Patents by Inventor Michael C. Bednarek
Michael C. Bednarek 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: 11446082Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an electronic switchbox for automatically switching between receive and transmit functionalities. In one embodiment, an electronic switchbox automatically switches between receiving electrocardiograph signals and transmitting cardioversion impulses.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2018Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: St. Jude Medical Cardiology Division, Inc.Inventors: Arthur Gerald Blanck, Michael C. Bednarek, Sebastian Teodoru
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Publication number: 20220096792Abstract: In various examples, a shaft for an elongate medical device extends along a shaft length. The shaft includes a shaft axis, an outer surface, and an inner surface. The inner surface defines an inner lumen. A liner forms the inner surface of the shaft. A coil is disposed around and outwardly from the liner. The coil is formed from a flat wire. The flat wire includes a wire width and a wire height, wherein the wire height is greater than the wire width. The wire height extends substantially radially with respect to the shaft and the wire width extends substantially longitudinally with respect to the shaft. A jacket is disposed around and outwardly from the coil. The jacket forms the outer surface of the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2021Publication date: March 31, 2022Inventor: Michael C. Bednarek
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Patent number: 10960181Abstract: An apparatus for imparting a tensile force to deflect a distal portion of a catheter while maintaining its exterior dimensions may include a handle grip including a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and a longitudinal axis. A flexible elongate member may include proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion being coupled to the handle grip. An adjustment knob may include a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and is rotatably coupled to the handle grip around the longitudinal axis. An elongate deflection member may be operably coupled to the adjustment knob and to the distal end portion of the elongate member. Rotation of the adjustment knob may impart a tensile force to the deflection member thereby causing the distal end portion of the elongate member to deflect from a prior configuration while maintaining the generally predetermined exterior dimensions of the handle grip and the adjustment knob.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Michael C. Bednarek, Eric J. Wilkowske, Richard E. Stehr, William E. Butler
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Patent number: 10737062Abstract: The present invention is a catheter actuation handle for deflecting a distal end of a tubular catheter body, the handle including an auto-locking mechanism. The handle comprises upper and lower grip portions, an actuator, and an auto-locking mechanism. The auto-locking mechanism is adapted to hold a deflected distal end of the catheter in place without input from the operator. When the distal end of the catheter is deflected from its zero position, it typically will seek a return to its zero position, and as a result exerts a force on the actuator. The auto-locking mechanism acts by providing a second force that resists this force from the distal end and holds the distal end in place. As a result, the operator does not need to maintain contact with the buttons to maintain the distal end 18 in a set position once placed there by actuating the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2017Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Clint Schneider, Joshua L. Dudney, Richard E. Stehr, Troy T. Tegg, Michael C. Bednarek, Guy P. Vanney, James A. Jensen, Michael W. Stine
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Patent number: 10283887Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a high capacity medical device connector utilizing flexible circuits. The use of flexible circuits allows for increased channel capacity for use with future designs and capabilities of medical devices. The assembly may include pre-mounted electrical components. The connector may be designed to connect two flexible circuits. The connector may also be designed to connect a flexible circuit with existing technology, such as a pin-to-socket connector.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2017Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.Inventors: Troy Tegg, Gregory K. Olson, Derek Sutermeister, Nicholas Strom, David Kim, Michael C. Bednarek, Dale Just
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Patent number: 10183149Abstract: Catheter ultrasound systems including a sheath, a handle, a sheath lumen, and an ultrasound catheter disposed within the lumen of the sheath with ultrasound elements capable of visualizing anatomical regions. The handle allowing the ultrasound catheter to rotate with respect to the sheath using a rotation adjustment knob within the handle or alternatively an separate manipulation handle attached to the proximal end of the ultrasound catheter. The sheath, ultrasound catheter, or both may also include one or more electrodes or other location sensor for both orienting the ultrasound element as well as for diagnostic purposes.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: ST. JUDE MEDICAL, ATRIAL FIBRILLATION DIVISION, INC.Inventors: Troy Terrance Tegg, Andrew Senn, James V. Kauphusman, Michael C. Bednarek
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Publication number: 20190015633Abstract: An apparatus for imparting a tensile force to deflect a distal portion of a catheter while maintaining its exterior dimensions may include a handle grip including a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and a longitudinal axis. A flexible elongate member may include proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion being coupled to the handle grip. An adjustment knob may include a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and is rotatably coupled to the handle grip around the longitudinal axis. An elongate deflection member may be operably coupled to the adjustment knob and to the distal end portion of the elongate member. Rotation of the adjustment knob may impart a tensile force to the deflection member thereby causing the distal end portion of the elongate member to deflect from a prior configuration while maintaining the generally predetermined exterior dimensions of the handle grip and the adjustment knob.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2018Publication date: January 17, 2019Inventors: Michael C. Bednarek, Eric J. Wilkowske, Richard E. Stehr, William E. Butler
