Patents by Inventor Joseph D. Brannan

Joseph D. Brannan 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: 20180235698
    Abstract: A microwave ablation device including a cable assembly configured to connect a microwave ablation device to an energy source and a feedline in electrical communication with the cable assembly. The microwave ablation device further includes a balun on an outer conductor of the feedline, and a temperature sensor on the balun sensing the temperature of the balun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN, CASEY M. LADTKOW, DARION R. PETERSON, ERIC W. LARSON, WILLIAM J. DICKHANS, RICHARD A. WILLYARD, JASON A. CASE
  • Publication number: 20180235697
    Abstract: A surgical probe includes a connection hub, an antenna assembly, and an outer jacket. The antenna assembly is coupled to the connection hub, extends distally from the connection hub, and includes a radiating portion coupled thereto at the distal end thereof. The radiating portion is configured to deliver energy to tissue to treat tissue. The outer jacket is coupled to the connection hub, extends distally therefrom, and is disposed about the radiating portion. The outer jacket includes a distal end member configured to be spaced-apart from the radiating portion a target axial distance. One or more of the couplings between the antenna assembly and the connection hub, the radiating portion and the antenna assembly, and the outer jacket and the connection hub defines a flexible configuration permitting axial movement therebetween to maintain the target axial distance between the radiating portion and the distal end member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN, WILLIAM O. REID, DARION R. PETERSON, KAYLEN J. HALEY, RICHARD A. WILLYARD, KENLYN S. BONN
  • Publication number: 20180235576
    Abstract: A method for ablation zone detection includes delivering microwave energy to tissue at a treatment location by way of an ablation device, delivering ultrasound energy to the tissue by way of an ultrasound device, receiving, from a plurality of respective portions of the tissue by way of the ultrasound device, a plurality of ultrasound return signals that are based on the delivered ultrasound energy, detecting, in the plurality of ultrasound return signals, a plurality of respective Doppler shifts that are based on the microwave energy delivered to the tissue, determining an ablation zone characteristic based on the plurality of Doppler shifts, and displaying, by way of a graphical user interface, an image representing at least a portion of the tissue and a representation of the ablation zone characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventor: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN
  • Publication number: 20180228544
    Abstract: A system for monitoring ablation size is provided and includes a power source including a microprocessor for executing at least one control algorithm. A microwave antenna is configured to deliver microwave energy from the power source to tissue to form an ablation zone. An ablation zone control module is in operative communication with a memory associated with the power source. The memory includes one or more data look-up tables including data pertaining to a control curve varying over time and being representative of one or more electrical parameters associated with the microwave antenna. Points along the control curve correspond to a value of the electrical parameters and the ablation zone control module triggers a signal when a predetermined threshold value of the electrical parameter(s) is measured corresponding to the radius of the ablation zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventor: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN
  • Patent number: 10045819
    Abstract: A microwave ablation system is disclosed. The system includes a microwave antenna assembly that includes an identification device configured to store an optimal frequency of the microwave antenna assembly. The system also includes a generator configured to couple to the microwave antenna assembly and to output microwave energy at an operational frequency. The generator is further configured to read the optimal frequency from the identification device and to configure the operational frequency to substantially match the optimal frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Jensen, Joseph D. Brannan
  • Publication number: 20180221090
    Abstract: An energy-delivery device suitable for delivery of energy to tissue includes an antenna assembly, a chamber defined about the antenna assembly, and a cable having a proximal end suitable for connection to an electrosurgical energy source. The energy-delivery device also includes a flexible, fluid-cooled shaft coupled in fluid communication with the chamber. The flexible, fluid-cooled shaft is configured to contain a length of the cable therein and adapted to remove heat along the length of the cable during delivery of energy to the antenna assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventor: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN
  • Patent number: 10022186
