at a portion of the annulus and free to move relatively in the annulus with respect to at least one of the inner sheath and the outer sheath.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2018Publication date: July 19, 2018Applicant: Syntheon, LLCInventors: Kevin W. Smith, Matthew A. Palmer, M. Sean McBrayer, Thomas O. Bales, JR., Derek Dee Deville, Joe Abelleira
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Publication number: 20180193091Abstract: A controllable stiffness catheter comprising a shaft comprising an inner sheath defining an access lumen, an outer sheath surrounding the inner sheath and defining an annulus therebetween, the annulus having a vacuum connection at which a vacuum is applied to the annulus, and a mechanical stiffener disposed at least at a portion of the annulus.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2018Publication date: July 12, 2018Applicant: Syntheon, LLCInventors: Kevin W. Smith, Matthew A. Palmer, M. Sean McBrayer, Thomas O. Bales, JR., Derek Dee Deville, Joe Abelleira
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Publication number: 20160175045Abstract: A method for delivering RF energy to living tissue includes the steps of extending a guidewire to a tissue treatment site in a body. A controllable stiffness catheter is provided with a stiffness device having non-metallic properties and a temperature-changing device. The stiffness device is in a stiff state below a given temperature and in a soft state above the given temperature. While supplying power to the temperature-changing device, the catheter is threaded along the guidewire up to the treatment site in the soft state. Power is removed from the temperature-changing device to alter the non-metallic properties of the stiffness device and directly result in a change of the stiffness device to the stiff state without straightening the catheter. The RF energy supply device is physically contacted with the treatment site and RF energy is delivered to the treatment site from the RF energy supply device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2016Publication date: June 23, 2016Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Matthew A. Palmer, M. Sean McBrayer, Thomas O. Bales, JR., Derek Dee Deville, Joe Abelleira
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Patent number: 9295511Abstract: A method for delivering RF energy to living tissue includes the steps of extending a guidewire to a tissue treatment site in a body. A controllable stiffness catheter is provided with a stiffness device having non-metallic properties and a temperature-changing device. The stiffness device is in a stiff state below a given temperature and in a soft state above the given temperature. While supplying power to the temperature-changing device, the catheter is threaded along the guidewire up to the treatment site in the soft state. Power is removed from the temperature-changing device to alter the non-metallic properties of the stiffness device and directly result in a change of the stiffness device to the stiff state without straightening the catheter. The RF energy supply device is physically contacted with the treatment site and RF energy is delivered to the treatment site from the RF energy supply device.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Syntheon, LLCInventors: Kevin W. Smith, Matthew A. Palmer, Sean M. McBrayer, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., Derek Dee Deville, Joe Abelleira
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Publication number: 20130274739Abstract: A method for delivering RF energy to living tissue includes the steps of extending a guidewire to a tissue treatment site in a body. A controllable stiffness catheter is provided with a stiffness device having non-metallic properties and a temperature-changing device. The stiffness device is in a stiff state below a given temperature and in a soft state above the given temperature. While supplying power to the temperature-changing device, the catheter is threaded along the guidewire up to the treatment site in the soft state. Power is removed from the temperature-changing device to alter the non-metallic properties of the stiffness device and directly result in a change of the stiffness device to the stiff state without straightening the catheter. The RF energy supply device is physically contacted with the treatment site and RF energy is delivered to the treatment site from the RF energy supply device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Matthew A. Palmer, Sean M. McBrayer, Thomas O. Bales, JR., Derek Dee Deville, Joe Abelleira
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Patent number: 8491520Abstract: A method for delivering RF energy to living tissue includes the steps of extending a guidewire to a tissue treatment site in a body. A controllable stiffness catheter is provided with a stiffness device having non-metallic properties and a temperature-changing device. The stiffness device is in a stiff state below a given temperature and in a soft state above the given temperature. While supplying power to the temperature-changing device, the catheter is threaded along the guidewire up to the treatment site in the soft state. Power is removed from the temperature-changing device to alter the non-metallic properties of the stiffness device and directly result in a change of the stiffness device to the stiff state without straightening the catheter. The RF energy supply device is physically contacted with the treatment site and RF energy is delivered to the treatment site from the RF energy supply device.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Syntheon, LLCInventors: Kevin W. Smith, Matthew A. Palmer, Sean M. McBrayer, Thomas O. Bales, Jr., Derek Dee Deville, Joe Abelleira
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Publication number: 20100280510Abstract: A method for delivering RF energy to living tissue includes the steps of extending a guidewire to a tissue treatment site in a body. A controllable stiffness catheter is provided with a stiffness device having non-metallic properties and a temperature-changing device. The stiffness device is in a stiff state below a given temperature and in a soft state above the given temperature. While supplying power to the temperature-changing device, the catheter is threaded along the guidewire up to the treatment site in the soft state. Power is removed from the temperature-changing device to alter the non-metallic properties of the stiffness device and directly result in a change of the stiffness device to the stiff state without straightening the catheter. The RF energy supply device is physically contacted with the treatment site and RF energy is delivered to the treatment site from the RF energy supply device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Matthew A. Palmer, Sean M. McBrayer, Thomas O. Bales, JR., Derek Dee Deville, Joe Abelleira
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Patent number: 7771411Abstract: A method for delivering RF energy to living tissue includes the steps of extending a guidewire to a tissue treatment site in a body. A controllable stiffness catheter is provided with a stiffness device and a temperature-changing device. The stiffness device is in a stiff state below a given temperature and in a soft state above the given temperature. While supplying power to the temperature-changing device, the catheter is threaded along the guidewire up to the treatment site in the flexible state of the catheter. Power is removed from the temperature-changing device to change stiffness of the stiffness device to the stiff state without straightening the catheter. The RF energy supply device is physically contacted with the treatment site and RF energy is delivered to the treatment site from the RF energy supply device.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Syntheon, LLCInventors: Kevin W. Smith, Matthew A. Palmer, Sean McBrayer, Thomas O. Bales, Derek Dee Deville, Joe Abelleira
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Publication number: 20060211979Abstract: A method for delivering RF energy to living tissue includes the steps of extending a guidewire to a tissue treatment site in a body. A controllable stiffness catheter is provided with a stiffness device and a temperature-changing device. The stiffness device is in a stiff state below a given temperature and in a soft state above the given temperature. While supplying power to the temperature-changing device, the catheter is threaded along the guidewire up to the treatment site in the flexible state of the catheter. Power is removed from the temperature-changing device to change stiffness of the stiffness device to the stiff state without straightening the catheter. The RF energy supply device is physically contacted with the treatment site and RF energy is delivered to the treatment site from the RF energy supply device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2006Publication date: September 21, 2006Inventors: Kevin Smith, Matthew Palmer, Sean McBrayer, Thomas Bales, Derek Deville, Joe Abelleira