Patents by Inventor Joseph Paulus

Joseph Paulus 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: 9700366
    Abstract: A polyphase electrosurgical system and method are provided. In embodiments, a radiofrequency generator having the capability of delivering a plurality of independent electrosurgical signals is disclosed. An electrosurgical instrument having an array of electrodes that correspond to the plurality of signals may be used to deliver the electrosurgical signals to tissue. In embodiments, three RF signals having a phase offset of about 120° therebetween, i.e., a three-phase configuration, may be used to achieve a balanced delivery of electrosurgical energy, which may lead to increased rates of energy delivery, improved control of tissue ablation regions, and improved operative outcomes. The phase, amplitude, and/or frequency of each signal may be independently variable in response to user inputs and/or biological parameters such as tissue impedance or return electrode current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Joseph A. Paulus
  • Publication number: 20170172656
    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: March 7, 2017
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN, JOSEPH A. PAULUS
  • Patent number: 9603662
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Joseph A. Paulus
  • Publication number: 20170056107
    Abstract: A microwave energy delivery and measurement system, including a microwave energy source configured to delivery microwave energy to a microwave energy delivery device, a measurement system configured to measure at least one parameter of the microwave energy delivery device and a switching network configured to electrically isolate the microwave energy source and the measurement system. The measurement system is configured to actively measure in real time at least one parameter related to the microwave energy delivery device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN, JOSEPH A. PAULUS
  • Patent number: 9561076
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Joseph A. Paulus
  • Patent number: 9526576
    Abstract: A microwave energy delivery and measurement system, including a microwave energy source configured to delivery microwave energy to a microwave energy delivery device, a measurement system configured to measure at least one parameter of the microwave energy delivery device and a switching network configured to electrically isolate the microwave energy source and the measurement system. The measurement system is configured to actively measure in real time at least one parameter related to the microwave energy delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Joseph A. Paulus
  • Publication number: 20160302862
    Abstract: A device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes a monopole antenna assembly that includes a monopole antenna radiating section having a monopole antenna element surrounded by a dielectric material. The monopole antenna assembly also includes a ground plane disposed at a proximal end of the monopole antenna radiating section, wherein the ground plane is configured to direct energy into the target volume of tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: FRANCESCA ROSSETTO, JOSEPH D. BRANNAN, JOSEPH A. PAULUS
  • Patent number: 9375272
    Abstract: A device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes a monopole antenna assembly that includes a monopole antenna radiating section having a monopole antenna element surrounded by a dielectric material. The monopole antenna assembly also includes a ground plane disposed at a proximal end of the monopole antenna radiating section, wherein the ground plane is configured to direct energy into the target volume of tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Francesca Rossetto, Joseph D. Brannan, Joseph A. Paulus
  • Publication number: 20160081748
    Abstract: A system for use with a microwave antenna includes a microwave antenna configured to deliver microwave energy from a power source to tissue and a sensor module in operative communication with the power source and configured to detect a reflectance parameter. The system further includes a jacket adapted to at least partially surround the microwave antenna to define a fluid channel between the jacket and the microwave antenna. A plurality of fluid distribution ports are defined through the jacket and are in fluid communication with the fluid channel to permit the flow of fluid through the jacket. The system further includes a fluid pumping system operably coupled to the power source and configured to selectively provide cooling fluid to the fluid channel for distribution through the fluid distribution ports based on the reflectance parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: JOSEPH A. PAULUS, ARNOLD V. DECARLO, CASEY M. LADTKOW, BEHZAD GHORBANI-ELIZEH, BRANDON C. GAY
  • Patent number: 9198723
    Abstract: A system for use with a microwave antenna includes a microwave antenna configured to deliver microwave energy from a power source to tissue and a sensor module in operative communication with the power source and configured to detect a reflectance parameter. The system further includes a jacket adapted to at least partially surround the microwave antenna to define a fluid channel between the jacket and the microwave antenna. A plurality of fluid distribution ports are defined through the jacket and are in fluid communication with the fluid channel to permit the flow of fluid through the jacket. The system further includes a fluid pumping system operably coupled to the power source and configured to selectively provide cooling fluid to the fluid channel for distribution through the fluid distribution ports based on the reflectance parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Joseph A. Paulus, Arnold V. DeCarlo, Casey M. Ladtkow, Behzad Ghorbani-Elizeh, Brandon C. Gay
  • Publication number: 20150223883
    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: April 20, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN, JOSEPH A. PAULUS
  • Publication number: 20150223886
