Patents by Inventor Philip M. Tetzlaff
Philip M. Tetzlaff 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: 20120150170Abstract: A system for monitoring and/or controlling tissue modification during an electrosurgical procedure is disclosed. The system includes a sensor module and a control module operatively coupled to the sensor module and configured to control the delivery of electrosurgical energy to tissue based on information provided by the sensor module. The sensor module further includes at least one optical source configured to generate light and at least one optical detector configured to analyze a portion of the light transmitted through, and/or reflected from, the tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2012Publication date: June 14, 2012Inventors: Steven P. Buysse, Bret S. Felton, David N. Heard, David Keppel, Ronald J. Podhajsky, Dale F. Schmaltz, Robert H. Wham, Edward C. Meagher, Kate R. Lawes, David A. Schechter, Chelsea Shields, Philip M. Tetzlaff, Jeremy S. James
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Publication number: 20120130256Abstract: A control system for controlling the output of an electrosurgical generator is disclosed. The control system includes a control module configured to receive an optical signal from a surgical site, the optical signal being related to an optical tissue characteristic, the control module configured to process the optical signal using a closed loop control loop and provide continual control of the output of the electrosurgical generator in response to the optical tissue characteristic.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2012Publication date: May 24, 2012Inventors: Steven P. Buysse, Bret S. Felton, David N. Heard, David Keppel, Ronald J. Podhajsky, Dale F. Schmaltz, Robert H. Wham, Edward C. Meagher, Kate R. Lawes, David A. Schechter, Chelsea Shields, Philip M. Tetzlaff, Jeremy S. James
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Publication number: 20120101494Abstract: Electrosurgical systems and methods include a generator which is operable to connect to an electrosurgical device and to identify the electrosurgical device. The generator automatically determines at least one device specific operational parameter for carrying out the electrosurgical procedure. In an exemplary embodiment, a generator includes a fluid pump and the generator automatically determines a candidate flowrate at which to operate the pump based on the type of device. The device specific operational parameter may be selected or modified by the operator prior to commencing the procedure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Inventors: Hadar Cadouri, Jean Woloszko, Philip M. Tetzlaff
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Publication number: 20120095453Abstract: An electrosurgical wand. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are electrosurgical wands including an elongate housing that defines a handle end and a distal end, a first discharge aperture on the distal end of the elongate housing, a first active electrode of conductive material disposed on the distal end of the elongate housing, a first return electrode of conductive material disposed within the first fluid conduit, and an aspiration aperture on the distal end of the elongate housing fluidly coupled to a second fluid conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventors: David A. Cox, Johnson E. Goode, Philip M. Tetzlaff, Jean Woloszko
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Publication number: 20120095454Abstract: Electrosurgical wand. At least some of the illustrative embodiment are electrosurgical wands including: an elongate housing that defines a handle end and a distal end; an aspiration aperture on the distal end of the elongate housing the aspiration aperture fluidly coupled to a first fluid conduit, the first fluid conduit within the elongate housing; a discharge aperture on the distal end of the elongate housing, the discharge aperture fluidly coupled to a second fluid conduit, and the second fluid conduit within the elongate housing; a first active electrode of conductive material on the distal end of the elongate housing, the first active electrode between the discharge aperture and the aspiration aperture; and a conductive plate that abuts the discharge aperture, at least a portion of the conductive plate disposed over the discharge aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventors: David A. Cox, Johnson E. Goode, Philip M. Tetzlaff, Jean Woloszko
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Patent number: 8105323Abstract: An electrosurgical generator is disclosed. The generator includes a microprocessor configured to generate a target impedance trajectory having at least one slope. The target impedance trajectory includes a plurality of target impedance values. The microprocessor is configured to drive tissue impedance along the target impedance trajectory by adjusting the output level to substantially match tissue impedance to a corresponding target impedance value. The microprocessor is further configured to compare tissue impedance to a threshold impedance value and adjust output of the electrosurgical generator when the tissue impedance is equal to or greater than the threshold impedance.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2006Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Covidien AGInventors: Steven P. Buysse, Bret S. Felton, David N. Heard, David Keppel, Ronald J. Podhajsky, Dale F. Shmaltz, Robert H. Wham, Edward C. Meagher, Kate R. Lawes, David A. Schechter, Chelsea Shields, Philip M. Tetzlaff, Jeremy S. James
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Publication number: 20110288539Abstract: Electrosurgical system and related methods that include: producing energy by a generator of an electrosurgical controller, the generator comprises a first terminal coupled to a first electrode of an electrosurgical wand, and the generator comprises a second terminal coupled to a second electrode of the electrosurgical wand; forming, responsive to the energy, a plasma proximate to the first electrode, and acting as a current return by the second electrode; reducing energy output of the generator such that the plasma proximate the first electrode is extinguished, the reducing energy output during periods of time when the electrosurgical controller is commanded to produce energy; producing energy from the generator with the first terminal coupled to the first electrode and the second terminal coupled to the second electrode; and forming, responsive to the energy, a plasma proximate to the second electrode, and acting as a current return by the first electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Inventors: Jean Woloszko, John Goode, Philip M. Tetzlaff
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Publication number: 20110178519Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing vessels and cutting vessels includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members which are movable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface connected to an electrosurgical energy source. At least one of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within an insulator defined in the jaw member. At least one channel is included in the insulator which is configured to deliver fluid between the jaw members.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2011Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventors: Gary M. Couture, Craig Weinberg, Philip M. Tetzlaff
