Patents by Inventor John D. Ockuly

John D. Ockuly 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).

  • Patent number: 7635353
    Abstract: The instant invention is directed toward transseptal puncture needles and transseptal puncture needle assemblies. More specifically, it relates to curved transseptal puncture needles and needle assemblies that facilitate insertion through curved transseptal introducers. Each curved transseptal puncture needle includes a needle tip with a tangential back bevel configuration, a reverse tangential back bevel configuration, or a conical reverse bevel configuration. The axial orientation of the needle tip relative to the needle curvature, whether on the concave side or convex side of the curved transseptal puncture needle, provides additional benefits. The leading edge of the needle tip is located at a distal end of an inner needle tube, and the leading edge of the needle tip may be positioned away from an outer surface of the inner needle tube and adjacent to an inner surface of the inner needle tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravisankar Gurusamy, John D. Ockuly, Hans Schnellmann, James A. Hassett
  • Patent number: 6780181
    Abstract: A linear lesion ablation catheter includes a conductive ablating portion having a predetermined resistivity profile for ablating tissue in a generally even temperature profile. In one embodiment, the conductive ablating portion is disposed on a distal portion of an elongate flexible member and has a resistance that increases exponentially along its length from a center of the ablating portion to a non-infinite value at opposite ends of the ablating portion. The ablating portion is adapted to produce a generally even temperature profile along a length of its surface when the ablating portion is in contact with a target tissue within a patient's body. In one example, the conductive ablating portion comprises a plurality of electrically connected conductive regions which extend from the center to the opposite ends of the ablating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Daig Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Kroll, John D. Ockuly, Rajesh Pendakanti
  • Publication number: 20040039382
    Abstract: A linear lesion ablation catheter includes a conductive ablating portion having a predetermined resistivity profile for ablating tissue in a generally even temperature profile. In one embodiment, the conductive ablating portion is disposed on a distal portion of an elongate flexible member and has a resistance that increases exponentially along its length from a center of the ablating portion to a non-infinite value at opposite ends of the ablating portion. The ablating portion is adapted to produce a generally even temperature profile along a length of its surface when the ablating portion is in contact with a target tissue within a patient's body. In one example, the conductive ablating portion comprises a plurality of electrically connected conductive regions which extend from the center to the opposite ends of the ablating portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Daig Corporation
    Inventors: Mark W. Kroll, John D. Ockuly, Rajesh Pendakanti
  • Patent number: 6540755
    Abstract: A process for the mapping and/or ablation of accessory pathways around the mitral valve using a retrograde approach by use of ablation and/or mapping catheters guided by precurved guiding introducers. Also disclosed are shapes for the guiding introducers to be used for the ablation and/or mapping of the accessory pathways around the mitral valve using a retrograde approach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Daig Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Ockuly, James A. Hassett
  • Patent number: 6458107
    Abstract: A steerable catheter for insertion into the ostium of the coronary sinus in the right atria including a flexible catheter body, and a steerable catheter handle wherein the catheter body includes a generally straight proximal section, a deflectable distal section and a precurved tip portion located at a distal end of the deflectable distal section. Preferably, the precurved tip portion curves outside of a plane formed by the deflectable distal section from about 20 degrees to about 50 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Daig Corporation
    Inventor: John D. Ockuly
  • Patent number: 6447507
    Abstract: An ablation system for ablating cardiac tissue within a chamber of the human heart including a guiding introducer system, a rail, one end of which is contained within the guiding introducer system, and an ablation catheter system which is supported by the guiding introducer system. The guiding introducer system may be a single or multiple guiding introducers. The ablation system may include a slotted sheath which passes over the rail which supports the ablation catheter. A process is disclosed for ablation of cardiac tissue to form a linear lesion utilizing a rail catheter ablation and mapping system which includes a guiding introducer, a rail and an ablation catheter system advanced over the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Daig Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Bednarek, John F. Swartz, Michael J. Coyle, John D. Ockuly, James A. Hassett
  • Patent number: 6438426
