Patents by Inventor Richard A. Willyard

Richard A. Willyard 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).

  • Publication number: 20230039525
    Abstract: A surgical probe includes a connection hub, an antenna assembly, and an outer jacket. The antenna assembly is coupled to the connection hub, extends distally from the connection hub, and includes a radiating portion coupled thereto at the distal end thereof. The radiating portion is configured to deliver energy to tissue to treat tissue. The outer jacket is coupled to the connection hub, extends distally therefrom, and is disposed about the radiating portion. The outer jacket includes a distal end member configured to be spaced-apart from the radiating portion a target axial distance. One or more of the couplings between the antenna assembly and the connection hub, the radiating portion and the antenna assembly, and the outer jacket and the connection hub defines a flexible configuration permitting axial movement therebetween to maintain the target axial distance between the radiating portion and the distal end member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, William O. Reid, Jr., Darion R. Peterson, Kaylen J. Haley, Richard A. Willyard, Kenlyn S. Bonn
  • Patent number: 11510732
    Abstract: A surgical probe includes a connection hub, an antenna assembly, and an outer jacket. The antenna assembly is coupled to the connection hub, extends distally from the connection hub, and includes a radiating portion coupled thereto at the distal end thereof. The radiating portion is configured to deliver energy to tissue to treat tissue. The outer jacket is coupled to the connection hub, extends distally therefrom, and is disposed about the radiating portion. The outer jacket includes a distal end member configured to be spaced-apart from the radiating portion a target axial distance. One or more of the couplings between the antenna assembly and the connection hub, the radiating portion and the antenna assembly, and the outer jacket and the connection hub defines a flexible configuration permitting axial movement therebetween to maintain the target axial distance between the radiating portion and the distal end member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, William O. Reid, Jr., Darion R. Peterson, Kaylen J. Haley, Richard A. Willyard, Kenlyn S. Bonn
  • Patent number: 11337757
    Abstract: A microwave ablation device including a cable assembly configured to connect a microwave ablation device to an energy source and a feedline in electrical communication with the cable assembly. The microwave ablation device further includes a balun on an outer conductor of the feedline, and a temperature sensor on the balun sensing the temperature of the balun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Casey M. Ladtkow, Darion R. Peterson, Eric W. Larson, William J. Dickhans, Richard A. Willyard, Jason A. Case
  • Publication number: 20220151697
    Abstract: A microwave ablation device including a cable assembly configured to connect a microwave ablation device to an energy source and a feedline in electrical communication with the cable assembly. The microwave ablation device further includes a balun on an outer conductor of the feedline, and a temperature sensor on the balun sensing the temperature of the balun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Casey M. Ladtkow, Darion R. Peterson, Eric W. Larson, William J. Dickhans, Richard A. Willyard, Jason A. Case
  • Patent number: 11147620
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an inner insulator disposed therebetween and a radiating portion including a dipole antenna having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The antenna assembly also comprises a sheath disposed over the feedline and the radiating portion defining a chamber around the feedline and the radiating portion. The chamber is adapted to circulate coolant fluid therethrough. The antenna assembly further includes a connection hub having cable connector coupled to the feedline, an inlet fluid port and an outlet fluid port. The connection hub includes a bypass tube configured to provide for flow of the coolant fluid from the cable connector directly to the outlet fluid port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Richard A. Willyard, Joseph D. Brannan
  • Patent number: 11147622
    Abstract: A method of directing energy to tissue using a fluid-cooled antenna assembly includes the initial step of providing an energy applicator. The energy applicator includes an antenna assembly and a hub providing at least one coolant connection to the energy applicator. The method also includes the steps of providing a coolant supply system including a fluid-flow path fluidly-coupled to the hub for providing fluid flow to the energy applicator, positioning the energy applicator in tissue for the delivery of energy to tissue when the antenna assembly is energized, and providing a thermal-feedback-controlled rate of fluid flow to the antenna assembly when energized using a feedback control system operably-coupled to a flow-control device disposed in fluid communication with the fluid-flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Richard A. Willyard, Joseph D. Brannan
  • Publication number: 20210100477
