Patents by Inventor Michael F. Hoey
Michael F. Hoey 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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Publication number: 20120157988Abstract: A catheter and catheter system can use energy tailored for remodeling and/or removal of target material along a body lumen, often of atherosclerotic material of a blood vessel of a patient. An elongate flexible catheter body with a radially expandable structure may have a plurality of electrodes or other electrosurgical energy delivery surfaces to radially engage atherosclerotic material when the structure expands. An atherosclerotic material detector system may measure and/or characterize the atherosclerotic material and its location, optionally using impedance monitoring.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2012Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: Vessix Vascular, Inc.Inventors: Corbett W. Stone, Michael F. Hoey, Tom A. Steinke, Raphael M. Michel, Arthur G. Blanck
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Publication number: 20110130708Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for the treatment of a target tissue by directionally delivering energy and/or bioactive materials to achieve a therapeutic effect. A balloon catheter system having a balloon portion and a plurality of electrodes may be energized to selectively deliver energy, bioactive materials, or a combination thereof to target tissue including tissues disposed about a lumen. The tissue may be targeted by applying energy, making tissue impedance analysis, and further selectively energizing electrodes through the use of an energy source with a controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2010Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicant: Minnow Medical, Inc.Inventors: Mike Perry, Brian D. Conn, Rolfe T. Gustus, Ronda Schreiber, Corbett Stone, Michael F. Hoey
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Patent number: 7794460Abstract: An electrocautery device is disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the electrocautery electrode/tip is provided with a hollow, conductive tube terminating at its distal end in a ball point type tip. Fluid, preferably conductive fluid, is applied to the proximal end of the hollow electrode/tip, and expelled from the distal end thereof during electrocautery. The ball point distal tip allows the distal tip to be directly applied to the tissue and “rolled” or slid along the tissue. This allows the distal tip to be moved across the tissue without dragging or snagging on the tissue. In addition, the conductive fluid expelled from the distal tip further lubricates the distal tip as it moves across the tissue. If conductive fluid is used, the conductive fluid emanating from the electrode/tip conducts the RF electrocautery energy away from the distal tip so that it is primarily the fluid, rather than the distal tip that actually accomplishes the cauterizing of tissue.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2008Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Peter M. J. Mulier, Michael F. Hoey
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Publication number: 20100168743Abstract: A catheter and catheter system can use energy tailored for remodeling and/or removal of target material along a body lumen, often of atherosclerotic material of a blood vessel of a patient. An elongate flexible catheter body with a radially expandable structure may have a plurality of electrodes or other electrosurgical energy delivery surfaces to radially engage atherosclerotic material when the structure expands. An atherosclerotic material detector system may measure and/or characterize the atherosclerotic material and its location, optionally using impedance monitoring.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2010Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: Minnow Medical, Inc.Inventors: Corbett W. Stone, Michael F. Hoey, Tom A. Steinke, Raphael M. Michel, Arthur G. Blanck
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Patent number: 7742795Abstract: A catheter and catheter system can use energy tailored for remodeling and/or removal of target material along a body lumen, often of atherosclerotic material of a blood vessel of a patient. An elongate flexible catheter body with a radially expandable structure may have a plurality of electrodes or other electrosurgical energy delivery surfaces to radially engage atherosclerotic material when the structure expands. An atherosclerotic material detector system may measure and/or characterize the atherosclerotic material and its location, optionally using impedance monitoring.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2006Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Minnow Medical, Inc.Inventors: Corbett W. Stone, Michael F. Hoey, Tom A. Steinke, Raphael M. Michel, Arthur G. Blanck
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Patent number: 7699805Abstract: A surgical apparatus for delivering a conductive fluid to a target site for subsequent formation of a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue at the target site by applying a current to the delivered conductive fluid. The surgical apparatus includes an elongated device forming a helical needle. The helical needle is configured to engage bodily tissue and is hollow for delivering conductive fluid from a fluid source. Finally, the helical needle terminates in a needle tip. In one preferred embodiment, an electrode is associated with the helical needle for applying a current to conductive fluid delivered from the helical needle. During use, following delivery of conductive fluid, the electrode applies a current to the delivered conductive fluid for creating a virtual electrode. The virtual electrode ablates bodily tissue contacted by the conductive fluid.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Peter M. J. Mulier, Michael F. Hoey, Richard H. Comben
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Publication number: 20100076299Abstract: A system for inducing desirable temperature effects on body tissue, the body tissue being disposed about a lumen. The system includes an elongate catheter having a proximal end and a distal end with an axis therebetween with an energy delivery portion for transmission of energy. A tissue analyzer configured to characterize the body tissue in the lumen proximate the energy delivery portion and an energy source coupled to the energy delivery portion transmitting tissue treatment energy, wherein the energy is non-RF energy. A processor coupled to the tissue analyzer and energy source, the processor configured to determine an appropriate treatment energy for the characterized body tissue so as to mildly heat the body tissue with the energy delivery portion without ablating.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2009Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicant: Minnow Medical, Inc.Inventors: Rolfe Tyson Gustus, Corbett W. Stone, Michael F. Hoey, Arthur G. Blanck, Len Briggs, Mike Perry, Meital Mazor, Linas R. Kunstmanas
