Patents by Inventor Keith L. Obstein

Keith L. Obstein 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: 11793394
    Abstract: A steerable endoscope system includes a continuum manipulator, a plurality of syringes, and a steerable tip. The continuum manipulator includes a plurality of spaced discs and a plurality of backbones each extending through all discs. A bending movement of the continuum manipulator changes a varying linear displacement of each backbone. Each backbone is further coupled to a different one of the syringes such that the linear displacement of each backbone pushes or pulls a piston of the corresponding syringe by a varying amount. The steerable tip includes a plurality of bellows each pneumatically coupled to a different syringe such that movement of the piston of a syringe causes the corresponding bellow to inflate or deflate. Because the distal end of each bellow is fixedly coupled to the same end effector, variations in the amount of inflation or deflation on each bellow causes a bending of the steerable tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignees: Vanderbilt University, University of Leeds
    Inventors: Nicolo Garbin, Pietro Valdastri, Keith L. Obstein, Nabil Simaan, Piotr Robert Slawinski
  • Publication number: 20210338263
    Abstract: A waterjet necrosectomy device for providing a controllable waterjet force capable of fragmenting necrosis without damage to healthy tissue. The device includes a housing having an actuator and a connector coupled to the housing. The connector includes a first channel and a second channel. The device also includes a length of tubing coupled to the connector, a nozzle coupled to the tubing, and a wire extending through the housing, the connector, and the tubing, the wire being configured to articulate the nozzle upon movement of the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Patrick S. Yachimski, Federico Campisano, Pietro Valdastri, Keith L. Obstein, Claire A. Landewee
  • Patent number: 11122965
    Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for localization of a capsule based on magnetic fields. The capsule is positioned in a magnetic field generated by a first magnet and an electromagnetic coil is operated to generate a sinusoidal magnetic field with a magnetic moment orthogonal to the magnetic moment of the first magnet. An average signal measurement calculated for each magnetic field sensor is defined as the magnetic field applied to the magnetic field sensor by the first magnet and used as an offset to determine the magnetic field applied by the electromagnetic coil. The pose of the capsule is then determined based at least in part on a combination of magnetic field signals applied by the electromagnetic coil to each of the magnetic field sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Pietro Valdastri, Piotr R. Slawinski, Addisu Z. Taddese, Keith L. Obstein
  • Publication number: 20210204833
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a physical parameter of a subject is provided. The system may include a casing with a sensor coupled to the casing. The sensor may be configured to detect a physical parameter of the subject. The physical parameter may include a chemical parameter of the subject. The system includes an endoscopic clip coupled to the casing and may include a wireless transmitter for transmitting a signal via a wireless medium. The signal encodes the physical parameter of the subject detected by the sensor and the wireless transmitter is electronically connected to the endoscopic clip. The system may further include a monitor configured to communicate with the wireless transmitter for receiving the signal encoding the physical parameter of the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher C. Thompson, Robert Westervelt, Alex Nemiroski, Keith L. Obstein
  • Publication number: 20200015657
    Abstract: A steerable endoscope system includes a continuum manipulator, a plurality of syringes, and a steerable tip. The continuum manipulator includes a plurality of spaced discs and a plurality of backbones each extending through all discs. A bending movement of the continuum manipulator changes a varying linear displacement of each backbone. Each backbone is further coupled to a different one of the syringes such that the linear displacement of each backbone pushes or pulls a piston of the corresponding syringe by a varying amount. The steerable tip includes a plurality of bellows each pneumatically coupled to a different syringe such that movement of the piston of a syringe causes the corresponding bellow to inflate or deflate. Because the distal end of each bellow is fixedly coupled to the same end effector, variations in the amount of inflation or deflation on each bellow causes a bending of the steerable tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventors: Nicolo Garbin, Pietro Valdastri, Keith L. Obstein, Nabil Simaan, Piotr Robert Slawinski
  • Patent number: 10485409
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for determining an orientation and position of a capsule inserted into the body of a patient. A magnetic field is applied to an area of the patient where the capsule is located. Sensor data, including inertial data from an inertial sensor and magnetic field data indicative of the applied magnetic field as detected by at least one magnetic field sensor, is wirelessly received from the capsule. An orientation angle of the capsule is determined based at least in part on the inertial data. The magnetic field data is compared to known characteristics of the applied magnetic field and a location of the capsule is determined based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Christian Di Natali, Marco Beccani, Pietro Valdastri, Keith L. Obstein
  • Publication number: 20190104994
    Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for localization of a capsule based on magnetic fields. The capsule is positioned in a magnetic field generated by a first magnet and an electromagnetic coil is operated to generate a sinusoidal magnetic field with a magnetic moment orthogonal to the magnetic moment of the first magnet. An average signal measurement calculated for each magnetic field sensor is defined as the magnetic field applied to the magnetic field sensor by the first magnet and used as an offset to determine the magnetic field applied by the electromagnetic coil. The pose of the capsule is then determined based at least in part on a combination of magnetic field signals applied by the electromagnetic coil to each of the magnetic field sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Pietro Valdastri, Piotr R. Slawinski, Addisu Z. Taddese, Keith L. Obstein
  • Publication number: 20170181662
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a physical parameter of a subject is provided. The system may include a casing with a sensor coupled to the casing. The sensor may be configured to detect a physical parameter of the subject. The physical parameter may include a chemical parameter of the subject. The system includes an endoscopic clip coupled to the casing and may include a wireless transmitter for transmitting a signal via a wireless medium. The signal encodes the physical parameter of the subject detected by the sensor and the wireless transmitter is electronically connected to the endoscopic clip. The system may further include a monitor configured to communicate with the wireless transmitter for receiving the signal encoding the physical parameter of the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher C. Thompson, Robert Westervelt, Alex Nemiroski, Keith L. Obstein
  • Patent number: 9615745
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a physical parameter of a subject is provided. The system may include a casing with a sensor coupled to the casing. The sensor may be configured to detect a physical parameter of the subject. The physical parameter may include a chemical parameter of the subject. The system includes an endoscopic clip coupled to the casing and may include a wireless transmitter for transmitting a signal via a wireless medium. The signal encodes the physical parameter of the subject detected by the sensor and the wireless transmitter is electronically connected to the endoscopic clip. The system may further include a monitor configured to communicate with the wireless transmitter for receiving the signal encoding the physical parameter of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: The Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Inventors: Christopher C. Thompson, Robert Westervelt, Alex Nemiroski, Keith L. Obstein
  • Publication number: 20150342501
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for determining an orientation and position of a capsule inserted into the body of a patient. A magnetic field is applied to an area of the patient where the capsule is located. Sensor data, including inertial data from an inertial sensor and magnetic field data indicative of the applied magnetic field as detected by at least one magnetic field sensor, is wirelessly received from the capsule. An orientation angle of the capsule is determined based at least in part on the inertial data. The magnetic field data is compared to known characteristics of the applied magnetic field and a location of the capsule is determined based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Christian Di Natali, Marco Beccani, Pietro Valdastri, Keith L. Obstein
  • Publication number: 20150045725
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing carbon dioxide insufflation. The system includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a mixing chamber. The first chamber contains an acid and the second chamber contains a base. The mixing chamber is configured to receive the acid from the first chamber and the base from the second chamber. The mixing chamber is also coupleable to an endoscope and configured to provide an amount of carbon dioxide generated by mixing the acid and the base to the endoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Byron F. Smith, Keith L. Obstein, Pietro Valdastri
  • Publication number: 20140081169
    Abstract: A system and method of wireless controlled CO2 insufflation for use in colon capsule endoscopy. The system includes a device to inflate the colon through the use of a swallowable capsule including a first compound and a second compound for generating a biocompatible chemical reaction that provides a level of insufflation to enhance visualization and to allow for magnetic locomotion within the colon. The chemical reaction achieves relevant colon insufflation (enough to enable diagnostic relevance) by producing CO2 (carbon dioxide).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Jason Gerding, Byron Smith, Keith L. Obstein, Pietro Valdastri
  • Publication number: 20130018235
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a physical parameter of a subject is provided. The system may include a casing with a sensor coupled to the casing. The sensor may be configured to detect a physical parameter of the subject. The physical parameter may include a chemical parameter of the subject. The system includes an endoscopic clip coupled to the casing and may include a wireless transmitter for transmitting a signal via a wireless medium. The signal encodes the physical parameter of the subject detected by the sensor and the wireless transmitter is electronically connected to the endoscopic clip. The system may further include a monitor configured to communicate with the wireless transmitter for receiving the signal encoding the physical parameter of the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher C. Thompson, Robert Westervelt, Alex Nemiroski, Keith L. Obstein