    Abstract: A system includes an energy source configured to generate therapeutic energy, a treatment probe, an ultrasound imaging device configured to generate ultrasound images, a second tracking sensor configured to track a location of the ultrasound imaging device, and a tracking system configured to receive location information from the first and second tracking sensors and to overlay the ultrasound images with a graphical representation of the treatment probe on a display based on the location information. The treatment probe includes an antenna configured to treat tissue with the therapeutic energy and a first tracking sensor integrated in the antenna and configured to track a location of a distal tip of the antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventors: Morgan L. Hill, Jeetendra S. Bharadwaj, Flor De Maria R. Nonalaya, Eric W. Larson, Kathy E. Rooks, Richard A. Willyard, Robert J. Behnke, II, Nikhil P. Mankar, Darren G. Girotto
  • Patent number: 10874327
    Abstract: A system includes an energy source configured to generate therapeutic energy, a treatment probe, an ultrasound imaging device configured to generate ultrasound images, a second tracking sensor configured to track a location of the ultrasound imaging device, and a tracking system configured to receive location information from the first and second tracking sensors and to overlay the ultrasound images with a graphical representation of the treatment probe on a display based on the location information. The treatment probe includes an antenna configured to treat tissue with the therapeutic energy and a first tracking sensor integrated in the antenna and configured to track a location of a distal tip of the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Morgan L. Hill, Jeetendra S. Bharadwaj, Flor De Maria R. Nonalaya, Eric W. Larson, Kathy E. Rooks, Richard A. Willyard, Robert J. Behnke, II, Nikhil P. Mankar, Darren G. Girotto
  • Publication number: 20200289200
    Abstract: A microwave ablation device including a cable assembly configured to connect a microwave ablation device to an energy source and a feedline in electrical communication with the cable assembly. The microwave ablation device further includes a balun on an outer conductor of the feedline, and a temperature sensor on the balun sensing the temperature of the balun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Casey M. Ladtkow, Darion R. Peterson, Eric W. Larson, William J. Dickhans, Richard A. Willyard, Jason A. Case
  • Patent number: 10675092
    Abstract: A microwave ablation device including a cable assembly configured to connect a microwave ablation device to an energy source and a feedline in electrical communication with the cable assembly. The microwave ablation device further includes a balun on an outer conductor of the feedline, and a temperature sensor on the balun sensing the temperature of the balun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Casey M. Ladtkow, Darion R. Peterson, Eric W. Larson, William J. Dickhans, Richard A. Willyard, Jason A. Case
  • Patent number: 10499988
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microwave ablation device, the method including applying a balun short circumferentially about an outer conductor of a coaxial feedline and applying a dielectric material circumferentially about the outer conductor of the coaxial feedline and in contact with the balun short to form a balun. The method further including extending a temperature sensor along the coaxial feedline such that the sensor contacts the balun short, securing the temperature sensor to the coaxial feedline with a first heat shrink material, and securing the dielectric material, balun short, and temperature sensor in contact with each other and to the coaxial feedline using a second heat shrink material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Casey M. Ladtkow, Darion R. Peterson, Eric W. Larson, William J. Dickhans, Richard A. Willyard, Jason A. Case
  • Publication number: 20190321098
    Abstract: A method of directing energy to tissue using a fluid-cooled antenna assembly includes the initial step of providing an energy applicator. The energy applicator includes an antenna assembly and a hub providing at least one coolant connection to the energy applicator. The method also includes the steps of providing a coolant supply system including a fluid-flow path fluidly-coupled to the hub for providing fluid flow to the energy applicator, positioning the energy applicator in tissue for the delivery of energy to tissue when the antenna assembly is energized, and providing a thermal-feedback-controlled rate of fluid flow to the antenna assembly when energized using a feedback control system operably-coupled to a flow-control device disposed in fluid communication with the fluid-flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Inventors: Richard A. Willyard, Joseph D. Brannan
  • Patent number: 10363098
    Abstract: An ablation system including an image database storing a plurality of computed tomography (CT) images of a luminal network and a navigation system enabling, in combination with an endoscope and the CT images, navigation of a locatable guide and an extended working channel to a point of interest. The system further includes one or more fiducial markers, placed in proximity to the point of interest and a percutaneous microwave ablation device for applying energy to the point of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Casey M. Ladtkow, Darion R. Peterson, Eric W. Larson, William J. Dickhans, Richard A. Willyard, Jason A. Case