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Patent number: 7678111Abstract: An electrosurgery medical device is enhanced with unique solution-assistance, and comprises, in combination, co-operating device jaws including jaw portions for manipulating tissue, and a plurality of solution infusion openings defined and spaced along each of the jaw portions, for receiving electrolytic solution and infusing the solution onto and into tissue to be manipulated, along said jaw portions. As preferred, the device further comprises at least one, and most preferably, many, longitudinal groove(s) along at least one and most preferably, both, of the jaw portions, with the solution infusion openings located in the groove or grooves. The solution is energized with RF energy and contributes to the functions and beneficial effects of the instrument. The solution exits the openings in the grooves at sufficient flow rates to separate substantially all the operative surfaces of the device from tissue, thereby substantially completely preventing adherence between the operative surfaces and tissue.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Peter M. J. Mulier, Michael F. Hoey
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Publication number: 20100049081Abstract: A system and method for discriminating tissue types, controlling the level of therapy to tissue, and determining the health or a known tissue by measuring the characteristics an electrical signal applied to conductive element located within or by the tissue. Additionally, the system and method may be used for determining whether the conductive tip of a pedicle probe or pedicle screw is located in one of cortical bone, cancellous bone, and cortical bone near a boundary with soft tissue, whether the conductive tip of a cannula is located adjacent to one of nerve tissue and annulus tissue, and whether the conductive tip of a cathode is located adjacent to one of nerve tissue and prostate gland tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2009Publication date: February 25, 2010Applicant: NUVASIVE, INC.Inventors: Michael F. Hoey, Corbett W. Stone, Kevin Foley
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Publication number: 20090189618Abstract: Embodiments of liquid monitoring, analysis, and identification are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2008Publication date: July 30, 2009Inventor: Michael F. Hoey
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Patent number: 7470272Abstract: An electrosurgery medical device is enhanced with unique solution-assistance, and comprises, in combination, co-operating device jaws including jaw portions for manipulating tissue, and a plurality of solution infusion openings defined and spaced along each of the jaw portions, for receiving electrolytic solution and infusing the solution onto and into tissue to be manipulated, along said jaw portions. As preferred, the device further comprises at least one, and most preferably, many, longitudinal groove(s) along at least one and most preferably, both, of the jaw portions, with the solution infusion openings located in the groove or grooves. The solution is energized with RF energy and contributes to the functions and beneficial effects of the instrument. The solution exits the openings in the grooves at sufficient flow rates to separate substantially all the operative surfaces of the device from tissue, thereby substantially completely preventing adherence between the operative surfaces and tissue.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Peter M. J. Mulier, Michael F. Hoey
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Publication number: 20080300593Abstract: An electrocautery device is disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the electrocautery electrode/tip is provided with a hollow, conductive tube terminating at its distal end in a ball point type tip. Fluid, preferably conductive fluid, is applied to the proximal end of the hollow electrode/tip, and expelled from the distal end thereof during electrocautery. The ball point distal tip allows the distal tip to be directly applied to the tissue and “rolled” or slid along the tissue. This allows the distal tip to be moved across the tissue without dragging or snagging on the tissue. In addition, the conductive fluid expelled from the distal tip further lubricates the distal tip as it moves across the tissue. If conductive fluid is used, the conductive fluid emanating from the electrode/tip conducts the RF electrocautery energy away from the distal tip so that it is primarily the fluid, rather than the distal tip that actually accomplishes the cauterizing of tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2008Publication date: December 4, 2008Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Peter M. J. Mulier, Michael F. Hoey
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Patent number: 7435250Abstract: A device for ablating tissue is provided. The device comprises a conductive element with a channel for irrigating fluid formed therein, which is in contact with a non-conductive microporous interface. All or a portion of the interface may be removable. When the interface is removed, a portion of the conductive element is exposed for use in ablating tissue. Methods of using the device and of removing the interface are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2005Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: David E. Francischelli, Richard H. Comben, Michael F. Hoey, Rahul Mehra, Jon M. Ocel, Robert Pearson, Paul V. Trescony, Scott E. Jahns