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an inner insulator disposed therebetween and a radiating portion including a dipole antenna having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The antenna assembly also comprises a sheath disposed over the feedline and the radiating portion defining a chamber around the feedline and the radiating portion. The chamber is adapted to circulate coolant fluid therethrough. The antenna assembly further includes a connection hub having cable connector coupled to the feedline, an inlet fluid port and an outlet fluid port. The connection hub includes a bypass tube configured to provide for flow of the coolant fluid from the cable connector directly to the outlet fluid port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Richard A. Willyard, Joseph D. Brannan
  • Patent number: 10022185
    Abstract: A microwave energy delivery and measurement system, including a microwave generator and a microwave energy delivery device, for performing medical procedures, and a remote power coupler system for measuring one or more parameters of the microwave energy signal including a remote RF sensor housed in the microwave energy delivery device and a power coupler processer coupled with the processing unit of the microwave energy delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Kyle R. Rick, Manoja Weiss, Joshua C. Glazier
  • Publication number: 20180193094
    Abstract: An energy applicator for directing energy to tissue includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and a dielectric material disposed therebetween, and an antenna assembly having a radiating section operably coupled to the feedline. The energy applicator also includes a first balun structure configured to substantially confine energy to the radiating section when the energy applicator is energized and disposed in tissue, and a second balun structure configured to substantially prevent energy emitted from the radiating section from propagating proximal to the second balun structure along the feedline when the energy applicator is energized but not disposed in tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN, JOSEPH A. PAULUS
  • Patent number: 10016236
    Abstract: An ablation system including an image database storing a plurality of computed tomography (CT) images of a luminal network and a navigation system enabling, in combination with an endoscope and the CT images, navigation of a locatable guide and an extended working channel to a point of interest. The system further includes one or more fiducial markers, placed in proximity to the point of interest and a percutaneous microwave ablation device for applying energy to the point of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Casey M. Ladtkow, Darion R. Peterson, Eric W. Larson, William J. Dickhans, Richard A. Willyard, Jason A. Case
  • Patent number: 10016237
    Abstract: A microwave ablation system includes an energy source adapted to generate microwave energy and a power splitting device having an input adapted to connect to the energy source and a plurality of outputs. The plurality of outputs are configured to be coupled to a corresponding plurality of energy delivery devices. The power splitting device is configured to selectively divide energy provided from the energy source between the plurality of energy devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Robert J. Behnke, II, Mani N. Prakash, Jeffrey L. Jensen, Francesca Rossetto, Joseph D. Brannan
  • Patent number: 10004559
    Abstract: A system for monitoring ablation size is provided and includes a power source including a microprocessor for executing at least one control algorithm. A microwave antenna is configured to deliver microwave energy from the power source to tissue to form an ablation zone. An ablation zone control module is in operative communication with memory associated with the power source. The memory includes one or more data look-up tables including one or more electrical parameter associated with the microwave antenna. The one or more electrical parameters corresponding to an ablation zone having a radius. The one or more electrical parameters include a threshold value, wherein when the threshold value is met the power source is adjusted to form an ablation zone of suitable proportion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Joseph D. Brannan
  • Patent number: 9993295
    Abstract: A method for treating tissue through a branched luminal network of a patient is provided. A pathway to a point of interest in branched luminal network of a patient is generated. An extended working channel is advanced transorally into the branched luminal network and along the pathway to the point of interest. The extended working channel may be positioned in a substantially fixed orientation at the point interest. A tool is advanced though the extended working channel to the point of interest. Tissue at the point of interest is treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Casey M. Ladtkow, Joseph D. Brannan, Darion R. Peterson, Eric W. Larson, Kaylen J. Haley, William J. Dickhans, Jason A. Case
  • Patent number: 9993296
    Abstract: A microwave ablation catheter is provided. The microwave ablation catheter includes a coaxial cable connected at its proximal end to a microwave energy source and at its distal end to a distal radiating section. The coaxial cable includes inner and outer conductors and a dielectric positioned therebetween. The inner conductor extends distally past the outer conductor and is in sealed engagement with the distal radiating section. A balun is formed in part from a conductive material electrically connected to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable and extends along at least a portion of the coaxial cable. The conductive material has a braided configuration and is covered by at least one insulative material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Casey M. Ladtkow, Joseph D. Brannan, Darion R. Peterson, Eric W. Larson, Kaylen J. Haley, William J. Dickhans, Jason A. Case
