Patents by Inventor John L. Robertson

John L. Robertson 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).

  • Publication number: 20240277245
    Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for monitoring lesion or treated area in a tissue during focal ablation or cell membrane disruption therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2024
    Publication date: August 22, 2024
    Inventors: Rafael V. Davalos, Mohammad Bonakdar, Eduardo L. Latouche, Roop L. Mahajan, John L. Robertson, Christopher B. Arena, Michael B. Sano
  • Patent number: 12059197
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for in vivo treatment of cell proliferative disorders. Included is a method of treating tissue with electrical energy, the method comprising: delivering electrical energy to tissue using one or more electroporation devices comprising one or more electrodes; and cooling the tissue, surrounding tissue, one or more of the electrodes, or one or more of the electroporation devices to minimize heating. In embodiments, the invention can be used to treat solid tumors, such as brain tumors, and in some embodiments, exemplary methods rely on non-thermal irreversible electroporation (IRE) to cause cell death in treated tumors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Rafael V. Davalos, Paulo A. Garcia, John L. Robertson, John H. Rossmeisl, Robert E. Neal, II
  • Patent number: 11974800
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medical treatment of diseases and disorders, as well as the field of biomedical engineering. Embodiments of the invention relate to the delivery of Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) through the vasculature of organs to treat tumors embedded deep within the tissue or organ, or to decellularize organs to produce a scaffold from existing animal tissue with the existing vasculature intact. In particular, methods of administering non-thermal irreversible electroporation (IRE) in vivo are provided for the treatment of tumors located in vascularized tissues and organs. Embodiments of the invention further provide scaffolds and tissues from natural sources created using IRE ex vivo to remove cellular debris, maximize recellularization potential, and minimize foreign body immune response. The engineered tissues can be used in methods of treating subjects, such as those in need of tissue replacement or augmentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael B. Sano, Rafael V. Davalos, John L Robertson, Paulo A. Garcia, Robert E. Neal
  • Patent number: 11959858
    Abstract: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is characterized by the progressive loss of renal function which eventually leads to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). CKD affects roughly 30 million Americans, costs billions of dollars in healthcare spending annually, and leaves thousands of patients reliant on burdensome dialysis treatments while waiting for a transplant. Fortunately, CKD may be controllable if diagnosed early in the disease progression. RAMETRIX™ is a novel public health screening technology for early diagnosis and detection of CKD. This technology uses Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics to analyze the molecular composition of urine and other biological fluids. RAMETRIX™ is a fast, non-invasive, accurate, and inexpensive diagnostic tool that can revolutionize the way healthcare providers detect and treat CKD. The RAMETRIX™ AutoScanner is a system enabling more efficient sample processing in large-scale settings such as hospitals and medical laboratories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Robertson, Ryan Senger
  • Patent number: 11952568
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for electroporation-based therapies (EBTs). Embodiments provide patient-specific treatment protocols derived by the numerical modeling of 3D reconstructions of target tissue from images taken of the tissue, and optionally accounting for one or more of physical constraints or dynamic tissue properties. The present invention further relates to systems, methods, and devices for delivering bipolar electric pulses for irreversible electroporation exhibiting reduced or no damage to tissue typically associated with an EBT-induced excessive charge delivered to the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Neal, II, Paulo A. Garcia, Rafael V. Davalos, John H. Rossmeisl, John L. Robertson
  • Patent number: 11903690
    Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for monitoring lesion or treated area in a tissue during focal ablation or cell membrane disruption therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Rafael V. Davalos, Mohammad Bonakdar, Eduardo L. Latouche, Roop L. Mahajan, John L. Robertson, Christopher B. Arena, Michael B. Sano
  • Publication number: 20230243752
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the health of dialysis patients with Raman spectroscopy measurements of one or more target analytes is described. The methods include irradiating one or more fluids of interest with light to produce one or more spectrum and detecting the spectrum with a detector. The fluids of interest are preferably those related to dialysis, including hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. In a preferred embodiment, the fluids are irradiated with monochromatic light, and one or more Raman spectra are detected as a result of the irradiation. The fluids may be irradiated within the dialysis tubing itself, or removed from the dialysis tubing and irradiated in a separate chamber. The Raman spectra of one or more target analytes of a dialysis patient may be followed over time or compared to one or more reference spectra, thereby providing information on the health of dialysis patients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: John L. Robertson, Ryan Senger, Pang Du
