Patents by Inventor Nicolas Aeby
Nicolas Aeby 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: 11883131Abstract: A fiber optic force sensing assembly for detecting forces imparted at a distal end of a catheter assembly. The structural member may include segments adjacent each other in a serial arrangement, with gaps located between adjacent segments that are bridged by flexures. Fiber optics are coupled to the structural member. In one embodiment, each fiber optic has a distal end disposed adjacent one of the gaps and oriented for emission of light onto and for collection of light reflected from a segment adjacent the gap. The optical fibers cooperate with the deformable structure to provide a change in the intensity of the reflected light, or alternatively to provide a variable gap interferometer for sensing deformation of the structural member. In another embodiment, the gaps are bridged by fiber Bragg gratings that reflect light back through the fiber optic at central wavelengths that vary with the strain imposed on the grating.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2020Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: St. Jude Medical International Holding S.à r.l.Inventors: Nicolas Aeby, Giovanni Leo
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Publication number: 20230200736Abstract: An ablation catheter system configured with a compact force sensor at a distal end for detection of contact forces exerted on an end effector. The force sensor includes fiber optics operatively coupled with reflecting members on a structural member. In one embodiment, the optical fibers and reflecting members cooperate with the deformable structure to provide a variable gap interferometer for sensing deformation of the structural member due to contact force. In another embodiment, a change in the intensity of the reflected light is detected to measure the deformation. The measured deformations are then used to compute a contact force vector. In some embodiments, the force sensor is configured to passively compensate for temperature changes that otherwise lead to erroneous force indications. In other embodiments, the system actively compensates for errant force indications caused by temperature changes by measuring certain local temperatures of the structural member.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2022Publication date: June 29, 2023Inventors: Giovanni Leo, Nicolas Aeby, Stuart J. Olstad, Axel Bertholds, Pere Llosas
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Patent number: 11564628Abstract: An ablation catheter system configured with a compact force sensor at a distal end for detection of contact forces exerted on an end effector. The force sensor includes fiber optics operatively coupled with reflecting members on a structural member. In one embodiment, the optical fibers and reflecting members cooperate with the deformable structure to provide a variable gap interferometer for sensing deformation of the structural member due to contact force. In another embodiment, a change in the intensity of the reflected light is detected to measure the deformation. The measured deformations are then used to compute a contact force vector. In some embodiments, the force sensor is configured to passively compensate for temperature changes that otherwise lead to erroneous force indications. In other embodiments, the system actively compensates for errant force indications caused by temperature changes by measuring certain local temperatures of the structural member.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2020Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: St. Jude Medical International Holding S.à r.l.Inventors: Giovanni Leo, Nicolas Aeby, Stuart J. Olstad, Axel Bertholds, Pere Llosas
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Publication number: 20210282893Abstract: An apparatus and method for diagnosis or treatment of a vessel or organ. The apparatus includes a deformable body such as a catheter having a tissue ablation end effector and an irrigation channel in fluid communication therewith. At least two sensors are disposed within a distal extremity of the deformable body, the sensors being responsive to a wave in a specified range of frequency to detect deformations resulting from a contact force applied to the distal extremity. A microprocessor can be operatively coupled with the sensors to receive outputs therefrom, the microprocessor being configured to resolve a multi-dimensional force vector corresponding to the contact force. In one embodiment, the sensors are fiber Bragg grating sensors, and the wave is injected into the fiber Bragg grating strain sensors from a laser diode.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2021Publication date: September 16, 2021Inventors: Giovanni Leo, Nicolas Aeby, Daniele Inaudi
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Publication number: 20210244467Abstract: Aspects of the instant disclosure relate to an electrophysiological catheter system for performing diagnostics and therapies within a cardiac muscle; more specifically, to a deformable body, at a distal end of a catheter, that deforms in response to a force being exerted upon a tip of the catheter. The deformation of the deformable body being measured by a measurement device, and the deformation associated with both a magnitude and vector of the force exerted upon the catheter tip.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2021Publication date: August 12, 2021Inventor: Nicolas Aeby