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Publication number: 20180221085Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an electronic switchbox for automatically switching between receive and transmit functionalities. In one embodiment, an electronic switchbox automatically switches between receiving electrocardiograph signals and transmitting cardioversion impulses.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2018Publication date: August 9, 2018Inventors: Arthur Gerald Blanck, Michael C. Bednarek, Sebastian Teodoru
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Patent number: 10035000Abstract: An apparatus for imparting a tensile force to deflect a distal portion of a catheter while maintaining its exterior dimensions may include a handle grip including a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and a longitudinal axis. A flexible elongate member may include proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion being coupled to the handle grip. An adjustment knob may include a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and is rotatably coupled to the handle grip around the longitudinal axis. An elongate deflection member may be operably coupled to the adjustment knob and to the distal end portion of the elongate member. Rotation of the adjustment knob may impart a tensile force to the deflection member thereby causing the distal end portion of the elongate member to deflect from a prior configuration while maintaining the generally predetermined exterior dimensions of the handle grip and the adjustment knob.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2015Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Michael C. Bednarek, Eric J. Wilkowske, Richard E. Stehr, William E. Butler
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Publication number: 20180138619Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a high capacity medical device connector utilizing flexible circuits. The use of flexible circuits allows for increased channel capacity for use with future designs and capabilities of medical devices. The assembly may include pre-mounted electrical components. The connector may be designed to connect two flexible circuits. The connector may also be designed to connect a flexible circuit with existing technology, such as a pin-to-socket connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2017Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: Troy Tegg, Gregory K. Olson, Derek Sutermeister, Nicholas Strom, David Kim, Michael C. Bednarek, Dale Just
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Publication number: 20170312482Abstract: The present invention is a catheter actuation handle for deflecting a distal end of a tubular catheter body, the handle including an auto-locking mechanism. The handle comprises upper and lower grip portions, an actuator, and an auto-locking mechanism. The auto-locking mechanism is adapted to hold a deflected distal end of the catheter in place without input from the operator. When the distal end of the catheter is deflected from its zero position, it typically will seek a return to its zero position, and as a result exerts a force on the actuator. The auto-locking mechanism acts by providing a second force that resists this force from the distal end and holds the distal end in place. As a result, the operator does not need to maintain contact with the buttons to maintain the distal end 18 in a set position once placed there by actuating the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2017Publication date: November 2, 2017Inventors: Clint Schneider, Joshua L. Dudney, Richard E. Stehr, Troy T. Tegg, Michael C. Bednarek, Guy P. Vanney, James A. Jensen, Michael W. Stine
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Patent number: 9694159Abstract: The present invention is a catheter actuation handle for deflecting a distal end of a tubular catheter body, the handle including an auto-locking mechanism. The handle comprises upper and lower grip portions, an actuator, and an auto-locking mechanism. The auto-locking mechanism is adapted to hold a deflected distal end of the catheter in place without input from the operator. When the distal end of the catheter is deflected from its zero position, it typically will seek a return to its zero position, and as a result exerts a force on the actuator. The auto-locking mechanism acts by providing a second force that resists this force from the distal end and holds the distal end in place. As a result, the operator does not need to maintain contact with the buttons to maintain the distal end 18 in a set position once placed there by actuating the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Clint Schneider, Joshua L. Dudney, Richard E. Stehr, Troy T. Tegg, Michael C. Bednarek, Guy P. Vanney, James A. Jensen, Michael W. Stine
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Publication number: 20160082227Abstract: An apparatus for imparting a tensile force to deflect a distal portion of a catheter while maintaining its exterior dimensions may include a handle grip including a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and a longitudinal axis. A flexible elongate member may include proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion being coupled to the handle grip. An adjustment knob may include a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and is rotatably coupled to the handle grip around the longitudinal axis. An elongate deflection member may be operably coupled to the adjustment knob and to the distal end portion of the elongate member. Rotation of the adjustment knob may impart a tensile force to the deflection member thereby causing the distal end portion of the elongate member to deflect from a prior configuration while maintaining the generally predetermined exterior dimensions of the handle grip and the adjustment knob.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2015Publication date: March 24, 2016Inventors: MICHAEL C. BEDNAREK, ERIC J. WILKOWSKE, RICHARD E. STEHR, WILLIAM E. BUTLER
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Patent number: 9132258Abstract: An apparatus for imparting a tensile force to deflect a distal portion of a catheter while maintaining its exterior dimensions may include a handle grip including a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and a longitudinal axis. A flexible elongate member may include proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion being coupled to the handle grip. An adjustment knob may include a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and is rotatably coupled to the handle grip around the longitudinal axis. An elongate deflection member may be operably coupled to the adjustment knob and to the distal end portion of the elongate member. Rotation of the adjustment knob may impart a tensile force to the deflection member thereby causing the distal end portion of the elongate member to deflect from a prior configuration while maintaining the generally predetermined exterior dimensions of the handle grip and the adjustment knob.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2012Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Michael C. Bednarek, Eric J. Wilkowske, Richard E. Stehr, William E. Butler
