Patents by Inventor Kevin J. Frank

Kevin J. Frank 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: 9439627
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an ablation planning and navigation system. The planning system includes a memory configured to store a plurality of images and a controller configured to render the plurality of images in three dimensions, automatically segment the plurality of images to demarcate a target area, and automatically determine a treatment plan based on the target area. The navigation system includes an ultrasound device having a fiducial pattern that obtains an ultrasound image, an ablation needle having a image capture device that captures an image of the fiducial pattern, and a controller that receives the ultrasound image and the fiducial image. The controller determines a position of the ablation needle based on the fiducial image. The planning and navigation system also includes a controller that receives data from the planning system and the navigation system and a display configured to display the received information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jason A. Case, Kevin J. Frank, Casey M. Ladtkow
  • Publication number: 20160038248
    Abstract: A system and method for planning surgical procedure including importing CT image data of a patient; generating a 3D reconstruction from the CT image data; presenting a slice of the 3D reconstruction; selecting a target anatomical feature from the slice of the 3D reconstruction; setting a treatment zone including presenting at least one slice of the 3D reconstruction including the target anatomical feature, and presenting a treatment zone marker defining a location and a size of the treatment zone on the presented at least one slice of the 3D reconstruction; setting an access route to the treatment zone; and presenting a three-dimensional model including the treatment zone and the access route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: JEETENDRA BHARADWAJ, KEVIN J. FRANK, DARREN G. GIROTTO, BENJAMIN M. CORUM
  • Publication number: 20160038247
    Abstract: A system and method for planning surgical procedure including a treatment zone setting view presenting at least one slice of a 3D reconstruction generated from CT image data including a target. The treatment zone setting view presenting a treatment zone marker defining a location and a size of a treatment zone and configured to adjust the treatment zone marker in response to a received user input. The system and method further including a volumetric view presenting a 3D volume derived from the 3D reconstruction and a 3D representation of the treatment zone marker relative to structures depicted in the 3D volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: JEETENDRA BHARADWAJ, KEVIN J. FRANK, DARREN G. GIROTTO, BENJAMIN M. CORUM
  • Patent number: 8845655
    Abstract: A system is provided to align a surgical guide instrument over a burr hole in a patient's body. Adjustments of a surgical instrument can be made in x, y, z, and angular directions using the system. An instrument guide unit can include an instrument guide for guiding a surgical instrument into the body of a patient and a base unit operative to be secured to the body near an area in which surgery is to occur. The base unit is coupled to the instrument guide. An adjustment mechanism, coupled to the base unit and the instrument guide, is operative to adjust the instrument guide in lateral directions with respect the surface of the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaimie Henderson, Richard D. Bucholz, Kurt R. Smith, Kevin J. Frank, John B. Clayton, Catalina J. Carroll, Phillip T. Ulberg
  • Patent number: 8750568
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to fiducial tracking system. The fiducial tracking system includes a first device having a fiducial pattern disposed thereon and a second device having an image capture device disposed thereon. The image capturing device is configured to obtain a fiducial image of the fiducial pattern. A controller is also provided that is configured to receive the fiducial image, correct the fiducial image for lens distortion, find correspondence between the fiducial image and a model image, estimate a camera pose, and transform a position of the second device to model coordinates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kevin J. Frank, Jason A. Case
  • Patent number: 8705829
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing 2D to 3D registration includes an initialization step and a refinement step. The initialization step is directed to identifying an orientation and a position by knowing orientation information where data images are captured and by identifying centers of relevant bodies. The refinement step uses normalized mutual information and pattern intensity algorithms to register the 2D image to the 3D volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Frank, Kevin E. Mark
  • Publication number: 20120027261
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing 2D to 3D registration includes an initialization step and a refinement step. The initialization step is directed to identifying an orientation and a position by knowing orientation information where data images are captured and by identifying centers of relevant bodies. The refinement step uses normalized mutual information and pattern intensity algorithms to register the 2D image to the 3D volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Frank, Kevin E. Mark