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Publication number: 20210196294Abstract: An ultrasonic device for treatment of atherosclerosis. The device includes a sonotrode, a transmission wire and a tip, said sonotrode comprising a transducer and a horn, the transducer being coupled to the horn. The transmission wire is coupled on one end with the horn and on the opposite end with the tip, so that when the transducer vibrates, said vibration are amplified by the horn and transmitted to the transmission wire that displaces accordingly, said displacements of the wire inducing vibrations of the tip generating an acoustic field from said tip. The device comprises n sonotrode, n transmission wire, and at least one tip, n being superior or equal to two. The device further comprises a control module being arranged for controlling the amplitude of displacement of each transmission wire so as to set up the emitted acoustic field generated from said tip.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2021Publication date: July 1, 2021Inventor: Nicolas Aeby
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Patent number: 11013556Abstract: Aspects of the instant disclosure relate to an electrophysiological catheter system for performing diagnostics and therapies within a cardiac muscle; more specifically, to a deformable body, at a distal end of a catheter, that deforms in response to a force being exerted upon a tip of the catheter. The deformation of the deformable body being measured by a measurement device, and the deformation associated with both a magnitude and vector of the force exerted upon the catheter tip.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2017Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.Inventor: Nicolas Aeby
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Patent number: 10973606Abstract: An apparatus and method for diagnosis or treatment of a vessel or organ. The apparatus includes a deformable body such as a catheter having a tissue ablation end effector and an irrigation channel in fluid communication therewith. At least two sensors are disposed within a distal extremity of the deformable body, the sensors being responsive to a wave in a specified range of frequency to detect deformations resulting from a contact force applied to the distal extremity. A microprocessor can be operatively coupled with the sensors to receive outputs therefrom, the microprocessor being configured to resolve a multi-dimensional force vector corresponding to the contact force. In one embodiment, the sensors are fiber Bragg grating sensors, and the wave is injected into the fiber Bragg grating strain sensors from a laser diode.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2018Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: ST. JUDE MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL HOLDING S.À R.L.Inventors: Giovanni Leo, Nicolas Aeby, Daniele Inaudi
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Publication number: 20200214634Abstract: An ablation catheter system configured with a compact force sensor at a distal end for detection of contact forces exerted on an end effector. The force sensor includes fiber optics operatively coupled with reflecting members on a structural member. In one embodiment, the optical fibers and reflecting members cooperate with the deformable structure to provide a variable gap interferometer for sensing deformation of the structural member due to contact force. In another embodiment, a change in the intensity of the reflected light is detected to measure the deformation. The measured deformations are then used to compute a contact force vector. In some embodiments, the force sensor is configured to passively compensate for temperature changes that otherwise lead to erroneous force indications. In other embodiments, the system actively compensates for errant force indications caused by temperature changes by measuring certain local temperatures of the structural member.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2020Publication date: July 9, 2020Inventors: Giovanni Leo, Nicolas Aeby, Stuart J. Olstad, Axel Bertholds, Pere Llosas
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Publication number: 20200171272Abstract: A fiber optic force sensing assembly for detecting forces imparted at a distal end of a catheter assembly. The structural member may include segments adjacent each other in a serial arrangement, with gaps located between adjacent segments that are bridged by flexures. Fiber optics are coupled to the structural member. In one embodiment, each fiber optic has a distal end disposed adjacent one of the gaps and oriented for emission of light onto and for collection of light reflected from a segment adjacent the gap. The optical fibers cooperate with the deformable structure to provide a change in the intensity of the reflected light, or alternatively to provide a variable gap interferometer for sensing deformation of the structural member. In another embodiment, the gaps are bridged by fiber Bragg gratings that reflect light back through the fiber optic at central wavelengths that vary with the strain imposed on the grating.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2020Publication date: June 4, 2020Inventors: Nicolas Aeby, Giovanni Leo
