Patents by Inventor Mark Stephen Freas
Mark Stephen 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).
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Patent number: 9901713Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 24, 2010Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: James G. Skakoon, Matthew S. Solar, Thomas I. Miller, Patrick R. Helmer, Mark Stephen Freas
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Patent number: 8517993Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a stiffening stylet for use with a peel-away or other sheath. The stylet includes an MR-compatible ceramic core and an MR-compatible tubular covering, such as a polyester heat shrink tubing. The ceramic core and the tubular covering together provide a step to engage a stop feature of the sheath to inhibit overextension of the stylet beyond a distal end of the sheath.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2006Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Mark Stephen Freas, Matthew S. Solar
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Patent number: 8185184Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, fiducial marker devices, tools, and methods. One example illustrates a combined computed tomography (CT) imagable 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) imagable 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: GrantFiled: March 21, 2007Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Matthew S. Solar, Thomas L. Bridges, David M. Lee, Mark Stephen Freas
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Patent number: 8170645Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a fiducial marker kit. In one example, the kit includes a fiducial marker assembly that includes a bone screw base for receiving an imageable marker or locatable divot. A valved protective sleeve prevents debris from accumulating in a receptacle portion of the base, which may otherwise degrade the accuracy of patient registration in an image-guided surgical procedure. In one example, the valve automatically opens or closes upon insertion or removal of a screwdriver or other tool, or a shaft portion of the imageable marker or locatable divot. Various bone screw base and receptacle combinations are also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Matthew S. Solar, Mark Stephen Freas, Thomas L. Bridges, David M. Lee
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Publication number: 20100217120Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2010Publication date: August 26, 2010Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Matthew S. Solar, Thomas L. Bridges, David Lee, Mark Stephen Freas
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Publication number: 20100179563Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2010Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: James G. Skakoon, Matthew S. Solar, Thomas I. Miller, Patrick R. Helmer, Mark Stephen Freas
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Publication number: 20100162552Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2010Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Matthew S. Solar, James G. Skakoon, Kari Parmer, Thomas L. Miller, Mark Stephen Freas
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Patent number: 7720522Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 25, 2003Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Matthew S. Solar, Thomas L. Bridges, David Lee, Mark Stephen Freas
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Patent number: 7704260Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 6, 2004Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: James G. Skakoon, Matthew S. Solar, Thomas I. Miller, Patrick R. Helmer, Mark Stephen Freas
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Patent number: 7695480Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 25, 2003Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Matthew S. Solar, James G. Skakoon, Kari Parmer, Thomas I. Miller, Mark Stephen Freas
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Publication number: 20100063388Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2009Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Matthew S. Solar, Thomas L. Bridges, David M. Lee, Mark Stephen Freas
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Patent number: 7643867Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, fiducial marker devices, tools, and methods. One example illustrates a combined computed tomography (CT) imagable 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) imagable 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: GrantFiled: October 17, 2003Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Matthew S. Solar, Thomas L. Bridges, David M. Lee, Mark Stephen Freas
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Publication number: 20040167393Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2003Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventors: Matthew S. Solar, Thomas L. Bridges, David Lee, Mark Stephen Freas
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Publication number: 20040167391Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, fiducial marker devices, tools, and methods. One example illustrates a combined computed tomography (CT) imagable 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) imagable 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: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2003Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventors: Matthew S. Solar, Thomas L. Bridges, David M. Lee, Mark Stephen Freas
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Patent number: D527820Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Image-Guided Neurologics, Inc.Inventors: Matthew S. Solar, Thomas L. Bridges, David M. Lee, Mark Stephen Freas, Rudy A. Mazzocchi
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Patent number: D528211Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Image-Guided Neurologics, Inc.Inventors: Matthew S. Solar, Thomas L. Bridges, David M. Lee, Mark Stephen Freas, Rudy A. Mazzocchi