    Abstract: A coronary sinus catheter includes a distal electrode portion with optimally-spaced and sized ring electrodes and a proximal electrode portion with at least one optimally-spaced and sized larger surface electrode. The catheter has all or some of the following features. First, at least one ring electrode of the distal electrode portion includes a first diameter less than a second diameter of at least one, more proximally disposed, ring electrode of the distal electrode portion. Second, at least one ring electrode of the distal electrode portion includes a first width less than a second width of at least one, more proximally disposed, ring electrode of the distal electrode portion. Third, the distal electrode portion includes at least two ring electrodes and the proximal shock electrode includes at least two larger surface coil electrodes. Fourth, the catheter further includes a collapsible section, adjacent the proximal electrode portion, to facilitate positioning of the catheter within the right atrium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Daig Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Hofstad, John D. Ockuly, Michael J. Coyle, Mark W. Kroll, Steven E. Scott
  • Publication number: 20020026198
    Abstract: A process for the mapping and/or ablation of accessory pathways around the mitral valve using a retrograde approach by use of ablation and/or mapping catheters guided by precurved guiding introducers. Also disclosed are shapes for the guiding introducers to be used for the ablation and/or mapping of the accessory pathways around the mitral valve using a retrograde approach.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Applicant: Daig Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Ockuly, James A. Hassett
  • Publication number: 20010044645
    Abstract: A coronary sinus catheter includes a distal electrode portion with optimally-spaced and sized ring electrodes and a proximal electrode portion with at least one optimally-spaced and sized larger surface electrode. The catheter has all or some of the following features. First, at least one ring electrode of the distal electrode portion includes a first diameter less than a second diameter of at least one, more proximally disposed, ring electrode of the distal electrode portion. Second, at least one ring electrode of the distal electrode portion includes a first width less than a second width of at least one, more proximally disposed, ring electrode of the distal electrode portion. Third, the distal electrode portion includes at least two ring electrodes and the proximal shock electrode includes at least two larger surface coil electrodes. Fourth, the catheter further includes a collapsible section, adjacent the proximal electrode portion, to facilitate positioning of the catheter within the right atrium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: DAIG CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael L. Hofstad, John D. Ockuly, Michael J. Coyle, Mark W. Kroll, Steven E. Scott
  • Patent number: 6287306
    Abstract: A linear lesion ablation catheter includes a conductive ablating portion having a predetermined resistivity profile for ablating tissue in a generally even temperature profile. In one embodiment, the conductive ablating portion is disposed on a distal portion of an elongate flexible member and has a resistance that increases exponentially along its length from a center of the ablating portion to a non-infinite value at opposite ends of the ablating portion. The ablating portion is adapted to produce a generally even temperature profile along a length of its surface when the ablating portion is in contact with a target tissue within a patient's body. In one example, the conductive ablating portion comprises a plurality of electrically connected conductive regions which extend from the center to the opposite ends of the ablating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Daig Corporation
    Inventors: Mark W. Kroll, John D. Ockuly, Rajesh Pendakanti
  • Patent number: 6219582
    Abstract: A coronary sinus catheter includes a distal electrode portion with optimally-spaced and sized ring electrodes and a proximal electrode portion with at least one optimally-spaced and sized larger surface electrode. The catheter has all or some of the following features. First, at least one ring electrode of the distal electrode portion includes a first diameter less than a second diameter of at least one, more proximally disposed, ring electrode of the distal electrode portion. Second, at least one ring electrode of the distal electrode portion includes a first width less than a second width of at least one, more proximally disposed, ring electrode of the distal electrode portion. Third, the distal electrode portion includes at least two ring electrodes and the proximal shock electrode includes at least two larger surface coil electrodes. Fourth, the catheter further includes a collapsible section, adjacent the proximal electrode portion, to facilitate positioning of the catheter within the right atrium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Daig Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Hofstad, John D. Ockuly, Michael J. Coyle, Mark W. Kroll, Steven E. Scott
  • Patent number: 6203531
    Abstract: A process for the mapping and/or ablation of accessory pathways around the mitral valve using a retrograde approach by use of ablation and/or mapping catheters guided by precurved guiding introducers. Also disclosed are shapes for the guiding introducers to be used for the ablation and/or mapping of the accessory pathways around the mitral valve using a retrograde approach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Daig Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Ockuly, James A. Hassett