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Patent number: 7947041Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy though tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2009Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Covidien AGInventors: Philip M. Tetzlaff, Carolyn Mihaichuk, Duane E. Kerr, David A. Schechter, Jonathon Sherman, Theodore Richardson, Gregory Drach
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Patent number: 7931649Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing vessels and cutting vessels includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members which are movable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface connected to an electrosurgical energy source. At least one of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within an insulator defined in the jaw member. At least one channel is included in the insulator which is configured to deliver fluid between the jaw members.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2007Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: TYCO Healthcare Group LPInventors: Gary M. Couture, Craig Weinberg, Philip M. Tetzlaff
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Patent number: 7901400Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling an electrosurgical generator generating electrosurgical energy which is delivered to a patient for performing an electrosurgical procedure for sealing tissue. The system includes a control module executable on a processor for receiving sensed data corresponding to at least one physical or electrical property related to delivery of the electrosurgical energy. The control module processes the received sensed data and controls the electrosurgical generator including generating at least one corresponding control signal in accordance with the processed sensed data for regulating electrosurgical energy output from the electrosurgical generator.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2005Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Covidien AGInventors: Robert H. Wham, Chelsea Shields, Philip M. Tetzlaff, Jeremy S. James
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Publication number: 20100152726Abstract: Electrosurgical system with selective control of active and return electrodes. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising an electrosurgical wand and an electrosurgical controller. The wand comprises a non-conductive outer surface, at least three electrodes disposed on a distal end of the wand, and at least three electrical leads extending from a proximal end of the wand (one electrical lead electrically coupled to each electrode). The controller comprises a voltage generator and a control circuit coupled between the voltage generator and the electrodes of the wand. The control circuit is configured to: selectively electrically couple the active terminal singly and in combination to the electrodes of the wand; and selectively electrically couple the return terminal singly and in combination to electrodes of the wand.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2008Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: Hadar Cadouri, Philip M. Tetzlaff
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Publication number: 20100042100Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy though tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2009Publication date: February 18, 2010Inventors: Philip M. Tetzlaff, Carolyn Mihaichuk, Duane E. Kerr, David A. Schechter, Jonathon Sherman, Theodore Richardson, Gregory Drach
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Patent number: 7582087Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2001Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Covidien AGInventors: Philip M. Tetzlaff, Carolyn H. Mihaichuk, Duane E. Kerr, Dave A. Schechter, Jon Sherman, Ted Richardson, Greg Drach
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Patent number: 7553312Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Covidien AGInventors: Philip M. Tetzlaff, Carolyn H. Mihaichuk, Duane E. Kerr, David A. Schechter, Jon Sherman, Ted Richardson, Greg Drach
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Patent number: 7510556Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Coviden AGInventors: Lap P. Nguyen, Steven P. Buysse, Dale F. Schmaltz, Stephen Wade Lukianow, Michael J. Lands, Jenifer S. Kennedy, Kate R. Lawes, Daniel L. Trimberger, Mathew E. Mitchell, Kristin D. Johnson, Gary M Couture, Philip M. Tetzlaff
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Publication number: 20090062794Abstract: An electrode assembly for use in combination with an electrosurgical instrument having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The electrode assembly includes a housing having one portion which is removably engageable with the electrosurgical instrument and a pair of electrodes each having an electrically conductive sealing surface and an insulating substrate. The electrodes are removably engageable with the end effectors of the electrosurgical instrument such that the electrodes reside in opposing relation relative to one another. The dimensions of the insulating substrate are different from the dimensions of the electrically conductive sealing surface to reduce thermal spread to adjacent tissue structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventors: Steven P. Buysse, Michael C. Moses, David A. Schechter, Kristin D. Johnson, Philip M. Tetzlaff, Carolyn H. Mihaichuk
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Publication number: 20090043304Abstract: A removable electrode assembly for use in combination with a forceps having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The electrode assembly includes a housing which is removably engageable with the forceps and a pair of electrodes which are attachable to a distal end of the housing. The electrodes are removably engageable with the end effectors of the forceps such that the electrodes reside in opposing relation relative to one another. The electrode assembly also includes a cover plate which is removably attachable to the housing and at least one stop member for controlling the distance between the opposing electrodes. The stop member is selectively engageable with the electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2008Publication date: February 12, 2009Inventors: Philip M. Tetzlaff, James S. Cunningham, Michael C. Moses, Robert C. Smith, Kristin D. Johnson, Paul R. Romero
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Patent number: 7435249Abstract: An electrode assembly for use in combination with an electrosurgical instrument having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The electrode assembly includes a housing having one portion which is removably engageable with the electrosurgical instrument and a pair of electrodes each having an electrically conductive sealing surface and an insulating substrate. The electrodes are removably engageable with the end effectors of the electrosurgical instrument such that the electrodes reside in opposing relation relative to one another. The dimensions of the insulating substrate are different from the dimensions of the electrically conductive sealing surface to reduce thermal spread to adjacent tissue structures.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2001Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Covidien AGInventors: Steven P. Buysse, Michael C. Moses, David A. Schechter, Kristin D. Johnson, Philip M. Tetzlaff, Carolyn H. Mihaichuk
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Patent number: D658760Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2010Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: ArthroCare CorporationInventors: David A. Cox, Johnson E. Goode, Philip M. Tetzlaff, Rajitha Aluru