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Patent number: 10631926Abstract: An irrigated finned ablation head that provides enhanced cooling. The irrigated finned ablation head comprises a plurality of radial fins that are distributed about a central axis and that extend axially from a common base. The plurality of fins are arranged to define a central passageway along the central axis, as well as a plurality of slots therebetween, the slots extending in an axial direction along the irrigated finned ablation head. In one embodiment, the central passageway extends through the irrigated finned ablation head, defining an opening at the distal extremity, with the slots extending from the base to the opening. In another embodiment, the irrigated finned ablation head includes a cap portion at a distal portion that is common to all the radial fins, so that the slots are terminated at the distal portion of the irrigated finned ablation head. The radial flow distribution along the central axis can be tailored by the configuration of the central passageway.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2015Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: St. Jude Medical International Holding S.à r.l.Inventors: Giovanni Leo, Nicolas Aeby
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Patent number: 10596346Abstract: A fiber optic force sensing assembly for detecting forces imparted at a distal end of a catheter assembly. The structural member may include segments adjacent each other in a serial arrangement, with gaps located between adjacent segments that are bridged by flexures. Fiber optics are coupled to the structural member. In one embodiment, each fiber optic has a distal end disposed adjacent one of the gaps and oriented for emission of light onto and for collection of light reflected from a segment adjacent the gap. The optical fibers cooperate with the deformable structure to provide a change in the intensity of the reflected light, or alternatively to provide a variable gap interferometer for sensing deformation of the structural member. In another embodiment, the gaps are bridged by fiber Bragg gratings that reflect light back through the fiber optic at central wavelengths that vary with the strain imposed on the grating.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: St. Jude Medical International Holding S.à r.l.Inventors: Nicolas Aeby, Giovanni Leo
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Patent number: 10561368Abstract: An ablation catheter system configured with a compact force sensor at a distal end for detection of contact forces exerted on an end effector. The force sensor includes fiber optics operatively coupled with reflecting members on a structural member. In one embodiment, the optical fibers and reflecting members cooperate with the deformable structure to provide a variable gap interferometer for sensing deformation of the structural member due to contact force. In another embodiment, a change in the intensity of the reflected light is detected to measure the deformation. The measured deformations are then used to compute a contact force vector. In some embodiments, the force sensor is configured to passively compensate for temperature changes that otherwise lead to erroneous force indications. In other embodiments, the system actively compensates for errant force indications caused by temperature changes by measuring certain local temperatures of the structural member.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: St. Jude Medical International Holding S.à r.l.Inventors: Giovanni Leo, Nicolas Aeby, Stuart J. Olstad, Axel Bertholds, Pere Llosas
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Publication number: 20180206937Abstract: An apparatus and method for diagnosis or treatment of a vessel or organ. The apparatus includes a deformable body such as a catheter having a tissue ablation end effector and an irrigation channel in fluid communication therewith. At least two sensors are disposed within a distal extremity of the deformable body, the sensors being responsive to a wave in a specified range of frequency to detect deformations resulting from a contact force applied to the distal extremity. A microprocessor can be operatively coupled with the sensors to receive outputs therefrom, the microprocessor being configured to resolve a multi-dimensional force vector corresponding to the contact force. In one embodiment, the sensors are fiber Bragg grating sensors, and the wave is injected into the fiber Bragg grating strain sensors from a laser diode.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2018Publication date: July 26, 2018Inventors: Giovanni Leo, Nicolas Aeby, Daniele Inaudi
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Publication number: 20180085158Abstract: Aspects of the instant disclosure relate to an electrophysiological catheter system for performing diagnostics and therapies within a cardiac muscle; more specifically, to a deformable body, at a distal end of a catheter, that deforms in response to a force being exerted upon a tip of the catheter. The deformation of the deformable body being measured by a measurement device, and the deformation associated with both a magnitude and vector of the force exerted upon the catheter tip.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2017Publication date: March 29, 2018Inventor: Nicolas Aeby