  • Patent number: 6120500
    Abstract: An ablation system for ablating cardiac tissue within a chamber of the human heart including a guiding introducer system, a rail, one end of which is contained within the guiding introducer system, and an ablation catheter system which is supported by the guiding introducer system. The guiding introducer system may be a single or multiple guiding introducers. The ablation system may include a slotted sheath which passes over the rail which supports the ablation catheter. A process is disclosed for ablation of cardiac tissue to form a linear lesion utilizing a rail catheter ablation and mapping system which includes a guiding introducer, a rail and an ablation catheter system advanced over the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Daig Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Bednarek, John F. Swartz, Michael J. Coyle, John D. Ockuly, James A. Hassett
  • Patent number: 6090084
    Abstract: A process for the treatment of atrial arrhythmia by use of ablation and/or mapping procedures comprising ablating ablation tracks within the left and right atrium of the heart by use of precurved left and right atrium guiding introducers, including preferably a guiding introducer system for use in the left atrium comprising an inner and an outer guiding introducer. Also disclosed are shapes for the guiding introducers and the guiding introducer system to be used for the ablation and/or mapping of the discrete tracks within the left and right atrium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Daig Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Hassett, John D. Ockuly, John F. Swartz
  • Patent number: 5947938
    Abstract: A process for the treatment of ectopic atrial tachycardia by use of ablation and/or mapping procedures comprising ablating discrete locations within the right atrium of the heart by use of an ablation catheter and a precurved guiding introducer. Also disclosed is a shape for the guiding introducer to be used for the ablation and/or mapping of the discrete locations within the right atrium for the treatment of ectopic atrial tachycardia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Daig Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Swartz, John D. Ockuly, James A. Hassett
  • Patent number: 5902289
    Abstract: A process for the treatment of atrial arrhythmia by use of ablation and/or mapping procedures comprising ablating discrete ablation tracks within the left and right atrium of the heart by use of precurved left and right atrium guiding introducers, including preferably a guiding introducer system for use in the left atrium comprising an inner and an outer guiding introducer. Also disclosed are shapes for the guiding introducers and the guiding introducer system to be used for the ablation and/or mapping of the discrete tracks within the left and right atrium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Daig Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Swartz, John D. Ockuly
  • Patent number: 5879296
    Abstract: A process for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia in the left ventricle using a retrograde approach by use of ablation and/or mapping catheters guided by precurved guiding introducers. Also disclosed are predetermined shapes for the guiding introducers to be used for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia in the left ventricle using a retrograde approach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Daig Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Ockuly, James A. Hassett
  • Patent number: 5868733
    Abstract: A process for the mapping and/or ablating of accessory pathways around the mitral valve using a retrograde approach by use of ablating and/or mapping catheters guided by a guiding introducer system. Also disclosed are shapes for an inner and outer guiding introducers which comprise the guiding introducer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Daig Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Ockuly, James A. Hassett
  • Patent number: 5846223
    Abstract: A process for the treatment of atrial flutter and/or atrial fibrillation in the right atrium by use of an ablating and/or mapping catheters guided by a guiding introducer. Also disclosed is a predetermined shape for the guiding introducer for use in the treatment of atrial flutter and/or atrial fibrillation in the right atrium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Daig Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Swartz, John D. Ockuly, James A. Hassett
  • Patent number: 5840027
    Abstract: A guiding introducer system for use in the right atrium comprised of an inner guiding introducer and an outer guiding introducer wherein the inner guiding introducer is comprised of a first and second section and the outer guiding introducer is comprised of a first, second and third section. The guiding introducer system is for use in sensing, pacing, and ablating procedures within the right atrium of the human heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Daig Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Swartz, John D. Ockuly, John J. Fleischhacker, James A. Hassett