Patents by Inventor John R. Prisco

John R. Prisco 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: 20160235469
    Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical device including an outer shaft, an inner shaft, first and second electrode surfaces, and an irrigation channel. The outer shaft defines a lumen, a proximal end and a distal end forming a cutting window. The inner shaft is rotatably disposed within the outer shaft, and defines a distal portion forming a cutting tip. The cutting tip and the cutting window combine to define a cutting implement. The first and second electrode surfaces are electrically isolated, and are formed at the cutting implement. The irrigation channel extends parallel to the outer shaft, and terminates in at least one outlet port. The outlet port is proximally spaced from the cutting window and is located radially outside of the outer shaft. Fluid (e.g., saline) is emitted at the exterior surface of the device near the cutting window and is readily present for interacting with the electrode surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Prisco, Eric P. Detmers, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, Patrick Richart, Jose Valdez
  • Patent number: 9339172
    Abstract: A method of removing bacterial biofilm from a target site of a human patient. A bacterial biofilm removal system is provided that includes an endoscope, an irrigation duct and an aspiration duct. The endoscope includes a working end. The irrigation duct includes an outlet. The aspiration duct includes an inlet. The endoscope working end, the irrigation duct outlet and the aspiration duct inlet are disposed proximate a target site that includes a layer of bacterial biofilm. The target site is imaged with the endoscope working end. The fluid is dispensed through the irrigation duct outlet toward the target site to mechanically remove at least a portion of the layer of bacterial biofilm. The removed bacterial biofilm and the dispensed fluid are collected with the aspiration duct inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Slenker, Cecil “Bo” O. Lewis, Gerould W. Norman, John R. Prisco
  • Patent number: 9326665
    Abstract: Systems and methods for removal of bacterial biofilm from a target site of a human patient includes a surgical instrument having an introducer for bodily insertion and maintaining an irrigation duct and a nozzle. A distal portion of the introducer is transitionable between a plurality of bend angles relative to a proximal portion thereof. In particular, the instrument is adapted to independently maintain the distal portion at each of the plurality of bend angles relative to the proximal portion. The nozzle is maintained relative to the distal portion of the introducer and is adapted to dispense pressurized irrigant from the irrigation duct toward a layer of bacterial biofilm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Slenker, John R. Prisco, Cecil O. Lewis, Gerould W. Norman, Robert K. Vaccaro, Isaac C. Perry
  • Publication number: 20150173827
    Abstract: An electrosurgical device having a tubular outer shaft and an inner shaft is disclosed. The tubular outer shaft includes an axis and a distal end region. The distal end region includes a distal-most tip and a cutting edge defining a window in the outer shaft proximal along the axis to the distal-most tip. The inner shaft inner shaft coaxially maintained within the outer shaft such that the inner shaft is movable about the axis with respect to the outer shaft and wherein a portion of the inner shaft is exposed in the window of the outer shaft. A first electrode is disposed on the outer shaft in a region proximal along the axis to the window, and a second electrode is electrically isolated from the first electrode and disposed on the inner shaft. The second electrode is exposed in the window of the outer shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Eliot F. Bloom, Philip Berman, Wenjeng Li, David J. Little, Dana A. Oliver, John R. Prisco, Phillip P. Brown, Patrick Richart
  • Patent number: 8974436
    Abstract: A malleable cannula having multiple lumens, constrained at the proximal end portion to provide rigidity and malleable at the distal end portion. The cannula has a combination of flexibility and stiffness that assists in accessing body passageways without kinking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan G. Sherman, David J. Little, Wei Chen, John R. Prisco, Matthew J. Friend, Matthew F. Myntti, Tom Zelmer, Cyan Godfrey, Roy Attride
  • Publication number: 20140360598
    Abstract: A reading and adjustment tool for use with a valve having a pressure or flow setting adjustable to a plurality of pressure or flow settings is disclosed. The tool includes a signal generator and an excitation coil coupled to the signal generator. The signal generator includes an adjustment interface configured to generate an adjustment signal to adjust the pressure or flow setting and a reading interface to generate a reading signal to read the pressure or flow setting of the valve. At least one excitation coil is connected to the signal generator and configured to generate an oscillating electromagnetic field based on one of the adjustment signal and reading signal. A sense coil can include two portions positioned on either side of the at least one excitation coil to determine the pressure or flow setting of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: John R. Prisco, John Murdock Murphy, Jamie Hei, Laetitia Mayor, Pierre Jaquier
