Patents by Inventor Mark S. Freas

Mark S. Freas 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: 20210220617
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, examples of a low profile instrument immobilizer and means for positioning the same. In one example, the low profile instrument immobilizer grasps, secures, and immobilizes an electrode or other instrument that extends through a burr hole in a skull to a target location in a patient's brain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: James SKAKOON, Matthew SOLAR, Thomas I. MILLER, Patrick R. HELMER, Mark S. FREAS
  • Patent number: 10974029
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, examples of a low profile instrument immobilizer and means for positioning the same. In one example, the low profile instrument immobilizer grasps, secures, and immobilizes an electrode or other instrument that extends through a burr hole in a skull to a target location in a patient's brain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: James Skakoon, Matthew Solar, Thomas I. Miller, Patrick R. Helmer, Mark S. Freas
  • Publication number: 20190001102
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, examples of a low profile instrument immobilizer and means for positioning the same. In one example, the low profile instrument immobilizer grasps, secures, and immobilizes an electrode or other instrument that extends through a burr hole in a skull to a target location in a patient's brain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: James Skakoon, Matthew Solar, Thomas I. Miller, Patrick R. Helmer, Mark S. Freas
  • Patent number: 10058681
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, examples of a low profile instrument immobilizer and means for positioning the same. In one example, the low profile instrument immobilizer grasps, secures, and immobilizes an electrode or other instrument that extends through a burr hole in a skull to a target location in a patient's brain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Skakoon, Matthew S. Solar, Thomas I. Miller, Patrick R. Helmer, Mark S. Freas
  • Patent number: 9289270
    Abstract: A system can be used to navigate or guide an instrument or device into an anatomy of a patient. The navigation can occur with the use of image data acquired of the patient. The image data can be registered to the patient space for navigation. One or more tracking devices can be the associated with the patient and with guiding instruments for tracking guiding devices relative to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Frans L. H. Gielen, Peter Appenrodt, Andrew N. Csavoy, Jeffrey M. Waynik, Mark S. Freas, Matthew S. Solar
  • Patent number: 8591522
    Abstract: An alignment device and method is provided. Higher precision is achieved when fixing an orientation of an insertion axis using alignment devices shown. A symmetric clamping force is provided that reduces or eliminates unwanted displacement after the desired orientation is obtained. Another feature includes increased flexibility to use a variety of primary medical devices. Another feature includes a standoff feature that reduces tissue damage. Another feature includes an orienting fixture for image guided procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Solar, James G. Skakoon, Kari Parmer, Thomas I. Miller, Mark S. Freas
  • Patent number: 8467852
    Abstract: A system can be used to navigate or guide an instrument or device into an anatomy of a patient. The navigation can occur with the use of image data acquired of the patient. The image data can be registered to the patient space for navigation. Also, one or more coils can be used for tracking or localization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew N. Csavoy, Matthew S. Solar, Jeffrey M. Waynik, Mark S. Freas, Thomas I. Miller, Keith Sootsman
  • Patent number: 8311611
    Abstract: A system can be used to navigate or guide an instrument or device into an anatomy of a patient. The navigation can occur with the use of image data acquired of the patient. The image data can be registered to the patient space for navigation. Registration can occur more than once to increase efficiency and speed of the procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew N. Csavoy, Matthew S. Solar, Jeffrey M. Waynik, Mark S. Freas
  • Patent number: 8301226
    Abstract: A system can be used to navigate or guide an instrument or device into an anatomy of a patient. The navigation can occur with the use of image data acquired of the patient. The image data can be registered to the patient space for navigation. Also, one or more coils can be used for tracking or localization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew N. Csavoy, Matthew S. Solar, Jeffrey M. Waynik, Mark S. Freas, Thomas I. Miller, Keith Sootsman
  • Publication number: 20120046542
    Abstract: A system can be used to navigate or guide an instrument or device into an anatomy of a patient. The navigation can occur with the use of image data acquired of the patient. The image data can be registered to the patient space for navigation. Also, one or more coils can be used for tracking or localization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew N. Csavoy, Matthew S. Solar, Jeffrey M. Waynik, Mark S. Freas, Thomas I. Miller, Keith Sootsman
  • Patent number: 8108025
    Abstract: A system can be used to determine a position of a structure in physical space. The system can include a flexible member, such as a drape, cloth, sheet, etc. that can include one or more trackable devices associated therewith. The trackable devices can be incorporated into the weave of a woven cloth or the matrix of a polymer member. The trackable devices can be used within a tracking system to determine the location of the trackable devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew N. Csavoy, Matthew S. Solar, Jeffrey M. Waynik, Mark S. Freas