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Publication number: 20150105655Abstract: Catheter ultrasound systems including a sheath, a handle, a sheath lumen, and an ultrasound catheter disposed within the lumen of the sheath with ultrasound elements capable of visualizing anatomical regions. The handle allowing the ultrasound catheter to rotate with respect to the sheath using a rotation adjustment knob within the handle or alternatively an separate manipulation handle attached to the proximal end of the ultrasound catheter. The sheath, ultrasound catheter, or both may also include one or more electrodes or other location sensor for both orienting the ultrasound element as well as for diagnostic purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2014Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Troy Terrance Tegg, Andrew Senn, James V. Kauphusman, Michael C. Bednarek
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Publication number: 20140364802Abstract: The present invention is a catheter actuation handle for deflecting a distal end of a tubular catheter body, the handle including an auto-locking mechanism. The handle comprises upper and lower grip portions, an actuator, and an auto-locking mechanism. The auto-locking mechanism is adapted to hold a deflected distal end of the catheter in place without input from the operator. When the distal end of the catheter is deflected from its zero position, it typically will seek a return to its zero position, and as a result exerts a force on the actuator. The auto-locking mechanism acts by providing a second force that resists this force from the distal end and holds the distal end in place. As a result, the operator does not need to maintain contact with the buttons to maintain the distal end 18 in a set position once placed there by actuating the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: Clint Schneider, Joshua L. Dudney, Richard E. Stehr, Troy T. Tegg, Michael C. Bednarek, Guy P. Vanney, James A. Jensen, Michael W. Stine
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Patent number: 8858495Abstract: Catheter ultrasound systems including a sheath, a handle, a sheath lumen, and an ultrasound catheter disposed within the lumen of the sheath with ultrasound elements capable of visualizing anatomical regions. The handle allowing the ultrasound catheter to rotate with respect to the sheath using a rotation adjustment knob within the handle or alternatively an separate manipulation handle attached to the proximal end of the ultrasound catheter. The sheath, ultrasound catheter, or both may also include one or more electrodes or other location sensor for both orienting the ultrasound element as well as for diagnostic purposes.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2011Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Troy T. Tegg, Andrew Senn, James V. Kauphusman, Michael C. Bednarek
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Patent number: 8777929Abstract: The present invention is a catheter actuation handle for deflecting a distal end of a tubular catheter body, the handle including an auto-locking mechanism. The handle comprises upper and lower grip portions, an actuator, and an auto-locking mechanism. The auto-locking mechanism is adapted to hold a deflected distal end of the catheter in place without input from the operator. When the distal end of the catheter is deflected from its zero position, it typically will seek a return to its zero position, and as a result exerts a force on the actuator. The auto-locking mechanism acts by providing a second force that resists this force from the distal end and holds the distal end in place. As a result, the operator does not need to maintain contact with the buttons to maintain the distal end in a set position once placed there by actuating the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2006Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Clint Schneider, Joshua L. Dudney, Richard E. Stehr, Troy Tegg, Michael C. Bednarek, Guy P. Vanney, James Jensen, Michael Stine
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Publication number: 20130096407Abstract: An apparatus for imparting a tensile force to deflect a distal portion of a catheter while maintaining its exterior dimensions may include a handle grip including a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and a longitudinal axis. A flexible elongate member may include proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion being coupled to the handle grip. An adjustment knob may include a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and is rotatably coupled to the handle grip around the longitudinal axis. An elongate deflection member may be operably coupled to the adjustment knob and to the distal end portion of the elongate member. Rotation of the adjustment knob may impart a tensile force to the deflection member thereby causing the distal end portion of the elongate member to deflect from a prior configuration while maintaining the generally predetermined exterior dimensions of the handle grip and the adjustment knob.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Inventors: Michael C. BEDNAREK, Eric J. WILKOWSKE, Richard E. STEHR, William E. BUTLER
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Patent number: 8323239Abstract: An apparatus for imparting a tensile force to deflect a distal portion of a catheter while maintaining its exterior dimensions may include a handle grip including a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and a longitudinal axis. A flexible elongate member may include proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion being coupled to the handle grip. An adjustment knob may include a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and is rotatably coupled to the handle grip around the longitudinal axis. An elongate deflection member may be operably coupled to the adjustment knob and to the distal end portion of the elongate member. Rotation of the adjustment knob may impart a tensile force to the deflection member thereby causing the distal end portion of the elongate member to deflect from a prior configuration while maintaining the generally predetermined exterior dimensions of the handle grip and the adjustment knob.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2008Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Michael C. Bednarek, Eric J. Wilkowske, Richard E. Stehr, William E. Butler