  • Patent number: 8813757
    Abstract: A reading and adjustment tool for use with a valve having a pressure or flow setting adjustable to a plurality of pressure or flow settings is disclosed. The tool includes a signal generator and an excitation coil coupled to the signal generator. The signal generator includes an adjustment interface configured to generate an adjustment signal to adjust the pressure or flow setting and a reading interface to generate a reading signal to read the pressure or flow setting of the valve. At least one excitation coil is connected to the signal generator and configured to generate an oscillating electromagnetic field based on one of the adjustment signal and reading signal. A sense coil can include two portions positioned on either side of the at least one excitation coil to determine the pressure or flow setting of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Prisco, John Murdock Murphy, Jamie Hei, Laetitia Mayor, Pierre Jaquier
  • Patent number: 8790301
    Abstract: Systems and methods of removing bacterial biofilm from a target site using a biofilm removal endoscope. The endoscope has an insertion portion including an imaging channel terminating at a viewing window and an irrigation channel terminating at a nozzle. The imaging and irrigation channels are permanently affixed relative to one another. The insertion portion is inserted into the patient, with a working end thereof being disposed proximate the target site. The target site is imaged and a flow of fluid is dispensed via the nozzle to mechanically remove bacterial biofilm from the target site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Slenker, Cecil O. Lewis, Gerould W. Norman, John R. Prisco
  • Publication number: 20130110157
    Abstract: A malleable cannula having multiple lumens, constrained at the proximal end portion to provide rigidity and malleable at the distal end portion. The cannula has a combination of flexibility and stiffness that assists in accessing body passageways without kinking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Ethan G. Sherman, David J. Little, Wei Chen, John R. Prisco, Matthew J. Friend, Matthew F. Myntti, Tom Zelmer, Cyan Godfrey, Roy Attride
  • Publication number: 20130110161
    Abstract: A delivery system for delivering multiple components that is assembled using snap-fit assembly and threadless engagement of syringes and associated parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Ethan G. Sherman, David J. Little, Wei Chen, John R. Prisco, Matthew J. Friend, Matthew F. Myntti, Tom Zelmer, Cyan Godfrey, Roy Attride
  • Publication number: 20130105018
    Abstract: A turbulence-inducing mixing device facilitates mixing, solvating or hydrating materials while passing the materials between fluid delivery devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Ethan G. Sherman, David J. Little, Wei Chen, John R. Prisco, Matthew J. Friend, Matthew F. Myntti
  • Publication number: 20130110158
    Abstract: A spray head having multiple openings arranged to provide at spray coverage throughout at least 90 degrees from the spray head central axis. The spray head may be used for applying tissue sealants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Ethan G. Sherman, David J. Little, Wei Chen, John R. Prisco, Matthew J. Friend, Matthew F. Myntti, Tom Zelmer, Cyan Godfrey, Roy Attride
  • Publication number: 20120253125
    Abstract: Systems and methods of removing bacterial biofilm from a target site using a biofilm removal endoscope. The endoscope has an insertion portion including an imaging channel terminating at a viewing window and an irrigation channel terminating at a nozzle. The imaging and irrigation channels are permanently affixed relative to one another. The insertion portion is inserted into the patient, with a working end thereof being disposed proximate the target site. The target site is imaged and a flow of fluid is dispensed via the nozzle to mechanically remove bacterial biofilm from the target site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Slenker, Cecil O. Lewis, Gerould W. Norman, John R. Prisco
  • Publication number: 20120197178
    Abstract: A reading and adjustment tool for use with a valve having a pressure or flow setting adjustable to a plurality of pressure or flow settings is disclosed. The tool includes a signal generator and an excitation coil coupled to the signal generator. The signal generator includes an adjustment interface configured to generate an adjustment signal to adjust the pressure or flow setting and a reading interface to generate a reading signal to read the pressure or flow setting of the valve. At least one excitation coil is connected to the signal generator and configured to generate an oscillating electromagnetic field based on one of the adjustment signal and reading signal. A sense coil can include two portions positioned on either side of the at least one excitation coil to determine the pressure or flow setting of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC XOMED, INC.