    Abstract: A system and method for supplying microwave energy to tissue for microwave therapy includes an electrosurgical generator having an output for coupling to a surgical instrument. The electrosurgical generator includes a microwave energy source and a controller for controlling the operation of the electrosurgical generator. The surgical instrument, coupled to the electrosurgical generator, includes a microwave antenna for delivering microwave energy from the microwave energy source. The controller of the electrosurgical generator is operable for causing the electrosurgical generator to apply at least two pulses of microwave energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: KYLE R. RICK, JOSEPH A. PAULUS, DARION R. PETERSON, MANI N. PRAKASH, FRANCESCA ROSSETTO
  • Publication number: 20150164588
    Abstract: A device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes an inner conductor having a length and an outer conductor coaxially surrounding the inner conductor along the length. The outer conductor has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion of the outer conductor is provided with a number of apertures N defined therein for radiating energy, where N is an integer greater than 1, each aperture having a size and extending at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the outer conductor. At least one of the size and the angle of each aperture is varied in relation to the other apertures N?1 such that the energy radiated along the distal portion is substantially uniform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: FRANCESCA ROSSETTO, JOSEPH D. BRANNAN, JOSEPH A. PAULUS, CHRISTOPHER A. DEBORSKI
  • Patent number: 9028475
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Joseph A. Paulus
  • Patent number: 9023024
    Abstract: A system and method for supplying microwave energy to tissue for microwave therapy includes an electrosurgical generator having an output for coupling to a surgical instrument. The electrosurgical generator includes a microwave energy source and a controller for controlling the operation of the electrosurgical generator. The surgical instrument, coupled to the electrosurgical generator, includes a microwave antenna for delivering microwave energy from the microwave energy source. The controller of the electrosurgical generator is operable for causing the electrosurgical generator to apply at least two pulses of microwave energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kyle R. Rick, Joseph A. Paulus, Darion Peterson, Mani N. Prakash, Francesca Rossetto
  • Patent number: 8968292
    Abstract: A device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes an inner conductor having a length and an outer conductor coaxially surrounding the inner conductor along the length. The outer conductor has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion of the outer conductor is provided with a number of apertures N defined therein for radiating energy, where N is an integer greater than 1, each aperture having a size and extending at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the outer conductor. At least one of the size and the angle of each aperture is varied in relation to the other apertures N?1 such that the energy radiated along the distal portion is substantially uniform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Francesca Rossetto, Joseph D. Brannan, Joseph A. Paulus, Christopher A. Deborski
  • Publication number: 20140343545
    Abstract: A microwave energy delivery and measurement system, including a microwave energy source configured to delivery microwave energy to a microwave energy delivery device, a measurement system configured to measure at least one parameter of the microwave energy delivery device and a switching network configured to electrically isolate the microwave energy source and the measurement system. The measurement system is configured to actively measure in real time at least one parameter related to the microwave energy delivery device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: JOSEPH D. BRANNAN, JOSEPH A. PAULUS
  • Patent number: 8797039
    Abstract: A microwave energy delivery and measurement system, including a microwave energy source configured to delivery microwave energy to a microwave energy delivery device, a measurement system configured to measure at least one parameter of the microwave energy delivery device and a switching network configured to electrically isolate the microwave energy source and the measurement system. The measurement system is configured to actively measure in real time at least one parameter related to the microwave energy delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Joseph A. Paulus
  • Publication number: 20140180270
    Abstract: A device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes an inner conductor having a length and an outer conductor coaxially surrounding the inner conductor along the length. The outer conductor has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion of the outer conductor is provided with a number of apertures N defined therein for radiating energy, where N is an integer greater than 1, each aperture having a size and extending at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the outer conductor. At least one of the size and the angle of each aperture is varied in relation to the other apertures N?1 such that the energy radiated along the distal portion is substantially uniform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: FRANCESCA ROSSETTO, JOSEPH D. BRANNAN, JOSEPH A. PAULUS, CHRISTOPHER A. DEBORSKI
  • Patent number: 8679108
    Abstract: A device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes an inner conductor having a length and an outer conductor coaxially surrounding the inner conductor along the length. The outer conductor has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion of the outer conductor is provided with a number of apertures N defined therein for radiating energy, where N is an integer greater than 1, each aperture having a size and extending at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the outer conductor. At least one of the size and the angle of each aperture is varied in relation to the other apertures N?1 such that the energy radiated along the distal portion is substantially uniform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Francesca Rossetto, Joseph D. Brannan, Joseph A. Paulus, Christopher A. Deborski