  • Publication number: 20230212551
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for electroporation-based therapies (EBTs). Embodiments provide patient-specific treatment protocols derived by the numerical modeling of 3D reconstructions of target tissue from images taken of the tissue, and optionally accounting for one or more of physical constraints or dynamic tissue properties. The present invention further relates to systems, methods, and devices for delivering bipolar electric pulses for irreversible electroporation exhibiting reduced or no damage to tissue typically associated with an EBT-induced excessive charge delivered to the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Robert E. Neal, II, Paulo A. Garcia, Rafael V. Davalos, John H. Rossmeisl, John L. Robertson
  • Patent number: 11674903
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the health of dialysis patients with Raman spectroscopy measurements of one or more target analytes is described. The methods include irradiating one or more fluids of interest with light to produce one or more spectrum and detecting the spectrum with a detector. The fluids of interest are preferably those related to dialysis, including hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. In a preferred embodiment, the fluids are irradiated with monochromatic light, and one or more Raman spectra are detected as a result of the irradiation. The fluids may be irradiated within the dialysis tubing itself, or removed from the dialysis tubing and irradiated in a separate chamber. The Raman spectra of one or more target analytes of a dialysis patient may be followed over time or compared to one or more reference spectra, thereby providing information on the health of dialysis patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Robertson, Ryan Senger, Pang Du
  • Patent number: 11655466
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for electroporation-based therapies (EBTs). Embodiments provide patient-specific treatment protocols derived by the numerical modeling of 3D reconstructions of target tissue from images taken of the tissue, and optionally accounting for one or more of physical constraints or dynamic tissue properties. The present invention further relates to systems, methods, and devices for delivering bipolar electric pulses for irreversible electroporation exhibiting reduced or no damage to tissue typically associated with an EBT-induced excessive charge delivered to the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Neal, II, Paulo A. Garcia, Rafael V. Davalos, John H. Rossmeisl, John L. Robertson
  • Publication number: 20230147592
    Abstract: The present invention comprises methods of detecting and classifying COVID-19 disease using Raman spectra obtained from subject urine samples. Raman spectra from subject urine samples are analyzed using models prepared from reference Raman samples obtained from urine samples of individuals with and without COVID-19. The spectral fingerprints of urine from subjects with and without COVID-19 allow for identification of disease-associated changes in urine molecular composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Inventors: John L. Robertson, Ryan Senger
  • Patent number: 11453873
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for electroporation-based therapies (EBTs). Embodiments provide patient-specific treatment protocols derived by the numerical modeling of 3D reconstructions of target tissue from images taken of the tissue, and optionally accounting for one or more of physical constraints or dynamic tissue properties. The present invention further relates to systems, methods, and devices for delivering bipolar electric pulses for irreversible electroporation exhibiting reduced or no damage to tissue typically associated with an EBT-induced excessive charge delivered to the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Rafael V. Davalos, Paulo A. Garcia, John H. Rossmeisl, John L. Robertson, Robert E. Neal, II
  • Patent number: 11324869
    Abstract: The present invention is a system to continuously monitor, in real-time, the small molecules being dialyzed during hemodialysis treatment using Raman spectroscopy and press control algorithms. By monitoring the treatment, the amount of water needed per dialysis treatment is drastically reduced by optimizing analyte saturation and removal of wastes. This will significantly conserve water and reduce the cost of dialysis treatments, possibly reducing the amount of time necessary for dialysis treatment, improving quality of life for patients during and after treatment, and reducing the costs of building new treatment centers as well as operating costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Robertson, Ryan Senger
  • Patent number: 11254926
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for electroporation-based therapies (EBTs). Embodiments provide patient-specific treatment protocols derived by the numerical modeling of 3D reconstructions of target tissue from images taken of the tissue, and optionally accounting for one or more of physical constraints or dynamic tissue properties. The present invention further relates to systems, methods, and devices for delivering bipolar electric pulses for irreversible electroporation exhibiting reduced or no damage to tissue typically associated with an EBT-induced excessive charge delivered to the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Neal, II, Paulo A. Garcia, Rafael V. Davalos, John H. Rossmeisl, John L. Robertson