    Inventors: John R. Prisco, John Murdock Murphy, Jamie Hei, Laetitia Mayor, Pierre Jaquier
  • Patent number: 8206349
    Abstract: Systems and methods of removing bacterial biofilm from a target site using a biofilm removal endoscope. The endoscope has an insertion portion including an imaging channel terminating at a viewing window and an irrigation channel terminating at a nozzle. The imaging and irrigation channels are permanently affixed relative to one another. The insertion portion is inserted into the patient, with a working end thereof being disposed proximate the target site. The target site is imaged and a flow of fluid is dispensed via the nozzle to mechanically remove bacterial biofilm from the target site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Slenker, Cecil O. Lewis, Gerould W. Norman, John R. Prisco
  • Publication number: 20110009699
    Abstract: A method of removing bacterial biofilm from a target site of a human patient. A bacterial biofilm removal system is provided that includes an endoscope, an irrigation duct and an aspiration duct. The endoscope includes a working end. The irrigation duct includes an outlet. The aspiration duct includes an inlet. The endoscope working end, the irrigation duct outlet and the aspiration duct inlet are disposed proximate a target site that includes a layer of bacterial biofilm. The target site is imaged with the endoscope working end. The fluid is dispensed through the irrigation duct outlet toward the target site to mechanically remove at least a portion of the layer of bacterial biofilm. The removed bacterial biofilm and the dispensed fluid are collected with the aspiration duct inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC XOMED, INC.
    Inventors: Dale E. Slenker, Cecil O. Lewis, Gerould W. Norman, John R. Prisco
  • Publication number: 20090270796
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for irrigating a frontal sinus target site of a patient including a handle, an introducer, an irrigation channel, a nozzle, and an actuator assembly. The introducer extends from the handle and defines a proximal segment and a distal segment. At least a portion of the proximal segment is linear and at least a portion of the distal segment is relatively curved. The nozzle is fluidly connected to the irrigation channel, and is rotatably maintained at a distal end of the introducer. The actuator assembly includes an actuator maintained by the handle and connected to the nozzle. Movement of the actuator causes the nozzle to rotate relative to the introducer. The introducer can be sized and shaped in accordance with a size and shape of the nasal passageway/frontal sinus of a human adult.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Isaac C. Perry, John R. Prisco, Dale E. Slenker
  • Publication number: 20080249483
    Abstract: Systems and methods for removal of bacterial biofilm from a target site of a human patient includes a surgical instrument having an introducer for bodily insertion and maintaining an irrigation duct and a nozzle. A distal portion of the introducer is transitionable between a plurality of bend angles relative to a proximal portion thereof. In particular, the instrument is adapted to independently maintain the distal portion at each of the plurality of bend angles relative to the proximal portion. The nozzle is maintained relative to the distal portion of the introducer and is adapted to dispense pressurized irrigant from the irrigation duct toward a layer of bacterial biofilm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Dale E. Slenker, John R. Prisco, Cecil O. Lewis, Gerould W. Norman, Robert K. Vaccaro, Isaac C. Perry
  • Publication number: 20080214891
    Abstract: Systems and methods of removing bacterial biofilm from a target site using a biofilm removal endoscope. The endoscope has an insertion portion including an imaging channel terminating at a viewing window and an irrigation channel terminating at a nozzle. The imaging and irrigation channels are permanently affixed relative to one another. The insertion portion is inserted into the patient, with a working end thereof being disposed proximate the target site. The target site is imaged and a flow of fluid is dispensed via the nozzle to mechanically remove bacterial biofilm from the target site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Dale E. Slenker, Cecil O. Lewis, Gerould W. Norman, John R. Prisco
  • Publication number: 20080167527
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for one or more of reducing, removing, or preventing growth of bacterial biofilms are provided, including an endoscopic procedure using a surgical instrument adapted to dispense a pressurized flow of irrigant through a nozzle to substantially remove a layer of bacterial biofilm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Dale E. Slenker, Cecil O. Lewis, Gerould W. Norman, John R. Prisco