  • Patent number: 8036441
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing 2D to 3D registration includes an initialization step and a refinement step. The initialization step is directed to identifying an orientation and a position by knowing orientation information where data images are captured and by identifying centers of relevant bodies. The refinement step uses normalized mutual information and pattern intensity algorithms to register the 2D image to the 3D volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Frank, Kevin E. Mark
  • Publication number: 20100305580
    Abstract: A system is provided to align a surgical guide instrument over a burr hole in a patient's body. Adjustments of a surgical instrument can be made in x, y, z, and angular directions using the system. An instrument guide unit can include an instrument guide for guiding a surgical instrument into the body of a patient and a base unit operative to be secured to the body near an area in which surgery is to occur. The base unit is coupled to the instrument guide. An adjustment mechanism, coupled to the base unit and the instrument guide, is operative to adjust the instrument guide in lateral directions with respect the surface of the area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic Navigation, Inc
    Inventors: Jaimie Henderson, Richard D. Bucholz, Kurt R. Smith, Kevin J. Frank, John B. Clayton, Catalina J. Carroll, Phillip T. Ulberg
  • Patent number: 7776056
    Abstract: A system is provided to align a surgical guide instrument over a burr hole in a patient's body. Adjustments of a surgical instrument can be made in x, y, z, and angular directions using the system. An instrument guide unit can include an instrument guide for guiding a surgical instrument into the body of a patient and a base unit operative to be secured to the body near an area in which surgery is to occur. The base unit is coupled to the instrument guide. An adjustment mechanism, coupled to the base unit and the instrument guide, is operative to adjust the instrument guide in lateral directions with respect the surface of the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaimie Henderson, Richard D. Bucholz, Kurt R. Smith, Kevin J. Frank, John B. Clayton, Catelina J. Carroll, Phillip T. Ulberg
  • Publication number: 20090290771
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing 2D to 3D registration includes an initialization step and a refinement step. The initialization step is directed to identifying an orientation and a position by knowing orientation information where data images are captured and by identifying centers of relevant bodies. The refinement step uses normalized mutual information and pattern intensity algorithms to register the 2D image to the 3D volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: Surgical Navigation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Frank, Kevin E. Mark
  • Patent number: 7570791
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing 2D to 3D registration includes an initialization step and a refinement step. The initialization step is directed to identifying an orientation and a position by knowing orientation information where data images are captured and by identifying centers of relevant bodies. The refinement step uses normalized mutual information and pattern intensity algorithms to register the 2D image to the 3D volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J Frank, Kevin E Mark
  • Patent number: 7217276
    Abstract: Generally, the present invention is directed to a method and system for a aligning surgical guide instrument over a burr hole in a patient's body. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a stand-alone instrument guidance unit that is attachable to a patient's skull. Adjustments of a surgical instrument can be made in x, y, z, and angular directions using the system and method of the present invention. In one aspect of the present invention, an instrument guide unit includes an instrument guide for guiding a surgical instrument into the body of a patient and a base unit operative to be secured to the body in an area in which surgery is to occur. The base unit is coupled to the instrument guide. An adjustment mechanism, coupled to the base unit and the instrument guide, is operative to adjust the instrument guide in lateral directions with respect the surface of the area. The adjustment mechanism is operative to adjust the instrument guide in x and y directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Surgical Navigational Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaimie Henderson, Richard D Bucholz, Kurt R Smith, Kevin J Frank, John B Clayton, Catalina J Carroll, Phillip T Ulberg
  • Publication number: 20040215071
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing 2D to 3D registration includes an initialization step and a refinement step. The initialization step is directed to identifying an orientation and a position by knowing orientation information where data images are captured and by identifying centers of relevant bodies. The refinement step uses normalized mutual information and pattern intensity algorithms to register the 2D image to the 3D volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Kevin J. Frank, Kevin E. Mark
  • Publication number: 20030114752