  • Patent number: 9987087
    Abstract: Microwave ablation applicators and methods for manufacturing the microwave ablation applicators are disclosed. A microwave ablation applicator includes a feed-line segment, a step-down segment, and a radiator base segment. The feed-line segment includes a first inner conductor, a first dielectric disposed on the first inner conductor, and a first outer conductor disposed on the first dielectric. The step-down segment includes a second inner conductor, a second dielectric disposed on the second inner conductor, and a second outer conductor disposed on the second dielectric. The radiator base segment includes a third inner conductor disposed on the third inner conductor, a third outer conductor disposed on the proximal end of the third dielectric so as to form a feed gap at a distal end of the radiator base segment, a balun dielectric disposed on the third outer conductor, and a balun outer conductor disposed on the balun dielectric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Joseph D. Brannan
  • Patent number: 9974606
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes an elongated housing having proximal and distal ends. The proximal end is configured to couple to a source of electrosurgical energy via first and second channels extending along a length of the housing to the distal end thereof. The distal end includes a reflector having a dielectric load operably coupled thereto and configured to receive at least a portion of the first conductor therein. In a first mode of operation, electrosurgical energy is transmitted to the first channel and reflected from the reflector to electrosurgically treat tissue. The reflector is configured to receive at least a portion of the second channel therein. In a second mode of operation, electrosurgical energy is transmitted to the second channel to dissect tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Casey M. Ladtkow
  • Patent number: 9968401
    Abstract: An electromagnetic surgical ablation system having a generator adapted to selectively provide surgical ablation energy to an ablation probe, and methods of operating same, are disclosed. The system includes a controller operatively coupled to the generator, and a tissue sensor probe operatively coupled to the controller. The tissue sensor provides a tissue temperature and at least one tissue dielectric property to the controller. During an electromagnetic tissue ablation procedure, the controller monitors tissue temperature and the at least one tissue dielectric property to determine tissue status, and to activate and deactivate the generator in accordance therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Prakash Manley, Joseph D. Brannan
  • Patent number: 9962214
    Abstract: An energy delivery device cooling system includes a reservoir connector assembly and an elongate member. The elongate member has first and second lumens in fluid communication with the reservoir. The first lumen includes an outflow port and the second lumen includes a return port each in fluid communication with the reservoir. The device further includes a tubing system having a first end and a second end. The first end connected in fluid communication with the outflow port and the second end in fluid communication with the return port. The second end configured to return a fluid to the reservoir. The tubing system connects to an energy delivery device to cool the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Eric W. Larson, Darion R. Peterson, Joseph D. Brannan
  • Patent number: 9943367
    Abstract: A system for monitoring ablation size is provided and includes a power source including a microprocessor for executing at least one control algorithm. A microwave antenna is configured to deliver microwave energy from the power source to tissue to form an ablation zone. An ablation zone control module is in operative communication with a memory associated with the power source. The memory includes one or more data look-up tables including data pertaining to a control curve varying over time and being representative of one or more electrical parameters associated with the microwave antenna. Points along the control curve correspond to a value of the electrical parameters and the ablation zone control module triggers a signal when a predetermined threshold value of the electrical parameter(s) is measured corresponding to the radius of the ablation zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Joseph D. Brannan
  • Patent number: 9937003
    Abstract: An energy-delivery device suitable for delivery of energy to tissue includes an antenna assembly, a chamber defined about the antenna assembly, and a cable having a proximal end suitable for connection to an electrosurgical energy source. The energy-delivery device also includes a flexible, fluid-cooled shaft coupled in fluid communication with the chamber. The flexible, fluid-cooled shaft is configured to contain a length of the cable therein and adapted to remove heat along the length of the cable during delivery of energy to the antenna assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Joseph D. Brannan