  • Publication number: 20220040390
    Abstract: The present invention is a system to continuously monitor, in real-time, the small molecules being dialyzed during hemodialysis treatment using Raman spectroscopy and press control algorithms. By monitoring the treatment, the amount of water needed per dialysis treatment is drastically reduced by optimizing analyte saturation and removal of wastes. This will significantly conserve water and reduce the cost of dialysis treatments, possibly reducing the amount of time necessary for dialysis treatment, improving quality of life for patients during and after treatment, and reducing the costs of building new treatment centers as well as operating costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Inventors: John L. Robertson, Ryan Senger
  • Publication number: 20210389251
    Abstract: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is characterized by the progressive loss of renal function which eventually leads to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). CKD affects roughly 30 million Americans, costs billions of dollars in healthcare spending annually, and leaves thousands of patients reliant on burdensome dialysis treatments while waiting for a transplant. Fortunately, CKD may be controllable if diagnosed early in the disease progression. RAMETRIX™ is a novel public health screening technology for early diagnosis and detection of CKD. This technology uses Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics to analyze the molecular composition of urine and other biological fluids. RAMETRIX™ is a fast, non-invasive, accurate, and inexpensive diagnostic tool that can revolutionize the way healthcare providers detect and treat CKD. The RAMETRIX™ AutoScanner is a system enabling more efficient sample processing in large-scale settings such as hospitals and medical laboratories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Inventors: John L. Robertson, Ryan Senger
  • Publication number: 20210270742
    Abstract: Baseline correction in Raman spectroscopy is a procedure that eliminates/reduces the background signals generated by residual Rayleigh scattering or fluorescence. Provided is a novel baseline correction procedure called the Iterative Smoothing-splines with Root Error Adjustment (ISREA) that has three distinct advantages. First, ISREA uses smoothing splines, which are more flexible than polynomials and capable of capturing complicated trends over the whole spectral domain, to estimate the baseline. Second, ISREA mimics the asymmetric square root loss and removes the need of a threshold. Finally, ISREA avoids the direct optimization of a non-convex loss function by iteratively updating prediction errors and refitting baselines. Through extensive numerical experiments on a wide variety of spectra including simulated spectra, mineral spectra, and dialysate spectra, the present inventors show that ISREA is simple, fast, and can yield consistent and accurate baselines that preserve all the meaningful Raman peaks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventors: Ryan Senger, Pang Du, John L. Robertson, Yunnan Xu
  • Publication number: 20210215610
    Abstract: Disease detection and characterization using computational analysis of Raman spectra is used to detect disease-specific multi-molecular patterns “spectral fingerprint” associated with specific diseases, cellular physiologic derangements, or altered metabolism from systemic reactions to disease. Comparison of the Raman spectral fingerprint of urine from subjects with specific diseases and those not (healthy persons) provides the means to identify key disease-associated changes in urine molecular composition. Methods include applying baseline correction to spectra of a desired wavenumber range e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: John L. Robertson, Ryan Senger
  • Publication number: 20210186600
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for in vivo treatment of cell proliferative disorders. Included is a method of treating tissue with electrical energy, the method comprising: delivering electrical energy to tissue using one or more electroporation devices comprising one or more electrodes; and cooling the tissue, surrounding tissue, one or more of the electrodes, or one or more of the electroporation devices to minimize heating. In embodiments, the invention can be used to treat solid tumors, such as brain tumors, and in some embodiments, exemplary methods rely on non-thermal irreversible electroporation (IRE) to cause cell death in treated tumors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Rafael V. Davalos, Paulo A. Garcia, John L. Robertson, John H. Rossmeisl, Robert E. Neal, II
  • Patent number: 10959772
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for in vivo treatment of cell proliferative disorders. Included is a method of treating tissue with electrical energy, the method comprising: delivering electrical energy to tissue using one or more electroporation devices comprising one or more electrodes; and cooling the tissue, surrounding tissue, one or more of the electrodes, or one or more of the electroporation devices to minimize heating. In embodiments, the invention can be used to treat solid tumors, such as brain tumors, and in some embodiments, exemplary methods rely on non-thermal irreversible electroporation (IRE) to cause cell death in treated tumors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Rafael V. Davalos, Paulo A. Garcia, John L. Robertson, John H. Rossmeisl, Robert E. Neal, II