Patents by Inventor Karen Joos

Karen Joos 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: 9757038
    Abstract: A miniature intraoperative probe (30) capable of forward-imaging with optical coherence tomography. The probe includes a housing (130), an actuator (150) supported by the housing, and a single mode (146) fiber supported by the housing and configured to laterally scan light data reflected from a sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Karen Joos, Jin Hui Shen
  • Patent number: 9014788
    Abstract: An optical coherence tomography probe and laser combination device configured for real-time z-directional guidance of the incisional depth of a surgical procedure. It can be used alone or placed within the working channel of an endoscope. The device includes an OCT single mode fiber, and a laser fiber or laser hollow waveguide or electrical surgical wire positioned adjacent to the OCT single mode fiber. The single mode fiber is configured to move laterally when activated by an actuator to scan light data reflected from a sample that is positioned in front of a distal end of the device. The light data can be processed to generate a B-scan image. The device can collect data in real-time during lasing, or immediately prior to and following the cutting. The surgical tool, when coupled to a processor, can deactivate when the B-scan image identifies that the incision is within a predefined tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Karen Joos, Jin Hui Shen, M. Shane Hutson, John Kozub
  • Publication number: 20140303663
    Abstract: Devices, methods, tools, and kits for surgically separating two pressure-sensitive vessels (e.g., arteriole, vein, and/or nerve) at a point of contact or within about 1 mm of the contact. The device includes a biocompatible sheet of material, such as a bridge or separator or external stent. The device is positioned between one or more pressure-sensitive vessels or nerves to alleviate compression with a the tool includes a deployment mechanism and a user interface (e.g., a controller or robot) for inserting the device between the two pressure-sensitive vessels or nerves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Karen Joos, Jin Shen, Nabil Simaan
  • Publication number: 20140221826
    Abstract: A miniature intraoperative probe (30) capable of forward-imaging with optical coherence tomography. The probe includes a housing (130), an actuator (150) supported by the housing, and a single mode (146) fiber supported by the housing and configured to laterally scan light data reflected from a sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Karen Joos, Jin Hui Shen
  • Publication number: 20140163537
    Abstract: An optical coherence tomography probe and laser combination device configured for real-time z-directional guidance of the incisional depth of a surgical procedure. It can be used alone or placed within the working channel of an endoscope. The device includes an OCT single mode fiber, and a laser fiber or laser hollow waveguide or electrical surgical wire positioned adjacent to the OCT single mode fiber. The single mode fiber is configured to move laterally when activated by an actuator to scan light data reflected from a sample that is positioned in front of a distal end of the device. The light data can be processed to generate a B-scan image. The device can collect data in real-time during lasing, or immediately prior to and following the cutting. The surgical tool, when coupled to a processor, can deactivate when the B-scan image identifies that the incision is within a predefined tolerance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Karen Joos, Jin Hui Shen, M. Shane Hutson, John Kozub
  • Patent number: 8655431
    Abstract: An optical coherence tomography probe and laser combination device configured for real-time z-directional guidance of the incisional depth of a surgical procedure. It can be used alone or placed within the working channel of an endoscope. The device includes an OCT single mode fiber, and a laser fiber or laser hollow waveguide or electrical surgical wire positioned adjacent to the OCT single mode fiber. The single mode fiber is configured to move laterally when activated by an actuator to scan light data reflected from a sample that is positioned in front of a distal end of the device. The light data can be processed to generate a B-scan image. The device can collect data in real-time during lasing, or immediately prior to and following the cutting. The surgical tool, when coupled to a processor, can deactivate when the B-scan image identifies that the incision is within a predefined tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Karen Joos, Jin Hui Shen, M. Shane Hutson, John Kozub
  • Publication number: 20120310042
    Abstract: An optical coherence tomography probe and laser combination device configured for real-time z-directional guidance of the incisional depth of a surgical procedure. It can be used alone or placed within the working channel of an endoscope. The device includes an OCT single mode fiber, and a laser fiber or laser hollow waveguide or electrical surgical wire positioned adjacent to the OCT single mode fiber. The single mode fiber is configured to move laterally when activated by an actuator to scan light data reflected from a sample that is positioned in front of a distal end of the device. The light data can be processed to generate a B-scan image. The device can collect data in real-time during lasing, or immediately prior to and following the cutting. The surgical tool, when coupled to a processor, can deactivate when the B-scan image identifies that the incision is within a predefined tolerance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Karen Joos, Jin Hui Shen, M. Shane Hutson, John Kozub