    Abstract: Generally, the present invention is directed to a method and system for a aligning surgical guide instrument over a burr hole in a patient's body. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a stand-alone instrument guidance unit that is attachable to a patient's skull. Adjustments of a surgical instrument can be made in x, y, z, and angular directions using the system and method of the present invention. In one aspect of the present invention, an instrument guide unit includes an instrument guide for guiding a surgical instrument into the body of a patient and a base unit operative to be secured to the body in an area in which surgery is to occur. The base unit is coupled to the instrument guide. An adjustment mechanism, coupled to the base unit and the instrument guide, is operative to adjust the instrument guide in lateral directions with respect the surface of the area. The adjustment mechanism is operative to adjust the instrument guide in x and y directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Jaimie Henderson, Richard D. Bucholz, Kurt R. Smith, Kevin J. Frank, John B. Clayton, Catalina J. Carroll, Phillip T. Ulberg
  • Patent number: 6491699
    Abstract: Generally, the present invention is directed to a method and system for a aligning surgical guide instrument over a burr hole in a patient's body. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a stand-alone instrument guidance unit that is attachable to a patient's skull. Adjustments of a surgical instrument can be made in x, y, z, and angular directions using the system and method of the present invention. In one aspect of the present invention, an instrument guide unit includes an instrument guide for guiding a surgical instrument into the body of a patient and a base unit operative to be secured to the body in an area in which surgery. is to occur. The base unit is coupled to the instrument guide. An adjustment mechanism, coupled to the base unit and the instrument guide, is operative to adjust the instrument guide in lateral directions with respect the surface of the area. The adjustment mechanism is operative to adjust the instrument guide in x and y directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Surgical Navigation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaimie Henderson, Richard D. Bucholz, Kurt R. Smith, Kevin J. Frank, John B. Clayton, Catalina J. Carroll, Phillip T. Ulberg
  • Publication number: 20010027271
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a surgical instrument during stereotactic surgery using a guidance fixture. The guidance fixture includes an upper portion, which includes an instrument guide for moving the surgical instrument along a constrained trajectory relative to the upper portion, and includes an adjustable base supporting the upper portion, which includes a mounting base and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustable base can include a rotating collar attached to the mounting base and a pivoting collar coupling the rotating collar to the upper portion. A remote sensing device, such as a camera array sensing LEDs on the fixture, is used to determine the orientation of the upper portion of the guidance assembly in relation to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventors: Joel I. Franck, Frederick C. Haer, Ronald J. Franklin, Kevin J. Frank, John B. Clayton, Jaimie Henderson, Richard D. Bucholz, Kurt R. Smith, Catalina J. Carroll
  • Patent number: 6298262
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a surgical instrument during stereotactic surgery using a guidance fixture. The guidance fixture includes an upper portion, which includes an instrument guide for moving the surgical instrument along a constrained trajectory relative to the upper portion, and includes an adjustable base supporting the upper portion, which includes a mounting base and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustable base can include a rotating collar attached to the mounting base and a pivoting collar coupling the rotating collar to the upper portion. A remote sensing device, such as a camera array sensing LEDs on the fixture, is used to determine the orientation of the upper portion of the guidance assembly in relation to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Neutar, LLC
    Inventors: Joel I. Franck, Frederick C. Haer, Ronald J. Franklin, Kevin J. Frank, John B. Clayton, Jaimie Henderson, Richard D. Bucholz, Kurt R. Smith, Catalina J. Carroll
  • Patent number: 6239718
    Abstract: A system and method for programming a controller to learn a sequence of commands necessary to operate and control the functionality of one or more remote A/V system components. The system includes a remote control unit for transmitting command signals to a controller for processing. The controller includes a microprocessor chip able to learn by examples entered by a user during set-up. This information is used to interpret the command signals to construct the complete command string for operating the selected remote A/V component. Subsequently, the controller sends the command string information to an infrared repeater where it is directed to the selected A/V component. In essence, the user is provided with a consistent interface that is independent of the variability in codes and button sequences. During operation, the user simply enters a basic, predetermined command sequence in order to yield a desired function in the selected remote A/V component (such as changing the television channel).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kenwood
    Inventors: Joshua K. Hoyt, Kevin J. Frank