  • Patent number: 8073530
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, fiducial marker devices, tools, and methods. One example illustrates a combined imagable fiducial locator and divot for receiving a positioning wand of an image-guided surgical (IGS) workstation. A further example is reflective such that it is locatable by a remote detector of an optical positioning system. A generally cylindrical (e.g., faceted cylindrical) columnar locator permits easy application of reflective tape. Other examples discusses a unitary fiducial marker with multiple divots and a swiveling and/or tilted fiducial marker divot, each of which allows manipulation of a positioning wand into a remote camera's field of view. Another example includes at least one reflector that can be aimed. A further example discusses an imagable fiducial marker carrier that is attachable to a single location on a patient's skull to reduce trauma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Solar, Thomas L. Bridges, David M. Lee, Mark S. Freas
  • Patent number: 8032204
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, fiducial marker devices, tools, and methods. One example illustrates a combined computed tomography (CT) imageable fiducial locator head, an integral bone screw, and an integral divot for receiving a positioning wand of an image-guided surgical (IGS) workstation. A further example includes a fluid/gel-absorbing coating or cover into which a magnetic resonance (MR) imageable fluid is introduced, thereby permitting both CT and MR imaging. Protective caps and collars may be used to protect the fiducial marker from mechanical impact and/or to guide the fiducial marker during affixation. A bull's-eye or other template is used to select a center of a substantially spherical fiducial marker head on an image, such as for use during patient registration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Solar, Thomas L. Bridges, David M. Lee, Mark S. Freas
  • Patent number: 8010177
    Abstract: A system to allow registration of a patient to image space is disclosed. The registration can be performed without touching a plurality of fiducial points on the patient or in the image data. The registration process can eliminate manual steps of image to patient registration and image to image registration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew N. Csavoy, Matthew S. Solar, Jeffrey M. Waynik, Mark S. Freas, Thomas I. Miller, Keith Sootsman
  • Publication number: 20100160771
    Abstract: A system can be used to navigate or guide an instrument or device into an anatomy of a patient. The navigation can occur with the use of image data acquired of the patient. The image data can be registered to the patient space for navigation. One or more tracking devices can be the associated with the patient and with guiding instruments for tracking guiding devices relative to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Frans L.H. Gielen, Peter Appenrodt, Andrew N. Csavoy, Jeffrey M. Waynik, Mark S. Freas, Matthew S. Solar
  • Publication number: 20090012509
    Abstract: A system can be used to determine a position of a boney structure in physical space. The system can include a laser emitting device that can emit a laser beam that transmits through soft tissue and reflects off of a boney surface. The system can then determine the position of the reflection point and correlate the reflection point to image data acquired of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew N. Csavoy, Matthew S. Solar, Jeffrey M. Waynik, Mark S. Freas
  • Publication number: 20080269588
    Abstract: A system to allow registration of a patient to image space is disclosed. The registration can be performed without touching a plurality of fiducial points on the patient or in the image data. The registration process can eliminate manual steps of image to patient registration and image to image registration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew N. Csavoy, Matthew S. Solar, Jeffrey M. Waynik, Mark S. Freas, Thomas I. Miller, Keith Sootsman
  • Publication number: 20080269600
    Abstract: A system can be used to determine a position of a structure in physical space. The system can include a flexible member, such as a drape, cloth, sheet, etc. that can include one or more trackable devices associated therewith. The trackable devices can be incorporated into the weave of a woven cloth or the matrix of a polymer member. The trackable devices can be used within a tracking system to determine the location of the trackable devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew N. Csavoy, Matthew S. Solar, Jeffrey M. Waynik, Mark S. Freas
  • Publication number: 20080269602
    Abstract: A system can be used to navigate or guide an instrument or device into an anatomy of a patient. The navigation can occur with the use of image data acquired of the patient. The image data can be registered to the patient space for navigation. Also, one or more coils can be used for tracking or localization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew N. Csavoy, Matthew S. Solar, Jeffrey M. Waynik, Mark S. Freas, Thomas I. Miller, Keith Sootsman
  • Publication number: 20080269599
    Abstract: A system can be used to navigate or guide an instrument or device into an anatomy of a patient. The navigation can occur with the use of image data acquired of the patient. The image data can be registered to the patient space for navigation. Registration can occur more than once to increase efficiency and speed of the procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew N. Csavoy, Matthew S. Solar, Jeffrey M. Waynik, Mark S. Freas