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Patent number: 9907618Abstract: An apparatus and method for diagnosis or treatment of a vessel or organ. The apparatus includes a deformable body such as a catheter having a tissue ablation end effector and an irrigation channel in fluid communication therewith. At least two sensors are disposed within a distal extremity of the deformable body, the sensors being responsive to a wave in a specified range of frequency to detect deformations resulting from a contact force applied to the distal extremity. A microprocessor can be operatively coupled with the sensors to receive outputs therefrom, the microprocessor being configured to resolve a multi-dimensional force vector corresponding to the contact force. In one embodiment, the sensors are fiber Bragg grating sensors, and the wave is injected into the fiber Bragg grating strain sensors from a laser diode.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2014Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: ST JUDE MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL HOLDING S.À R.L.Inventors: Giovanni Leo, Nicolas Aeby, Daniele Inaudi
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Publication number: 20170209667Abstract: A fiber optic force sensing assembly for detecting forces imparted at a distal end of a catheter assembly. The structural member may include segments adjacent each other in a serial arrangement, with gaps located between adjacent segments that are bridged by flexures. Fiber optics are coupled to the structural member. In one embodiment, each fiber optic has a distal end disposed adjacent one of the gaps and oriented for emission of light onto and for collection of light reflected from a segment adjacent the gap. The optical fibers cooperate with the deformable structure to provide a change in the intensity of the reflected light, or alternatively to provide a variable gap interferometer for sensing deformation of the structural member. In another embodiment, the gaps are bridged by fiber Bragg gratings that reflect light back through the fiber optic at central wavelengths that vary with the strain imposed on the grating.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2017Publication date: July 27, 2017Inventors: Nicolas Aeby, Giovanni Leo
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Patent number: 9597036Abstract: A fiber optic force sensing assembly for detecting forces imparted at a distal end of a catheter assembly. The structural member may include segments adjacent each other in a serial arrangement, with gaps located between adjacent segments that are bridged by flexures. Fiber optics are coupled to the structural member. In one embodiment, each fiber optic has a distal end disposed adjacent one of the gaps and oriented for emission of light onto and for collection of light reflected from a segment adjacent the gap. The optical fibers cooperate with the deformable structure to provide a change in the intensity of the reflected light, or alternatively to provide a variable gap interferometer for sensing deformation of the structural member. In another embodiment, the gaps are bridged by fiber Bragg gratings that reflect light back through the fiber optic at central wavelengths that vary with the strain imposed on the grating.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: St. Jude Medical International Holding S.à r.l.Inventors: Nicolas Aeby, Giovanni Leo
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Publication number: 20160128768Abstract: An irrigated finned ablation head that provides enhanced cooling. The irrigated finned ablation head comprises a plurality of radial fins that are distributed about a central axis and that extend axially from a common base. The plurality of fins are arranged to define a central passageway along the central axis, as well as a plurality of slots therebetween, the slots extending in an axial direction along the irrigated finned ablation head. In one embodiment, the central passageway extends through the irrigated finned ablation head, defining an opening at the distal extremity, with the slots extending from the base to the opening. In another embodiment, the irrigated finned ablation head includes a cap portion at a distal portion that is common to all the radial fins, so that the slots are terminated at the distal portion of the irrigated finned ablation head. The radial flow distribution along the central axis can be tailored by the configuration of the central passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2015Publication date: May 12, 2016Inventors: Giovanni Leo, Nicolas Aeby
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Patent number: 9179968Abstract: An irrigated finned ablation head that provides enhanced cooling. The irrigated finned ablation head comprises a plurality of radial fins that are distributed about a central axis and that extend axially from a common base. The plurality of fins are arranged to define a central passageway along the central axis, as well as a plurality of slots therebetween, the slots extending in an axial direction along the irrigated finned ablation head. In one embodiment, the central passageway extends through the irrigated finned ablation head, defining an opening at the distal extremity, with the slots extending from the base to the opening. In another embodiment, the irrigated finned ablation head includes a cap portion at a distal portion that is common to all the radial fins, so that the slots are terminated at the distal portion of the irrigated finned ablation head. The radial flow distribution along the central axis can be tailored by the configuration of the central passageway.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: ST. JUDE MEDICAL LUXEMBOURG HOLDING S.À.R.L.Inventors: Giovanni Leo, Nicolas Aeby