  • Patent number: 10335230
    Abstract: A method of directing energy to tissue using a fluid-cooled antenna assembly includes the initial step of providing an energy applicator. The energy applicator includes an antenna assembly and a hub providing at least one coolant connection to the energy applicator. The method also includes the steps of providing a coolant supply system including a fluid-flow path fluidly-coupled to the hub for providing fluid flow to the energy applicator, positioning the energy applicator in tissue for the delivery of energy to tissue when the antenna assembly is energized, and providing a thermal-feedback-controlled rate of fluid flow to the antenna assembly when energized using a feedback control system operably-coupled to a flow-control device disposed in fluid communication with the fluid-flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Richard A. Willyard, Joseph D. Brannan
  • Patent number: 10251701
    Abstract: A microwave ablation system includes an antenna assembly configured to deliver microwave energy from an energy source to tissue and a coolant source operably coupled to the energy source and configured to selectively provide fluid to the antenna assembly via a fluid path. The system also includes a controller operably coupled to the energy source and a piezoelectric transducer operably coupled to the fluid path to detect a force of fluid flow through the fluid path. The piezoelectric transducer is configured to generate a signal based on the detected force of fluid through the fluid path. The controller is configured to control the energy source output based on the generated signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Richard A. Willyard, Joseph D. Brannan
  • Publication number: 20190038352
    Abstract: An ablation system including an image database storing a plurality of computed tomography (CT) images of a luminal network and a navigation system enabling, in combination with an endoscope and the CT images, navigation of a locatable guide and an extended working channel to a point of interest. The system further includes one or more fiducial markers, placed in proximity to the point of interest and a percutaneous microwave ablation device for applying energy to the point of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Casey M. Ladtkow, Darion R. Peterson, Eric W. Larson, William J. Dickhans, Richard A. Willyard, Jason A. Case
  • Patent number: 10188460
    Abstract: A microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an inner insulator disposed therebetween and a radiating section coupled to the feedline, the radiating section including a dipole antenna and a tubular dielectric loading disposed about the dipole antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Kenlyn S. Bonn, Richard A. Willyard
  • Publication number: 20180333073
    Abstract: A system includes an energy source configured to generate therapeutic energy, a treatment probe, an ultrasound imaging device configured to generate ultrasound images, a second tracking sensor configured to track a location of the ultrasound imaging device, and a tracking system configured to receive location information from the first and second tracking sensors and to overlay the ultrasound images with a graphical representation of the treatment probe on a display based on the location information. The treatment probe includes an antenna configured to treat tissue with the therapeutic energy and a first tracking sensor integrated in the antenna and configured to track a location of a distal tip of the antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Inventors: MORGAN L. HILL, JEETENDRA S. BHARADWAJ, FLOR DE MARIA R. NONALAYA, ERIC W. LARSON, KATHY E. ROOKS, RICHARD A. WILLYARD, ROBERT J. BEHNKE, II, NIKHIL P. MANKAR, DARREN G. GIROTTO
  • Publication number: 20180318007
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an inner insulator disposed therebetween and a radiating portion including a dipole antenna having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The antenna assembly also comprises a sheath disposed over the feedline and the radiating portion defining a chamber around the feedline and the radiating portion. The chamber is adapted to circulate coolant fluid therethrough. The antenna assembly further includes a connection hub having cable connector coupled to the feedline, an inlet fluid port and an outlet fluid port. The connection hub includes a bypass tube configured to provide for flow of the coolant fluid from the cable connector directly to the outlet fluid port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: RICHARD A. WILLYARD, JOSEPH D. BRANNAN
  • Patent number: 10105181
    Abstract: An ablation system including an image database storing a plurality of computed tomography (CT) images of a luminal network and a navigation system enabling, in combination with an endoscope and the CT images, navigation of a locatable guide and an extended working channel to a point of interest. The system further includes one or more fiducial markers, placed in proximity to the point of interest and a percutaneous microwave ablation device for applying energy to the point of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Joseph D. Brannan, Casey M. Ladtkow, Darion R. Peterson, Eric W. Larson, William J. Dickhans, Richard A. Willyard, Jason A. Case