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Patent number: 7422588Abstract: An electrocautery device is disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the electrocautery electrode/tip is provided with a hollow, conductive tube terminating at its distal end in a ball point type tip. Fluid, preferably conductive fluid, is applied to the proximal end of the hollow electrode/tip, and expelled from the distal end thereof during electrocautery. The ball point distal tip allows the distal tip to be directly applied to the tissue and “rolled” or slid along the tissue. This allows the distal tip to be moved across the tissue without dragging or snagging on the tissue. In addition, the conductive fluid expelled from the distal tip further lubricates the distal tip as it moves across the tissue. If conductive fluid is used, the conductive fluid emanating from the electrode/tip conducts the RF electrocautery energy away from the distal tip so that it is primarily the fluid, rather than the distal tip that actually accomplishes the cauterizing of tissue.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2006Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Peter M. J. Mulier, Michael F. Hoey
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Publication number: 20080188913Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for treating diseased tissue by gentle heating. The method induces vasodilation on tissue disposed about an lumen having both healthy tissue and diseased tissue. The method includes coupling a probe surface to the luminal tissue at a target location and transmitting desired quantities of tissue remodeling energy from the coupled probe into each of a plurality of discrete remodeling zones in the luminal tissue so that the tissue remodeling energy heats the plurality of remodeling zones, the remodeling energy being configured to avoid muscular contraction and inhibit both acute and long-term occlusion of the lumen.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2007Publication date: August 7, 2008Applicant: Minnow Medical, Inc.Inventors: Corbett W. Stone, Michael F. Hoey, Rolfe Tyson Gustus, Mike Perry, Arthur G. Blanck, Linas R. Kunstmanas
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Publication number: 20080188912Abstract: A catheter and catheter system may be used to treat disease tissue by gentle heating in combination with gentle or standard dilation. An elongate flexible catheter body with a radially expandable balloon having a plurality of electrodes engage tissue including diseased tissue when the structure expands.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2007Publication date: August 7, 2008Applicant: Minnow Medical, Inc.Inventors: Corbett W. Stone, Michael F. Hoey, Arthur G. Blanck, Len Briggs, Mike Perry, Rolfe Tyson Gustus
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Publication number: 20080125772Abstract: A catheter and catheter system can use energy tailored for remodeling and/or removal of target material along a body lumen, often of atherosclerotic material of a blood vessel of a patient. An elongate flexible catheter body with a radially expandable structure may have a plurality of electrodes or other electrosurgical energy delivery surfaces to radially engage atherosclerotic material when the structure expands. An atherosclerotic material detector system may measure and/or characterize the atherosclerotic material and its location, optionally using impedance monitoring.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2007Publication date: May 29, 2008Applicant: Minnow Medical, IncInventors: Corbett W. Stone, Michael F. Hoey, Tom A. Steinke, Raphael M. Michel, Arthur G. Blanck, Marlene Kay Truesdale, Bret Herscher
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Patent number: 7364579Abstract: An electrocautery device is disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the electrocautery electrode/tip is provided with a hollow, conductive tube terminating at its distal end in a ball point type tip. Fluid, preferably conductive fluid, is applied to the proximal end of the hollow electode/tip, and expelled from the distal end thereof during electrocautery. The ball point distal tip allows the distal tip to be directly applied to the tissue and “rolled” or slid along the tissue. This allows the distal tip to be moved across the tissue without dragging or snagging on the tissue. In addition, the conductive fluid expelled from the distal tip further lubricates the distal tip as it moves across the tissue. If conductive fluid is used, the conductive fluid emanating from the electrode/tip conducts the RF electrocautery energy away from the distal tip so that it is primarily the fluid, rather than the distal tip that actually accomplishes the cauterizing of tissue.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Peter M. J. Mulier, Michael F. Hoey
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Patent number: 7309325Abstract: A surgical apparatus for delivering a conductive fluid to a target site for subsequent formation of a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue at the target site by applying a current to the delivered conductive fluid. The surgical apparatus includes an elongated device forming a helical needle. The helical needle is configured to engage bodily tissue and is hollow for delivering conductive fluid from a fluid source. Finally, the helical needle terminates in a needle tip. In one preferred embodiment, an electrode is associated with the helical needle for applying a current to conductive fluid delivered from the helical needle. During use, following delivery of conductive fluid, the electrode applies a current to the delivered conductive fluid for creating a virtual electrode. The virtual electrode ablates bodily tissue contacted by the conductive fluid.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Peter M. J. Mulier, Michael F. Hoey, Richard H. Comben
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Patent number: 7261711Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue. The apparatus includes an outer tube, a first electrode, an inner tube and a second electrode. The outer tube is fluidly connected to a source of conductive fluid and defines a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end includes an opening for delivering conductive fluid from the outer tube. The first electrode is disposed at the distal end of the outer tube for applying a current to conductive fluid delivered from the outer tube. The inner tube is coaxially received within the outer tube and is connected to a source of conductive fluid. The inner tube defines a proximal end and a distal end, with the distal end forming an opening for delivering conductive fluid from the inner tube. Finally, the second electrode is disposed at the distal end of the inner tube for applying a current to conductive fluid delivered from the inner tube.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2005Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Peter M. J. Mulier, Michael F. Hoey